MACKINAW TOWNSHIP

The regular meeting of the Mackinaw Township Board was called to order at 7:30 P.M. on September 18, 2007, at 10595 Wallick Road, Mackinaw City, Michigan.  Dean led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Dean, Keck, Rogala, Bertchinger, Davis
Absent: None

Also present: Mike Overton, Linda Socha, Tim MacArthur, Ron Wallin, Eric Jacobson

Agenda stands as presented.  Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 17, 2007 approved as presented.

Guest speaker Mike Overton, County Administrator, reviewed the current situation with the recycle project being proposed for Cheboygan County.  He gave a brief history of activity up to this point and the legality of the proposed $24.00 per household to fund the recycling.  He also  discussed the cost for initial set-up including bins and how the project will be administered.  The placement of bins is still being studied but it does appear that the Cheboygan County Building will be the nearest one for Mackinaw Township residents.  Mr. Overton is hoping for a November 1, 2008, deadline for decisions from townships as to whether they will or will not participate.

Socha reported to the Board members that the vote on the question of increasing the County Road Commission from three to five members would probably go before the County Commissioners in November.

Attorney MacArthur reviewed the current situation with seven tax issues concerning Mackinaw Township.  Five of these cases concern valuation issues, and two involve procedural problems.
Some of the cases have been decided on and settlements reached.  Any cases still pending will be dealt with as the situation demands.

The matter of Mackinaw Township residents participating in the Cheboygan County Recycling Project was discussed.  Only those residents outside the Mackinaw City village limits would be affected by any decisions the township board might make.  The options include: no action, place a $24 user fee on resident households, or the township pay the fee from the general fund.  Mr. Overton had indicated earlier that the County would possibly be able to offer a plan whereby only those households wanting to recycle would be able to participate with the fee being somewhat higher than the $24.

After looking at the various options, Dean moved that the township pay the first year recycling fee from the general fund.  Keck supported this motion.  Discussion followed.  As it appeared that more information would be beneficial in deciding what was fair for those residents both within and outside the village, Dean offered to withdraw his motion and place the question on the October agenda.  Keck withdrew his second.

The Sealcoat/Fog Seal Project recently completed in the township was reviewed.  There will be some repair on the recent projects if it is necessary.

Dean reviewed the proposed agreement with the Village of Mackinaw and the necessity of a Fire Board.  He will continue to work with the Village until an agreement is reached.  Because of the recent changes in the village officers, it will probably be necessary to again address this issue with the new administration.

Keck asked if there was a cap on the amount to be spent with North County Garden for the installation and maintenance of the Memorial Garden.  Rogala reported there was an amount on the original plans submitted to the Board.  This will be reviewed in October.

Davis asked when the plaque would be installed in the Memorial Garden.  Motion by Rogala, second by Bertchinger to allow Davis to contact someone to install the plaque with an expenditure of no more than $200.00.  All aye, motion carried.

The issue of a policy for lawful expenditures will be again put on the agenda for October.  Keck reported that the county will be dealing with the LUCA issue and it would require nothing more from the township.

Treasurer’s Reports for the months of July and August are as follows:

Motion by Rogala, second by Davis to approve August Bills as presented.  All aye, motion approved.  Motion by Dean, second by Rogala to approve September bills as presented.  All aye, motion carried.

Meeting adjourned to the call of the chair at 10:00 P.M.

Jack A. Keck, Clerk