The regular meeting of the Mackinaw Township Board was called to order at 6:00 P.M. on February 22, 2008 at 10595 Wallick Road, Mackinaw City, Michigan. Dean led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: Present: Dean, Keck, Bertchinger
Absent: Rogala, Davis
Davis arrived at 6:03 P.M. – Approval of Agenda as presented. Approval of Minutes of January 22, 2008 meeting as presented.
Attorney MacArthur arrived at 6:20. Dean reported on letter sent to Village of Mackinaw by attorney concerning fire protection agreement. MacArthur said he had heard from Village Manager that letter would be presented to Council but nothing further had been relayed from the Village. Many questions remain such as can we sign just a one-year agreement until all details are worked out and if there are any other options for fire protection. It as agreed by the Board members that nothing further should be done until an answer is received from the Village of Mackinaw.
MacArthur then moved on to provide details of current litigation concerning tax issues. Many of these issues are being delayed because of Court of Appeals staffing issues. It was reported that Mackinaw City Schools are concerned about pending appeals that will affect their available funds. Jacobson reviewed the responsibility of the Township in appealing these cases and the estimated cost to hire“expert” witnesses. The burden of proof is on the property owner to show that the current assessment is out of line. Bertchinger and Dean will meet with representatives from school and village, along with MacArthur and Jacobson to discuss actions involving the Courtyards appeal.
Keck reviewed preliminary budget for 2008/2009 and discussed each line item change. Motion by Keck, second by Bertchinger to accept Preliminary Budget as presented which includes a 4% salary increase for members. All aye, motion carried.
Motion by Keck, second by Davis to approve Agreement for 2008/2009 with Tim MacArthur to provide legal services for 2008/2009. All aye agreement accepted.
Liquor Control Agreement with Richard Miller for 2008/2009 was accepted on motion by Bertchinger, second by Davis with addition of $200.00 expenses. All aye, motion carried.
Budget Hearing for 2008/2009 was set for 6:00 P.M. on March 18, 2008.
Keck requested an increase in the limit of Credit Cards as charges for Board Members often cause the card to be rejected because of balance. Motion by Davis, second by Bertchinger to increase limit on card to $2500.00 All aye, motion carried.
Board of Review dates for 2008 are as follows: March 4 at 10:00 A.M., March 10 from 9:00 to 3:00 and March 11 from 3:00 to 9:00.
Treasurer’s report approved as presented on motion of Davis, second by Keck. All aye, report approved. Bills for month of February approved on motion by Davis, second by Keck.. All aye, bills approved as presented.
Report on projects considered for road improvement was briefly reviewed. After Hebron improvements are completed in the coming year, a review will be done to discuss further projects.
Motion by Bertchinger, second by Davis to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.
Jack A. Keck, Clerk