REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
October 2, 2023
Supervisor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Rob Smith, Fran Ash, Kathy VanderKolk, Bob Wetherbee, Gail Huber
PREVIOUS MINUTES
Motion by Huber, supported by VanderKolk, to approve meeting minutes of September 5, 2023.
Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Motion by Ash, supported by Huber, to approve the treasurer’s report of Oct. 2, 2023, balance of $1,727,840.43, unavailable $1,483,845.91 and overall balance of $3,211,686.34.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Smith, VanderKolk, Ash, Huber; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT (AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION)
APM
Josh Seago from APM Mosquito Control gave the board an annual report on the mosquito spraying for the 2023 season and a proposal for the 2024 season.
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to accept APM 2024 mosquito spray contract for a cost of $78,915.00.
Roll call vote—Yes: Huber, VanderKolk, Smith, Ash, Wetherbee; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
ZBA chair, Brian Smith, informed the board that the October ZBA meeting will be postponed due to nothing on the agenda.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
PARKING LOT
ZA Bebee will put the parking lot out for bids. The hall is already reserved for several rentals for next June. Clerk Ash will not accept any reservations for July for the parking lot renovation.
FIREHALL SEPTIC
ZA Bebee stated everything has been reviewed by the health department. Trees need to be cleared. He will get bids and try to get them back for the November meeting.
FEE SCHEDULE
Fee schedule is tabled until November meeting.
GENERATOR
Supervisor stated a generator for the township office would be needed in case of a power outage during an election. The building could also be used for residents to shelter in case of a disaster.
Motion by Huber, supported by VanderKolk, to pay Valley Electrical to install a generator for a cost of $30,200.00.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Huber, Smith, VanderKolk, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
The Planning Commission held a public hearing for a proposed rezoning of a portion of 02-010-30-007-01 and all of 02-010-30-007-03 from agricultural to commercial. The property is on the north side of M-20 and west of Vroman Rd. The rezoning request has been reviewed by the PC and found to be in compliance with the township’s future use map and master plan.
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Ash, to rezone a portion of 02-010-30-007-01 and all of 02-010-30-007-03 from agricultural to commercial as recommended by the Planning Commission and presented by the Zoning Administrator.
Roll call vote—Yes: Huber, Ash, VanderKolk, Smith; No: Wetherbee.
Motion approved.
BROADWAY AND SUMMERTON
Some township residents have requested the speed limit be lowered due to the number of accidents and deaths at the intersection of Broadway and Summerton. Supervisor Smith stated that a speed study would have to be done and could result in the speed limit being raised instead of lowered. Smith will consult with the Isabella County Road Commission regarding putting up some warning lights or signs to bring attention to the traffic signal.
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Huber, supported by VanderKolk, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, Smith, VanderKolk, Huber, Wetherbee; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
OTHER
Garry Swetz has applied for a PA116, the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, on property at 4000 S Leaton, #3702-029-30-002-00.
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to approve the PA116.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Ash, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:23 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
