City Council

Watson Township Board Meeting 1895 118th Ave. Allegan, MI 49010 July 13, 2023 Present: Kevin Travis, Tera Davis, John Caras, Michelle Harris, and Kelli Morris. Absent: None. Agenda: Supervisor Travis made a motion to move the County Commissioner to the front of the agenda and approve the agenda, Clerk Morris supported, all in favor, motion carried. County Commissioner Report: Mr. Dugan gave his report including approval of Otsego “Spark” grant application to rebuild the North Park; discussion on Proposal 2 (election law); session on water quality (where 15 test wells were installed to gather data); recognition of Sherry Owens (17yrs in the Veteran and Senior programs); discussion of ARPA funds; and approval of 25 more body cams ( for officers) in the amount of $30,000.00. He also returned an answer to Supervisor Travis concerning the “Dirty Donut” race, that the ACRC would be glad to put up temporary signage during the time of the race. However, they were not willing to place permanent signage at this time. Supervisor Travis inquired about the township’s recycling program. Mr. Dugan let him know that it would begin in January of 2024. Minutes: Trustee Caras made a motion to approve the minutes from July, Trustee Harris supported, all in favor, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Davis gave the Treasurer’s report of account balances. Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the report as given, Clerk Morris supported, all in favor, motion carried. Bills: Trustee Harris made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $32,661.63, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT: Open- 7:34 P.M. None. Closed 7:34 P.M. REPORTS: A. Planning Commission: Trustee Caras reported the “Container” ordinance had been finalized by the planning commission. The planning commission also received an application from Justin Goodenough for a gravel mining operation between 120th Ave. and 23rd St. He did not attend the planning commission meeting after turning in the application and requesting it to be on the agenda, as well as sending notification of his intent to sell the property. Therefore, the planning commission denied the application. Also, they will meet with Chris Patchek tomorrow concerning the cleanup of the park. B. WAEMS: Supervisor Travis reported that a township resident attended their meeting and told a story of her experience with the department, and everyone appreciated her honesty. The department is hopeful that the changes being made will be for the good of everyone. C. Martin Fire Department: None. D. Hopkins Fire Department: Lieutenant Beilby reported the department has applied for a grant for P.P.E. in the amount of $10,000.00 for each department ($40,000.00 total). If the township would write a resolution in support of this, it would be helpful in obtaining the grant. Lieutenant Beilby also expressed his and the departments gratitude for a gift of an EMS vehicle for the price of $1.00 from the Gun Lake Tribe. This EMS vehicle will be stationed at the Hopkins HAFD location. He noted that WAEMS was very helpful in the past in providing an EMS vehicle to the department to use as they needed. The department very much appreciated the use of a vehicle from WAEMS in the past.  E. Libraries: Reports were emailed. E. Sexton: Mark Simpson reported on one funeral for the past month. F. Code Enforcement: Ordinance Code Enforcement Officer Jim Davis gave the board a written and oral report of current cases in the township. Currently there are ten open cases, with two working toward compliance. He also mentioned that “trash” burning has been a considerable issue in the township with several calls/complaints. This may lead to the need for an ordinance in the future. There was a short discussion on what an ordinance would include between Lieutenant Beilby (HAFD) and Mr. Davis, and the board. G. County Commissioner: Reported above. H. Supervisor: None. Old Business: A. MTA Membership: Supervisor Travis made a motion to pay for the membership ($1,607.72), plus the essentials package ($750.00) for a total cost of $2,357.72; Treasurer Davis supported, all in favor, motion carried. New Business: A. Parks Committee Bylaws: Trustee Caras presented a plan for the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. The township board discussed members and having a minimum of one board member and one planning commission member, as well as members from the public that reside in Watson Township. Trustee Harris made a motion to make Parks & Recreation Committee a “sub” committee of the Planning Commission, per the provided bylaws; Supervisor Travis supports, all in favor, motion carried. B. Ordinance Bood Update and Codification: Trustee Caras explained the processes he has done as far as now. Supervisor Travis suggests the board use implement a codification called “Civic Plus” which is municipal code. Trustee Caras made a motion to obtain a quote to re-codify the ordinances, Supervisor Travis supported, all in favor, motion carried. C. Internet Options: The board discussed internet options. Trustee Harris made a motion to contract with Starlink Internet Service, as well as approve John to upgrade the internet hardware in the township office, hall, and fire barn areas; Treasurer Davis supported, all in favor, motion carried. The cost will be $684.94 up front. D. Other: Trustee Harris read an email from Local Living. Trustee Caras suggested having routine maintenance done on the Air conditioning system. Lieutenant Bielby will contact someone in the fire department that does heating/cooling as a business to come and tune the system up. Adjourn: Trustee Harris made a motion to adjourn, Supervisor Travis supported, all in favor, motion carried. Adjourn: 8:43PM ___________________________________________________ Kelli Morris