The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Michelle Meis, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Supervisors present included Stan Iskierka, Doug Johnson and Betsy Rising, Supervisor Branden Mell was present virtually. Clerk Heather Sward, Treasurer Mary Dillner and Treasurer in Training, Angela Krejchik was also present.

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda by Betsy Rising, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the June 11th, 2024 regular board meeting minutes by Stan Iskierka, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report by Betsy Rising, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.

Bills

Motion to approval paying of the bills in the amount of $117,773.02 by Betsy Rising, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.

Mary shared that she moved $16,231.00 that was at Centera available, to a 13-month CD 5.1%.

Treasurer Other

Mary shared her conversation with Ehlers regarding the fiberoptic bond.  Their recommendation is to applied unspent bond proceeds to make bond payments or hold on to it and used it to prepay bonds at their earliest date (2029).  If we used it to make a bond payment, the funds raised through tax levy can then be used for government purposes.

Mary also shared her conversation with Todd Hagen, Alpine Ave Bond Financial Advisor.  He advised that the bond money should not have been used without contacting a bond attorney and noted that any remaining funds belong to the township.  The township has the authority to determine how the funds are spent.  Clerk, Heather Sward shared that our Attorney, Bob Ruppi had no concerns about the decision made.


Plat/Variance Request

None at this meeting.

Open Forum

Resident Jayne Fragale requested regrading and to expand 525th around the curve.   The road seems to have narrowed and recently a car went off the road.  Stan and John will look into it and connect with the resident.

Road Maintenance Report

  • Muddy Gap Hollow spent time grading, there is good moisture.
  • They have also spent time mowing ditches and cutting low hanging trees.

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee
  • There was a water problem on Alder Ave., Stan talked to the County, they own the property, they will fix the issue.
  • Our shared road of 480th has been switched over to Nessel Twp. and concerns about the condition were relayed to the City of Harris.  Royalton is doing the maintenance on 540th for 24-25’.
  • We have had several new resident culvert requests.
  • Gravel was tested – Basswood was over 9%.
  • Belle Isle is in need of repairs, both culverts and asphalt patchwork.  We have approximately $50,000 left in the SSD, it is recommended that we do planning for repairs in 2025.
  1. Budget Committee
  • Nothing to report.
  1. Contract Committee
  • Nothing to report.
  1. Policy Committee
  • Nothing to report.
  1. Clerk’s Township Update
  • The Clerk presented monthly report of the township happenings.
  • Preparation for the August Primary election has begun, Election Judges have been secured.
  • Filing for seats C, D, and E opens July 30th through August 13th.
  • The County has provided information regarding elections.
  • The water pressure in the bathroom is being addressed with the plumber.

Old Business

  1. None

New Business

  1. Resolution Appointing Election Judges: Motion to approve resolution 04-2024, appointing Election Judges for both the upcoming Primary and General Elections as presented by Stan Iskierka, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.
  1. Fish Lake Township Shared Road: We received an email from Fish Lake Township regarding a possible maintenance project on Blue Heron Trail for 2026.  Michelle shared questions and concerns that we have and will request an in-person meeting with them for further discussion.
  1. Alpine Avenue Maintenance Assessment Discussion: Following discussion on the communication from Attorney, Bob Ruppe regarding the assessment options, Motion to charge the balance of Alpine Avenue maintenance project fees by current list of owners (not by parcel) by Betsy Rising, seconded by Michelle Meis.  Approved.   All residents will be sent a curtesy letter, we will not offer a prepayment option or charge interest.   This will be an assessment on the 2025 payable taxes.  We will present a resolution at the August meeting.
  1. Cannabis Ordinance Discussion: Tabled until further notice or if need arises.    
  1. Reminder: The August meeting has been moved to Wednesday August 14th due to the Primary Election.

Motion to adjourn by Stan Iskierka, seconded by Betsy Rising at 8:34 pm. Approved.