At the Copper Harbor Visitor’s Center

Minutes for August 09th, 2005

 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Supervisor Meg Vivian called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm, and led in the pledge of allegiance.

Roll Call

Present were Supervisor Meg Vivian, Treasurer Karen Karl, Clerk Kelly Coltas, Trustees Gary Barker and Roxann Smith.

 Motion to adopt Agenda put forth by Coltas/Barker, all were in favor 5-0, motion carried.

 Motion to approve Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of 07/12/05 Smith/Barker. All were in favor 5-0, motion carried.

Supervisor’s Remarks and Correspondence

 Correspondence

a. We have received a letter from WUPPDR asking for a letter of support for an application to USDA Rural Development for a Multi use Trail System Easement Ownership Study.

b. Several correspondences /phone calls regarding a Grant Township parcel division application that was approved by our assessor.

 Remarks

a. Concerning the above mentioned correspondences/phones calls.

b. Grant Township Board supports the action taken by our assessor and hereby declares it’s intent to clarify and reconcile our applicable ordinances to align with the updated County Zoning Ordnances once it has been completed.

c. Guest Matt Arko and Jon Partanen will be available for any questions regarding the above-mentioned Parcel Division Application during our Public Comment Section.

d. Guest Jesse Caron to speak on his father’s behalf, Joe Caron, concerning a request of support from Grant Township for EMT Training.

Monthly Department Reports

Treasurer’s Report

 Motion to accept Treasurer’s report put forth by Coltas / Vivian, all were in favor 5-0, motion carried

Utility Board

A public service announcement will be posted in the Post Office as well as been sent out in the October statement. It will deal with basic rules, such as no chicken bones down the garbage disposals and leaving the power on to grinder pumps over the winter months.

DDA

The DDA has slated a Band Shell as a top priority over the next 3 years. The idea will be taken to several different Engineering Firms for ideas and the possibility of Grants. Also they will be readdressing the idea of boardwalks or sidewalks in town.

Public Safety

CH Fire Dept.

Had their monthly meeting, and did some truck work and communication training. They were approached by FEMA for possible peoples to go down to the disaster area in the Gulf of Mexico to assist down there. Art Davis has started EMT Training. We had some Grant money comes in thru the Sheriff’s Dept. With which we have a whole laundry list of stuff to get, one of which radios will be updated. Had one 1st responder assist.

LLB Fire Dept.

No call outs. Did some training and business.

1st Responders

One call out. They also were helping at the Fat Tire Festival for various minor injuries sustained during the race.

911

Fire dispatch system will be up and running by the end of October or early November.

Old Business

Hunter’s Point update, Contract agreement has been received and we have been authorized to proceed with purchase.

Lac La Belle Fire Truck Update, The Fire Chief and deputy and Mr. Powers went down to Appleton to go over the truck specs and do a tour of the facility. The new Fire Truck is ahead of schedule by 2 to 3 months. The Truck is Red.

Road Maintenance, KCRd Commission has now stated they don’t have the funding for the slated road improvements, per se Superior Street. This is being looked into as the township felt it was a priority. We would like to see some kind of schedule for next year.

Park Stage, We had passed a motion for the DDA to build a temporary stage for the various August events. It was later decided not to be built and a stage was rented with a tent.

Lac La Belle Street Light, we have not yet received a petition for said light, the electricity provider in the area “RE” said it would be about $250.00.

Computer for Supervisor, a computer was purchased for the Supervisor thru our assessor Matt Arko. He was able to procure the unit at considerable savings at a cost of $1,200.00 with a free upgrade on a much larger screen. We will now be having weekly drive in Movies at the Supervisors desk.

Estivant Pines Signage, we have been presented with a new sign for the Estivant Pines with suggestion on placement and angles of placement.

 Motion to approve the Estivant Pines Sign and the 30-degree off vertical with placement to be decided when the sign arrives, put forth by Coltas/Karl. All were in favor, motion carried, 5-0

New Business

Michigan Department of Correction Public Works Agreement.

 Motion to allow the Supervisor Meg Vivian to negotiate and sign contracts with the Michigan Department of Corrections for prison workers, put forth by Coltas/Smith. All were in favor, motion carried 5-0.

WUPPDR would like a letter of approval for their application to the USDA Rural Development for a Multi use trails system easement ownership study. The Grant Township Board would like to do a resolution to that effect.

 Motion to adopt Resolution #22-2005 supporting the application for USDA Rural Development for Multi use trail system easement ownership study, put forth by Coltas/Karl. All were in favor of said Resolution, motion carried, 5-0.

Park Improvements,

Sidewalks, the department of Corrections will be helping to get a sidewalk by the south parking lot.

Cigarette Receptacles, we are looking to purchasing 6 receptacles for cigarette buts. They are shaped in such a way as to discourage trash going in to them. They will be placed around the VC and the Park Gazebo.

Handicap Sign, the pole on the handicap signs to be replaced with the traditional County rustic brown pole. The new Estivant Sign will also be put up with the tradition County poles and a new restroom sign will be hung from said sign, to be more in keeping with other signs in the area.

EMT training, Joe Caron, an Eagle Harbor Resident, lives on Gratiot Road. He has volunteered to respond (1st responder) to the south end of Grant Township, as he is closer than anyone else. At present he is upgrading his standing to EMT and has asked Grant Township for financial assistance for his tuition. The Board recognizes the selfless nature and the commitment to this volunteer career. But as he is not officially in our township, we felt that the responsibility to be limited to only half of his tuition.

 Motion to approve the payment of half of the cost of EMT training tuition for Joe Caron in the amount of $212.50, put forth by Coltas/Karl. All were in favor. Motion carried 5-0.

Public Comment

Barbara Ash was present and had questions for Matt Arko and his division of the property owned by Gus Kershoen. Matt Arko had abided by the rules and all proper channels had been perused, including getting approval from the Norland Association. The Board maintained its support of the Matt Arko’s decision.

 Motion to pay audited bills and adjourn Coltas/Smith, 5-0Meeting Adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

________________________________________

Meg Vivian
Grant Township Supervisor

Kelly Coltas
Grant Township Clerk