TOWNSHIP OF BRUCE
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 10, 2008
The regular meeting of the Bruce Township Board was held on January 10, 2008 at the Bruce Township Hall with board members Gallagher, Marsh, Avery, Sawyers and LaJoie present. Absent none. Also present were 24 township residents. The Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comments: There were no comments.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on December 13, 2007 were presented. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by LaJoie to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion was made by LaJoie, seconded by Avery to pay the bills. Checks # 4792 through # 4835 were issued for a total of $20,047.48. All were in favor, motion carried.
County Commissioner Report: Commissioner LaJoie was absent.
` Reports of Special Meetings: There have been no special meetings.
Zoning Administrator: There were no permits issued this month.
Planning Commission Report: The Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 with good public attendance. Some adjustments were made in the land map.
Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer report was read. The balance of all funds is $403,543.99. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to accept the Treasurers report. Motion carried.
Clerk’s Report: The Hall water test is negative.
MTA is holding a weekend meeting, Township Governance Academy Spring 2008 Weekender, on March 28 and 29 at Michigan State University.
Firemen’s Report: The Department had 2 fire calls this month.
There are two people taking EMS training.
Grounds and Park Report: There was no report.
Old Business: Trustee Marsh ask if the Township would be getting prison help in the spring. We have not received any information about prison help.
New Business: A resolution was submitted on the removal of Lou MacDonald from the Planning Commission. Dale Walsh was spokesperson for the group of 260 plus people who signed the petition and filed the following document:
To the Bruce Township Board
We the citizens of Bruce Township, Chippewa County Michigan are requesting the removal of Lou MacDonald from the Bruce Township Planning Commission, for the following reasons:
2. Arrogance and rudeness towards the public.
3. Complaints from different people about his unprofessional behavior during meetings.
4. Statements to the public that are misinforming whether intentional or unintentional.
5. Statements made that he threatens to resign or quit if things don’t go his way.
6. Statements by some board members that if they didn’t vote the way he wanted, they heard from him the following day in a negative way.
Once again, we strongly request that the elected officials of the Bruce Township Board promptly act on this matter and represent the citizens of this township.
The Supervisor read as defined in Michigan law for township boards, the Planning Commission members are appointed by the Supervisor with township board approval and may be removed by the Supervisor, after a hearing, with the approval of the township board. Now that we some written reasons the board can take some time to look this over and have a hearing on this and make our decision. A closed session is held when terminating someone.
Motion was made by LaJoie, seconded by Avery to take this under consideration and give an answer by next month’s meeting. All were in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held on leasing a color copier, printer and fax machine all in one. National Office has given a cost of $120.00 a month. This includes cartridges and maintenance and would replace about four printers. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Gallagher to lease the color copier, printer and fax machine for $120.00 a month. Yes – Gallagher, Marsh, Sawyers and LaJoie. No – Avery. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on the sale of excess office equipment. Motion was made by Gallagher, seconded by Avery to have a silent auction, with an ad in the Evening News. All were in favor, motion carried.
Public Comments: The question was asked if the hearing to remove Lou MacDonald would be closed. The Supervisor advised that to terminate someone the hearing would be a closed session. The decision would be made available at next month’s board meeting.
Judie Fischer requested a copy of the minutes, the tape of the meeting and a copy of the reasons for the request for removal of Mr. MacDonald.
The question was asked if the Planning Commission meetings were taped. The Supervisor will look into rather this can be requested.
Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by LaJoie to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor, motion carried. The Supervisor adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
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Wanda Sawyers, Clerk
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Daniel Gallagher, Supervisor