FAIRGROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL

COUNCIL MINUTES

OCTOBER 7, 2013

PRESENT:  T. Wassa, J. Gehrls, T. Humpert, D. Maguire, B. Phelps, C. Phelps

ABSENT:  J. VanHove

EMPLOYEES:  L. Baur, M. Couture, D. Englehart, A. LaPratt, 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 September 9, 2013 council meeting; all in favor, motion carried.

2012 – 2013 Audit – Gary Anderson, CPA from Anderson, Tuckey, Bernhardt & Doran, PC presented the 2012 – 2013 audit report.  Mr. Anderson said that the village can consider having an audit done every other year, instead of every year as has been previous practice, in an effort to save money.

AUDIENCE RECOGNITION – A resident stated that on September 25, 2013 at around 1:25am crotch-rocket type motorcycles were racing through town on Main Street and wanted everyone to be aware and be careful.  It was brought to attention that the treasurer’s phone number is not listed on tax bills; this will be corrected going forward. 

DEPARTMENT/COMMITTEE REPORTS

Fire – D. Young discussed September fire runs.  Mike Hall has retired from the Fire Department as of 10/6/13.  October is Fire Prevention Month.  Engine 1 will be taken to the A-F Elementary School on 10/25 as a part of the fire education program.  The Fire Department is discussing doing a joint bingo fundraiser with the Bean Festival sometime prior to Christmas – will bring to the council for approval when details are determined.  Some lights need to be changed in the fire hall.  The price for fluorescent bulbs is going up drastically, so may want to consider changing current fixtures to something more economical, such as T-5s.  Some gear will need to be cleaned and names added – not a large cost and cost is already in the budget.  Discussion held regarding a bid received for the old fire truck in the amount of $2,100.00.  It was decided that the truck is worth more than what was offered and to pursue online advertising.  The Fire Department voted to recommend Mike Sode, who already has FF 1 & 2 training, as a member of the Fire Department. 

Humpert/Maguire motioned to approve the Fire Department’s recommendation to accept Mike Sode, pending background check and medical physical; all in favor, motion carried. 

DPW – there is wood laying around from trees that have been cut down in the park and at the end of Circle Drive free for the taking if anyone wants it. 

Clerk’s Items – M. Couture stated that the village insurance carrier was contacted and they advised that there are no liability issues with the Neighborhood Watch posting signs for their meetings and events in appropriate locations within the village.  It is time to start thinking about the 2014 – 2015 budget; deadline for proposed budget items is December 1, 2013.  MML Worker’s Comp Loss Prevention recommended considering designating a medical facility for all non-emergency work comp injuries that may occur.

Humpert/Maguire motioned to research and select a suitable provider for non-emergency work comp injuries as recommended by MML; all in favor, motion carried.
 

CORRESPONDENCE – None

OLD BUSINESS

Economic Survey – Due to the federal government shutdown, we are still awaiting information and guidance regarding updating the economic survey. 

SAW Grant – T. Wassa explained what he learned when he attended the SAW Grant seminar in Roscommon.  It is possible to qualify as a disadvantaged community without an updated economic survey.  There is a lottery system for available funds, and the application deadline is December 2, 2013.

NEW BUSINESS

Privacy Protection Ordinance – T. Wassa explained that the radio signals emitted by smart meters can disrupt internet, phone, and TV reception.  It is reported that this is the largest complaint currently being received by DTE.  Discussion held regarding amending the Privacy Protection Ordinance to address this issue. 

B. Phelps/Gehrls motioned to approve the Privacy Protection Ordinance to include the following provision in Section 2:  Prohibited Act, “4.  Knowingly causing the disruption of electronic communications, Internet services, cell phone service, cable service, television and radio broadcast, or any electronic device.”; all in favor, motion carried.

Newly Elected Officials Training – will be held November 21, 2013 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth for anyone who would like to attend.  Cost is $75.00 per person.

Humpert/B. Phelps motioned to approve $225.00 to send Jessica Gehrls, Brad Phelps, and Catherine Phelps to the Newly Elected Officials Training on November 21, 2013 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankemuth. 

Humpert questioned J. VanHove’s absence from last two council meetings.  Wassa will follow up with VanHove. 

FINANCES

Humpert/Maguire motioned to approve September disbursements totaling approximately $28,552.94; all in favor, motion carried.

As there was no other business, meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Melissa Couture

Fairgrove Village Clerk