City Council

Watson Township Board Meeting 1895 118th Ave. Allegan, MI 49010 November 2, 2023 Call to Order: 7:03 P.M. Present: Kevin Travis, Tera Davis, Michelle Harris, John Caras and Kelli Morris. Absent: None. Agenda: Trustee Caras asked to have items added to the agenda. Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the agenda with the changes, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. Minutes: Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the minutes from October as amended, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Davis gave the Treasurer’s report of account balances. Clerk Morris made a motion to approve the report as given, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. Bills: Trustee Harris made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $19,284.44, Clerk Morris supported, all in favor, motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT: Open- 7:17 P.M. None. Closed 7:17 P.M. REPORTS: A. County Commissioner Report: Gale Dugan gave the board a report from the County Commissioner’s that included an annual ACRC report from Craig Atwood. Mr. Dugan also read a resolution for the county management of the animal shelter, where there will be no change in current operations. They will still maintain a low kill shelter (less than 10%), and cat intake will be based on occupancy. There will be a new emphasis put on animal wellness and timely placement of animals. Mr. Dugan also reported that the Transportation Department was honored as a local service provider. Lastly, he let the board know that the ROBIN grant was approved and within 18 months (spring of 2025) there should be no underserved homes in Allegan County. B. Planning Commission: All were present at the meeting except John Caras. The planning commission moved to closed session to address matters concerning Northstar Aggregates. C. Martin Fire Department: Chief Knight attended the meeting and gave the board an oral and written report of fire/ emergency calls over the past month, as well as totals for the year. He mentioned that they had received their new gas meter, and the pressure fan is coming from the casino. D. Hopkins Fire Department: None. E. Libraries: Reports were emailed. F. Sexton:  Mark Simpson reported two fall burials at Hicks Cemetery, as well as one replacement foundation. G. Code Enforcement: Ordinance Code Enforcement Officer Jim Davis reported on cases and his agenda for the month. H. Supervisor: Supervisor Travis gave the board his report that included an opinion on paving 24th Street (where Watson’s portion would be a little over a mile). He has asked for a bid on this project. Supervisor Travis also explained that he had taken a new position with Wheeler Upham P.C. and his duties and responsibilities as Township Supervisor were separate and in no way affiliated with Wheller Upham P.C. Old Business: A. Printer/Copier: Trustee Caras gave the board information on the current antiquated copier at the township office. He gave the board information and options on the purchase and lease of a color printer/copier. Supervisor Travis made a motion to purchase a new printer/copier from Applied Imaging in the amount of $5,293.00; with a 60-month maintenance lease of $158.92; Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. B. Security Cameras: Trustee Caras explained the current system and its failing cameras. He also explained the new system would have the same number of cameras and include recording recall for 3 ½ months. Trustee Harris made a motion to purchase a new security camera system in the amount of $4,064.46, Clerk Morris supported, all in favor, motion carried. C. Ordinance Republication: Trustee Caras discussed getting all the ordinances on the cloud. The republication has already been approved by the board. D. BSA Migration- Cloud Status: Trustee Caras explained that we are completely converted to the new cloud system. New Business: A. Vestibule Door: Clerk Morris made a motion to replace the weather stripe on the vestibule door, Trustee Harris supported, all in favor, motion carried. B. Tax Admin Fee: Trustee Harris explained that there will be a bill on the fall ballot in 2024 to eliminate property taxes. She also gave board members a pamphlet from AxeMiTax.org. Trustee Harris suggested eliminating the admin fee on Watson townships tax bills. Treasurer Davis explains that there are instances where she uses those funds to assist in balancing tax amounts that may have fallen short. The supervisor also explains that those fees are also used to fund the stipend for the Treasurer and Clerk. He also explained that on the last election with Headlee roll back the voters did approve the admin fee. Trustee Harris expresses that it does not sit well with her that someone else might be using her admin fee to cover amounts on their taxes. There is also some discussion on setting up an online payment system. C. BS & A Online Service Portal: Trustee Caras explained the portal for general look up. There was more discussion on the future of online tax payments. The supervisor made a motion to allow the for system to start the portal, which is at no cost t the township, Trustee Harris supported, all in favor, motion carried. D. Chairs & Tables:  There was a discussion on purchasing some new chairs and tables. Supervisor Travis will look at options for ten new chairs and tables. E. Fans: There was discussion on new fans for the hall meeting room. Trustee Harris made a motion to allow for up to $1,000.00 ARPA funds to make purchase of new ceiling fans for the hall meeting room, Treasurer Davis supported, all in favor, motion carried. There was a bit of further discussion on LED lights for the meeting room. Adjourn: Supervisor Travis made a motion to adjourn, Trustee Caras supported, all in favor, motion carried. Adjourn: 8:49 PM ___________________________________________________ Kelli Morris