GRANT TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Held at the Grant Township Hall

230 Gratiot Street

Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Minutes for Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Call to Order

    Supervisor Ken Stigers called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance. 

Roll Call

    Present were Supervisor Ken Stigers, Treasurer Karen Karl, Clerk Kelly Coltas, Trustee Ned Huwatschek and Trustee Art Davis.

    • Motion to adopt Agenda put forth by Coltas/Karl, all were in favor 5-0 motion carried.
    • Motion to approve Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of 09/08/09, and work session of 09/08/09, put forth by Coltas/Huwatschek, all were in favor, motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor’s Remarks

       Revenue Sharing and the Headley Roll back and Budget.

      State still has not approved a budget so we don’t know what impact this will have on our budget, and with the Headley roll back, we will have reduced revenue.  We will start working on our budget now.

Monthly Reports

Treasurer’s Report

    • Motion to accept Treasurers report as given, put forth by Coltas/Huwatschek.   All were in favor and motion carried 5-0.

Utility Board

 New Air diffusers finished their first season and they worked as well as hoped.  No Complaints on odor.  Continued progress on the improvement and expansion on the Copper Harbor water treatment plan.

DDA

Are continuing to outline its goals for the next few years.  No new projects are on the table at this time.

History of DDA Activity in Copper Harbor

1980- Visitor Center with Township Office was started with the help of a tourism grant.  Outside was finished, inside was completed over time with proceeds from Oktoberfest.

1988- DDA formed.  Purpose was to stop the deterioration of downtown Copper Harbor and help with getting a sewer grant.

199? - 10th St. dock project.  DDA funds and CDZ grant.

199? - 6th St. dock replacement. DDA funds and MNRTF grant.

199? - 3rd St. Park and viewing deck. DDA funds, CZD and MNRTF.

199? - 6th ST. Boardwalk.  DDA funds and MNRTF grant.

2000- Copper Harbor Fire Hall.  General Fund with $10,000. Yearly donation from DDA.

2003- Visitor Center Bathroom upgrades.  DDA Funds

2004- Visitor Center Expansion and restoration.  Park BBQ pit and picnic shelter improvements.  DDA funds to pay off bond issue.  $10,000 from general fund for Grant Township Office expansion.

2008- Band shell DDA and CHIA.

2009- Park improvements DDA and General Fund matching

2009- Parking on 4th St.  DDA.

Hunter’s Point

Grant Township’s Hunter’s Point participated in the September 26th Family Adventure Day.  It was a kickoff event for the new “Walking Paths and Protected Area of the Keweenaw” guide book.  Attendance at the Hunter’s Point Parking lot was high but we had no visitors who came as a result of the Family Adventure Day Program advertising.  The visitors were tourist and geocashers.  There was much praise for saving Hunter’s Point and on the board walk installation. 

Mr. Bruce Watkins of the DNR visited Hunter’s Point last Saturday, October 10th, to inspect the Hunter’s Point Boardwalk.  Once his report is filed we should get our 10% hold back, in the amount of $4,710.

The idea of organizing a guide to Hunter’s Point for use by the local schools is being considered.  It would be a classroom aid which could be followed up by a trip to Hunter’s Point.

The Hunter’s Point Phase 2 local match issue has been resolved.  Now that Hunter’s Point Phase 2 local match issue has been resolved Mr. Powers is asking the Board to accept the project agreement between the Township and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.  The acceptance involves accepting the terms of the project agreement by resolution and appointing a Grantee’s Representative for the project.  Before proceeding with the approval Mr. Powers would like to point out to the Board the paragraph in the agreement that outlines the intended uses of the property.  Hiking and mountain bike trails, habitat protection and scenic viewing.  Further Mr. Powers would like to note that no General Fund Monies where used at any time for this project.  All funds have been donated.

This is an historic event for Grant Township in the preservation of waterfront lands for future generations.

    • Motion by Coltas seconded by Huwatschek to appoint Deputy Supervisor Richard Powers as Grantee’s Representative to the MNRTF for the Hunter’s Point Phase 2 project.  All were in favor motion carried 5-0.
    • Motion to Adopt Resolution #18-2009 approving the project agreement for Hunter’s Point Phase 2 put forth by Coltas and seconded by Davis.  The Board was polled, 5-yes, 0 – nays, 0 absent, motion carried and resolution adopted.
 

911

No meeting 
 

Public Safety 

CH Fire Dept:

The regular monthly meeting for the CHFD was held on wed. Oct. 6th with 6 members present.  Items discussed: Harbor fest weather and conditions possibly kept many people from attending.  Took inventory of all radios and pagers for members, a few items will be purchased in the near future.  Some of the summer fundraiser events were discussed.  At the mid month meeting for Sept. there were 7 members present and misc item discussed.  Old Truck #2 was on its way to Smithfield, UT, a distance of 1600 miles.  And upcoming event MTO bike race and the 2nd annual Harbor Fest.  All equipment was exercised.

For the Month of September

2- 1st responder calls 

2-seach and rescues

2-special events/service calls

LLB Fire Dept:

No Report

Old Business

Recreation Plan

  • Motion to approve a Resolution #19-2009 to authorize the submittal of the Recreation Plan Dated January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2015 to the DNR.  Put forth by Coltas/Davis and the Board was polled, Yes-5, Nays-0, absent-0, motion was carried and the Resolution #19-2009 was adopted.
 

Tree removal at the Copper Harbor Fire Department.  The Board received one bid from Antlers tree removal from Marquette of $2,490.  This includes chipping, stump removal and removal of all debris.  Supervisor Ken Stigers had one more bid to get and we would go from there.  The cost would be 50/50 between the Township and the Copper Harbor Fire Department.

New Business

MTA Treasurers Workshop: The Treasurer would like to attend the MTA annual workshop.  She has attended in the past and has come away with valuable information for the Township.  The workshop is in Kalamazoo.  The Workshop fee includes lodging for one night and meals.

  • Motion to approve the Treasures Workshop, put forth by Coltas/Huwatschek.  All were in favor motion carried 5-0.
 

The State Boiler inspector was recently here and while our boiler was still in good working order it is getting old and the inspector informed us of Grants available to purchase high efficiency boiler and high efficiency outdoor lighting.

  • Motion to have Supervisor Ken Stigers pursue the grants available for a new boiler and energy efficient outdoor lighting for the Township Buildings.  Put Forth by Coltas/Karl and all were in favor, motion carried 5-0.
  • Motion to approve one additional Fire Truck principal payment on the Lac La Belle Fire Truck of $80,000, put forth by Coltas/Huwatschek, all were in favor motion carried 5-0.
 
  • Motion to pay audited bills for September of $21,700.72 and for October of $21,070.70 and adjourn Coltas/Davis all were in favor, motion carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.  

 Ken Stigers                                         Kelly Coltas

Grant Township Supervisor               Grant Township Clerk 


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