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RAVENNA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES – January 11, 2018
The January meeting of the Ravenna Township Board was called to order on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ravenna Township Hall by Supervisor Elmer Hoyle. Pledge to the Flag was led by Fire Chief Greg Crowley. Prayer was led by Treasurer Sonja Patterson. Members present were: Elmer Hoyle, Supervisor; Sonja Patterson, Treasurer; Penny Sherman, Clerk; Bruce Yonker, Trustee and John Bonthuis, Trustee. Also present were Fire Chief Greg Crowley, four residents and one guest. Motion by Bonthuis, support by Yonker to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Motion by Bonthuis, support by Yonker to approve the minutes from the December 14, 2017 meeting. Motion carried.
Citizens Comments: Greg VanWoerkam introduced himself and stated that he will be running for State Representative in the 91st District. This seat is currently held by Holly Hughes and she will not be seeking re-election due to term limits. Greg VanWoerkam is the son of former representative Jerry VanWoerkam. Greg is currently the District Director for Senator Bill Huizenga and he looks forward to serving our area. Maryde Housler asked Mr. VanWoerkam if he could please get a picture of President Trump for our museum.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Assessor: Personal Property statements have been mailed out and are due back the end of February.
Fire Board: Call report: 7 Medicals, 3 P.I. accidents, 3 Fires (1 assist to Coopersville) and 3 wire down calls. The Fire Department had a total of 218 calls for 2017. New batteries had to be put in truck #1812. The Fire Department Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, January 13th. The Annual Fire Department Bowling Tournament Fundraiser will be held at the Ravenna Bowl on Saturday, January 27, 2018 with a 5:00 shift and an 8:00 shift. 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: Eight permits were issued: 4 Building, 4 Electrical and 2 Mechanical. The 10% reimbursement check from MTS was $39.00. There was a total 21 building permits issued in 2017: 2 new construction, 2 residential additions, 6 garage/barn and 11 deck/shed.
Museum/Library: It was reported that the lights have been straightened out. Greg Iwaniw will be repairing the outside light. The ceiling fan will be replaced soon. They have begun constructing the new makerspace in the library.
Cemetery: Everything is going fine.
Planning Commission: Did not meet.
Zoning Administrator: Everything is going fine.
Chamber of Commerce: Sherman, Hoyle and Patterson attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting held on Tuesday, January 9th.
Ravenna Area Historical Society: The carpets have been cleaned. Melissa Thatcher is continuing to upload information into the computer system and the Society is cleaning and dusting the existing displays.
Road Commission and Road update: Hoyle will be attending the Road Commission meeting. The ditching that was done on Judson Road seems to be helping with the water runoff. Brenda Moore will be holding an informational meeting regarding the Black Creek Drain at the Ravenna Township Office on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Senior Citizen’s Activity Coordinator: Patterson reported that the new Senior Citizen’s Activity Coordinator Peggy Manzer worked the January Senior Luncheon. Peggy is planning to have a luncheon on the 1st Tuesday of every month and also one other activity throughout the month. The second activity for February will be going out to dinner at the Asian Buffet on February 20th. She is hoping to have the 2nd activity of each month on the 3rd Tuesday. There will be a Calendar of Events posted on our website soon.
New Business: Jim Holtrop would like to take some of his property out of PA116. He needs approval from the Township Board to start with this process. Motion by Patterson, support by Sherman to allow Holtrop to remove some of his property out of PA116. Roll call vote taken: Yonker-Aye, Bonthuis-Aye, Patterson-Aye, Sherman-Aye, Hoyle-Aye. Motion carried. Consumers Energy contacted Sherman and stated that they need a different copy of the franchise agreement. Motion by Bonthuis, support by Yonker to rescind Ordinance 17-01 Consumers Energy Company Electric Franchise Ordinance and approve Ordinance 18-01 Consumers Energy Company Electric Franchise Ordinance. Motion carried.
Hoyle gave a recap of 2017: Computers were updated, 20 new road signs were purchased and are being installed, 3 new street lights were installed, ditching has been done on Judson Road, new election equipment was given to the Township from a state grant and also the Township purchased an additional tabulator to allow for an Absentee Counting Board, a $2,000.00 Scrap Tire Grant was received from the state and a $5,000.00 grant was received to hire a Senior Citizen’s Activity Coordinator.
Unfinished Business: None.
Treasurer’s Report: Patterson presented the Treasurer’s report. Motion by Yonker, support by Bonthuis to pay all bills and accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.
Other Board Comments: Sherman has scheduled the Ravenna Township Annual Dump Day and Scrap Tire Event for Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Public Comment: A resident stated that Ken Hulka gave a nice report at the Senior Citizen luncheon. It was also stated that Coopersville-Ravenna Road has not been plowed well at all this year. Hoyle will talk to the Road Commission at their meeting.
Motion by Bonthuis, support by Patterson to adjourn meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Submitted by Penny Sherman, Ravenna Township Clerk
These minutes are considered proposed until approved at the next board meeting.
