MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH, 2009, AT 7:30 P.M.
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Thomas Raymond, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, at 7:31 p.m. in the Board Room of the Cottrellville Township Hall. Roll Call attendance taken.
Members Present: Supervisor Tom Raymond, Clerk Violet Pfaff, Treasurer Dian
Courtney, Trustee Beverly Kopec; Trustee Bernard Pelc.
Members Absent: None.
As entered on the Agenda:
D). AGENDA APPROVAL:
ACTION: It was moved by Treasurer Courtney, supported by Trustee Pelc,
to approve the agenda as presented with the following changes
and additions:
Under CONSENT AGENDA:
E-5). Remove from the Agenda: “Approval of Treasurer’s Financial
Investments Reports as of 07-31-2009.”
Under NEW BUSINESS:
Change H-6 to H-6A and H-6B as follows:
H-6A). Award Water District #3 & #4 to DiPonio Contracting.
H-6B). Letter of Intent to Award Contract to DiPonio
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Raymond, Aye; Clerk Pfaff, Aye; Treasurer
Courtney, Aye; Trustee Pelc, Aye; Trustee Kopec.
Ayes: 5; Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
E). CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Approval of Township Board Minutes of Regular July 8th, 2009
Meeting.
2. Approval of Special Board Meeting Minutes of Bid Opening for
Water Districts No. 3 and No. 4, held on July 7th, 2009.
3. Approval of Public Hearing Minutes: Water District No. 4 and No. 3,
each held July 27th, 2009.
4. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, as of 06-30-2009.
5. Approval of Treasurer’s Financial Investments Report as of 7-31-09
This Item was removed from the regular agenda.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 5th, 2009
Page Two
6. Approval of checks written:
a). Payroll Checks
7. Approval of Accounts Payables.
8. Correspondence:
a). Marine City Fire Department Runs Report for July, 2009
b). Ira Township Fire Department Runs Report for 2nd Qtr, 2009
c). St. Clair County Road Commission:
1). Spread Chloride Local Roads Dated 07-09-09,
Invoice #703268
2). Ditching West of Genaw Rd, From Marsh, Dated
07-09-09, Invoice # 703269
d). Memo from Parks & Rec:
Jarskey’s 100 guests in Park on 9-20-09 &
Basney’s 150 guests in Park on 8-15-09
e). Resume for Parks & Rec Volunteer
f). FYI – Letter from Sheriff’s Department re Dares Program
g). FYI -- Letter from City of Algonac re Genaw Road Water Taps,
dated 07-08-09
ACTION: Moved by Trustee Pelc, supported by Trustee Kopec to approve all
items on the Consent Agenda, as presented & discussed.
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Raymond, Aye; Clerk Pfaff, Aye; Treasurer
Courtney, Aye; Trustee Kopec, Aye; Trustee Pelc, Aye.
All ayes; Motion Carried.
F). OPEN SESSION – ANYONE WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD.
David Buckley, Broadbridge Road, questioned the Supervisor on the
principal payments on the 2A Water Line.
G). UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1). Discussion of raising tap fees for water taps & stop boxes:
Supervisor Raymond offered the following suggestions:
1” taps ----- from $1,000 to $1,200
1-1/2” taps—from $1,500 to $1,700
2” taps ------ from $2,000 to $2,200
All above suggestions to be made effective October 1st, 2009. Also
Raymond requested that a letter be sent out to all non-connected
2A Water District residents notifying them of this increase.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 5th, 2009
Page Three
Supervisor also advised that the connection fee would need to be
paid by October 1st, however the actual hookup could be done
within one year. If not connected by October 1st, 2010, the tap fee
would be refunded, and when the resident was ready to hookup,
the new fee schedule would take place.
Trustee Pelc agreed with everything stated by the Supervisor with
the exception of the date, which he requested be changed to
January 1st, 2010 to give everyone more time to prepare for this.
DISCUSSION OF WATER ASSESSMENTS:
Treasurer Courtney advised she will be sending assessment bills
out, giving people until October 31st to pay them, otherwise, she
will convert them to the winter property taxes coming out December
1st, 2009.
DISCUSSION OF WATER METERS FOR RIVER ROAD:
Supervisor advised he spoke with the township attorney, regarding
water meters on River Road. Raymond advised Don Chopp
charges $650 for meter & stop box installation.
ACTION: Moved by Trustee Pelc, seconded by Trustee Kopec, to
retain the $650 meter & stop box charges, and raise the
tap fees $200 each as suggested by Supervisor Raymond,
with a January 1st, 2010 effective date.
All Ayes. Motion Carried.
Supervisor Raymond advised we would need a Resolution for the above
action, and that we will need to send out letters to both Water District 2A
non-connected residents and the potential Water District 3 and Water
District 4 residents so they are made aware of this effective fee schedule
change.
H). NEW BUSINESS:
Questions & Answers from Public Hearings held 07-27-09 re Water
Districts #3 & #4.
Supervisor Raymond read the questions that were submitted at the
above public hearing by Frank & Nancy Duchene.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 5th, 2009
Page Four
“Why are we charged two parcel charges? How do they qualify for Senior Citizen Discount, Low Income, low Interest or Grant help?”
Treasurer Courtney advised that she has these applications in her
office as well as deferment information at the township hall. She
also advised that the first payment is due October 1st, and due by
October 30th, 2009. On November 1st, the delinquent
assessment goes on the Winter Tax roll.
“What Interest is paid on the unpaid Balance?”
This Interest Rate depends on the Bond Rate which is not
established as yet. The anticipated amount is 5% plus 1%
administrative fee. The last water district 2A was 4.5% plus 1% or
5.5%. We don’t expect it be over a total of 6%.
2). Resolution to confirm Assessment Roll regarding Water
District #3:
ACTION: It was moved by Supervisor Raymond, supported by
Kopec, to confirm the Assessment Roll for Water District
No. 3.
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Raymond, Aye; Clerk Pfaff, Aye;
Treasurer Courtney,Aye; Trustee Kopec, Aye;
Trustee Pelc, Aye. Motion Carried.
3). Resolution to confirm Assessment Roll regarding Water
District #4:
ACTION: It was moved by Supervisor Raymond, seconded by
Trustee Pelc to confirm the Assessment Roll for Water
District No. 4.
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Raymond, Aye; Clerk Pfaff, Aye;
Treasurer Courtney, Aye; Trustee Kopec, Aye;
Trustee Pelc, Aye. Motion Carried.
4). Resolution to approve St. Clair County DPW Contract with
Cottrellville Twp:
ACTION: It was moved by Supervisor Raymond, seconded by
Trustee Pelc to initiate the resolution to approve the
St Clair County DPW Contract with Cottrellville Twp,
this being with the St. Clair County Water Supply
System, No. XIIA, authorized to be signed by the
Township Supervisor.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 5th, 2009
Page Five
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor, Aye; Clerk Pfaff, Aye; Treasurer
Courtney, Aye; Trustee Kopec, Aye; Trustee
Pelc, Aye. Motion Carried.
5). Contract with St Clair County Water Supply System No. XIIA, to be signed by Supervisor and Clerk.
This was handled in the above Action.
6). Letter of Intent to Award Contract to DiPonio Contracting:
A). Awarding of Bid:
ACTION: It was moved by Treasurer Courtney, supported by
Trustee Kopec, to accept the low bid of DiPonio
Contracting for the installation of Water District No.
3 and No. 4.
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Raymond, Aye; Clerk Pfaff, Aye;
Treasurer Courtney, Aye; Trustee Kopec, Aye;
Trustee Pelc, Aye. Motion Carried.
B). Letter of Intent to be Signed:
Trustee Pelc questioned what exactly this letter of intent
consisted of, being no commitment on purchase of pipe,
only permission to obtain necessary permits, getting the
tree service company in to remove trees, get pipe ordered
without obligation, sell the bonds to be sold in mid-September
and this letter to be drafted by the attorney. Pelc also asked,
should something unforeseen occur, we would see that the
Contractor be paid for the tree clearing.
ACTION: It was moved by Trustee Pelc, supported by Trustee
Kopec to authorize the Supervisor to meet with the
attorney and proceed with the letter of intent for DiPonio
Contracting to obtain permits and tree removal, however
no materials for the Water Districts No. 3 & No. 4.
Roll Call Vote: Supervisor Raymond, Aye; Clerk Pfaff, Aye;
Treasurer Courtney, Aye; Trustee Kopec, Aye;
Trustee Pelc, Aye. Motion Carried.
7). Resolution to approve Township Wide Water Meter Loan
Agreement:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 5th, 2009
Page Six
Supervisor Raymond explained that the township’s position has
always been the water meters were the property of our water
system. Don Chopp will review as well as Township Attorney
John McNamee who will then have the resolution prepared for
the next meeting for signature.
ACTION: It was moved by Trustee Pelc, , seconded by Trustee
Kopec to authorize the Supervisor to have the
township attorney modify the existing resolution on
record to accommodate the water meters as being
township property.
All Ayes. Motion Carried.
8). Resolution to Pay Project Engineer David Lewandowski;
professional engineering services for Water District #3 and #4.
Supervisor Raymond advised that he had the township attorney
check into this and was advised that this matter was handled in
May and it is in place to pay Mr. Lewandowski. No action required
on this matter.
9). Memo from Bill Klaassen, Building Official, regarding Old Cheese House, SDM license.
ACTION: It was moved by Clerk Pfaff, seconded Trustee Pelc
to approve to support the application for a SDM
license for the Old Cheese house on Marine City
Hwy. All Ayes. Motion Carried.
10). Memo from Clerk Pfaff regarding Code Official Registration
Renewal for Fred Ouellette:
ACTION: Moved by Supervisor Raymond, supported by
Treasurer Courtney to pay half of the registration
fee for Fred Ouellette, sharing the expense with
the City of Algonac. All Ayes. Motion Carried.
11). Continuing Education: MTA is offering a conference on
September 21ST, 2009, “Financial Strategies, Doing More with
Less,” in Lansing, MI.
ACTION: Moved by Trustee Pelc, seconded by Clerk Pfaff, to
authorize expenses of meals & miles for Treasurer
Dian Courtney to attend the MTA conference in
Lansing on September 21st. All ayes, Motion Carried
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 5th, 2009
Page Seven
12). Asphalt Sealing & Striping Bid for Township Parking lot:
During the Discussion, Treasurer Courtney advised that she wants
to see more than one bid, at least three bids for this job.
ACTION: It was moved by Trustee Pelc, supported by
Treasurer Courtney to receive this bid by Astec
Asphalt and place on file, but to request the
Supervisor to seek at least 3 prices on the bidding of
this project. All Ayes. Motion Carried.
13). Discussion of policy for disposal of Township Property.
During the discussion, questions were asked, “do we scrap it,
do we offer it at a public auction, can’t give it away, or donate it.”
Trustee Pelc asked that this be researched and requested that
someone look into it. It was also suggested that someone call to
get a procedure to review next month.
14). Memo from Trustee Beverly Kopec regarding regular account
bill paying procedure:
After Trustee Kopec advised that she would like to see the Clerk be
able to pay bills, to avoid late fees, then have the Treasurer do the
verifying of the check amount and the account that it should be
charged to, and the township board can act on it at the next board
meeting to formalize the action.
Treasurer Courtney requested that the bills be paid twice a month.
She also advised that “there is no checks & balances” with the
auto-draft procedure and she is not really “on-board” with that
suggestion.
Clerk Pfaff would like to pay the bills upon receipt.
Supervisor Raymond asked that we table this action until next
month when a resolution can be prepared by the township attorney.
Raymond also would like to check into other bills to be paid this
way as well.
I). PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chris LaMay, Starville Road, asked “how much does this public water add
to the value of his home – will it raise his property taxes too?” It was
discussed, that if a home has a well without water, or very little water, and
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 5th, 2009
Page Eight
a home has public water, it will be easier to sell the one with water. In that
circumstance, it would probably be worth more, however until you
sell it, the value won’t be added until after the new owner takes over.
SUPERVISOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Pre-construction meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10th
in the Township Hall regarding the Water District #3 & #4 with
the contractor, the engineer, and the public utility companies.
There was a water main break in front of 7055 River Road,
on Friday, July 31st, so bad, Marine City couldn’t keep up with
the manufacturing of the water for the water tower until the
valve could be throttled down by 9:00 p.m. Don Chopp ‘s
crew had it repaired by 1:00 a.m. Clerk Pfaff was advised to
put the township insurance company “on notice” of a possible
claim by the homeowner.
Cost on a rate study for future use was also discussed.
Those planning on volunteering for the Food Pantry on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009, are requested to report to the Marine City Airport
on Marine City Hwy at 10:30 a.m. with disbursement beginning shortly
thereafter.
J). ADJOURNMENT:
ACTION: Moved by Trustee Pelc, supported by Clerk Pfaff to
adjourn at 9:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
___________________________ ____________________________
Violet C. Pfaff, Clerk Thomas H. Raymond, Supervisor
COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP COTTRELLVILLE TOWNSHIP
VCP/mas