MACKINAW TOWNSHIP

March 12, 2007 Regular Board Meeting

The Budget Hearing for the Mackinaw Township Board opened at 6:00 P.M. on March 12, 2007 at 10595 Wallick Road, Mackinaw City, Michigan. Dean led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Bertchinger, Rogala, Dean, Keck, Davis

Absent: None

Also Present: William Schreffler, Donna Falor

Dean ask for any comments or questions concerning the proposed 2007-2008 Budget. There being none, a motion by Dean, second by Bertchinger that the Budget be approved as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Keck, Davis, Rogala, Bertchinger, Dean. Budget approved as presented.

Motion by Keck, second by Rogala that the General Appropriations Resolution be approved as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Davis, Dean, Rogala, Bertchinger, Keck. Motion Approved.

Motion to adopt Salary Resolution for Supervisor for the fiscal year 2007/2008 brought forth by Bertchinger, second by Davis.

Roll Call: Ayes: Bertchinger, Rogala, Davis, Keck, Dean – Resolution accepted.

Motion to adopt Salary Resolution for Clerk for the 2007/2008 fiscal year presented by Bertchinger, second by Davis.

Roll Call: Ayes: Davis, Keck, Davis, Rogala, Bertchinger – Resolution accepted.

Motion to adopt Salary Resolution for Treasurer for the fiscal year 2007/2008 presented by Davis, seconded by Rogala.

Roll Call: Ayes: Bertchinger, Keck, Davis, Dean, Rogala- Resolution accepted.

Motion to adopt Salary Resolution for Trustees for the fiscal year 2007/2008 presented by Bertchinger, second by Keck. Roll Call: Ayes, Bertchinger, Davis, Keck, Dean, Rogala. Resolution accepted.

Budget Hearing adjourned at 6:06 P.M.

Regular Meeting called to order by Dean at 6:07 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance again recited.

Roll Call: Present: Dean, Keck, Bertchinger, Rogala, Davis.

Also in Attendance: William Schreffler, Donna Falor, and Tim MacArthur.

Agenda approved as presented. Minutes of February 20, 2007, regular meeting approved as presented.

Attorney Tim MacArthur reported to the Board that the appeal involving Superior Hotel vs. Mackinaw Township had been ruled on. It appears that the assessment will stand. Mr. MacArthur reviewed the long road this appeal has taken both before the State Tax Tribunal and the State Tax Commission

The cost for this appeal has been the responsibility of the Township even though the schools and the Village of Mackinaw receive a much greater share of the taxes. William Bertchinger, Chairman of the Mackinaw Township Board of Review has been in contact with a member of the State Tax Commission and there is some question as to whether the assessment on this property can be corrected even now. This would mean the owners would continue to pay taxes based on the incorrect assessment. MacArthur will call on Tuesday concerning options for the township at this point.

William Schreffler was introduced to the Board members and gave a brief review of this background. He also suggested some possible plans for a newsletter to be sent to the residents of Mackinaw Township. Some questions he asked were the number of newsletters per year and some of the topics that might be of interest.

It was suggested that the existing format on the Website could serve as a pattern for this newsletter. Keck will contact Μatthew Gίnοp concerning use of this format. Members will also study items they might want to consider for inclusion. Mr. Schreffler reported that he charges $35.00 per hour for writing these articles.

Keck reported on the latest information concerning Census Participation and said he would place this item on the April agenda.

Rogala and Dean updated the members on the information they had thus far concerning possible addition to the Township Hall. It would be possible to expand on the back of the building up to 15 ft. Motion by Keck, second by Bertchinger to authorize expenditure of up to $400.00 for preliminary drawings. All aye, motion carried.

Motion by Bertchinger, second by Davis to accept Rick Mahlmeister as auditor for the coming year. All aye, motion carried.

Motion by Bertchinger, second by Keck to appoint Richard Miller as Liquor Control Officer for the coming year. Payment of $800 will be authorized. All aye, motion carried.

Last item on Unfinished Business was discussion of Cheboygan County Master Plan. Dean had inquiry on zoning and Keck asked for any questions members of the Board might have. A representative from the County will be asked to attend a future meeting.

Discussion of placement of the Memorial Plaque was first item under new business. Donna Beach will be asked to review the garden area and make recommendations. Davis asked that he be authorized to obtain estimates for a stone structure to hold the plaque. He will report information at a future meeting. Dean also will inquire as to possible costs.

Keck reported that the County Recreation Plan has been approved and he will report back concerning the Mackinaw Township portion at a future meeting.

The question of increasing the CCRC Board from three members to five members was brought before the Board. The Mackinaw Board will be asked in the future to express their opinion on this subject.

Charter Communications is requesting that a representative be allowed to speak before the Board. Keck is requesting information and will report back.

Bertchinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report. Motion by Rogala, second by Davis to accept Treasurer’s Report as presented. All aye, motion carried.

Keck reported that the CCRC is addressing the situation on Freedom Road and the possibility of either a guardrail or using fill to lessen the slope. It is being studied at this time.

School Eletion will be held on May 8, 2007. All workers have been obtained.

Dean and Rogala reported on Fire and Ambulance discussion. This will continue to be addressed and it is hoped that an equitable agreement will be reach in the near future.

The possibility of increasing insurance on the contents of the Township Hall was brought forth. It will be necessary to discuss this with our insurance carrier.

Bertchinger asked about adding a box on the tax bills for residents to indicate if they do want to receive a receipt. She felt this would save postage. Board Members agreed this would be advisable since postage rates are soon increasing.

Davis motions for adjournment at 8:20 – second by Bertchinger. All aye, motion carried.

Jack A. Keck, Clerk

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