Minutes:
FAIRGROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL
COUNCIL MINUTES
December 3, 2012
PRESENT: T. Wassa, J. Gehrls, T. Humpert, B. Phelps
ABSENT: A. Leen, D. Maguire, (one vacant)
EMPLOYEES: M. Couture, D. Young
VISITORS: A. LaPratt, L. Hall, S. Young
Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Wassa.
Gehrls/Humpert motioned to approve the minutes from the November 5, 2012 council meeting; all in favor, motion carried.
AUDIENCE RECOGNITION
L. Hall and S. Young discussed the police department.
DEPARTMENT/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Fire – D. Young discussed three runs for the month of November, also noted that an individual with 3 fire calls will be billed, even if they have a burn permit. They will be taking tanker and D. Young’s truck to participate in Akron’s Light Parade on December 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Positions of Chief 1, 2, and 3 expire in March 2013 and need to be appointed. The Fire Department will then elect the positions of Captain, Lieutenant, and Training Officer. Current Chiefs are working well, but the opportunity is there if others want to apply. Interested parties need to file a letter of intent with the clerk prior to the January 7, 2013 council meeting. D. Young has submitted a letter of intent to remain Chief 1.
Humpert/Phelps motioned to appoint the positions of Chief 1, 2, and 3 at the next council meeting to allow time for all applications to be received; all in favor, motion carried.
The biannual meeting of the Fire Board (consisting of the Village Fire Committee, Fire Department Chiefs, and Township Representatives) needs to be scheduled. The payment amount per section for the new fire truck is being calculated and a separate contract will be drafted to be approved by council and presented to the townships at the Fire Board meeting. Fairgrove Township would like to make a payment before the end of the year.
Akron Fire Department wants to purchase old dunk tank. Fair price discussed, approximately $2,000-$3,000 new, but this one needs repair so estimating $500-$1,000.
Humpert/Gehrls motioned to allow Fairgrove Fire Department to negotiate a fair and equitable price and sell the old dunk tank to the Akron Fire Department; all in favor, motion carried.
The Fire Department’s printer is broken, discussed making use of the police department’s printer or purchasing a new one if under $300. Also, would like to take a hydraulic door closer from the old school so the door stays closed to keep soot out of the office.
Fire Department’s Annual Christmas Party is Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at the Fairgrove Fire Hall. Social hour begins at 5:00 with dinner to follow at 6:00 consisting of New York strip, pork loin, potato, salad, dinner rolls, and dessert. Price is $10 per person or $20 per couple with checks/money orders payable to the Fairgrove Fire Department. RSVP to Scott Maguire 989-673-3097 no later than Saturday, December 29, 2012.
Fit test needs to be done on SCBA mask and recalibrated annually. D. Young to see if it can be done through the county at no cost. If not, the cost is $650.
Humpert/Gehrls motioned to approve $650 for the fit test, if needed; all in favor, motion carried.
Police – No report
DPW – M. Couture noted that the faucet is leaking in the conference room and that D. Englehart will be replacing it. Also, D. Young stated that the Health Department wants us to have the water tested.
Clerk’s Items – Office will be closed Monday, December 10, 2012 in order for clerk to attend an income tax conference. Discussion held regarding office hours and the budget.
Humpert/Phelps motioned to reduce hours clerk’s hours to 15 per week as originally budgeted; all in favor, motion carried.
Clerk’s office will be open on Mondays and Fridays from 8:30am – 4:00pm, effective immediately.
CORRESPONDENCE
T. Wassa received a letter from the Task Force regarding a meeting to be held at the Tuscola County Road Commission on December 17, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. He will review further and advise if any action needs to be taken.
OLD BUSINESS
Asbestos Inspection in old school – discussed four bids received and utilizing unused funds from the police budget to move forward with the asbestos survey.
Humpert/Phelps motioned to transfer $1,200 of unused funds from the police budget to buildings and grounds for Sierra Technical Services of Freeland to conduct an asbestos survey in the old school; all in favor, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Wassa/Gehrls appointed Todd Humpert to the position of president pro-tempore; all in favor, motion carried.
Phelps/Humpert motioned to continue holding council meetings on the first Monday of each month in 2013, with the exception of holidays in which case the meeting will be held on the following Monday; all in favor, motion carried.
M. Couture advised that the Chemical Bank – Fairgrove branch will be closing as of February 15, 2013, and a decision needs to be made whether to continue with Chemical Bank in Caro or move accounts to another bank—postponed until January 2013 meeting.
Discussion held regarding Part 2 – Consolidation of Services for the State of Michigan EVIP program that is due February 1, 2013. Last year the Fairgrove Fire Department’s contracts with surrounding townships for fire protection and the A-F Sewer Lagoon were used to fulfill this requirement, and will use these again, as well as the collaboration with townships that supported the new fire truck purchase this year.
Discussion held regarding sewer bills for properties sold at tax sale through the county. It was determined to let billings continue because the new owner assumes such debt associated with the property, and it is cheaper than discontinuing billing and then charging a $250 reconnect fee.
FINANCES
Humpert/Phelps motioned to approve November disbursements totaling $23,813.72; all in favor, motion carried.
As there was no other business, meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Couture
Fairgrove Village Clerk
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