FAIRGROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL MINUTES

May 4, 2015

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

EMPLOYEES:  D. Englehart, H. Stark

Visitors included: Steve Young, Fern Young, Walli Prusi, additional visitors that did not sign in.

Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Wassa.

• May Agenda: One correction made. Motion to approve, B Phelps. Second, J. Gehrls. All in favor, motion carried.
• Council Meeting Minutes- 6 Apr 2015: Motion to approve B. Phelps. Second, D. Maguire. All in favor, motion carried.

AUDIENCE RECOGNITION

• Audience member requested information regarding the process for activating the tall grass ordinance and blight ordinance.  Member will see the clerk after the meeting.

DEPARTMENT/COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Fire – The FD reported 5 fire runs for the month: One -downed wires, one -shed fire, one -car fire and two grass fires. 3 were assists. The wind was noted as a reason for the grass fires.
  • A bill will be coming for the shampooing of the hall carpet.  It should be given to the FD booster group.
  • 1 fire truck is having an alternator issue.  The repair should occur this month.
  • The FD is selling flower baskets for Mother’s day. They will be available to Saturday before Mother’s Day.
  • The fire chief will report on his conference at the next meeting.

• DPW –
  • DPW would like to sell the village back hoe. After discussion, the board resolves the following: Permit the Head of DPW to list the village back hoe on Craig’s list.  The head of DPW will have the discretion to sell the vehicle for $12,500-$15,000. Resolution made by B. Phelps and seconded by D. Maguire. The vote was as follows:

T. Wassa – Aye.

B. Phelps -Aye

D. Maguire -Aye

J. Gehrls -Aye

C. Phelps -Aye

• The head of DPW suggested reallocating the $4500 set aside for the Village snow blower for repairs to the village hall. When the backhoe is sold, some of that money can be allocated for the snow blower.  The area around the village hall’s 5 windows and 2 doors would benefit from the addition of vinyl siding.  The board instructed the head of DPW to get bids on the project.
• Brush pick up today went well.
• Leaves remain a problem. Despite pickups on 4 Mondays in April, more leaves are accumulating in the street.  DWP will collect more leaves.
• Village clock:  T. Wassa reports the clock is on Craig’s list.

• CORRESPONDENCE/Clerk–
  • The clerk presented the Par Plan News, informational bulletin. 
  • The clerk reported a public hearing for the State of Michigan.  The subject is DTE energy reconciliation for the Detroit Public Lighting System on May 12.
  • A public hearing of from the Bureau of Codes will be held on May 28, 2015.  The hearing discusses Michigan’s residential codes and residential energy codes.
  • The clerk indicated the village received an invitation to the MDOT rural elected officials meeting on April 16^th.
  • The minutes from the recent Zoning Board of Appeals meeting were received by the village. The clerk also received minutes from the Planning Commission meeting.
  • The village declined to become a member of the International League of Cities.
  • The clerk reported a new source for the MI and Federal Labor law posters that saves the village $50. The clerk will order from this cheaper source.
  • The clerk reported the membership paperwork for MSS-Dig has been submitted but MSS Dig requires 2- 24 hour contact numbers and will not accept the village phone lines.  President Wassa instructed the clerk to use his personal phone number and the Grasshopper number.
  • The clerk reports the projector and screen have been ordered.

UNFINISHED BUISINESS

• The clerk presented information on the Public Risk Declaration as requested. The village opted to reject the terrorism coverage and instructed the clerk to file the paperwork with Bamberger Insurance Agency.
• J. Gehrls reported on the condition and issues with the collapsed storm drain. D. Maguire moved that the village present an offer to pay for half of the storm drain excluding resurfacing. B. Phelps seconded. Discussion highlighted that the storm drain was more than 20 years old and was originally put into place by the property owner. The vote was as follows:

T. Wassa – Aye.

B. Phelps -Aye

D. Maguire -Aye

J. Gehrls -Abstain

C. Phelps -Aye

NEW BUSINESS

• There is a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals as Tina Wassa resigns.  The zoning administrator suggested that the village consider changing the membership requirements to allow those that own property/businesses in the village but do not reside in the village be eligible to serve. The board will investigate that possibility.
• The Veteran’s memorial needs site clean-up and repair. Other organizations are working fund raisers to address the problem.  President Wassa will address the initial tree clean-up to start the process.
• The Michigan Bean Festival building requires a new roof. They have a donor offering a 50/50 matching donation up to $15,000. The Festival Board request confirmation regarding their continuing contract renewal with the Village. The board discussed the possibility of a resolution of support.

FINANCES

• Motion to approve April disbursements totaling $14645.82 made by D. Maguire, Second by B. Phelps. (Attached)

T. Wassa – Aye.

B. Phelps -Aye

D. Maguire -Aye

J. Gehrls -Aye

C. Phelps -Aye

All in Favor, Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. Motion made by J. Gehrls, Seconded by D. Maguire. All in Favor, Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,                                                        

Heidi Stark

Fairgrove Village Clerk