APPROVED MINUTES

GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Grosse Ile Township Hall – Merle Solomon Boardroom 2nd floor

9601 Groh Road

 

         

7:30 p.m. Call to Order

Present:  Kobiljak, O’Connor, Wojewodzic, Will, Forrester, Pociask

Excused:  Raithel

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Presentations:  

1.  DTE Advanced Metering Technology

2.  2007 Township Audit Presentation:  Finance Director Darzniek and Independent Auditor Tom Monteleone gave a review of the Independent Auditor’s Report for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007. Review of the Audit Presentation indicated the following:

·   Total 2006 Township Millages of 13.1267

·   2006 Property Taxes of $8,345,353

·   2006 Total Revenue $17,819,423

·   Total Expenditures for the year $19,317,895

·   General Fund Revenues $5,109,848

·   General Fund Expenditures $5,076,945

·   Intergovernmental Revenue – $918,425 (2005), $868,164 (2006), $886,162 (2007)

·   Fund Balance of 15% or greater is desirable in order to self-fund in the event of an emergency

           

Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None

Motion Will, second Forrester, to approve the Agenda as presented.  Agenda approved 6-0.

 

CONSENT AGENDA 07-120

 

Motion Forrester, Second Wojewodzic, approve consent agenda as presented.

Vote: 6-0

1.  Minutes of October 22, 2007

2.    Cash Requirements List dated November 5, 2007

3.    Cash Requirements List dated November 12, 2007

4.    Purchase Order Summary dated November 5, 2007

5.    Purchase Order Summary dated November 12, 2007

6.    Authorization to process payments through December 10, 2007

 

ACTION ITEMS

1.  07-121 Motion O’Connor, Second Will, Whereas, the governing body for the Township of Grosse Ile has received the budget submitted by the 33rd District Court for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Now Therefore, the Township of Grosse Ile hereby resolves that the budget be adopted as submitted.  VOTE: 6-0

 

2.  07-122 The following resolution was offered by O’Connor, second by Pociask:

A)   To accept the Township of Grosse Ile Financial Audit Report with Supplemental Information for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007 as presented.

 

B)        WHEREAS, the Proprietary Funds Statement of Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets Year ended March 31, 2007 for the 2006 season showed that the Water’s Edge Country Club has a deficit in the change in Net Assets in the amount of $49,268; and,

 

WHEREAS, the deficit resulted from the decline in usage of the golf facility, memberships and the extensive promotional discounts offered during the 2006 membership drive, and the reporting requirement of depreciation (a non-cash book entry) in the amount of $65,204; and,

 

WHEREAS, management has implemented and taken measures for cost containments to avoid this from happening for this most recent 2007 season and thereafter, as long as revenues meet expectations and budgeted amounts; and,

 

WHEREAS, MCL 141.921, requires the local municipality to formulate, adopt, file, and institute a deficit reduction plan with the Department of Treasury for the Water’s Edge Country Club;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grosse Ile Township adopts the attached 5-year projection plan. 

Resolution Adopted 6-0.

 

3.  07-123 Motion O’Connor, Second Forrester, to award Hylant Group, as the Township’s Agent of Record to provide healthcare benefit services effective January 1, 2008. VOTE: 5-1 (Will)

 

4. 07-124Motion Pociask, Second Wojewodzic,             The Grosse Ile Township Board hereby identifies the Grosse Ile Commerce Park boundaries as the following;

232B 234E PART OF LOTS 231 AND 232 COMB MEA 1877.19FT ALONG N LINE OF LOT 231 AND 1877.15FT ALONG S LINE OF LOT 232 ALSO LOT 234 SUPERVISORS GROSSE ILE SUB NO. 20 PC 553 AND 556 L64 P11 WCR 

 

In addition, the Township Board hereby proclaims the following which has resulted in the above referenced property’s currently blighted conditions:

Whereas, at least 25 percent the Commerce Park’s Road Infrastructure and public improvements are in a general state of deterioration leading to a substantial decrease in functionality as well as the ability to effectively market the Grosse Ile Commerce Park and service existing and future Community and Business uses.

 

Whereas, at least 25 percent of the Property referenced above has known or suspected environmental contamination as outlined in the existing Phase I and II environmental studies developed by Ellis Environmental Corp. L.L.C.

 

Whereas, the premises as listed above holds the title as the first property in the state to receive the Brownfield designation. 

 

Whereas, the property due to its deteriorating infrastructure and public improvement has general economic obsolescence.

 

Whereas, the Blighted Area Rehabilitation Act 344 of 1945 (Act 344) properly and clearly defines conditions that exist in the Commerce Park and which the Township of Grosse Ile has planned to redevelop so to reverse years of economic obsolescence.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township of Grosse Ile, County of Wayne, State of Michigan does herein proclaim the Grosse Ile Commerce Park to be a “redevelopment zone” as defined by Federal Housing and Urban Development Regulations Act 344 of 1945 (Act 344) 570.208 (b) (1)(ii)(A).

     

    VOTE: 6-0

 

 

 

5.  07-125Motion Will, Second O’Connor, Based upon the recommendation of the West River Road Ramp Landscaping Subcommittee to award the West River Road/Grosse Ile Parkway Landscape Bid to Schutt Landscaping in the amount of $115,745 in accordance with the October 25, 2007 proposal.  VOTE: 6-0

 

6.  07-126Motion Forrester, Second Wojewodzic, WHEREAS, the Township of Grosse Ile collects voter approved drainage funds, and;

 

WHEREAS, the Township Board, based upon the reports from the Department of Public Services, Community Development Division and Township Engineer, recognize the need for neighborhood and regional drainage improvements, and;

 

WHEREAS, the voter approved drainage millage provides funds for the purpose of improving and maintaining drainage and storm water management projects throughout the Township of Grosse Ile, and;

 

WHEREAS, the voter approved millage of .33 mills will be collected under the current millage until the year 2012 and the estimated annual revenue is $221,100, and;

 

WHEREAS, the usage of funds for a Drainage Grant Program will not negatively impact the existing and planned budget items; and;

 

WHEREAS, Township Staff has developed a document entitled Drainage Grant Program that details program requirements, and;

 

WHEREAS, Township Staff recommends the appropriation of up to $10,000 for project approval and $5,000 for administration in the 2007 budget with a project cap of $10,000 with the required applicant match of 50%, and;

 

WHEREAS, Township Staff recommends the appropriation of up to $100,000 for project approval and administration in the 2008 budget (subject to approval of the 2008-2009 budget), and;

 

WHEREAS, Township Staff recommends the Drainage Grant Program funding to be appropriated from the voter approved drainage millage. 

 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Grosse Ile Township Board hereby approves a Drainage Grant Program for the 2007 & 2008 budget years.

VOTE: 6-0

 

Clerk’s Report Clerk O’Connor reported the outcome of the recent Wayne County College Election.

1.  Election Results Update:   SPECIAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 2007                                                                                                           

                                                                                 TOTAL VOTES                                    %  100                                                                                                                 

 PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 4)  .  .  .  .  .                      4                                            100.00                                                                        

 REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL .  .  .  .  .                8,297                                                                                

 BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL.  .  .  .  .  .  .                      1,365                                         1,365                                                         

 VOTER TURNOUT/% - TOTAL  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                               16.45%                                                                         

 

WAYNE COMM COLLEGE DIST PROPOSAL                                                                                                   

 Vote for not more than  1                                                                                                           

 YES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                             175                                          12.82          

 NO.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                              1,190                                      87.18                                                      

 Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .                                                      1,365                                                       1,365                                                         

 

Treasurer’s Report

1.  Deputy Treasurer Annette Wurtsmith presented the Investment Report through September 30, 2007 indicating total investments of $24,289,466.04, at the average interest rate of 5.32%, with interest earnings of $51,508.32.

2.  Tax Collection Update

     Deputy Treasurer reported that taxes and possibly water bills will be payable by electronic payments or VISA in the near future.

Supervisor’s Report

1. County Bridge Update:

Supervisor Kobiljak and Township Manager Reaume visited the County Bridge construction site and presented pictures of the construction progress.  Weather will continue to play a determining factor in the completion date; however, the construction crew remains hopeful the project will be completed on time.

2.  The Supervisor reports that the Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project will result in the closure of a portion of I-75 surrounding the approach to the Ambassador Bridge for 21 months beginning in late February, 2008.

3.  West River Road Ramp is in final stages of completion and the Commerce Park Road Remediation Project and the Macomb & Meridian Gateway Entrance improvements are moving forward. 

Township Manager’s Report            

1. Water’s Edge Update:

     Mr. Reame reminded residents that Water’s Edge Memberships make a wonderful holiday gift idea.  Contact Water’s Edge/Recreation office for full details. Trustee Pociask indicated that Water’s Edge promises to be even better in 2008 and believes the New Year will bring the start of changes toward a positive outcome.

2.  The traffic signal at the West River Road ramp is scheduled for installation within two weeks and should be operational before December 15th.

Discussion Items: None

Extended Public Comment: Five minute time limit  per  person

1. Lynn Iverson and Sarah Gilroy, thanked the board for supporting the Safe Routes to School federally funded grant program.

2.  Dr. Jo Stryker, offered to fund a project to install an electronic bulletin board at the corner of Meridian & Parkway to help eliminate sign clutter.  Supervisor Kobiljak suggested the Public Services Commission take a look at the project and check ordinances regarding scrolling electronic signs.

3. David Moxlow, inquired if the undesignated fund balance is able to be used to pay for the Water’s Edge deficit and to pay litigation fees. Mr. Moxlow also asked who has the final decision for budget amendments. 

4.  Peter Marcus, West River Road, asked for additional patrols on West River Road to deter speeders.

5.  Woody Clark, Parke Lane, concerned about the number of discarded tires in the low water area alongside the toll bridge.  Also, requested more enforcement of junk car, motor homes and boats parked in front of houses. 

6.  R. Janowski, Groh Road, agreed with Trustee Will about the need for insurance bids and asked why the township board is continuing the traffic count at the toll bridge.

7.  Bob Zelasko, thanked the township for the dust control program.

 

Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by Pociask, second Forrester, at 10:35 p.m.

VOTE: 6-0 - Meeting adjourned

 

                                                                                   

                                                                                                Ute O’Connor, Township Clerk