Acceptance Items - Ortonville | Village



Village of OrtonvilleBrandon High School Performing Arts Center1025 S Ortonville RoadOrtonville, MI 48462Ortonville Village Regular Council MeetingMarch 23, 2015 President Wills called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation.Roll Call:Present: Skornicka, Baker, McClerren, Waters, Brice, Eschmann, WillsAbsent: NoneAlso Present: John Lyons – Village Manager; Julie Knight – Village Clerk; Beth Forys – Village Treasurer; Susan Bromley – Reporter for The Citizen; Robert Renchik – DDA Board President; Molly LaLone – DDA Executive Director; Phil Sanzica – Chief Deputy Water Resources Commissioner; Dr. Matt Outlaw – Brandon School District Superintendent; David Kwapis – Brandon Fire Chief; a number of interested members of the publicApproval of Agenda:Motion by Trustee Waters, seconded by Trustee McClerren, to approve the agenda as presented. All in favor, the Motion carried.Approval of Meeting Minutes:Motion by Trustee McClerren, seconded by Trustee Skornicka, to approve the minutes of the February 23, 2015 meeting as presented. All in favor, the Motion carried.Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items: NoneAcceptance ItemsA. Treasurer’s Report – February 2015B. Brandon Township Fire Dept. Expenditures – February 2015Council Reviewed. Items Accepted.Disbursements:Clarification was sought for the following expenditure(s):#9 – Mazza Auto Parts – $71.13 (Auto parts for vehicle repair): Skornicka asked what parts these were. It was later looked into and it was found that the purchases were for a wheel nut, steel fitting, and a stud.#15 – Water Resources Commission – $1,355.00 (2 WRC Soil Erosion Permit Inspections for Ball Street Bridge): President Wills asked how this project is doing and how much more would likely be spent on the project. Manager John Lyons said that there was about $30,000 to $40,000 left to expend for the Ball Street Bridge project.Motion by Trustee Eschmann, seconded by Trustee Brice, to pay the bills in the amount of $11,220.20.Roll Call:Ayes: Skornicka, Baker, McClerren, Waters, Brice, Eschmann, Wills Nays: NoneAbsent: NoneAll in favor, the Motion carried.New BusinessA. Fire Dept. – Oakland County Sheriff Office (OCSO) Dispatch Contract Fire Chief Dave Kwapis noted that this would be the Fire Department’s third contract with the Sheriff’s Office. Each contract is for three years, and the Fire Department started in 2008 with the OCSO. The big increase for the contract this year is the number of calls. The average number of dispatch calls has gone up notably since the previous contract period. The contract would start in April of 2015 and run till March of 2018.Motion by Trustee Eschmann, seconded by Trustee Waters, to approve the 2015 – 2018 Fire Dispatch Service Agreement between the County of Oakland and the Charter Township of Brandon as presented. All in favor, the Motion carried.B. Fire Dept. – New Phone System Station #1 The Fire Department’s current phone system is 16+ years old, and they would like to get a new one. With the current system, the old automated message answering machine cannot be changed. The Fire Department would save money by “piggybacking” on Brandon Township’s new phone system.Motion by Trustee Waters, seconded by Trustee McClerren, to approve the fire department to combine phone services with the Township for initial startup cost not to exceed $6,000.00. All in favor, the Motion carried.C. Fire Dept. – New Bravo 3 The Fire Department is looking to replace Bravo 3, which is a 1990 heavy duty Ford non-transport rescue vehicle. A large number of repairs have been needed to be done to the Bravo 3. Currently there is a rear main seal leak and a few other issues. There have already been two remounts done with Emergency Vehicles Plus. Instead of buying new, the Department would like to have a used box put on a new 4x4 chassis. This would be a fifth unit and it would be stored at Station 3, where the Bravo 3 is currently stored. The Department doesn’t currently have a vehicle quite like the one proposed. It would be able to be used for bariatric residents. The unit would have a ramp system, allowing the stretcher to stay lowered while being loaded into the back of the unit. This would be must safer for the patient and team. The unit would be about $135,345, while a new unit would be around $180,000 to $200,000. The Department would be getting the unit for about $50,000 than what was budgeted for. The cost would include everything but the stretcher.Motion by Trustee Baker, seconded by Trustee Brice, to approve the purchase of a 2014 E-450 ambulance remount completed as specified by Emergency Vehicles Plus for $135,345.00 with a 50 percent deposit and final payment due upon completion and to sell 1991 Bravo 3 for an amount approved by the Fire Authority. All in favor, the Motion carried.D. Fire Dept. – New Brush 2 The Fire Department is looking to replace its 1990 brush truck. The Department is planning to maintain just one brush truck. The brush truck is used to fight brush and grass fires and to plow Stations 2 and 3 and cemetery with the Township. The Fire Department received three bids. One bid was Randy Wise Ford, which is local to Brandon Township. The two other bids were from Elder Ford in Troy and Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids. The bid from Berger Chevrolet was part of the Oakland County contract bid, and usually they are cheaper. However, the Ford is about $3,000 cheaper. Randy Wise is about $180 more, but they are a local business and maintain the Department’s current vehicles. Because of this, Randy Wise is recommended. Motion by Trustee Waters, seconded by Trustee McClerren, to approve the purchase of a 2015 Ford F350 Super Duty Pick-up from Randy Wise for a total cost not to exceed $31,484.32 and to include the emergency lights and sirens. Purchase/installation from Cynergy Wireless not to exceed $5,500.00 for a total not to exceed $36,984.32 and to sell 1990 Chevrolet 2500 Brush 2 for an amount approved by the Fire Authority. All in favor, the Motion carried.E. Fire Dept. – SCBA Selection ApprovalThe Department’s self-contained breathing apparatuses are getting to the end of their service lives now that they are more than 15 years old. These are worn on the backs of firemen when in a house fire, allowing them to breath. There were some concerning issues popping up from the current equipment. The Assistance for Firefighters Grant will give the Brandon Fire Department a $121,125 FEMA grant for the purchase of new SCBA equipment. The Fire Department’s match for the grant would be $7,127. Sgt. Starr put a lot of time into this and worked with a grant writer. There was a lot of time spent doing comparisons. These will be the latest and greatest technology and will meet guidelines.Motion by Trustee Eschmann, seconded by Trustee Baker, to approve the SCBA replacement to Argus-Hazco to Purchase 23-complete NFPA 2013 compliant ScotX3 SCBA with accessories not to exceed $128,252 ($121,125 in Grant funds and $7127.00 in fire department funds). All in favor, the Motion carried.F. DDA Director Address to CouncilMolly LaLone, Ortonville DDA Director, stepped forward to explain various events and programs that the DDA is involved in and things that the organization has accomplished. She invited Council and members of the public to see the DIA Inside-Out program opening later in spring and mentioned several other art related events taking place in the Village and the Library this spring and summer.G. Creekfest Special Event Street Closure PermitMotion by Trustee McClerren, seconded by Trustee Baker, to approve the Creekfest Event permit as presented. All in favor, the Motion carried.H. Creekfest Parade PermitMotion by Trustee McClerren, seconded by Trustee Baker, approve the 2015 Creekfest Parade on June 20, 2015 application as presented. All in favor, the Motion carried.I. Superintendent of Brandon Schools – Dr. Matt OutlawDr. Matt Outlaw introduced himself as the Brandon School District Superintendent. He explained that he was hired about a year ago and had no idea how much time the district would be spending on water issues. The district is trying to balance the budget and be fiscally healthy as an organization, but water keeps coming up again and again. The district has until November of 2019 to replace the water treatment plant between the middle and high schools, and it’s looking at a $2.1 million cost for that. The Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School also has an old treatment plant that needs to be replaced within the next two years, and that would be about a $225,000 to $250,000 cost. The week prior to the meeting, the Harvey-Swanson school, which was built in the 1940s, had a septic field failure, the price for which is still yet to be determined. The district pays about $150,000 annually to the DEQ and Oakland County for monitoring the schools for compliance in regards to water. Dr. Outlaw stated that their focus is on the kids, but that they are also in the water business. If it was feasible, he said the schools would like to partner with the Village on this water issue to come up with a combined solution that would help everyone. Trustee Eschmann addressed Dr. Outlaw and made the point that the schools being tied into the proposed sewage system would help lower the costs people would have to pay. Outlaw mentioned that the bond debt tax levy is a separate issue that all taxpayers within the district will have to deal with (the bond is from 2006). Trustee Eschmann wondered whether the estimated amount assessed to Village residents ($25,500) was calculated from an overall cost that included the schools’ monetary contribution or not; the schools’ contribution to the project (if they were to hook up as well) would help take a large portion of the burden off the residents. Phil Sanzica stepped forward to speak on the issue and explained that there are three parts to the assessment cost: the treatment plant construction cost, the collection system, and connection cost. The project is so preliminary and with so many variables, the only estimate Phil can offer is the $25,500 figure.Public Comments: Kathleen Johnson of 120 Narrin St. – Stated that she is at retiring age and on a limited, fixed income. People in her position could lose their homes. She is sorry the businesses can’t grow, but believes it’s more important for people to stay in their homes. She voiced concern over the traffic of sludge trucks and chemicals in the creek. Council reassured that the Village’s permit issued by DEQ is strict with certain parameters. Carlyn Maddox of 33 Church Street – In 2012 she became ill and lives on a small pension. Her husband is retired and Carlyn’s sister convinced her to move to Ortonville. They found their dream house on Church Street. They had a new septic field added at a cost of around $35,000 in 2012. They pay to have it serviced and maintained. She plans to move if the sewers come in.Don Heffner of 134 Myron – Said that the project is ridiculous and that the money should be put toward the schools. He wonders why he did not get a survey asking, “What do you want?”Ruthmary Achten of 124 Myron – She has lived in the Village for almost 31 years and will probably have to move if sewers come into the Village. She voiced concern for retired residents on fixed incomes. Twenty years prior she had an engineered field put in.Cynthia Kimmel – Cynthia is not a Village resident (lives on County Line Rd), but she has seen the creek rise and is concerned about it rising even more with the water discharged from the system (her basement has been flooded from rising water). She spoke to DEQ and learned they would use an ultraviolet treatment, not chlorinated. The DNR said the water would have to be 65degrees. She would not eat fish from the creek. Rob Buxbom of 122 Mill Street – He has lived in the Village for three years, going on four and would like to know the main purpose of why sewers are needed. Council stated that is was for a variety of reasons. Rob said that he has looked through the Village’s Master Plan and showed concern for the older residents and potential buyers in the case that sewers were installed.Andrew Taylor of 586 Mill Street – Stated that this issue of sewers is a massive decision that should only be made by a majority.Darcel Butzu of 193 Mill Street – Thanked Council and John Lyons, and alluded to previous meeting when several members of the Council spoke up to say that Council is made up of Village residents. Darcel stated that the Councilmembers are “not one of” them (residents). They are, rather, the first level of government, and that is how they are seen. She is asking Council to extend the vote to the people.Robert Renchik, Ortonville DDA President – He is not a resident of the Village, but he is a business owner, the DDA President, and a member of the Main Street program. He would like the bond issue to pass.Karen Sleva of 289 Edward Street – She referred to Dr. Outlaw’s comments from earlier in the meeting and said that schools need something to improve system. She wants to help the schools, not put money toward sewers. The schools would be more economical to fix. Karen contacted a consultant and said that the grinder pumps may help the Village to grow, but it will become obsolete.Larry Hayden of 200 Mill Street – He stated that his septic is fine, but he lives in a community, not in isolation. There are failing systems and high water tables. He’s embarrassed by the yellow caution tape at the creeks in the summertime when the e. coli is so high. He asked whether the Village has considered assistance for those on a fixed income. President Wills said there may be some places to go to for help, and it could be looked into.Shelli Herbert of 465 School House – Asked why Brandon and Groveland Townships aren’t involved to help disburse costs. President Wayne Wills said that they are not interested at this time, but may be in the future. Shelli then asked why residents were being forced to pay for something they don’t want, don’t need, and can’t afford, and then she said that the Village residents are double-taxed as it is, without adding this extra cost burden.Jack Quigley of 125 Myron – He has a house in Ortonville for his mother. His questions aren’t being answered and stated that sometimes the e. coli test readings show that the level is higher coming in than going out.Brian Reid of 860 Village Pine Lane – He and his family are from the area, and his daughter graduated last year from Brandon last year high in her class. He said he believed Manager John Lyons and Trustee Waters to be condescending. He referenced recent articles in the newspaper and said that it would be a shame to burden the citizens with this astronomical cost, especially those who have recently put in an expensive new septic system. He compared the cost of the sewer system with the estimated cost for the schools to fix their water problems and how many more would benefit from fixing the schools’ problems at a lower cost.Jeff Bremner of 201 Mill Street – Jeff asked why the sewer issue wasn’t put to a vote first, why the Council can’t tell him what it’ll cost, and why they aren’t answering questions. He said these are “Nancy Pelosi” politics.Glennis Hubbard of 70 Crescent Hill – Glennis addressed the previous gentleman’s concerns and tried to explain the process the Village and residents would take with the contract and what would need to be done to have an election by starting a petition during the referendum period. She requested that it be put to a vote.Paula Yourst of 385 Arbor Pine Drive – She said she had a lot to say and a lot of questions. She explained some calculations of cost and was concerned about the economic vitality of the solution. She asked if there were any other funding sources available and who would pay for the Village Office, library and foreclosed homes. She expressed concern about the creek.Tim Nybo of 788 Oakwood Road – He is a Vietnam veteran. He said he saw kids and people playing and fishing in the creek, but none has died that he knows of. He said you don’t take a sledgehammer to kill a fly. He said to kill the issue now.Laura Douglas of 97 Village Court – Looked at the Master Plan and didn’t see why some of it was in there if it was not in the Village. She doesn’t like the project and said that to say the Village is dying is to say it once lived.Patrick George of 219 N. Church Street – He’s lived in the Village for 30 years. He asked if there was any doubt that, if the issue were put to a vote, it would pass. He said the Village doesn’t want it.Kim Davis of 305 Timberwood Trail – Kim is a single mother with kids in the Brandon School District. It has been hard for her, but now it would be harder with more costs. She said the issue needs to be killed.David Grigereit of 329 Edward Street – Resident for 17 years, David said he has spoken to his neighbors and they don’t want it. He said the Village should put its best explanation forward for why the sewers are needed and let the people vote.Rick of 12315 County Line Road – Lives on Kearsley Creek. He said he’s seen the creek flood so that trees have come down.Zyta Hrabina of 12330 Ray Road – She is from Poland and came to the United States to live the American dream. She lives 50 feet from the creek and is concerned about the water to be discharged into it. More water is a big problem. She’s concerned about families who live by the creek.Kevin Vogler of 125 Crescent Hill – Kevin thanked those who spoke. He said the issue is unacceptable and would like to kill it indefinitely—as it would be the right thing to do.Marilyn Webb of 589 Mill Street – She said she is not “demanding” but rather “asking” Council to submit the bond issue to a vote of the people. Council is not listening to its constituents and the meetings weren’t well publicized. Pam Schulmer of 380 Arbor Pine Drive – She said that people can’t afford and don’t want the system. She is demanding a vote. It’s ridiculous to put it through petition process. The issue is ill-conceived. She asked for a show of hands from Councilmembers as to who rents versus owns their home and who is for the sewer project.President Wayne Wills read some emails and letters received by the Village from people who couldn’t be at the meeting. The letters expressed support for the sewer project.Ron Sutton of 57 N. Church Street – He is in favor of sewers and said the Village needs them. He doesn’t like the “ugly” septic systems filling the Village.Unfinished Business:A. Consideration of Resolution Approving Oakland County Ortonville Sewage Disposal System Contract with the County of OaklandThe item was tabled at the February 23 meeting. President Wayne Wills went over the process of the contract, public notice, 45 day period, and petition. It was clarified that USDA Rural Development would not require payoff of assessment at the time of a home sale.Trustee Eschmann put forth a statement about the project and said he has lost sleep over it. Council represents a small portion of the Village and will put a large burden on the people. He said that he is confident that Council would act the best either way the people were to vote. He then entertained a motion for a vote of the people.Motion by Trustee Eschmann, seconded by Trustee McClerren, to put the decision to move forward for the sale of bonds up to a vote of the people at the earliest possible time. Roll Call:Ayes: Skornicka, Baker, McClerren, Brice, Eschmann, Wills Nays: WatersAbsent: NoneThe Motion carried with a 6/7 vote.President Wills warned about a future time when people will be forced to act on the issue of sewers and/or failing septic systems and explained the bond commitment.Eschmann stated that it is not known exactly what has caused the creek contamination. It could be a variety of things.Items from the Manager: Manager Lyons mentioned that an Ortonville, Groveland Township, and Brandon Township community-based trail committee is being formed. It has been named the Blackhawk Community Trails Committee. It should be a guidance group not only for Village trails, but other paths in the area that connect to the Governor’s Iron Belle Trail that leads from Belle Isle in Detroit to Iron Mountain in the Upper Peninsula. Manager Lyons is looking for volunteers to help out. Right now there are seven members, but the group hasn’t even elected officers yet and it’s still unclear how many will be on the committee. It can’t get too large, but the group wants a solid base from both townships and the Village.John also gave his “hats off” to Council for the evening. It was difficult, and he personally believes the contract process should have been followed, but Council and the people have decided not to, and he and the office will look into and work on scheduling the election.Items from Trustees:Brice: Wanted to remind everyone that the Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance breakfast would be on March 26 at 8 a.m. at the library.McClerren: Gave an update on what the Planning Commission has been looking into recently, some of which are proposed sign and accessory building zoning ordinance revisions to make it clearer for staff and the public.Wills:He wanted to conclude the meeting by thanking those in attendance. He was excited at the fine turnout of the evening and said it speaks well of the community. He said as Council seats become vacant in the future, some may feel like “throwing their hat in the ring” to be a part of Council. He voiced his appreciation for those in the audience who were former council members and current Planning Commission members. He said what they are doing is a labor of love, and that they want to see the Village have life again. Many on Council grew up in the Village and remember it as it was, with a bakery and more shops. Sure, there are malls that could take business, but even some malls are failing. People are coming back to local communities. He stated that everyone will leave a legacy in some way or another and asked what people’s legacy would be and to whom it would be left. To private residents or the greater community?Motion by Trustee Baker, seconded by Trustee Skornicka, to adjourn the regular Village Council meeting. All in favor, the Motion carried.Meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m. Respectfully Submitted,Julie Knight – Village Clerk ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download