January 2020 Meeting Minutes

​LYONS TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 6, 2020
 
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.  Absent: Trustee T. Thelen.  Also present:  Pewamo Fire Chief, Michael Yerge, Lyons Muir Fire Chief Lyndon Randall and five citizens.
Minutes of the meeting of December 2, 2019 were presented for review.  It was moved by Trustee Scheurer, supported by Treasurer Thelen to approve the minutes as presented.  Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:  None
 
PUBLIC COMMENT: Susan Craft, Muir Village Clerk requested a letter of support from the Township for MACD grant application.  Grant is a Community Development Grant for water.  The Township gets a water franchise fee for Marsh Ridge that is why they are asking for a letter of support.  Board agreed to provide support letter. 
Susan also verified that the Township was receiving the Library minutes.  She added that a committee was interviewing applicants for the Director position.
 
CEMETERY:  None
 
TREASURER’S REPORT:  It was moved by Scheurer, supported by Heckman to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.  Motion carried.  Treasurer Thelen renewed the remainder of the Cemetery certificate of deposit in the amount of $14,775.23, reimbursing the General Fund $5,387.10.
Bills in the amount of $109,258.23 from the General Funds and $3,075.02 from the Building Fund were presented for payment.  A motion to pay the bills was made by Scheurer, supported by J. Thelen.  Motion carried.
 
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  Jason Orton, representative of David Chapman Agency presented the 2020 insurance renewal proposal for the Township insurance coverage.  Premium has increased approx. $700.00.  Board discussed the removal of coverage on the shed at the cemetery which is insured for $9800.00.  Board agreed to leave on until the use of shed has been discussed with Wickham’s.  Jason also informed the Board of the opportunity for application for safety equipment grants from insurance agency.  Examples of grants were for back-up cameras for trucks, back-up generators for buildings, security cameras.  Grant applications will be open in May.
Supervisor Babcock questioned the use of the siren on the Township bldg. He asked what the consensus was from those present if the siren should be used on a regular schedule or only for emergency notification such as tornado warning.  Fire Chief Randall stated it can only be used on a manual basis at this time.  It was discussed to research the cost of a timer and # of times siren would be used.
Babcock informed the Board that revenue sharing should increase due to tax on internet sales.
Clerk Heckman reported there are not enough election workers to cover all precincts.  Need to consolidate the precincts of Lyons and Muir.  Will contact Village of Muir for possible locating to Civic Center.
Babcock reported a recent survey of local townships has shown Lyons Township is below the level of others.  Scheurer suggested a 10% increase for Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer and $50.00 increase per meeting for Trustees.  Babcock suggested a flat $1500.00 per month for officers and $50.00 per meeting for Trustees.  Babcock moved to approve increase of $1500.00 annually for Clerk, supported by Treasurer Thelen. Scheurer moved to approve same salary increase for Supervisor, supported by Clerk Heckman. Scheurer moved to approve same salary increase for Treasurer, supported by Clerk Heckman.  Babcock moved to approve Trustee per meeting rate increase of $50.00 per meeting, seconded by Heckman.  Scheurer moved to approve Building Supervisor increase of $50.00 per month, supported by Heckman.  Roll call vote for all salary increases:  Babcock: Yes; Treasurer Thelen: Yes; Clerk Heckman: Yes; Trustee Scheurer: Yes.  Motion carried.
 
Lyons-Muir Fire Chief Randall requested an increase for all personnel to $13.00 per hour.  Motion was made by Scheurer for increase to $13.00 and for increase to $2000.00 for Lyons Muir and Pewamo Fire Chief, supported by Heckman.  Roll call vote: Babcock: Yes; Treasurer Thelen: Yes; Clerk Heckman: Yes; Trustee Scheurer: Yes.  Motion carried.
 
It was moved by Scheurer, supported by Thelen to increase election workers to $200.00 per election and Chairperson to $250.00.  Roll call vote:  All Yes.  Motion carried.
 
It was moved by Scheurer, supported by Heckman to increase Deputy Clerk and Deputy Treasurer to $15.00 per hour.  Roll call vote:  All Yes.  Motion carried.
 
Treasurer Thelen informed the Board of meeting with Independent Bank to further consideration of moving accounts from Union Bank.  Independent is offering higher rates and providing remote deposit.   Scheurer moved to support moving accounts to Independent Bank in April and/or after they are named as a depository at the annual meeting.  Roll call vote: All Yes.  Motion carried.
 
Board discussed safe storage options for cemetery and township documents.  No action taken at this time.
 
Board discussed the possibility of tax request from residents or payment from General Fund for First Responder calls.  Tabled for further discussion.
 
Fire Chief Randall informed the Board that all new fire masks and equipment has been tested.  He requested that all proceeds from sale of used masks be used to offset expense of new equipment.  In process of writing a grant from Tri-County Electric.  Supervisor Babcock requested an inventory of all equipment and communication to Township on funds expected.  Chief Yerge reported that air packs and cylinders have been donated for training.
 
OTHER TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  Trustee Scheurer reported Township roads are in ill-repair due to recent rain causing severe wash-outs.  Supervisor Babcock authorized him to contact Ionia Road Department to report damage.
 
BUILDING FUND:  Supervisor Babcock reported new furnace is installed at a cost of $1900.00. 
 
 
 ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, it was moved by Treasurer Thelen, supported by Scheurer to adjourn at 8:57 pm.  Motion carried.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Connie Scheurer, Deputy Clerk