November Meeting Minutes

​LYONS TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 2, 2020
 
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Charles 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 two citizens.
Minutes of the October 5, 2020 meeting were presented for review.  It was moved by Scheurer, supported by T. Thelen to approve minutes as presented.  Motion carried.
 
Public Comment: Board discussed the high volume of in-person absentee voting and the “above and beyond” attention of the Clerk in providing service to township voters.  Planning for future elections should be a priority as the absentee ballots will continue to increase in popularity and require additional handling.
 
Correspondence: None
 
CEMETERY: None
 
TREASURER’S REPORT:  It was moved by T. Thelen, supported by R. Scheurer to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.  Motion carried.
 
Bills in the amount of $25,256.38 to the General Fund and $1,013.75 to the Building Fund were presented for payment.  A motion to pay the expenses was made by Scheurer, supported by T. Thelen.  Motion carried.
 
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  Supervisor Babcock presented his view for a fiscal and facility plan for Lyons Township.  Two areas that are of major concern is the ability to support two fire departments and the deterioration of the Township hall.   He stated the continuing need for fire equipment replacement and the duplication of equipment with two departments as well as necessary personnel is becoming more of a strain on the Township resources.  He is recommending the Board pursue the possibility of replacing the Township hall and consolidate the fire departments in a central location on M-21 between Pewamo and Muir, Lyons.  He has researched property and will research grant possibilities.  There was much discussion that followed, including the recent expense by the Village of Pewamo in renovation of the current fire barn.    A motion was made by Scheurer, supported by Clerk Heckman to continue with research. Roll call vote:  Babcock: yes; Heckman; yes; J. Thelen: yes; T. Thelen: yes; R. Scheurer: yes.  Motion carried.
 
 
OTHER TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:  Clerk Heckman requested approval to pay the outstanding bill to Economic Alliance.  The Board will request that a representative come to discuss the progress they have made in our Township to justify our support.  Motion was made by Heckman, supported by T. Thelen to pay the amount requested.  Motion carried with Scheurer opposed. 
 
BUILDING FUND:  Clerk Heckman informed the Board the Post Office is several months late in paying their portion of the garbage billing. This is a reoccurring problem.
 
 
ADJOURMENT:  There being no further business, it was moved by T. Thelen, supported by Scheurer to adjourn at 8:04 pm.  Motion carried.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Connie Scheurer, Deputy Clerk