PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 28, 2023 – 7:00 PM
APPROVED
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Slucter with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Slucter, Rumsey, Fritts, Myers, Piper, Pray and Pisano
Absent: None
Myers
moved and Piper seconded to approve the agenda as written. Carried unanimously.
The
Public Hearing was called to order by Supervisor Slucter for the 2024 Budget at
7:01 pm.
Supervisor
Slucter went over the revenue and each department of the proposed 2024 Budget. He
touched upon reducing the township’s mills from 3.8 to 3.6. A three percent raise is being proposed for personnel
in most departments, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is time for
our lawn mowers to be traded in, as we do this every three to 4 years. Fire and EMS runs are up, the proposed budget
reflects the additional personnel cost.
Also, the cost of elections has gone up considerably, due to the
Constitutional amendment, known as Proposal 2, that the voters passed in
November of 2022.
Austin
Robison, 9453 Billwood Hwy – Questioned
the removal of the expenditure for the Library.
Reply was provided, the Library has their own millage now. Inquired about the increase in Information
Technology budget, reduction of revenue for sewer taps and the increase in
revenue for interest compared to the previous year’s budgets. A response was given, have engaged in
contracting services for IT, anticipated slow development for the upcoming year,
so was conservative on tap fees and our Treasurer, Sue Fritts has been working
diligently with the banks to get the interest rates increased.
With
no more questions or comments from the public, Supervisor Slucter Closed the Public Hearing at 7:07 pm.
Myers moved and Pisano seconded to approve
the minutes of the previous meeting as written.
Carried unanimously.
Reports:
Sheriff’s Report: None
Planning Commission: A public hearing for a Special Use Permit to operate a mini storage facility is scheduled for the next meeting on December 13th.
Sewer Board: Next meeting is scheduled for December 21st.
Emergency Service Department: Chief Miller reported: 1) Significant runs since last meeting. 2) Provided an update on the status of repairs for fire engine 11-51. 3) Rumsey moved and Fritts seconded to approve the promotion of Jennifer Lenneman and Raegan Wessels to firefighter/EMT. Motion carried unanimously. 5) Reminded the Board of the Emergency Services Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony coming up this Saturday.
Assessor/Preston Community Services: None
Public Service Department: 1) To date, there have been 29 burials, 17 cremations and 12 full burials. 2) Putting up snow stakes in anticipation of the coming winter.
Supervisor’s Report: Announced he will be out of town on business for the next few days, but will be available to everyone by phone, text, or email. Will return December 5th.
Public Officials:
Library Board President Linda Reznick announced, for 2024, will be focusing on building accessibility & safety and cyber privacy & security. Also, introduce Kate Gillham, having accepted the position of Library Director, after doing an excellent job as interim director for the past several months.
Ralph Reznick, Village of Dimondale President, thanked the Emergency Services for safely escorting Santa & Mrs. Clause to the Village on November 19th.
Other Reports & Announcements: None
Hear Public Present for Agenda Items: Public comment heard.
Unfinished Business:
Legal counsel is still working on language for the Building Code a Residential Code Enforcement Ordinance as well as Resolution for establishing fees. Discussed the need to develop an organizational and structural chart of how the new building department will function.
Slucter
offered and Piper supported the adoption of the 2024 Budget: The General Fund Budget for a total
appropriation of $2,672,028.00; Public Improvement appropriation of $0.00;
Street Lights for a total appropriation of $66,700.00, Fire Hydrants for a
total appropriation of $12,350.00; River Rock Landing $55.00 expenditures.
Ayes: Myers Piper, Rumsey, Slucter, Fritts, Pray
and Pisano
Nays: None
2024 Budget adopted.
New
Business: None
Hear Public Present on any subject: Public comment heard.
With no further business Supervisor Slucter adjourned the meeting at 7:26 pm.
Lisa A. Rumsey
Windsor Charter Township Clerk