REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 1

 

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:                             Donald Green, Supervisor; Colleen Schwartz, Clerk; Cynthia Dagenhardt, Treasurer; Trustees Randal Busick, William Mazzara, Dale Wiltse, Brien Worrell

 

ALSO PRESENT:                                       Jennifer Elowsky, Township Attorney; Larry Waligora, Fire Chief; Wayne Walli, Police Chief; Les Pulver, Pam Barber, Monika Lesinski, Auditors, Plante & Moran; Ann Valentino, Madonna University; Cliff Seiber, Robert Langan, David Kanimski, Krysten Palko, David Rumble, Aileen Wingblad, The Milford Times; Four Audience Members, Holly Brandt, Recording Secretary

 

 

Supervisor Green called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

PUBLIC HEARING, MICHIGAN NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND (MNRTF) GRANT APPLICATION RE-SUBMITTAL – CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR MILFORD RECREATIONAL TRAIL

Trustee Mazzara moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to open the public hearing at 7:31: p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

Supervisor Green announced that the trail would start at the dam north of General Motors Road and run south to the entrance of Kensington Metropark on Milford Road. The grant application would be submitted prior to the April 1, 2006 deadline and the amount of the grant applied for is $400,000.

 

Supervisor Green asked if there were any comments from the public.  There was no response from the public.

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded to close the public hearing at 7:32 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

 

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 2

 

CONSENT AGENDA

APPROVAL OF MINUTES, FEBRUARY 15, 2006 (REGULAR)

APPROVAL OF BILLS, GENERAL FUND - $158,277.68; FIRE DEPARTMENT - $46,889.72; SENIOR CENTER - $6,504.71; SEMIS - $366,512.94; SEMWI - $1,336.77; CONFIRMATION OF INTENT, 2005 BUDGET; POLICY OF AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE (ACH) ARRANGEMENTS AND ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS OF FUNDS; INDRODUCTION, ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 156-A-115, SECTION 19-104 – CLUSTER HOUSING OPTION; RESOLUTION AUTORIZING OAKLAND COUNTY TO APPLY FOR AND USE COMPUTERIZED TAX ROLL

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Mazzara seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.  Roll call vote: Yes – Dagenhardt, Mazzara, Wiltse, Busick, Schwartz, Worrell, Green.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT

Supervisor Green announced the following:

The Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for the South East Milford Water Improvements, Phase 1, was signed on March 9, 2006 in the amount of $600,000, with the funds available on March 21st.

The emergency sirens have been tested are in working order.

The left-turn signals at Milford Road and Pontiac Trail have been installed but not activated yet.

Emergency repair of the two rooftop heating/cooling units at the township office was done to correct carbon monoxide leaks.

The Versyss accounting program contract was extended because the conversion to the new Northern Data Systems (NDS) system is taking longer than anticipated.

A faulty batch of sewer pipe was installed in the SEMIS system, which is estimated to cost $500,000 in repairs.  The manufacturer is presently verifying the details of the pipe inspection that was done prior to installation.

The joint Master Plan with Milford Village will cost the township $107,500 to be spread over a three year period.

A community meeting for residents input regarding the joint Master Plan will be held on Monday, May 8, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Bakers of Milford.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT

Chief Waligora reported the following:

            Runs for the month of February totaled 94 with 169 year to date.

The Fire Department’s Annual Report will be presented at the April Board Meeting.

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 3

 

Firefighters Brian Kay and Craig Sharp earned their Emergency Medical Technician license with the State.

Two new recruits are currently enrolled in the Oakland Community College Fire Academy.

The Explorer Program currently has six cadets signed up.  They have been given a tour of the stations and instruction on operations and procedures.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no Unfinished Business.

 

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT, MNRTF GRANT APPLICATION RE-SUBMITTAL – CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE MILFORD RECREATIONAL TRAIL

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Mazzara seconded to adopt the resolution.  Roll call vote: Yes – Dagenhardt, Mazzara, Wiltse, Busick, Schwartz, Worrell, Green.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT, 2005 – PLANTE & MORAN

Mr. Les Pulver, Ms. Pam Barber and Ms. Monika Lesinski, Township Auditors, gave a power-point presentation highlighting the 2005 Audit Report.  Mr. Pulver stated that the township has received an Unqualified Audit designation, which means the township’s financial condition is in very good standing.

 

Supervisor Green noted that copies of the 2005 Audit Report are available at the Township Office.

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded to accept the 2005 Audit Report by Plante & Moran and authorize them to file the Report with the State of Michigan.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

ANNUAL REPORT, 2005 – MILFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Walli gave a power-point presentation outlining Police Department activities.   The report indicated that burglaries, larcenies and traffic tickets and related arrest statistics have increased over prior years.

 

Chief Walli reminded that Board that the police millage renewal will be on the May 2, 2006 Election ballot.  And also that the Police Athletic League/Substance Abuse & Violence Education (PAL/SAVE) Annual Golf outing will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at Dunham Hills Golf Course in Hartland.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Busick seconded to accept the 2005 Annual Police Department Report for filing.  Vote unanimously carried.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 4

 

PRESENTATION, MADONNA UNIVERSITY

Ms. Ann Valentino, Enrollment Services Coordinator, Madonna University, West Bloomfield, Michigan, gave a brief presentation regarding their education services and facilities in southeast Michigan.  She invited the township officials to contact her with any education needs for township staff or within the community.

 

SITE PLAN APPROVAL, S-05-5019, TRIPLE J CONSTRUCTION/RUNNY RUN LLC, 16-25-201-011

Mr. Cliff Seiber, Triple J Construction, and Robert Langan, Runny Run LLC, were present to answer the Board’s questions. 

 

The Board and Mr. Seiber discussed the easement agreement for the retention basin, which will be a shared basin for two parcels once the original parcel is divided.  Trustee Mazzara noted that Parcel B needs the right to divert runoff to the retention basin to be located on Parcel A, which creates the need for a recorded easement agreement for the basin.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to approve S-05-5019, Triple J Construction/Runny Run LLC, 16-25-201-011 with the following provisions:

1.      All provisions indicated by the Planning Commission are addressed and the applicant understands the final approval will be granted upon receipt of the proper retention basin easement and maintenance agreements for recording at Oakland County Register of Deeds.

Vote unanimously carried.

 

SITE PLAN APPROVAL, S-05-5023, METRO PCS/DAVID KAMINSKY, CELLULAR TOWER COLLOCATION, 16-22-300-020 (HOLDEN AVENUE)

Mr. David Kaminski, Metro PCS representative, was present to answer the Board’s questions.

 

The Board, Mr. Kaminski and Mrs. Elowsky discussed the applicant providing either a removal agreement or a bond to address the future removal of the collocation tower and Mr. Kaminski determined that a bond would be provided.  Supervisor Green noted that the Township Engineer would review the site plan to determine the bond amount.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to approve S-05-5023, Metro PCS, cellular tower collocation, 16-22-300-020 with the provisions indicated by the Planning Commission with the exception of the affidavit indicating the standards for the State of Michigan (provision #3) and the applicant provides a bond as specified in the Township Ordinance in an amount determined by Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC), Township Engineer.  Vote unanimously carried.

  

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 5

 

SITE PLAN APPROVAL, S-06-5001, METRO PCS/RICHARD CONNOR RILEY & ASSOCIATES, CELLULAR TOWER COLLOCATION, 16-24-101-007 (CHILDS LAKE)

Ms. Krysten Palko, Metro PCS representative, Richard Connor Riley & Associates, was present to answer the Board’s questions.

 

The Board, Ms. Palko and Mrs. Elowsky discussed providing either a removal agreement or a bond to address the future removal of the collocation tower.

 

Supervisor Green noted that a variance (V-06-003) was granted to Metro PCS by the Zoning Board of Appeals on March 8, 2006 for the paved access to the tower compound as required by the Township Ordinance (Section 19-108, (d), (1), d, 5).

 

Ms. Palko stated that she had a faxed copy of the site maintenance agreement and would be providing the original to the township within a couple of days.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to approve S-06-5001, Metro PCS, cellular tower collocation, 16-24-101-007 with the condition that the applicant provide a removal affidavit for review with the Township Attorney or provide a bond as specified in the Township Ordinance in an amount determined by HRC, Township Engineer and that all the provisions of the Planning Commission are addressed.  Vote unanimously carried. 

 

REQUEST TO DO FILMING IN OAK GROVE CEMETERY

Mr. David Rumble, location manager, Learning Gravity, presented a request to film scenes in Oak Grove Cemetery for a documentary film entitled Learning Gravity.  He said the film is based on the work of Mr. Thomas Lynch, a Milford resident.  The film is being produced by Little Bird Productions of London, England and Dublin, Ireland.  He said there would be about 5 people at the cemetery during the filming, which would take place between March 27, and March 29, 2006.  Mr. Rumble said Mr. Lynch would be filmed reading his poem At the Opening of Oak Grove Cemetery Bridge and the film crew would conduct the filming in a sensitive, respectful way.

 

The Board and Mr. Rumble discussed the request at length.  The Board felt that, since the film was a profit-making venture, a financial consideration to the cemetery fund would be appreciated.

 

Supervisor Green stated that an insurance policy covering damages and holding the Township harmless from any liability would be necessary prior to the start of filming.  Mr. Rumble agreed to provide the insurance policy as requested.

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 6

 

The Board also felt that the Chairman of the Milford Cemetery Committee (MCC) and the Chairman of the Oak Grove Cemetery Fund Committee (OGCFC) should be notified and given an opportunity to respond to the request.

 

Clerk Schwartz moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to approve the request to film in Oak Grove Cemetery as requested contingent upon the approval of the MCC and the OGCFC.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

FIRE STATION 2, BUILDING REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded to authorize the Supervisor to solicit bids for the repairs.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

REVIEW, ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS, HRC

Supervisor Green asked for comments from the Board.

 

Trustee Mazzara expressed concern for good storm-water management and cited Best Management Practices, which is a State program.  He felt these standards needed to be incorporated into the design standards now as they deal with sewer systems.

 

Trustee Mazzara questioned the bonding process for development.  Supervisor Green responded that, currently, a letter of credit and a cash bond is provided from a developer.

 

Supervisor Green stated that he would send Trustee Mazzara’s requests to HRC.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to postpone until such time that the information comes back from HRC.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

PROPOSAL, WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM, EARTH TECH

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Mazzara seconded to authorize the Supervisor to sign the contract with Earth Tech for sewer maintenance services in the amount of $2,605.00 per month at such time that the sewer comes into use.  Roll call vote: Yes – Dagenhardt, Mazzara, Wiltse, Busick, Schwartz, Worrell, Green.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

EXTENSION REQUEST, MILFORD GARDENS CONSENT AGREEMENT

Supervisor Green stated that after meeting with Mr. Steve Balbes, owner of Milford Gardens, he felt progress was being made and that a 45-day extension would give Mr. Balbes time to resolve issues with the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC).

 

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 7

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to the grant a 45-day extension to Milford Gardens Consent Agreement at the request of the Supervisor.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

REQUEST FOR FUNDS, HURON VALLEY YOUTH ASSISTANCE (HVYA)

Trustee Worrell moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded expend $3,600.00 for sponsorship from the 2006 Budget for the HVYA 2005-2006 year.  Roll call vote: Yes – Worrell, Wiltse, Mazzara, Schwartz, Dagenhardt, Busick, Green.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

REQUEST FOR FUNDS, SPARKS IN THE PARK FIREWORKS EVENT – HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP

The Board discussed the request and determined that they would not expend any funding to this event.  No action taken.

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT, ACCEL/DECEL AND PASSING LANES

Mrs. Elowsky stated that, as indicated in her letter to Supervisor Green, dated March 9, 2006, upon legal review of the proposed ordinance amendment she felt the ordinance needed further discussion and revision by the Planning Commission.  Trustee Mazzara asked Mrs. Elowsky to attend the Planning Commission meeting when the ordinance amendment would be discussed.  Mrs. Elowsky said that she would and also noted that she has been in discussion with Mr. Nick Lomako, Township Planner regarding the amendment.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to have the ordinance amendment remanded back to the Planning Commission and have Mrs. Elowsky attend the meeting in which the amendment will be on the agenda.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

DISPOSITION OF OUTDATED ELECTION EQUIPMENT

Clerk Schwartz explained that she wanted the Board’s direction on how to dispose of the Optech Eagle election equipment.  She said that the new election equipment, purchased by the State with Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) monies has been received and will be used in all future elections.  Clerk Schwartz noted that the ballot bins from the old machines make good storage bins.  After discussion the Board determined to sell the old bins at $5.00 per bin.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Busick seconded to allow the Clerk to dispose of the old election equipment.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

  

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 8

 

SET JOINT MEETING WITH VILLAGE ON MILFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET

Trustee Worrell moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to set a joint meeting with the Village Council for discussing the Police Department Budget on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

AUTHORIZATION OF DIGITAL VIDEO DISC (DVD) SUBMITTALS TO WESTERN OAKLAND COUNTY CABLE COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (WOCCCA)

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded to approve Supervisor Green as delegate.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

RESIGNATION, PLANNING COMMISSION – CRAIG JOHNSTON

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to accept the resignation of Mr. Craig Johnston from the Planning Commission with deep regret.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

APPOINTMENT, PLANNING COMMISSION – GEORGE MAGRO

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded to appoint Mr. George Magro to the Planning Commission to fill Mr. Johnston’s appointed term.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

INSULATION EXPENSE, SENIOR CENTER ADDITION

Supervisor Green stated that more insulation is needed on the addition for energy efficiency and to minimize ice dams.  He reminded the Board that Kenco did the same project to the Senior Center prior to the addition.

 

Trustee Wiltse felt he would like the township to obtain other bids.  Supervisor Green said that there are only 2 or 3 companies in Oakland County that do this type of work.

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to approve Kenco Energy Services to do the insulation on the Senior Center addition as requested by the Supervisor.

 

Discussion on the motion:

Trustee Busick asked when the work would begin.  Supervisor Green responded that it wouldn’t be right away because Kenco has other jobs to do first.  Trustee Busick asked if, in the meantime, bids could be solicited for the project.

 

The Board discussed at length whether or not to put this project out for bids.

 

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                           PAGE 9

 

Amended Motion:  Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to put the project out for bids and if no bids come in, the project will go to Kenco Energy Services.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION

Trustee Wiltse moved, Trustee Busick seconded to go into Executive Session at 9:28 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

RETURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION, 9:52 P.M.

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded to have the Township Attorney discuss a settlement regarding the SEMIS and SEMWI easements located at the south end of the township.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

There was no response from the public.

 

BOARD MEMBER’S REMARKS

Trustee Wiltse congratulated Clerk Schwartz for her efforts in designing an elections training manual for use throughout Oakland County as indicated in a letter of recognition, dated March 8, 2006 from Ruth Johnson, County Clerk.  Clerk Schwartz noted that the State may also use the manual.

 

Trustee Mazzara questioned a memo from Arthur Shufflebarger, Village Manager to the Village President and Council, dated March 15, 2006 that indicated his support for the proposed site for a new fire station on the north side of General Motors Road within the village limit.  Supervisor Green responded that the memo was given to him by Mr. Shufflebarger.

 

Trustee Mazzara noted that both township and village Parks & Recreation Commissions are planning to walk through Hubbell Pond Park in an effort to find an appropriate location for a skate park.

 

Supervisor Green commented that he received an email from Mr. Shufflebarger, sent February 23, 2006, which indicated the village is submitting a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for a trail connection from the village dam north to the YMCA.  The email also indicated they were hoping to get a contribution from the township.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Trustee Wiltse seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

        

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                       MARCH 15, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                          PAGE 10

 

Charter Township of Milford,

 

 

 

Colleen Schwartz, MMC

Clerk