Minutes 10-8-08

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP
CLARE COUNTY
P.O. BOX 239
LAKE GEORGE, MI 48633
989-588-9841

Minutes for October 8, 2008

Gene Ringley, Supervisor
Carol L. Majewski, Clerk
Lori L. West, Treasurer
Joyce A. Branam, Trustee
Gerald E. Galloway, Trustee

Minutes
Regular Meeting
Lincoln Township Board
08 Oct. 2008

Supervisor Ringley called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll call present were West, Branam, Ringley, Galloway. Absent - Majewski. Also present were County Clerk McAulay, Road Comm.Eng. Stocking, Planning Chair Bergey, Planning Secretary Chapman, Zoning Admin. Lambert, Building Insp. Mantei, County Commissioner Lockmiller, Lakes Dir. Carey, Firefighter Bury, and 22 other interested persons.

Minutes of the 8 September 2008 meeting accepted as read.

Treasurer’s report was accepted as presented. Galloway questioned if our bank accounts over $250,000 are insured by the government. Lori will check into this. Motion by Branam to pay the monthly bills, seconded by Galloway, roll call vote, all in favor, motion passed.

Correspondence:
1. A request was received for use of the Township parking lot during a winter activity on the lake. Clerk should be consulted but if there is no conflict, it is approved by the Board.
2. Board of review approved using the Personal Property Exemption for selling property on the lake. This will reduce a person’s taxes.
3. The New Business Personal Property tax will be reduced. Ringley will check to see if all businesses could apply.
4. Michigan passed a pact to lower the use of water from the great lakes.
5. Training is coming up in November for new elected officials. The Township pays for this training.
6. MTA addressed blight issues in their latest issue. “Dumpster day” may be an idea we could use.
7. Stocking sent an email on the status of the right of way for a walkway in the city.
8. Janice Chapman thanked the current Board Members for the job they have done as they leave office.
9. Letter from Clerk Majewski about forgoing the Halloween party and concentrating on the Christmas party.
10. Letter from Clerk Majewski announcing the Public Accuracy Test on October 23, 2008 at 6:00 pm.

Introduction of guests:
1. County Commissioner Lockmiller gave his report.
2. Stocking asked for a resolution date for the West Park Drive Special Assessment. That road and Jackson road should still be paved this year. Railroad easement has been approved and the sidewalk could go in. Resolution 101308-A sets the date of 11-10-2008 at 7:00 pm. for the resolution meeting. Moved by Ringley to accept the resolution, seconded by Branam, roll call vote, all in favor, motion passed.
3. Clare County Enterprise Community announced an upcoming Citizens Planning Course at Mid-Michigan Community College beginning January 28. The cost is $350 for the 9 week course. Scholarships are being given by the Enterprise group. Certification is given at the end of the course.
4. Carol McAulay thanked the township citizens for their support as she leaves office and endorsed Mayfield as her replacement in the upcoming election.
5. Candidates introduced themselves and gave a short presentation.

Committee Reports:
1. Bury, representing the Fire Department, asked the Board to cover all the flue shots for the first responders. Branam moved that the Board cover the cost of flue shots on a voluntary basis for the first responders, Galloway seconded, all in favor, motion passed.
2. The Cemetery Commission presented a $1630.00 estimate for a metal sculptured arch to go over the entrance to the cemetery with donated labor by MMC. Motion by Branam to cover the $1630 cost for the new arch to go through the general account not to exceed $2000, Galloway seconded, all in favor, motion passed.
3. Galloway made available minutes from the last Planning Commission meeting. Ringley checked on the splitting of commercial property of 30,000 sq ft with the Commission. The Commission is checking into it.
4. The Sheriff’s Department reported on this last month’s activities in the Township.
5. Ringley stated that political signs cannot be put on Township property including Plum Crossing. McAulay questioned that rule unless the Township has a specific ordinance.
6. The Building Inspector’s report was read. Recently two trailer demos were completed without permits. Mantei was asked to send them a letter.

Old Business:
1. State ORV ordinance was reviewed and specifics were shared.
2. Drainage estimates for the hall were looked at but funds are not available at this time.
3. Planning Commission has an opening. Someone from Silver Lake, or Shingle Lake would be a good choice. Suggestions are being sought.

Announcements:
1. Enhancement Grant meeting announced.
2. Hardship Exemption Application forms are available.
3. Planning Committee meeting will be October 21, 2008 at 7:00.
4. LTCAG meeting will be October 16, 2008.

New Business:
1. Public hearing regarding the USDA Rural Development Generator Grant. A generator is being sought for the Township hall to provide for citizens when power outages occur. One third of it will be paid for by a USDA grant. The majority of those present thought it was a good idea.
2. Eric Reinke is resigning from the ZBA. Motion by Branam to accept Reinke’s resignation, seconded by West, all in favor, motion Passed. Richard Brandt, 1670 Ivy Drive, Farwell, Michigan volunteered for the position. Motion by Ringley to appoint him for a three year term, seconded by Branam, all in favor, motion passed.

Public Comment:
1. Township officials need to get a better feeling for the wishes of the township constituents. Minority opinions aren’t given enough attention. On the ORV issue, it seems to be a rush to judgment. Much information has been misrepresented.

Moved by Branam to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Galloway, all in favor, meeting adjourned
at 9:07 pm.

Carol Majewski, Clerk

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP
CLARE COUNTY
P.O. BOX 239
LAKE GEORGE, MI. 48633
989-588-9841
Election Committee Minutes for October 8, 2008

Gene Ringley, Supervisor
Carol L. Majewski, Clerk
Lori L. West, Treasurer
Joyce A. Branam, Trustee
Gerald E. Galloway, Trustee

Minutes
Election Committee Meeting
Lincoln Township Board
08 Oct. 2008

Supervisor Ringley called the meeting to order at 9:10 pm.

Election Inspectors for the November 2008 general election:

Judy Palkoski
Patricia Lambert
Tina Vandyke
Deb Briggs
Joe Young
Dorothy McGillis
Nancy House
Sheryl Judd

For the purposes of handling AV ballots:

Jenny Kelly
Camilla Overmyer

Motion by Ringley to accept the slate of election inspectors, seconded by West, all in favor, motion passed.

Motion by West to adjourn the meeting, second by Ringley, all in favor, meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm.

Nancy House