Ravenna Township

RAVENNA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

August 13, 2015

The August meeting of the Ravenna Township Board was called to order on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Ken Punter. Pledge to the Flag was led by Representative Holly Hughes. Prayer was led by Clerk Penny Sherman. Members present were: Ken Punter, Supervisor; Sonja Patterson, Treasurer; Penny Sherman, Clerk; Elmer Hoyle, Trustee.   Trustee Bruce Yonker was absent. Also present were Fire Chief Greg Crowley; Representative Holly Hughes; Drain Commissioner Brenda Moore and 10 guests. Motion by Patterson, support by Hoyle to approve the Agenda with the addition of 12991 Harrisburg Road under Unfinished Business. Motion carried. Motion by Sherman, support by Hoyle to approve the minutes from the July 9, 2015 Regular Township Board Meeting, the July 14, 2015 Special Board Meeting and the July 21, 2015 Special Board Meeting. Motion carried.

Citizens Comments: Drains were discussed. Questions were asked regarding the Washburn Drain and the work that has been done on it and the work that is still left to do. The Drain Commission has the right to assess a property that is in a Drain District that is being worked on. Assessments can be spread over a 2 year period, but there will be a 6% penalty applied to the second year. Assessments can be paid off early without penalty. Residents feel that more communication needs to come out of the Drain Commissioner’s office regarding the work being done on the drains.

Local street lights were discussed.

There will be a millage renewal on the August 2016 ballot for the Quality of Life.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Assessor: The Assessors attended an all day seminar last Monday.

Fire Board: Call report: 13 Medicals, 2 P.I.’s, 4 Fires (1 assist to Casnovia and 2 assists to Moorland) and 2 Wire Down calls. Fire Department Pig Roast that was held during Dog Daze was a big success. The new turn-out gear has arrived. The Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Resolution was discussed. Motion by Sherman, support by Hoyle to adopt Resolution 15-04 a Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Resolution. Motion carried. Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Association (MMABAS) First Addendum to Agreement was discussed. Motion by Sherman, support by Hoyle to adopt Resolution 15-05 A Resolution For Authorizing The First Addendum To The Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. Motion carried. People interested in a burn permit may go the web site: www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits.   Address signs are available to purchase for $20.00, if anyone is interested they should call the Township Hall at 231-853-6205.

Building Inspector: 2 permits were issued (1 building and 1 mechanical).

Museum/Library: Patterson reported that they are in the process of looking for a sign for the outside of the building that would state the upcoming events at the Library and Musuem.

Cemetery: Sherman reported that the State has contacted her and funds have been released for the reimbursement from the storm damage from the April 12, 2014 storm. Ravenna Township would like to thank the Ravenna High School Football Program for painting the Cemetery Fence and also helping to repair the fence for their Community Service Project.

Planning Commission: Planning Commission will meet on August 17, 2015.

Zoning Administrator: Anne Lewis is the new Zoning Administrator for Ravenna Township and is doing a great job.

Chamber of Commerce: Ravenna Township hosted the Chamber of Commerce meeting August 11, 2015.

Ravenna Area Historical Society: Everything is going fine.

Road Commission: An email has been sent to Ken Hulka of the MCRC regarding Ellis Road and Ensley Road.

New Business: Washburn Drain was discussed. Motion by Patterson, support by Hoyle to adopt the Ravenna Township Resolution to authorize spending above the maintenance limit of the County Drain code for the Washburn Drain not to exceed $2500.00. Motion carried.

Unfinished Business: The property at 12991 Harrisburg Road must be inspected by our Building Inspector and also they may hire a Private Inspector (at the cost of the Township) on September 9, 2015 per Muskegon Circuit Court order.

Treasurer’s Report: Patterson presented Treasurer’s report. Motion by Hoyle support by Sherman to pay bills and accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

Public Comment: Holly Hughes reported that in October the Privacky Bus Bill will go into affect. Ravenna Public School buses will receive these special lights for the back of 12 of their buses at no cost. Three other communities will also pilot these lights. Hughes reported on some issues of the Musketawa Trail. Muskegon Area District Library and issues thereof was also discussed. Representative Holly Hughes also stated that the Webster House will remain open in Muskegon, that Veteran’s will get credit for joint transcripts and spoke on the Critical Shortage Teacher Bill.

Our website address is www.ravennatwp.com.

The final day of the FREE DISPOSAL OF SCRAP TIRES EVENT is Saturday August 22^nd from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at 4970 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

– Submitted by: Penny Sherman, Clerk

These minutes are considered proposed until approved at the next board meeting.