TOWNSHIP OF BRUCE

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 10, 2009

            The regular meeting of the Bruce Township Board was held on December 10, 2009 at the Bruce Township Hall with board members Marsh, Avery, Rogers and Sawyers present.  Absent LaJoie.  Also present were 5 township residents.  The Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

            Public Comments:  The question was asked about the resolution that the Township Board has recently passed.  The Planning Commission will be making changes in the Zoning Ordinance to comply with the resolution changes.

            The minutes of the regular meeting held on November 12, 2009 were presented.  Motion was Avery, seconded by Rogers to approve the minutes as presented.  All were in favor, motion carried.

            Motion was made by Rogers, seconded by Avery to pay the bills.  Checks # 5809 through # 5848 were presented for a total of $ 113,763.44.   All were in favor, motion carried.

            County Commission Report:  There was no report.

            Reports of Special Meetings:  The Supervisor attended a meeting in Gaylord on December 8, 2009 and a Chippewa County Road Commission meeting on seasonal roads.

            Zoning Administrator:  There have been 39 permits issued this year. 

            Discussion was held on the property on 7603 Nicolet that needs to be cleaned up.  Attorney Palmer gave us some options that are available to us such as for us to clean up the property and put a lien on the property or to sue the heirs to clean it up.  With the snow fall we have it will be hard to do much this time of the year.  It was decided to contact the heirs before doing anything.

                        Planning Commission Report:  Discussion was held on the resolution that was recently passed and some of the ordinances that need changed because of the resolution changes.    All was tabled until next month.  The Zoning Board of Appeals member from the Planning Commission was tabled until the next meeting. 

            Treasurer’s Report:  There was no report with the absence of the Treasurer.

            Clerk’s Report:  A card was read from the Michigan State University Extension office thanking us for supporting 4-H by letting them host meetings and events at the Hall.

            Firemen’s Report:  The Department had one chimney fire.

            The Pig Roast attendance was down by 25 to 50 people.

            Grounds and Park Report:  There was no report.

            Old Business:  Don Earl Heating presented a contract for cleaning and maintenance on the furnaces for twice a year at a cost of $298.00.  Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to approve the contract.  Approved – Marsh, Avery, Sawyers.  Opposed – Rogers.

            Discussion was held on the Dangerous Structure Ordinance.  Attorney Palmer answered the questions we had on the ordinance.  The ordinance was tabled until next month. 

            It is recommended that we get the information to participate in the Fire Insurance Withholding Program. 

            New Business:  Land Division was presented for Donna Batho on 607 E. 15 Mile Rd.  Motion was made by Rogers, seconded by Avery to accept the land division for Donna Batho.  Motion carried.

            There will Board of Review on December 15^th at 7:00 p.m. for clerical errors.

            There will be Board of Review training on February 19, 2010 in St. Ignace from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Marsh to send four Board of Review members, the Supervisor and Assessor to the training.  All were in favor, motion carried.

            The State MTA Convention will be held in Grand Rapids on January 27th – January 29^th.  Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Rogers to send 3 board members to the convention.  All were in favor, motion carried.

            Public Comment:  Discussion was held on the asphalt on Nicolet Rd.  The Supervisor talked to Rob Laitinen and there was a County Inspector on site and they feel it is a good job. 

            The bid came in on Riverside from 4 Mile Rd. to 9 Mile Rd. and there is enough stimulus money to cover the costs.

            The Bridge is done on Lower Haylake Rd.  Both jobs will be done until spring.

            Dan Rye has not returned the calls to repair the Hall doors.

            Motion was made by Rogers, seconded by Avery to adjourn the meeting.  All were in favor, motion carried.  The Supervisor adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.

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                                                                        Wanda Sawyers, Clerk

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                                                                        Carl Marsh, Supervisor