MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 11, 2007

The regular meeting of the Bruce Township board was held on January 11, 2007 at the Bruce Township Hall with board members Gallagher, Marsh, Avery, Sawyers and LaJoie present. Absent none. Also in attendance were 11 township residents. Supervisor Gallagher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comments: Susan Esch presented the Board with information that was presented to the Township Planning Commission. It consists of comments and questions.

The Clerk was presented a letter from Pat and Paulette Lightfoot on a renewal for a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Marina Operating Permit #89-15-1045-M for Riverview Resort & Marina and Alfred and/or Rose Schwartz.

The minutes of the regular meeting held on December 14, 2006 were presented. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.

Motion was made by Avery, seconded by LaJoie to pay the bills. Checks # 4269 through # 4315 were issued for a total of $15,964.16. All were in favor, motion carried.

County Commission Report: Commissioner LaJoie commented that the Prosecuting Attorney would like more help.

There is not much going on since this is the first of the New Year.

MTA Legislative Report:

County commissions now have the authority to add two members to county road commissions.

A new law will require the Township to purchase flags for the graves of veterans that are buried in any public or private cemetery in the township if requested by a veteran’s group.

A new law will allow local governments to exempt low-income housing projects, such as Habitat homes, from property taxes for up to two years.

The State will no longer collect summer property taxes. The local treasurer must now resume that duty.

Reports of Special Meetings: There were no reports.

Zoning Administrator:

Planning Commission Report: There was one Special Land Use Permit approved and issued to Collins Collision at M-129 and 15 Mile Rd.

There will be a public hearing on the Master Plan on January 16, 2007.

The Commission hopes to take final action on the Master Plan at the February meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurers report was read. The balance of all funds is $321,625.49. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to accept the report as presented. Motion carried.

Clerk’s Report: There will be a 2007 Board of Review Training on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 in St. Ignace. The Board of Review and Supervisor will be attending this meeting.

There will be a 2007 Upper Peninsula Assessors Association Board of Review School at Rudyard Township Community Center on February 15, 2007.

Firemen’s Report: The Department had one call for a car accident this month.

The Board discussed signing a contract with the City of Sault Ste. Marie for use of their fire hydrants. It was decided not to enter into the policy for use of the city hydrants.

The Steak Fry for the Firemen will be January 21, 2007.

There are 5 new people taking the fire training class.

Grounds and Park Report: There was no report.

Old Business: Ware Construction has put a sweep on the bottom of the Township Hall office door for the barrier free entrance. They will do further repair if it should be needed.

The Chippewa County Road Commission presented a copy of their guidelines for accepting roads into the County Road System.

A Township Road Agreement for work on Scenic Drive between 15 Mile Rd. and 13 Mile Rd. was presented by the Chippewa County Road Commission for the Township to sign and return the agreement if it decides to proceed with the work. The total Township cost is estimated to be $13,000.00. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to enter into an agreement with the Chippewa County Road Commission to improve Scenic Drive between 13 Mile Rd and 15 Mile Rd. Improvements to consist of culvert replacement, crushing and shaping, HMA resurfacing, gravel shoulders and pavement markings with an estimated cost of $13,000.00. All were in favor, motion carried.

The Chippewa County Road Commission has proposed road improvements to Riverside Drive from 6 Mile Rd. to 9 Mile Rd in 2011. The proposed road improvements include HMA resurfacing, aggregate shoulders and pavement markings. The project will be funded using a combination of Local and Federal funds with the Township’s share being approximately $30,000.00. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to proceed with the proposed road improvements to Riverside Drive from 6 Mile Rd. to 9 Mile Rd. in 2011. All were in favor, motion carried.

New Business: Discussion was held on the use of Metro Act money. Information was provided for some of the ways the money can be used.

Discussion was held on the Chippewa County ORV Ordinance. We have had no complaints and are satisfied with the Ordinance.

A letter will be written to the Sault Area School asking for the Bruce Township School records. The Supervisor will write a letter informing the school district that we have a safe, secure and dry area to store the records.

Land Division was presented for Shirley Menapace. Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Marsh to accept the land division as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.

Trustee Marsh asked if the Township Board approved of the Planning Commission approving the Master Plan. If the Township Board does not inform the Planning Commission before their next meeting in February, the Planning Commission will approve the Master Plan.

Public Comments: There were no comments.

Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Marsh to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor, motion carried. The Supervisor adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

__________________________

Wanda Sawyers, Clerk

Daniel Gallagher, Supervisor