The regular meeting of the Bruce Township Board was held on August 10, 2006 at the Bruce Township Hall with board members Gallagher, Marsh, Avery, Sawyers and LaJoie present. Absent none. Also in attendance were 10 township residents. Supervisor Gallagher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes of the regular meeting held on July 13, 2006 and the special meeting held on July 28, 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 Marsh to pay the bills. Checks #4013 through #4068 were presented for a total of $22,138.86. All were in favor, motion carried.

County Commission Report: Commissioner LaJoie was unable to attend the meeting.

Special Meeting: At a Chippewa County Road Commission meeting held on August 1, 2006, a resolution was passed supporting the local township millage.

6 Mile Rd. is about completed and should be ready for paving the end of August.

Federal aid for Scenic Dr. from 13 Mile to 15 Mile is still set for 2007 but 13 Mile Rd. may have to wait until 2008.

Zoning Administrator: Mike Schmidt, Zoning Administrator, reported there have been 8 new permits issued this month.

He has been working on some zoning violations.

Bret Gardella was given a variance with the recommendation that the dumpster pad and grease pad would be screened or fenced from public view. He has planted trees and has said that is as much as he intends to do. Discussion followed as to how to handle the violation. The Supervisor will discuss the matter with Mr. Gardella and if need be will issue a citation and let Judge MacDonald make a decision.

Planning Commission: The Planning Commission met on Wednesday, August 9, 2006. A public hearing was held on a Special Land Use permit for operating a wrecker service on 9 Mile Rd. The permit was approved.

A public hearing was held on a Special Land Use for a gravel pit on 15 Mile Rd. It has unanimous approval when Mr. Burton becomes owner of the land and the hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with no Sunday work.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 7 was presented to comply with the new Zoning Enabling Act. Motion was made by Gallagher, seconded by Marsh to accept Amendment No. 7. Roll call vote – Yeas – Gallagher, Marsh, Sawyers, Avery and LaJoie. Nays – 0.

The Master Plan has been mailed to adjacent townships, County Board and EUP Regional Planning. It will be the end of October before a public hearing will be held.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurers report was read. The balance of all funds is $353,565.00. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried.

Clerk’s Report: The Primary Election was held on Tuesday, August 8, 2006. We have 1416 voters with only 214 people voting.

We received a letter from Autore Oil Company offering us a pre-buy at $1.64 a gal. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to purchase $5,500.00 for the Township Hall and $4,000.00 for the Fire Hall. All were in favor, motion carried.

A budget adjustment is needed in the General Fund Budget for electricity. Motion was made by Marsh, seconded by Avery to increase 920, Electricity by $385.00 and decrease Contingency, #694 by $385.00. All were in favor, motion carried.

Firemen’s Report: The Department had 2 fires this month.

The bid of $5,100.00 was accepted for the tanker truck. It can be picked up any time.

The EUP Firemen’s Association was held on August 3, 2006 at Bruce Township.

UBC has offered the Fire Department a truck for $750.00.

The Sault Tribe will be coming to present the $19,000.00 that was given to the Fire Department on August 24, 2006 at 10.30 a.m.

The 911 address signs are still available.

Grounds and Park Report: The Park is about 80% complete. The horse shoe pits and the basketball court need to be completed.

The Sault Area School has taken all the playground equipment they want. We can have what is left.

Old Business: Discussion was held on putting an Administration Fee on the tax bills. It will be discussed at the next board meeting.

Discussion was held on updating the Nuisance Ordinance. Treasurer LaJoie felt the Nuisance Ordinance that is in effect at this time is sufficient and there was no need for it to be replaced. The majority of the board agreed. It was tabled for further review.

We received a letter from our Attorney, Steven Cannello, awarding costs and attorney fee of $790.00 from William Montgomery.

The Eastern U.P. Regional Planning & Development Survey has been completed and submitted.

New Business: The Senior Citizen Dinner will be held on October 7, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. Motion was made by Avery, seconded by LaJoie to give the Homemakers $1,000.00 to help with the dinner. All were in favor, motion carried.

Treasurer LaJoie discussed a back up system that can be hooked into Wildblue that will update all the computers in the office on a regular basis. The cost would be about $500.00. Motion was made by Avery, seconded by Marsh to purchase a back up system for all the computers in the office for about $500.00. All were in favor, motion carried.

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 9:10 p.m.

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WANDA SAWYERS, CLERK

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DANIEL GALLAGHER, SUPERVISOR

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