City Council

Watson Township Board Meeting 1895 118th Ave. Allegan, MI 49010 October 6, 2022 Called to order: 7:03 P.M. Present: Kevin Travis, Stephanie Caulder, John Caras, and Kelli Morris. Absent: Michelle Harris. Agenda: Clerk Morris made a motion to approve the regular meeting agenda as amended, Treasurer Caulder supported, all in favor, motion carried. Minutes: Treasurer Caulder made a motion to approve township minutes from September 1, 2022, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. Bills: There was discussion on a bill from Bloomingdale Communications. Trustee Caras will check this to determine if it is a service we still require. Trustee Caras made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $15,537.93; Treasurer Caulder supported, all in favor, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Caulder read the Treasurer’s report. PUBLIC COMMENT: Open‐ 7:08 P.M. No Public Comment. Public Comment Closed 7:08 P.M. REPORTS: A. Planning Commission: Trustee Caras reported the Parks plan is 98% complete and looking exceptional, with only minor things to work out. The “Master Plan” is almost finished as well and both plans will be ready for presentation to the township board. The Planning Commission members would also like to have their personal phone numbers removed from the website and use the answering system at the township hall to field any calls. B. Martin Fire Department: None. C. Hopkins Fire Department: Captain Bielby gave a report to the township that included news that the bidding process has begun for a new truck that will be housed in Watson; the department is working on a few grants for air bags; the sign has been ordered and will hopefully be up before the end of fall; the new addition is up and running (and working out great‐ thanks again); and they will be replacing the lights in the main fire building as well with LED lights. D. Libraries: E‐mailed report. E. Sexton: Mark Simpson reported he has had folks asking to purchase plots. Also, personally he has completed his surgery and things are going well, however he has more healing to do. F. Code Enforcement: Officer Stuart reported on a case with Mr. Barnhart he was working on, siting that because of a personal tragedy he has given him an extension until spring. He is also working on some default citations and a new complaint on 114th Avenue. G. Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Caulder read the Treasurer’s report. H. Supervisor: Supervisor Travis report included budget amendments for next month, progress on the new park is going well, and Judge Baker ruled in the townships favor concerning the recent court case. Also, the request for an Amicus Brief in regard to the Lowe case has been granted by the Supreme Court. I. County Clerk: Bob Genetski attended and gave the board a county report. He also gave the board information on property fraud and reminded folks that there would be a voting rights proposal on the November ballot. J. County Commissioner: Commissioner Gale Dugan gave a report that included: a budget public hearing; the treasurer report on the budget, request from the board of commissioners for an investment report; an annual report from Myrine Koch; Covid 19 support for students; and authorizing retirement payments for chief deputies and elected officials. Old Business: A. Website Update: Trustee Caras gave an update on the new website that includes the link pointing to the new site as of today. He also explained that emails will currently be forwarded. He would like to re‐create the website. He has one quote available and then would provide training on how to update the site by board members in the future. New Business: A. M222 Park Name Resolution: Supervisor Travis read Resolution #10062022‐1 Resolution to name the new park “Seven Generations Park”; Clerk Morris made a motion to pass resolution #10062022‐1; Trustee Caras supported; Roll call vote: Morris‐yes; Caulder‐yes; Caras‐yes; Travis‐yes. The supervisor declared the resolution passed by a vote of 4 yes; 1 absent and 0 no votes. The Supervisor also added that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 29th at 10 A.M. at the park location. B. MTA Premium Plus On‐Line Learning: Treasurer Caulder explained this program and would like to enroll all board members for the opportunities of on‐line learning available from MTA for $1,900.00. She also explained we would need to amend the budget to include this line items and dedicate$1,900.00 to it. Clerk Morris made a motion to approve the new budget item and to contribute $1,900.00 to that item; and to also approve registering for the Premium Pluss On‐line learning thru MTA for $1,900.00; Treasurer Caulder supported, all in favor motion carried. C. Draft Amicus Brief for Supreme Court: Supervisor Travis shared that he would be writing another “Amicus Brief” for the Supreme court concerning the Lowe case. Bruce Bos wanted to share his thoughts that he believes this to be a dangerous thing to do as a township supervisor. Supervisor Travis’s response was that he, because it affects every member of our County, feels it is necessary to do so. Adjourn: Trustee Caras made a motion to adjourn, Treasurer Caulder supported, all in favor, motion carried. Adjourn: 7:45 PM ___________________________________________________ Kelli Morris