TOWNSHIP OF BRUCE

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JULY 14, 2011

The regular meeting of the Bruce Township Board was held on July 14, 2011 at the Bruce Township Hall with board members Marsh, Sawyers, Avery, Rogers and LaJoie present. Absent none. Also in attendance were 7 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 June 9, 2011 meeting were presented. Motion was made by Avery, seconded by LaJoie to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.

Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Rogers to pay the bills. Checks #6592 through # 6623 were issued for a total of $ 18,188.80. All were in favor, motion carried.

County Commission Report: Commissioner McLean was present to give an update on recent activities involving the County Commission.

The redistricting of the Commission is complete and there are now 5 districts instead of 7.

The City – County Building remodeling is complete. The Annex Building was scheduled to be sold but now they may be keeping it.

The County is exploring health care options.

A new dog park is being built.

They are studying the Health Department fees.

A new veteran’s site will be built on the Court House lawn.

Reports of Special Meetings: No one attended any special meetings.

A request was made by Robert and Julia Bell and Chester and Brenda Benedict to have a lane easement vacated between Lot 6 and Lot 7 of Loma Beach. Discussion followed. Motion was made by LaJoie, seconded by Marsh to adopt a resolution to vacate the lane between Lot 6 and Lot 7 in the plat of Loma Beach. Roll call vote: Aye: Rogers, Avery, Marsh, Sawyers and LaJoie. Nay: None. The Resolution was adopted.

Discussion was held on Robert Bell’s request for a variance at 6875 S. Scenic. It was decided that no variance is needed.

Zoning Administrator: There have been 13 permits issued this month.

Planning Commission: There was no meeting in July.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was read. The balance of all funds is $665,372.53.

Clerk’s Report: The regular water test shows nothing detected.

A thank you was read from Skinners Garage thanking us for purchasing our lawn mower from them.

MTA will be having a seminar on “Special Assessment Procedures” in Gaylord on August 31, 2011.

Firemen’s Report: The Department had one fire call this month. The Fire Hall roof will be finished soon as well as something done with the older fire truck.

Grounds and Park Report: The rest room has been painted. Bases have been put on the Ball

Field.The broken outside water line at the Hall has been repaired.

Old Business:  Attorney Chuck Palmer was present to advise us on the options that are available to us to get Donaldson Cemetery in better condition. There have been several complaints and petitions made to the Township on the up keep of the Cemetery.  The first thing that we need to do is find out who actually owns the property.  As soon as we find that out we can pursue other options.

            We are still waiting on paper work from the Chippewa County Road Commission on the cost of road work on Ridge Rd. 

The Supervisor has had complaints on the long grass on the corners of several gravel roads which the County will not be cutting.  The Supervisor will check on what roads need cutting.  There is Metro money available that can only be used for this type of work.  Motion was made by Sawyers, seconded by Avery pay $65.00 an hr. up to $3,000.00 to get the grass cut on the gravel roads.  All were in favor, motion carried.

Discussion was held on black topping ready to do roads.  The cost of black top this year is $60,238.00 a mile.  Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Rogers to black top 11 Mile Rd. from Shunk Rd. to Riverside Dr.  All were in favor, motion carried.

New Business:  The Board of Review will meet on July 19, 2011.

            At the Annual Meeting held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 a public hearing on Budgeting and Truth in Taxation was held.  Motion was made by LaJoie, seconded by Marsh to adopt the resolution to levy the following millages for 2011 to be levied on property located in Bruce Township as set forth in the “2011 TAX REQUEST”.  Allocated, operating, 1.6491, Voted road improvement, 0.9995, Voted, road improvement, 1.4992.  Roll call vote: Yeas: LaJoie, Sawyers, Marsh, Rogers and Avery.  Nays, None.  Resolution was adopted.

             In a letter from the Department of State, we have been notified that Bruce Township has a population of 2000 or more according to the recent United States census and is therefore eligible to be incorporated as a charter township.  Discussion was held.  Motion was made by LaJoie, seconded by Marsh to adopt a resolution opposing the incorporation of Bruce Township as a charter township.  Roll call vote:  Yeas, Rogers, Avery, Marsh, Sawyers and LaJoie.  Nays: None.  Resolution was adopted. 

            We need an Assessor’s Contract.  Attorney Chuck Palmer and Treasurer LaJoie will work on one.

            Public Comment:  The question was asked if the Chippewa County Shooting Association needs to have permits to build on their property.

            Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Rogers to adjourn the meeting.  All were in favor, motion carried.  The Supervisor adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. 

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                                                                        Wanda Sawyers, Clerk

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                                                                        Carl Marsh, Supervisor