FAIRGROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL

COUNCIL MINUTES

And BUDGET HEARING #2

MARCH 3, 2014

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

ABSENT:  J. VanHove

EMPLOYEES:  M. Couture, B. Ahrens, F. Ahrens, L. Baur, D. Young

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

B. Phelps/Gehrls motioned to approve the minutes from the February 3, 2014 council meeting; all in favor, motion carried.

AUDIENCE RECOGNITION

S. Young presented a letter to the council requesting action be taken on the homes that have burned in the village.  Young also commented that while property values have gone up on the tax bills, there are 16 unoccupied homes near his residence, and two that have burned.  One unoccupied home has had everything removed inside, but is for sale by the mortgage company who owns it.  He asked if there is a way that building codes can tag the home as uninhabitable?  T. Wassa to discuss with S. Young and see what can be done.   

DEPARTMENT/COMMITTEE REPORTS

Fire – D. Young discussed two fire calls in February.  For the FDIC conference, there are three that would like to take a bus trip down for the day, and two others who would like to attend for two nights.  The bus trip is $85 per person, including ticket to the conference.  The cost for the others to attend for two nights is $450.00.  Discussion held. 

Maguire/C. Phelps motioned to approve $705 to pay for three firemen to take the bus and two others to attend for two nights; four in favor – one against, motion carried. 

BUDGET READING #2 – M. Couture read the proposed 2014-2015 budget and Truth in Taxation millage rates beginning at 7:15pm.  The 2014-2015 proposed budget consists of $212,628 in total revenue and $212,282 in total expenditures.  The proposed millage rates remain unchanged with Operating at 11.044% and Local Streets at 1.0%.  No Discussion.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – (continued) D. Young requested that the 6881 phone number for the fire department be put back in service due to problems receiving faxes from Central Dispatch.  Wassa to work with Central Dispatch to resolve.  L. Baur asked about the training budget being cut and if the funds in the budget need to be used by the end of the fiscal year or they are lost.  Wassa advised not to spend money just to spend.  Revenues are down and cuts are necessary to keep a balanced budget.  D. Young stated there is no update yet on the grant applied for from FEMA for SCBAs.  J. Gehrls questioned the toy and craft show that recently took place because she didn’t remember it being approved by council.  B. Ahrens commented that it was planned last August.  Fundraising goes into their account, council is just asking for a heads up on events so that everyone is informed. 

AUDIENCE RECOGNITION – (reopened) R. Thomas asked about the village clock.  He would like to make an offer to buy it if it is not going to be put back up.  Wassa stated he thought we were looking for parts to repair it.  He will check with D. Englehart and let Thomas know. 

DPW –  No Report.

CLERK’S ITEMS – M. Couture stated that if there was no further discussion, the 2014-2015 budget and millage rates previously stated need to be approved.

Gehrls/Humpert motioned to approve the 2014-2015 budget and millage rates as read:  Total General Funds Expenditures:  $212,282; Equipment Rental Expenditures:  $44,700; Major Street Expenditures:  $8,089; Local Street Expenditures:  $5,325; Truth in Taxation millage rates Operating 11.044% and Local Streets 1.0%; all in favor, motion carried.

A special council meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at 8:00pm regarding the 2013-2014 budget amendments. 

CORRESPONDENCE – M. Couture stated there will be a Family Fun Night held at the Tuscola Technology Center in Caro on Thursday, March 13, 2014, sponsored by the Tuscola County Parenting Coalition.  The event is free, and there will be a dinner, entertainment, and a door prize. 

OLD BUSINESS

Rental Ordinance – discussion held regarding the proposed rental ordinance that has been drafted.  Humpert questioned how it would be enforced, and if rentals that have been existing for years and are in good standing would have to pay the fee or be grandfathered in.  Wassa stated that a letter would be drafted by the village attorney to enforce, and that the fee would be set by resolution after the ordinance is approved.

B. Phelps/Humpert motioned to approve the rental ordinance as proposed; all in favor, motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Reappointment of Clerk and Treasurer – Wassa stated that the clerk and treasurer’s positions need to be appointed for the 2014-2016 term.

B. Phelps/Maguire motioned to reappoint Melissa Couture as Clerk, and Bonnie Gray as Treasurer for the 2014-2016 term; all in favor, motion carried.

Police car – Wassa stated the sheriff’s department is interested in purchasing the Village’s patrol car and plans to send someone to look at it within the next month. 

FINANCES

Humpert/Maguire motioned to approve February disbursements totaling approximately $9,274.03; all in favor, motion carried.

As there was no other business, meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Melissa Couture

Fairgrove Village Clerk