City Council

Watson Township Board Meeting 1895 118th Ave. Allegan, MI 49010 February 2, 2023 Called to order: 7:00 P.M. Present: Kevin Travis, Stephanie Caulder, John Caras, Michelle Harris, and Kelli Morris. Absent: None. Agenda: Trustee Caras made a motion to add digitizing documents and to approve the agenda, Trustee Harris supported, all in favor, motion carried. Minutes: Trustee Harris made a motion to change grammar on one sentence and approve the minutes from January 5, 2023, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. Bills: Trustee Harris made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $8,450.07; Treasurer Caulder supported, all in favor, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Caulder read the Treasurer’s report. Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. REPORTS: A. Supervisor: None. B. Planning Commission: Trustee Caras reported on a public hearing for the Master Plan. Trustee Harris made a motion to pass Resolution 1‐25‐2023 to adopt the “Master Plan” for 2023‐2028; Trustee Caras supported; roll call vote: Caulder‐ yes; Morris yes; Harris‐yes; Caras‐yes and Travis‐yes. The supervisor declared the resolution passed by a vote of 5‐yes and 0‐no votes. Trustee Caras reported that James Reirsma presented a plan at a public hearing for a gravel pit on 122nd Avenue. The plan was for 10 years, with a 10 year renew option. It was a very solid plan with operations from 8 AM – 5 PM and no holiday operations. The planning commission and PCI are currently reviewing the plan. A‐2 zoning lot sizes and related subjects have been tabled for now. Trustee Caras also reported that materials had been submitted that would include Watson’s former dump site to be included with the county’s Brownfield grant project plan. C. Martin Fire Department: Chief Knight attended and gave the board a written and oral report for the month. D. Hopkins Fire Department: Supervisor Travis reported that the subsidy will be approximately $1,000.00 more this year. He also gave a quote on the fire truck (complete in January 2025) of $654,594.00. The portion for Watson Township would be $75,344.00 and $102,705.57. E. WAEMS: Supervisor Travis explained that Watson Township’s portion for ambulance service this year would be $14,182.00. F. Libraries: Reports were emailed. E. Sexton:  Mark Simpson reported 1 foundation for spring. He also reported a complaint of ornaments missing from the cemetery and he explained that would be a police matter. F. Code Enforcement: The board discussed the appointment of James Davis to the position of Ordinance Code Enforcement Officer. Trustee Harris made a motion to appoint James Davis to the position of Ordinance Code Enforcement Officer, Treasurer Caulder supported, all in favor, motion carried. G. County Commissioner: Gale Dugan reported several commissioner meetings‐topics including the passing of former Judge George Corsiglia. He also reported that the courthouse and county services move passed by a vote of 3 to 1. The county passed a per diem and mileage reimbursement for Community and Board Volunteers for the county. They also made some board appointments to committees and adopted a budget policy. PUBLIC COMMENT: Open‐ 7:47 P.M. None. Public Comment Closed 7:47 P.M. Old Business: None. New Business: A. PNC Accounts: The Treasurer explained the fees associated with the Dust account and Building Department account. Supervisor Travis made a motion to give Treasurer Caulder the option of switching these accounts to either Huntington or United Bank, Trustee Harris supported, all in favor, motion carried. B. Budget Workshop Date: The board will have a budget workshop on February 9, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. C. Digitize Watson Documents: Trustee Caras would like to explore the option of digitizing documents and review retention schedules for the township. He would like to gather information and present a plan to the board. Supervisor Travis authorizes Trustee Caras to explore the options with the county’s IT department, gather information and report back to the board. Adjourn: Supervisor Travis made a motion to adjourn, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. Adjourn: 8:13 PM ___________________________________________________ Kelli Morris