Glen Arbor Town Annual Budget Hearing Synopsis March 29, 2008

Supervisor Soderholm called the Annual Budget Hearing of Glen Arbor Township to order at 10:00 AM, in the Glen Arbor Town Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. All Board members present: Supervisor John Soderholm, Treasurer Terry Gretzema, Clerk Bonnie Quick, and Trustees Bill Thompson and Kent Kelly. Approved by motion minutes of Budget Hearing & Annual Meeting of March 24, 2007. Proposed budget reviewed. Supervisor summarized 3 budgetary issues; General Fund, Debt Service, and Fire Department. After public comment Soderholm adjourned Budget Hearing at 10:45 AM.
Annual Meeting called to order at 10:46 AM. Approved by motion minutes of March 24, 2007. Soderholm reminds the public that one of the primary purposes of the annual meeting is to approve or disapprove the salaries for the elected officials. This is when salaries can go up or down based on public input. Bruce Wagner, Salary Advisory Commission gave report. Members: Sandy Miller, Bill Freeman, and Bruce Wagner. Met in January and February. Based recommendations on several factors: Michigan Township Association information, cost of living increases, recognition of good performance, generous increases in the past 2 years for some to bring base salaries up to competitive levels, and Township’s ability to pay. Propose a 4% increase with same annual $500 insurance stipend for Supervisor, Clerk and Treasurer. And, $100 towards the cost of insurance benefits plus same $50 special meeting stipend for Trustees. A member of public asked about retirement programs. Soderholm stated there is no plan to do so. Approved by motion the following 4 resolutions: Resolution #1-2008 Supervisor Salary $18,700 ($500 towards the cost of benefits), Resolution #2-2008 Clerk Salary $30,400 ($500 towards the cost of benefits), Resolution #3-2008 Treasurer Salary $$26,500 ($500 towards the cost of benefits), Resolution #4-2008 Trustee Salaries $2,700. Each ($100 toward the cost of benefits, plus $50.00 per diem for each special mtgs). Committee Reports: Township Board – Capital improvement summary with major improvements to Manitou Blvd, computer equipment in office, tennis court resurfacing and backboards, and a new drain field. Polly and Tim Cairns reported the reassessment progress is good. Photos and area maps are available M-F at the township office. There are 2842 parcels. May 1st is the deadline to file Primary Residence Exemption forms that eliminates the school operating tax. Forms are on the Township’s webpage, glenarbortownship.com. Total assessed value is $715,527,830,000 for 2008. Merger contract with Empire Township for Fire services is proceeding. The merger will add personnel. Fire Chief John Dodson gave report. Look at website www.glenarborfire.com with updates each month. The department responded to 570 calls for 2007, 409 were EMS, 161 fire services. 52% of calls were to households with patients 60 years old and older. PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) money was received. So far this year the fire department has responded to 6 or more emergencies simultaneously. Dodson appreciates opportunities to speak to the public and has spoken to many community groups this past year. Andy DuPont gave the Emergency Services Advisory Commission Report. There are 5 volunteer members appointed by the Glen Arbor Township Board, on staggered 5 year terms. Duties are oversight of income/expenses, planning, adherence to budget, capital outlay and capital budget, staffing issues and general operations. Mission is to provide informed advice and recommendations to the Board. Chairman Bill Batterson, Stan Brubaker, Herb Scaer, Andy DuPont, George Wilson (from Empire) make up Commission. When merger is complete, 2 additional Empire members will be appointed. Sewer Feasibility Study Report was given by Frank Siepker and Clay McNitt, Leelanau County/Benzie County Health Department. The sewer feasibility committee was formed in May 2007: Sue Nichols, Barbara Gordan, Bob Sutherland, Tim Barr, Bill Thompson, and Don Matschke. Service Area, Collection System, and Treatment Plants are being explored. Original service area could be from Sylvan Inn to Bay Lane, and areas along Lake Michigan, plus some surrounding area including the commercial district of the downtown. Maximum hookups estimated at 500. No gravity flow due to high water table. A forced main system is suggested where each property owner has a small grinder pump. Treatment area may be Miller Hill, Forest Haven Road or other, but no site has been designated. Cost estimates for hookup per sight could be $15,000 to $20,000. Lake Street Park/Garden project at Old Fire Hall location reviewed. The Board believes property could be used for a public restroom with a drain field at an easement running from the park behind the adjacent property owners parallel to M-22. Township is seeking $80,000 MDEQ grant. Sarah Litch from Glen Lake Garden Club gave presentation with models and visual aids. A kiosk for the Chamber of Commerce, bathrooms, and champion trees are in plans. Soderholm will have public meeting in next couple of months. Final decision will be made by the Board. Public donations could offset costs. Soderholm believes $30,000 in donations could be raised. Maintenance per year is estimated at $5,000. Chamber has pledged $300/month for 6 months. Bob Sutherland from Cherry Republic pledged $5,000 this year and $5,000 next year. The Glen Lake Garden Club and the Glen Lake Woman’s Club also pledged financial help. Planning and Zoning Commission report from Lance Roman, Chairman. Mission is to pass appropriate ordinances and land use rules to the Board for their consideration. Current plans include environmental studies for protecting water, erosion issues, rental use and signage. Meetings are 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Website has current ordinances, minutes and master plan. Glen Lake Library report by David Dillard. Library has increased growth and use. Story hours, area authors, are among activities. glenlakelibrary.net is website. Books can be reserved online. Parks and Recreation Commission report submitted in writing. Members Jim Fowler, Rich Quick, Becky Sutherland, Gwen Baxter and Don Vavra. Thanks to Dominic Moceri for backboards in the Park and Paul Maurer Construction for installation. Tennis camp raised $2305.00 and had 60-70 players. Their long term goal is a pavilion. Meeting adjourned 12:08 p.m. Complete copies are available at Township office during regular business hours.
Dana Roman
Deputy Clerk