REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                              MAY 17, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                            PAGE 1

 

 

 

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

 

ABSENT:                                          Dale Wiltse, Trustee

 

 ALSO PRESENT:                          Jennifer Elowsky and Bill Kelley, Township Attorneys; Larry Waligora, Fire Chief; Jeff Aronoff, Township Bond Attorney; John Booth, Township Engineer; Bill Stone, Hubbell, Roth & Clark; Mark Ferguson, Township Office Intern; Thirty 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: SOUTHEAST MILFORD WATER IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 (SEMWI 2)

Clerk Schwartz moved, Treasurer Dagenhardt seconded to open the public hearing at 7:32 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

Supervisor Green stated that the public hearing to set the special assessment roll for the water Special Assessment District (SAD) was advertised in The Milford Times and notices mailed to each property owner as required by law.  He said only one notice was returned as undeliverable for Pon-Tr Investments at 53162 Pontiac Trail, Suite A.

 

Supervisor Green asked if there were any comments from the public.

 

Mr. John Hanaway, Hanaway Family Investments, 32882 Biddlestone Lane, Farmington, Hills, a property owner within the proposed SAD inquired on the process to protest inclusion on the roll.

 

Mr. Jeff Aronoff, Township Bond Attorney (Miller, Canfield), explained the appeal process, which includes appearance by the property owner or representative at this meeting or filing a letter prior to and filing a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within thirty (30) days after confirmation

 

 

 

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of the special assessment roll if that special assessment was protested at this hearing.

 

Ms. Jackie Miller, representative for General Bearing Corporation, 4527 Old Plank Road, Milford, asked if the SEMWI pipeline would that of the SEMIS.  Mr. Jon Booth, Township Engineer responded that the water would follow a slightly different path because the sewer will be gravity operated and the water would not.

 

Mr. James Wisti, 4715 Product Drive, Milford, whose property is included in the district, asked if he had to connect to the water.  Supervisor Green stated that he did not.

 

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

 

Clerk Schwartz moved, Treasurer Dagenhardt seconded to close the public hearing at 7:36 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

APPROVAL OF MINUTES, APRIL 18, 2006; APPROVAL OF BILLS: GENERAL FUND, $171,789.52; FIRE DEPARTMENT, $40,451.55; SENIOR CENTER, $5,131.37; SEMWI, $3,905.38; SEMIS, $40,528.22

 

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

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT

Supervisor Green reported the following:

            He’s researching rules regarding overhead power lines.

            We’re still awaiting a solution for the bad sewer pipe issue.

            The sewer ordinance is almost complete.

Proposed legislation would give state fire marshal the authority to issue fireworks permits instead of local units of government.

The latest state revenue sharing concern is having it tied with community projects.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT

Chief Waligora reported the following:

            Runs for the month of April totaled 85, with 330 year to date.

            Four probationary firefighters have completed the fire academy.

Chief Waligora was recently installed on the Executive Board for the Southeast Michigan Fire Chiefs Association.

 

 

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A FEMA grant application for SCBA and exhaust ventilation systems apparatus was submitted.

The department lost the semi-annual softball game against the Milford Police Department.

The department provided mutual aid to the Wixom Fire Department at the Korex plant on Pontiac Trail in Wixom, with personnel and apparatus on the scene for over eighteen hours.  Chief Waligora sent an invoice to Wixom in the amount of $15,869.00 as authorized by township ordinance, because hazardous materials were involved.

An Insurance Service Office (ISO) evaluation will begin in June, which will be used to determine fire insurance classifications and property insurance premiums.

The firefighter turnout gear ordered in February is starting to arrive.

 

FIRE INSPECTOR POSITION

The Board Chief Waligora discussed the details of hiring a fire inspector, which included the purpose of the position, job description, salary, education and experience, supervision, and the hiring process.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Busick seconded to authorize the Fire Chief and Supervisor to pursue hiring a full-time fire inspector per the conditions and requirements of the position as drafted by the Fire Chief and to advertise for and conduct interviews as discussed.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

REAPPROVAL, FIRE STAFF AND COMMAND SCHOOL, EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (EMU) – CHIEF WALIGORA

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to approve the request with the same conditions as the original approval.  Roll call vote: Yes – Dagenhardt, Schwartz, Busick, Worrell, Mazzara, Green.  Absent – Wiltse.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS

Mr. Jon Booth, Township Engineer, stated that the standards were last updated in July, 1991 and discussed several notable changes as follows:

            Detention facilities require a 100 year storm

            Sanitary Sewers require a twenty foot wide easement

 

Mr. Booth said he would work with the Township Attorney to get the standards incorporated into ordinance form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trustee Mazzara moved, Trustee Busick seconded to adopt the Engineering Design Standards, dated May 17, 2006 with the following changes specifically noted:

1.         Detention facilities require a 100 year plan

2.         Sanitary sewers require a twenty foot easement.

Vote unanimously carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

APPROVAL, SAD ROLL, SEMWI PHASE 2

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to approve the sewer SAD Roll as presented.  Roll call vote: Yes – Dagenhardt, Schwartz, Busick, Worrell, Mazzara, Green.  Absent – Wiltse.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

PRESENTATION, SOIL EROSION CONTROL – HUBBELL, ROTH & CLARK (HRC)

Mr. Booth introduced Mr. Bill Stone, also with HRC, and presented a proposal for a township soil erosion and sedimentation control program.  He said that Oakland County currently administers the program and explained that the township could take over the administration of the plan, which would result in significantly better monitoring and control of soil erosion issues.  Mr. Booth stated that the program would be self funding with the time and materials used by township staff paid for with the permit fees.

 

The Board, Mr. Booth and Mrs. Elowsky discussed the proposal at length and the details of how to administer it.  Mrs. Elowsky noted that any township program must follow state regulations.  The Board determined that more information is needed to make a decision.

 

Clerk Schwartz moved, Trustee Busick seconded to postpone.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

REQUEST FOR PERMITTED USE AFTER SPECIAL APPROVAL, S-06-5005, CHILD CARE CENTER (TEDDY BEAR’S PLAYHOUSE), 16-22-102-056

Supervisor Green asked if anyone was present to address this item.  There was no response from the public.  Supervisor Green noted that there is also a site plan approval request associated with this request.

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt stated that she spoke with Mr. Stewart regarding the outstanding items listed in a letter to the Township Board, dated, April 28, 2006, from Mr. David Kulp, Planning Commission Chairman.  Mr. Stewart said all items have been addressed on the plan except for the deed amendment, which would be done after the site plan is approved.  She felt the outstanding items had been addressed.

 

 

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                              MAY 17, 2006

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Clerk Schwartz moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to postpone until the Special Board meeting of June 5, 2006.

 

Discussion:

Trustee Mazzara stated that he had questions for Mr. Stewart, regarding the request and felt there were issues with the request that needed to be addressed.

Vote carried (Yes – six, No – one, Dagenhardt).

 

ADOPTION, ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 156-A-116, SECTION 19-105, SITE LIGHTING

Trustee Busick moved, Trustee Mazzara seconded to postpone to the Special Meeting, June 5, 2006.

 

Discussion:

The Board discussed at length whether or not the proposed amendment was too restrictive.  Supervisor Green stated that additional research was needed in order for the Board to make a decision.  Clerk Schwartz commented that residential developments should be required to comply with the same restrictions placed on property owners in the industrial zoned district

 

Mr. Ray Martins, 53162 Pontiac Trail, Milford, spoke on behalf of the Milford Business Owners Association regarding their concerns about the proposed ordinance and how it would negatively affect their operations.  He felt that lighting is important to deter crime and those businesses that may have to redo their site lighting to comply with the ordinance would create a hardship for them, financially.  Mr. Martins said there is a petition drive of township residents who oppose the proposed ordinance.

 

Mr. Pete Holden, 2055 South Milford Road, Milford, also spoke regarding his concern with the proposed ordinance.

 

Trustee Mazzara expressed his concern with over lighting and its effect on the nighttime sky.  He stated his support of turning lights off or down during after business hours.

 

Mr. Jim Renard, 2605 Pearson Road, Milford, spoke in favor of low impact lighting and commented on a paper regarding lighting and crime done by an organization in favor of preserving the nighttime sky.

 

Revised motion:

Trustee Busick moved, Trustee Mazzara seconded to postpone until further review.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

 

 

 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                                              MAY 17, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                            PAGE 6

 

APPROVAL, PANCAKE BREAKFAST, MAY 21, 2006 – MILFORD FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

Supervisor Green noted that an insurance policy holding the township harmless has been provided.

 

Clerk Schwartz moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to approve the request as presented.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

APPROVAL, ROOF REPAIR EXPENSE, FIRE STATION 2

Supervisor Green stated that, although Requests for Proposals (RFP) were solicited, only one company submitted a bid as follows:

            M.K. Home Improvements Inc.                                 $19,600.00

 

Trustee Busick moved, Treasurer Dagenhardt seconded to accept the bid from M.K. Home Improvements Inc. as presented, in the amount of $19,600.00.  Roll call vote: Yes – Busick, Dagenhardt, Schwartz, Worrell, Mazzara, Green.  Absent – Wiltse.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

APPROVAL, INSULATION EXPENSE – SENIOR CENTER ADDITION

Supervisor Green noted that RFPs were solicited and only one company responded as follows:

            Kenco Energy Services                                           $8,181.13

 

Trustee Busick moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to approve the contract with Kenco Energy Services, in the amount of $8,181.13, as presented.  Roll call vote: Yes – Busick, Schwartz, Dagenhardt, Worrell, Mazzara, Green.  Absent – Wiltse.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ALLOCATION, COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

Supervisor Green explained that CDBG requirements mandate that RFPs are sought for emergency food distribution on a dollar-for-dollar basis.  He said three bids were received as follows:  Community Sharing, Highland; Lighthouse of Oakland County Inc., Pontiac; and Open Door Outreach Center, Waterford.

 

Supervisor Green said each organization uses the same criteria to determine the needs of the client, but felt that Milford residents would be better able to get to Highland than Waterford or Pontiac.

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Treasurer Dagenhardt seconded to accept the bid from Community Sharing as presented.

 

 

 

 

 

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                            PAGE 7

 

Discussion:

Trustee Worrell announced that his father-in-law was the director of Community Sharing.

Vote unanimously carried.

 

SAFETY PATH REPAIR EXPENSE, PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT OLD PLANK ROAD

Supervisor Green stated that an opinion of project cost, dated May 2, 2006, from HRC was received to repair the safety path where it meets the bridge in the amount of $19,730.

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to authorize HRC to proceed with the design specifications and bidding process for the repair in an amount not to exceed $19,730.00.  Roll call vote: Yes – Dagenhardt, Schwartz, Busick, Worrell, Mazzara, Green.  Absent – Wiltse.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

SET PUBLIC HEARING, REPROGRAMMING CDBG FUNDS

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to set a public hearing for the third (3rd) Wednesday in June, the next regularly scheduled board meeting.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

CONSIDERATION, TOWNSHIP OFFICE HOURS

Supervisor Green stated the proposed change in office hours would be for opening on Fridays at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 4:00 p.m., with a ½ hour lunch for all employees.

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to approve the change in office hours every Friday on a year round basis.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

REQUEST, SPONSORSHIP FUNDS, HURON VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – MILFORD MEMORIES FESTIVAL

Trustee Worrell moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to approve funds in the amount of $1,500.00 and authorize the Supervisor to amend the budget if necessary.  Roll call vote: Yes – Worrell, Schwartz, Mazzara, Dagenhardt, Busick, Green.  Absent – Wiltse.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

PROPOSAL TO ASSIST THE LAND ACQUISITION CRITERIA COMMITTEE (LACC)/MILFORD OPEN SPACE TEAM (MOST)

Supervisor Green stated that a proposal from Wade Trim, township planning firm, dated May 16, 2006, was submitted to provide assistance in creating a formal report of information gathered by the LACC/MOST.  He felt it would be helpful in converting their information into an ordinance.

 

 

 

 

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                            PAGE 8

 

Trustee Mazzara moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to approve the proposal in an amount not to exceed $6,200.00 as presented.  Roll call vote: Yes – Mazzara, Schwartz, Worrell, Dagenhardt, Busick, Green.  Absent – Wiltse.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

Ms. Theresa Lynn, 7695 Milford Road, Holly, Michigan, said she missed the public hearing regarding the SEMWI Phase 2 and asked that the meeting record reflect her presence at the meeting and also asked for information about the SAD roll.

 

Mr. Jeff VarnHagen, 4844 Old Plank Road, Milford, asked that the record also reflect his attendance.

 

Mr. Jim Edwards, LJE Investments, 54530 Pontiac Trail, Milford, also asked that the record reflect his attendance.  He asked for an explanation regarding how the SAD roll was established and felt that projected usage calculations were incorrect.  Supervisor Green responded that the township engineer created the calculations, but he would review them with Mr. Booth and call him.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Trustee Worrell moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to go into Executive Session at 9:45 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

Clerk Schwartz moved, Trustee Worrell seconded to adjourn the Executive Session at 10:14 p.m.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

Treasurer Dagenhardt moved, Clerk Schwartz seconded to direct the Township Attorney to proceed with litigation as discussed in executive session.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

BOARD MEMBERS REMARKS

Trustee Mazzara asked if the Planning Commission could review ordinance language relating to high tension power lines.  After discussion, Mrs. Elowsky felt they should wait until after an important court decision is handed down, which is due sometime this summer.  The Board agreed to wait.

 

Supervisor Green asked each Board Member to single out three topics or issues they would like addressed within the next five years.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Supervisor Green adjourned the meeting at 11:00 p.m.

 

Charter Township of Milford,

Colleen Schwartz, MMC

Clerk