Minutes:
FAIRGROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL
COUNCIL MINUTES
September 9, 2013
PRESENT: T. Wassa, J. Gehrls, T. Humpert, D. Maguire, B. Phelps, C. Phelps
ABSENT: J. VanHove
EMPLOYEES: C. Childs, M. Couture, D. Englehart, S. Maguire, D. Young
Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Wassa.
Humpert/Gehrls motioned to approve the minutes from the August 5, 2013 council meeting; all in favor, motion carried.
AUDIENCE RECOGNITION – C. Parrish discussed ordinance letter he received. President Wassa closed the meeting at 7:05pm due to disruption; C. Parrish exited the meeting. Meeting called back to order at 7:10pm by Wassa and audience recognition was reopened. S. McAlpine spoke on behalf of the Bean Festival and said this year’s festival was virtually problem-free and a great event. If there are any questions or concerns, please bring them to the attention of the Bean Festival Committee.
DEPARTMENT/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Fire – D. Young discussed August fire runs. Foam is used regularly on fires and will be noted on reports going forward so that cost recovery can be billed on Fire Department service invoices. The cost of the ladder platform safety addition that was approved for purchase at the August meeting increased from $395 to $420 because only six departments purchased. There is no one participating in FF1 training this year, and fire prevention is coming up in October. D. Young discussed a coordinator from the St. Charles Fire Department who has a 95% success rate in securing FEMA grants for a fee of $500 and 10% of the grant proceeds. Young is going to check with other departments to see if they would be interested in going in to apply for a regional grant for SCBAs. Looking forward, the availability FEMA grants to help replace apparatus is unlikely but possible due to the age and utility of our equipment. M. Couture discussed letter received from DTE regarding two invoices for responses to poles downed on Vassar Rd. and Bradleyville Rd. during the storm that occurred May 21-22. DTE is willing to pay the first invoice if we sign a release in exchange for no payment on the second invoice. It was decided that we will not agree to the settlement because these were two separate responses to different locations, and M. Couture will notify DTE. C. Childs made the recommendation that we need to tighten security on storage buildings in order to be aware of hazardous materials that may be stored. The Fire Department needs to be aware of the presence of any hazardous materials if there is a fire so that they are able to respond properly. A Fire Board meeting will be scheduled to discuss zoning and/or an ordinance to address this matter.
DPW – T. Wassa thanked D. Englehart for his work in preparation for the Bean Fest. D. Englehart discussed the possibility of collaborating with the Village of Akron DPW. Akron is interested in contracting with Fairgrove for leaf pickup this fall. It would also be beneficial to both DPWs if mutual aid could be given for jobs that are safer when performed by two workers. A DPW Committee meeting will be scheduled to explore the feasibility, liability, and potential cost savings of collaboration. Englehart also discussed who was best to attend the SAW Grant seminar on September 19th. Wassa and Englehart are currently scheduled to attend. Signage for the Neighborhood Watch was discussed. Englehart stated that there can be no signs posted on M-138, and any other signs would have to be posted behind sidewalks. Potential liability for the Village was discussed.
B. Phelps/Humpert motioned to allow the Neighborhood Watch to post signs in appropriate areas within the Village, pending approval by the Village insurance carrier; all in favor, motion carried.
Clerk’s Items – M. Couture stated that approval was needed on the engagement agreement from Nietzke & Faupel, PC for continuing monthly and year-end financial services.
B. Phelps/Maguire motioned to approve the Nietzke & Faupel, PC engagement agreement; all in favor, motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE – the Michigan Municipal League will be holding their annual convention at the Detroit Marriott in the Renaissance Center on September 17-20, 2013.
OLD BUSINESS – None
NEW BUSINESS
Review/Renew A-F Schools Sewer Pump Agreement – discussion held regarding the previous agreement that expired in 2009 and needs to be reviewed per Village auditor’s request.
Humpert/Gehrls motioned to renew the Sewer Pump Agreement with Akron-Fairgrove Schools using the same terms as the previous agreement for a period of four years; all in favor, motion carried.
Ordinance Citizen Complaint Form – M. Couture presented a sample form to be filled out when a resident wishes to make an ordinance violation complaint so the Village has appropriate documentation on file and discussion was held.
B. Phelps/Maguire motioned to approve the Ordinance Citizen Complaint Form as presented and allow the clerk to make revisions as needed; all in favor, motion carried.
Powell Fire – was mentioned and is still under investigation.
Magic Square – discussion held about improvements such as a cover/roof over the basketball courts.
Economic Survey – discussion held about trying another survey of residents in an effort to get income status changed to low-mod in order to accurately reflect current Village demographic. This would help put the Village in a better position to acquire grant funds (FEMA, SAW, etc.) with no matching funds expense — postponed for further research.
FINANCES
B. Phelps/Gehrls motioned to approve August disbursements totaling approximately $37,687.43; all in favor, motion carried.
As there was no other business, meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Couture
Fairgrove Village Clerk
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