LYONS TWP REG. MEETING SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Babcock with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Board members present were: J. Heckman, R. Scheurer, J. Thelen, T. Thelen. Absent: None. Three citizens were present.
Minutes of the meeting of August 6, 2018 were presented for review. A motion by Scheurer to accept the minutes with the addition of $51,184.50 in billings paid for a total of $88,407.27 to the General Fund and the addition of $5,600.00 billings paid for a total of $7,595.78 to the Building Fund. Motion was seconded by J. Thelen. Motion carried.
Correspondence: None
Cemetery: Sexton B. Russell: one burial last month, no lot sales, picked up limbs from windstorm. Cemetery Chairperson Scheurer reported that Williams Asphalt has now delayed the completion of work on the cemetery roads until October. Board discussion followed on holding Williams bid if unable to complete by October 31. It was the consensus of the Board that a letter be sent to Williams stating that the work must be completed by October 31 or first possible date in spring of 2019 at the same quoted expense.
TREASURER'S REPORT: A motion to accept the Treasurer's report as presented was made by T. Thelen and supported by R. Scheurer. Motion carried. Treas J. Thelen reported that the Township received the Pewamo fire dept. grant and payment has been made for truck. Also received: $19,605.00 from County of lonia from distribution of the perpetual care fund for the cemetery. Treas. J. Thelen suggested investment in a 15 mo. certificate of deposit with Union Bank. Board consensus was to invest as suggested. Motion to invest was made by T. Thelen, seconded by R. Scheurer. Motion carried.
Bills in the amount of $15,215.94 less $2929.95 the Steenblik fire voided checks for a total of $12,285.99 to the General Fund and $1315.76 to the Building Fund were presented for payment. A motion to pay the bills was made by T. Thelen and supported by J. Thelen. Motion carried.
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS: Pewamo Fire Chief Michael Yerge: Yerge reported on the Steenblik fire. Although out of our county, the Pewamo Fire Dept logged 52 hours for most of the volunteers. Discussion followed on the expenses incurred and who is responsible for covering said expenses. Consensus of the Board was to send all invoices to Lebanon Township as we have a mutual aid agreement with this township. Any water billing should also go to Lebanon. A review of all agreements with other townships was requested by Trustee T. Thelen and updated as necessary.
Water sources were also discussed. Chief Yerge is to research and report back on findings at October meeting Clerk Heckman reported a meeting is scheduled for September 13 at 6:00 pm with both fire chiefs to discuss the billing process.
OTHER TOWNSHIP BUSINESS: Supervisor Babcock and Trustee, Cemetery Chairman Scheurer voiced their disappointment in the lack of proper maintenance of the Township Cemetery and the Spaulding Cemetery. Mowing is not satisfactory, dirt has remained at grave site without removal, many complaints from families. Cannot continue with lack of care. Supervisor Babcock requested the Township advertise for bids on the maintenance contract process so this can be in place by January. He has also researched the position of Sexton for the cemetery. This is an appointed position. Board discussed the need for a position description of Sexton and maintenance contract revision. Scheurer to contact other townships and report on how the responsibilities are or are not shared between Sexton and Maintenance.
BUILDING FUND: Supervisor Babcock reported the former bank building has been rented. Look for announcement of new business opening in October. A new floor going in the post office. Ceiling in the Township Hall is stained due to leaks from above apartment. TL Masonry has been doing tuck work on the outside of building. Further work on the building has been bid at $4200.00 for work in 2019 by TL Masonry.
There being no further business, it was moved by R. Scheurer and supported by T. Thelen to adjourn at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Connie Scheurer, Deputy Clerk