Beulah Michigan, Northern Michigan's Water Playground

Regular Council Meeting Minutes - Thursday, February 7, 2008

Meeting called to order by Pro Tem Kilgus at 7:00 PM

Roll Call: Baltazar, Cantrell, Kilgus, Pallin, Siderman, Superintendent Moore, Treasurer Olney, Clerk Spencer

Excused: Elliott, Kinzel, Rank

Guests: 5

Pledge of Allegiance voiced by all.

Letter of resignation received from Kinzel - under discussion.

Additions to the agenda:

Under new business: Beulah Clean Up Day

Brainstorm Report

Public input at end of the meeting

No conflict of interest voiced by any council members.

Approval of the agenda - Motion by Baltazar, support by Siderman - All Ayes - MOTION CARRIED

Approval of meeting minutes for January 10, 2008 - Motion by Cantrell, support by Baltazar - All Ayes - MOTION CARRIED

Approval of the bills for January/February 2008 - Motion by Siderman, support by Cantrell - Roll Call: AYES: Baltazar, Siderman, Kilgus, Pallin, Cantrell - NAYES - NONE - MOTION CARRIED

No public comment on agenda items.

Communication to Council:

Vicki Carpenter update on newsletter - 500 sent out. Response received on article for Dave Egeler - donations and help has been sent. Discussion on fund raiser for Dave - he is progressing well but will take more time. Feedback on newsletter continues to be good.

Treasurer Olney - Tax saving account money transferred into General Fund and dispersed to the Library and Unlimited Debt Fund.

Motion to accept Treasurers report for January 2008 by Baltazar, support by Siderman - Roll Call: AYES: Cantrell, Pallin, Kilgus, Baltazar, Siderman - NAYES - NONE - MOTION CARRIED

Water/Sewer - Chairman Kilgus: Major water main break, January 14th - water is usually not shut off to prevent contamination from entering the system - after 3 breaks the water had to be shut off. Boil Water Order went into effect, which is an alert according to the DEQ - peoples choice to follow. It was broadcasted on TV and radio, posted in town, and restaurants were informed by Mrs. Kilgus. Thanks to Brian, Jeremiah, and Kerby’s crew for hard work - well done. They worked 24 hours non-stop.

Building/Grounds - Chairman Siderman: Will meet with Mr. Sheets from Benzonia Township next week - will put together a bid form for dredging the settlement basin. Contractors are to contact Village of Beulah office for a bid packet.

Parks/Rec - Chairperson Cantrell: Discussion to consider re-instituting the extended season for summer season residents at $500.00 flat rate. Motion by Siderman, support by Baltazar to offer extended season - Roll Call: AYES: Pallin, Kilgus, Baltazar, Siderman, Cantrell - NAYES - NONE - MOTION CARRIED

Advertisement for open lots will be done. Village will look at trying to clarify lot lines.

Equipment - Chairman Pallin: A new belt was installed on the loader. The plow frame on the truck broke and was repaired.

Streets/Sidewalks - Chairman Baltazar: Sidewalk work is to be done in the spring. Will be looking into identifying new sidewalk repairs and replacement for next year. The Library is to keep sidewalk cleared from the library to Benzie St.

Superintendent Moore: Discussion of Boil Water call list - it was determined that radio and TV stations be notified to broadcast the information. Siderman will bring in a call list for the next meeting. It would be good to include this information in the newsletter.

Kerby has been hired twice for sidewalk snow removal - it was determined to have him remove snow Friday for winterfest.

Old Business:

Consumers has not been fixing street lights - Moore has notified - he will call again in the morning - Kilgus to follow up if not fixed.

New Business:

Clean Up Day - call Waste Management and try to arrange for Saturday, June 7th.

Brainstorm meeting covered Parks - good turnout. The next ones will be February 19th and March 4th. Ideas ranged in three main area - 1. Dress parks up - better delineation of park lines. 2. Signage for the parks. Place a master indicating park locations in the Welcome Center - ideas are doable and within budget. 3. Look at a long term plan; ongoing community conversation - blogs will be posted on the Web site. Ideas will be brought before council. Clarification was emphasized to attendees that Parks budget priorities are the beach erosion at Fair Park and boat launch repairs.

Public Input - Input is suppose to be from audience without dialogue from Council, discussion is not to take place. If comments are considered important for discussion it should be placed on agenda for the next meeting.

Committee was formed to look into combining Benzie, Benzie Visitors Bureau, and Frankfort/Elberta Chamber of Commerce - headquarters would be in Frankfort - discussion ensued - no action taken.

Discussion of launch fee for boat ramp - several avenues discussed - no action taken.

Public Input:

Norm Leers - Lake Township has a sticker system for residents - non-residents have a charge to launch boats.

Phil Downs - Tickets still available for Chocolate/Champagne Party for Friday, February 8th. Discussion of launch fee could take place at the Waterfront Brainstorm Meeting.

Brian Moore - concern about Sheriff’s department contract and their availability for Beulah needs.

Al Brown - Will check with Chamber for clarification on combining Chamber of Commerce - not moving everything - based on cost effectiveness. Village of Benzonia sent a bill for $33,500 - Brown got estimate for North Street - does the Village have an exact price for the water main? Question the number of fire hydrants to be placed - who does he speak with ? Trustee Kilgus

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Laura Spencer, Clerk

Subject to approval at March 6, 2008 Council Meeting