November Meeting Minutes

​LYONS TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING
November 4, 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.  Also present:  Pewamo fire chief, Michael Yerge and one citizen.
 
Minutes of the meeting of October 7, 2019 were presented for review.   A motion was made by Treasurer J. Thelen, supported by Trustee T. Thelen to approve the minutes as amended.  Motion carried.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:  None
 
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
 
CEMETERY:  No reported burials or lot purchases for the month of October were reported.  Supervisor Babcock stated that Wickham’s have cut the dead trees and wood has been stacked and brush has been removed. Trustee Scheurer reported that Wickham’s were now responsible for all recording of sales and burials.  Board discussed the need for fire proof storage of cemetery records.  Possible options were purchase of file cabinets or safe or if available, spare fire proof storage that had been donated to parish.    
 
TREASURER’S REPORT:  It was moved by Trustee T. Thelen, supported by Trustee Scheurer to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried. 
 
Bills in the amount of $20,167.20 from the General Fund and $1,368.26 from the Building Fund were presented for payment.  A motion to pay the bills was made by T. Thelen, supported by Scheurer.  Motion carried.
 
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS: It was moved by Trustee Scheurer, supported by Trustee T. Thelen to approve the Poverty Exemption as presented.  Roll Call Vote: Babcock: Yes; J. Heckman: Yes; R. Scheurer: Yes; J. Thelen: Yes: T. Thelen: Yes. Motion carried.
 
A motion was made by Trustee Scheurer, supported by Trustee Thelen to approve the two year contract with Ted Droste as replacement of prior Township Assessor, Randy Jewell.  Roll Call Vote:  Babcock: Yes; J. Heckman: Yes; R. Scheurer: Yes; J. Thelen: Yes; T. Thelen: Yes.  Motion carried. 
 
Supervisor Babcock opened discussion on possible millage which would eliminate First Responder billing to Township residents.  A review of expense of calls will be done to establish the appropriate millage request.  Further research and discussion in future meetings. 
 
Supervisor Babcock and Clerk Heckman attended a meeting with Lebanon Township to discuss the Fire Coverage Agreement with Lyons Township.  It was agreed that the three year agreement will be $5000.00 annually with billing to Lebanon at $600.00 for first hour of each fire, $400.00 each hour thereafter and $450.00 for each EMS run. Contract may be reviewed prior to third year if necessary.
 
OTHER TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  Pewamo Fire Chief Michael Yerge reported that Paul Spitzley from Ionia Road Commission is requiring a permit from proper authority and insurance coverage to proceed with installation of dry hydrant.    Follow up on the necessary coverage will be done and permit application as soon as possible so the installation can be completed prior to weather prohibiting.
 
Supervisor Babcock reported on the decision of the Ionia County Board of Commissioners to incorporate the Ionia County Road Commission as a department under the Commissioners direction.  It is uncertain what, if any, changes will affect Townships.
 
Residents on Wager Rd. have asked for road repair and replacement of five to six driveway culverts.  This will be a cost to the Township of $600 to $900 total per Road Commission.
 
 
BUILDING FUND:  The Board was informed by Babcock that the water heater in Apt #2 had to be replaced due to water damage.  It has been raised four feet to protect it from water coming into the basement. Trustee Scheurer is to contact TL Masonry on expected schedule of approved repairs to Township building.
 
 
 ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, it was moved by Scheurer, supported by T. Thelen to adjourn at 8:15 pm.  Motion carried.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Connie Scheurer, Deputy Clerk