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RAVENNA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES – November 9, 2017
The November meeting of the Ravenna Township Board was called to order on Thursday, November 9, 2017 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 Clerk Penny Sherman. 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 and four residents. The agenda was approved as presented. Motion by Yonker, support by Bonthuis to approve the Minutes from the October 12, 2017. Motion carried.
Citizens Comments: None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Assessor: No report.
Fire Board: Call report: 17 Medicals, 1 P.I. and 2 Fires (1 assist to Casnovia). The annual tree lighting and visit by Special Guest – Santa Claus will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Linck Insurance parking lot. 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: Three permits were issued: 2 Building and 1 Electrical. The 10% reimbursement check from MTS was $2.25 this month.
Museum/Library: Carpets have been cleaned at the Library, but there was some rug burn marks on parts of the carpet where the bookshelves were dragged and could not be removed. Consumers Energy was out to evaluate ways to save on our electrical bill. We will have Iwaniw Electric review the suggestions from Consumers Energy. Senior millage was also discussed. Patterson has submitted an application for a $5,000.00 grant from the senior millage to hire a director to run the senior programs in Ravenna.
Cemetery: The Cyclone leaf rake has been re-welded and is back in service.
Planning Commission: The Planning Commission met two times in October and approved a Special Use Application for an in-home hair salon business.
Zoning Administrator: The pending court case regarding an illegal split of property has been completed and the Township won this case.
Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 14th.
Ravenna Area Historical Society: Melissa Thatcher is working on archiving information into the new computer system. Sherman received a statement from the insurance agency regarding having the Caboose open for people to tour it and the insurance agent stated that that would not change our insurance policy.
Road Commission and Road update: Hoyle attended the Road Commission meeting. Ditching has been done on Judson Road and approximately 75% of the road has been ditched on both sides. We are hoping that this will elevate a lot of the water issues on this stretch of road. Many of the gravel roads have recently been grated. Hoyle will be receiving a quote from the Road Commission regarding installing rumble strips on 4 intersections in the Township.
New Business: As of January, 2018, the Marc Bus will no longer be coming to Ravenna as they have cancelled this bus route. There will be a 30-day public comment period from November 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017. During this period, interested persons may submit written comments to: Muskegon Area Transit System, Attn: Transit Systems Manager, 2624 Sixth Street, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444. A public hearing will also be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, Fourth Floor Board Chambers.
Unfinished Business: The new street signs have arrived and the Village will be installing them for us. The total for the new street signs was $2,597.30. The street light on the corner of Seba Road & Ellis Road has been installed by Great Lakes Energy. The two street lights being installed by Consumers Energy still haven’t been installed. Sherman will contact Consumers Energy and check on an installation date.
Treasurer’s Report: Patterson presented the Treasurer’s report. Motion by Sherman, support by Bonthuis to pay all bills and accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.
Other Board Comments: Patterson reported that an application has been submitted to Senior Resources of West Michigan for $5,000.00 to hire a part-time Activities Director. This money would come from the Senior Millage that was passed last year and would be very beneficial to all of the Senior Citizens in our area. Motion by Yonker, support by Patterson to have Bill Funk plow the Cemetery and John Bonthuis plow the Library parking lot and Township parking lot as needed. Motion carried. Sherman reported that Ravenna Township had a 19% turnout in the November 7th Election. Sherman also stated that the new election equipment worked great.
Public Comment: Resident cautioned the Township about having to spend Township funds to install rumble strips on intersections. The resident stated that the Muskegon County Road Commission should be responsible to pay for any road improvements.
Correspondence: A thank you note was received from the Yonker family.
Motion by Yonker, support by Bonthuis to adjourn meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Submitted by Penny Sherman, Ravenna Township Clerk
These minutes are considered proposed until approved at the next board meeting.
