January Meeting Minutes

​LYONS TWP REG. MEETING
JANUARY 7, 2019
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.  Four citizens were present.
 
Minutes of the meeting of December 3, 2018 were presented for review.   A motion was made by Scheurer to accept the minutes as presented.   Motion supported by T. Thelen.  Motion carried.
  
Correspondence:  A notice was received from Muir Village Clerk, Susan Craft stating that Lyons Muir Fire would no longer be drawing fuel from Muir Village.  Fire equipment will now draw from the Village of Lyons.
 
Ionia County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Butler has offered the services of his department in enforcement of ordinance violations.  Board did not see a need for assistance at this time.
 
Cemetery:  Sexton B. Russell reported no burials last month, no lot sales, and no appointments. Cemetery has been closed for the winter.  He informed the Board of damage to the new asphalt. Trustee Scheurer and Sexton Russell will meet at the cemetery and evaluate the road condition.      
 
TREASURER’S REPORT:  Treasurer J. Thelen reported income of $1,008,391.42 and disbursement of $ 888,169.21 for a total of all funds of $478,292.92.  A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented was made by T. Thelen, supported by Scheurer.  Motion carried. 
 
Bills in the amount of $109,182.55 to the General Fund and $2,291.51 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: Jon Houserman, representing the Lyons Historical Society, reported the Masonic Bldg. used by the Historical Society and maintained by them is in need of repair to the heating system with cost estimated at $3600.00.  The Society is asking the Township for financial support $2500.00 to replace the furnace.  Following procedure, all such requests are tabled for review by Board and placed on the agenda of the following meeting.       
 
Clerk Heckman reminded the Board of the quarterly meeting of the Ionia County Township Boards on January 14 at the Ionia Road Commission.
 
OTHER TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  Supervisor Babcock asked the Board for input on salary increases.  The consensus of the Board was to leave salary at present level.
Clerk Heckman provided the Resolution for Poverty Exception. It was moved by Scheurer, supported by J. Thelen to accept the Resolution.  Roll call vote:  Supervisor Babcock: yes, Clerk Heckman: yes, Trustee Scheurer: yes, Treasurer J. Thelen: yes, Trustee T Thelen: yes.  Motion carried.
 
Clerk Heckman presented a letter of complaint on charge for non-emergency fire run.  Board discussed the issue.  No action was taken.
 
Treasurer Thelen provided copies of ordinances for regulation of Marijuana use in Township jurisdiction.  It was moved by T. Thelen, supported by R. Scheurer to use the provided copy as a guide and to opt out for all facilities.  J. Thelen and J. Heckman to complete the form and provide to our attorney for review.  Roll call vote:  Supervisor Babcock: yes, Clerk Heckman: yes, Trustee Scheurer: yes, Treasurer Thelen: yes, Trustee T Thelen: yes. Motion carried.
 
BUILDING FUND:  Supervisor Babcock informed the Board the building repairs that he would like to consider for next year: caulking and repainting around windows and tuck and point.
 
PUBLIC COMMENT: Ronald Simon inquired about future care of Township roads, especially gravel.  Roads are in need of quality gravel and better grading. 
 
Jon Houserman shared a copy of a plot map of Lyons Township from 1891.
 
There being no further business, it was moved by T. Thelen, supported by Scheurer to adjourn at 8:05 pm. 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Connie Scheurer, Deputy Clerk