Regular Meeting of the Lovells Township Board
Minutes have been Approved at the June 13, 2023 Board Meeting
May 16, 2023
PRESENT: Cheryl Hopp, Heather Lovell, Tamara Kengel and Gary A. Neumann.
ABSENT: None.
ALSO PRESENT: Sally Brand, Suzy Moore, Ken Ball, Ann C. Duby, Jo Johnson, Bob Baird, Kevin Kunkleman, Allen Cail (?) David Soderquest, William Gorgosky
Supervisor Neumann called the Board Meeting to order at 10:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Neumann added two items to the agenda: #4 NEW BUSINESS: Disposal of old trailer; #4 INFO ITEMS: Park Commission/Board
Reading and approval of the minutes of our Regular Board Meeting April 11, 2023 and Special Board Meeting of April 25, 2023. Neumann moved, Lovell Supported to accept the minutes from the April 11, 2023 regular meeting. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. Neuman moved, Hopp supported to accept the minute from the April 25, 2023 Special Meeting. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
Neumann moved, Hopp supported a motion to approve April pre-paid vouchers From April 1, 2023 through April 26, 2023 as presented: General Fund totaling $28,648.95; Direct Deposit Checks totaling $4816.95; Fire Fund totaling $18,351.25; Landfill Fund totaling $6827.01; and Liquor Fund totaling $87.32 In a roll call vote: All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s March Report Received and Accepted as Presented. Because the State of Michigan has been tardy in getting the Liquor Funds to us Tammy suggested that we move $1000.00 out of General fund to cover the expenses. Neumann moved to make this transfer of funds, Lovell Supported. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE: Notification from Northeast Michigan Council of Governments RE: Notice of Intent to Update Chester Township’s Master Plan
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Assessing – Neumann stated that 15 taxpayers attended Board of Review in March, otherwise nothing to report.
Fire/EMS Department – Lovell reported that the Chief reported for the month of April they had 5 runs. 4 were Wildland fires and 1 Medical.
Cemetery Sexton- No report.
Liquor Inspector- Lovell reported that the April Inspection Forms received and on file.
Zoning Administrator – Lovell read Gauthier’s April written report: 3 Permits issued: A cement slab, An addition with a deck, A new home with attached garage. No other issues to report.
Zoning Enforcement Officer – Neumann briefed on an ongoing case regarding an abandoned travel trailer on Hamlin Trail. The issue has been resolved with the new owner.
COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:
Board of Review – No Issues to report.
Historical Society – Lovell reported that the Trout Opener festivities were well attended and between sales and donations the Historical Society deposited aprox. $1100.
Crawford County Planning Commission (CCPC)–No report.
Lovells Township Planning Commission (LTPC) – Neumann reported in the absence of township rep. that the PC will need to replace two members on the board. Also, aprox. 10 days ago, an application for a Short-Term Rental in Warblers was received. Letters and notices have gone out for Public Meeting to be held on May 31, 2023 at 5pm in the township hall
Zoning Board of Appeals – No pending cases.
Lovells Media and Reading Center – Hopp updated us on the little library boxes. One will be places at the Kellogg’s Bridge Store at the south end, the other is still to be determined as the North end store (prev. Caids now Lovells EZ Mart) will not allow placement without corporate approval first.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
- Neumann briefed on radar speed signs to be placed on County Road 612; in his research he discovered there are three different methods to power the signs, Solar, battery or electric (which is not an option) Board discussed options; Neumann will discuss with maintenance-man and return with recommendation at our next Regular Meeting of the Board.
- Neumann briefed on the Lovells Flag; Xpress Copy is still waiting on pricing and bids.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Newsletter info to be submitted to Lovell no later than June 1, 2023 for insertion with Summer Tax Bills. Cheryl – Update on Library Boxes; Gary, Explanation and review of RV policy on unimproved land; New Clerk Introduction-Ken Ball; Tammy and Sally – Bridgewalk
- Paul Olsen – Insurance agent has OK’d placement of Narcan box to reverse opioid overdoes, as long as it’s for providing the product not administering.
- One application was received for the Clerk’s position: Kenneth Ball. When questioned, Kenneth said he was ready to step in to the job mid to late June as he has a few commitments to fulfill before then. Neumann moved to appoint Kenneth Ball to fulfill the term of Clerk until the November 2024 election, Lovell supported. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
- The township has an old broken trailer that is probably not of use to us any longer. The Chief would like to purchase it from the township for $50.00. Neumann made a motion to accept the Chief’s offer to purchase this trailer, Hopp supported. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Neumann briefed us that the Bamboo Bend project was a success and that Lovells Twp. Was proud to host them again this year; Neumann reported that the new lawn mower has been received and runs good; Neumann reported that Jun 22-24, 2023 Gray Rock Rod Builder will be utilizing the hall for their workshops; Neumann discussed the article written by Anglers of AuSable in their FLOW newsletter regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the DNR and MI National Guard. Board discussed and Neumann will be writing an Resolution of Opposition to the MOU plan. Neumann suggested that going forward a Park Board or Commission be established to work on details of our “parks” in the township. That this would be more effective than the board making the decisions. Details to be worked out and will report back to the board in the future. Neumann reported that due to recent vandalism at the bathrooms, they are now locked unless there is a function at the hall. The set of keys given to the renter will now include a key to the bathroom, the hall and the electrical box at the pavilion with instructions to relock when they are done. Also the outside faucets have been closed as well.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS: 11:05 am Jo Johnson question the wording in the letter sent to the attorney regarding the Short-Term Rental issue on Twin Bridge Rd. Dave Soderquest asked if anyone knew anything about the vehicle count survey in town. Neumann said they don’t tell us when they do these things, he did not know anything about it. Soderquest also inquired about the revoking of the contract of the Short-Term Rental. William Gergosky asked about expenditures for the Crossroads park. Neumann explained COVID relief money was spent for electrical, cement and gravel. The green shed, flags, flag poles, sign and plantings were all donated either with monies or actual items. Kenneth Ball inquired about the road closure on CR 612 towards Lewiston and what was the best/easiest detour. Lovell commented that TrueStream has been working on hanging brackets and lines for fiber optic internet install.
11:23 AM-Neumann closed Public Comment.
11:24 AM- Neumann moved, Lovell supported a motion to adjourn. The next regular board meeting will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10 AM at the Township Hall;
Respectfully Submitted,
Heather Lovell- Acting Lovells Township Clerk