JAMESTOWN CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
September 21, 2009 7:00 p.m.
09-21-01 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Miedema.
09-21-02 Opening prayer was given by Dan Jensen.
09-21-03 Members present: Gary Boverhof, Scott Brouwer, Dan Jensen, Jim Miedema, Ruth Pruis, Norma Shaarda and Tim Tacoma. Absent: None.
09-21-04 Motion by Miedema seconded by Shaarda to remove the Prien & Newhof quote for 32nd Ave. lift station from the agenda. Carried.
09-21-05 The minutes of the regular board meeting held August 17, 2009 were approved as presented.
09-21-06 Public comment: No one wished to comment at this time.
09-21-07 Motion by Shaarda seconded by Boverhof to approve the consent agenda including all reports and correspondence. Carried.
09-21-08 Old Business: The fire chief requested that the board go into closed session to discuss his contract. Motion by Miedema seconded by Tacoma to go into closed session. Roll call vote: Carried.
09-21-09 New Business: The first reading was held for the No Parking Ordinance – an ordinance to prohibit parking on the Township Office lawns on the west and north side of the township lot. (Copy attached.)
09-21-10 Motion by Shaarda seconded by Boverhof to deny the purchase of desktop microphones for the assembly room. Carried.
09-21-11 Ken Lenz, Jamestown resident, expressed concerns regarding some fire department issues. A few of the concerns were:
1. The purchase of the aerial truck with Georgetown at a cost of $250,000, which did not increase Jamestown’s ISO ratings;
2. The purchase of the new fire truck from North Dakota without getting local company bids. The truck is made out of state and purchased from an unlicensed dealer. Also concern that 100% pre-payment was made with only a bond to secure the purchase;
3. The expenditure of $63,000 toward a new fire station without ballot approval to build it;
4. Fiscal irresponsibility concerning the building of a new fire station for $1.5 million. He feels that there is a need for a larger fire station, but something more conservative;
5. Contamination of the soil and cost of removal of buildings on the land purchase made this year in May as well as the related issue of paying all the back taxes on the purchase; 6. Concerns regarding animosity from the department regarding his FOIA request;
7. Concern regarding the qualification of the fire fighters;
8. Expenses: Operating cost per run equals $500 for each call, most of which are not for fires.
Mr. Lenz requested that a fire committee be established to represent the fire department to the board. This committee should include citizens not on the board or fire department. He also requested that the Township Board establish a policy statement that the Township buy in Michigan and locally if that is possible.
The final suggestion was that the Township develop a solution for impact fees for development in the township.
09-21-12 Bids were presented for repairs to the front entrance to the office building. Motion by Tacoma to accept the bid from Holland Custom Metalworks to repair the railings, posts, and general maintenance to the north and west entrances at a cost of $10,000. Shaarda requested to amend the motion to include that the demo and prep work not included in the bid not to exceed $6,000. Tacoma agreed to the amendment. Motion seconded by Boverhof. Roll call vote: Carried.
09-21-13 Motion by Miedema seconded by Shaarda to go into closed session to discuss the fire chief contract. Roll call vote: Carried.
09-21-14 Motion by Midema seconded by Shaarda to leave the closed session. Roll call vote: Carried.
09-21-15 Motion by Miedema seconded by Shaarda to rescind the resolution of board meeting June 15, 2009 to approve the compensation package listed in the fire chief job description. Roll call vote: Carried.
09-21-16 Motion by Tacoma seconded by Shaarda to approve the fire chief pay of $7,000 per year plus stipends as listed excluding mileage. Roll call vote: Carried.
09-21-17 Motion by Tacoma seconded by Shaarda to approve the fire chief contract for a two year period as presented (excluding mileage). Roll call vote: Carried. (Copy attached.)
09-21-18 Motion by Boverhof seconded by Tacoma to present the bills. Carried.
09-21-19 Motion by Tacoma seconded by Jensen to pay the bills Roll call vote: Carried.
09-21-20 Shaarda requested a board work session. One was tentatively set for November 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
09-21-21 Hearing no objections, the meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Ruth Pruis
Jamestown Township Clerk