The regular meeting of the Bruce Township Board was held on May 11, 2006 at the Bruce Township Hall with board members Gallagher, Marsh, Avery, Sawyers and LaJoie present. Also in attendance were 6 township residents. Supervisor Gallagher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comments: There were no comments.

The minutes of the regular meeting held on April 13, 2006 and the special meeting held on April 21, 2006 were presented. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.

Check #3872 for mileage to Marquette was questioned. Motion was made by Avery, seconded by LaJoie to pay the bills. Checks # 3845 through # 3900 were presented for a total of $46,571.16. All were in favor, motion carried.

County Commissioner Report: The Equalization Director has gone from 35 hours a week to 40 hours a week.

The Prosecuting Attorney is taking the County to Federal Court in Marquette over his lawsuit with the County.

Special Meetings: The Clerk and Treasurer attended the MTA Spring District Meeting in St. Ignace on May 9^th. Workshops on Election changes and Township liabilities were very informative.

Zoning Administrator: Mike Schmidt, Zoning Administrator, reported a Special Land Use permit has been issued for the Township Park. There have been 7 permits issued this year. Last year at this time there were 17 permits issued.

Planning Commission Report: The Planning Commission is working on the Master Plan.

Since the New Michigan Zoning Enabling Act will take effect July 1, 2006 the Planning Commission is reviewing our ordinance to assure that there are no inconsistencies with the new law.

There will be a zoning workshop on the New Michigan Zoning Enabling Act in St. Ignace on Thursday, May 25, 2006. Motion was made by Gallagher, seconded by LaJoie to send Lou MacDonald, Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Dan Gallagher, Township Supervisor, to the workshop. All were in favor, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurers report was read. The balance of all funds is $434,754.88. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried.

Clerk’s Report: A letter was received from the Chippewa County Road Commission informing us that they will no longer keep excess chloride on hand for county residents but we can put in a one time bulk order. The Township will be required to store any amounts ordered.

Firemen’s Report: There were no fire calls this month.

Discussion was held on a salary for the Assistant Fire Chief. Motion was made by Gallagher, seconded by Avery to give the Assistant Fire Chief, Alex Bazinau, a salary of $100.00 a month. In favor, Gallagher, Avery, Sawyers and LaJoie. Opposed, Marsh. Motion carried.

Grounds and Park Report: The Planning Commission has approved the plans for the Township Park. The drawings and prints for the building need to be approved by an Engineer.

Letters are being sent to various neighboring townships and organizations on commitments of financial assistance for the 9 Mile boat launch. It is hoped that we will have some answers by next meeting.

Old Business: Discussion was held on renewing the road millage for one mill at the August Primary.

Motion was made by Gallagher, seconded by Marsh to adopt the resolution to renew the township road millage for 4 years. Roll call vote – Gallagher, Marsh, Sawyers, Avery and LaJoie. Nays – None.

Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to adopt a resolution to ask for 1.5 additional mills for 4 years for township roads. Roll call vote – Marsh, Sawyers, Gallagher, Avery and LaJoie. Nays – None.

The 911 sign material has arrived. The sign with the post included will be $5.00.

The Spring Clean Up will be held again on May 19 and May 20.

The roads are in the process of having chloride spread. The total cost of chloride this year is $16,560.00.

At the April 21, 2006 Special Meeting, a contract was approved with the Chippewa County Road Commission to improve 6 Mile Rd. for a distance of 1.0 miles from Riverside to Scenic for $40,325.00. An additional request was made for $12,500.00 for 0.5 mile which is not correct. The signed contract was correct.

New Business: A letter was received from Chippewa County Extension Services on public awareness of surface and groundwater stewardship. It was decided that we will schedule a program for the residents of Bruce Township at our June 8, 2006 board meeting to learn more about programs that are offered.

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

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

Chippewa County Health Departments Annual Report is on file in the office.

Discussion was held on a collection fee for summer and winter taxes. The cost of postage for summer and winter taxes and assessment notices if around $2500.00. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to add a $1.00 collection fee per parcel of land. All were in favor, motion carried. Treasurer LaJoie will look into this.

Public Comments: The question was asked about checking with our insurance carrier on liability for the Township Recreation Park.

Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Marsh to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor, motion carried. The Supervisor adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

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