Village of Beulah - 7228 Commercial St. - Beulah, MI 49617 - 231-882-4451
Regular Council Meeting Minutes - Thursday, October 9, 2008

Meeting called to order by President Rank at 7:00 PM

Roll Call:  Baltazar, Elliott, Kilgus, Rank, Siderman, Superintendent Moore, Clerk Spencer

Excused:  Cantrell, Pallin, Treasurer Olney

Pledge of Allegiance voiced by all

No conflict of interest voiced by any council members

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

Approval of meeting minutes for September 4, 2008 - Motion by Baltazar, support by Siderman - All Ayes - MOTION CARRIED

Review of bills for September/October 2008 - Motion by Kilgus, support by Elliott to approve bills - Roll Call:  Ayes:  Baltazar, Siderman, Elliott, Kilgus, Rank - NAYES - NONE - MOTION CARRIED

No public comment on agenda items

Communication to Council:

Dr. Northway asked for leniency on his water bill.  Dr. Northway's office thought the bill was a clerical error and does not feel that the Village office responded in a timely manner.  Discussion ensued.  It was determined that there was a water leak on the owners side caused by a clogged water softener, which Dr. Northway believes might have been caused by a water main break in June. 

The softener is to be checked out on Monday to determine possible cause of blockage and Dr. Northway to report back to Council with the results.

Marlene Wood-Zylstra - Gave an update on recycling.  The Council is satisfied with the placement of the bins and the upkeep.  Reports on collection were passed out and are available in the Village office.  There will be 4 special collections scheduled for 2009.  As of January 1, 2009, #5 plastics will be accepted.  The cost of recycling will increase $3.00 per year per household.

ZA - Chris Flynn - The settling pond has been completed - completion report may need to be filled out, Siderman to check.  The launch ramp repairs have been completed.  The Miller's have agreed to move forward with construction.  Newbolds have been issued a violation.  It was stated that they have completed quite a bit of work over the past few weeks.  The Brookside electronic sign is being monitored.  DEQ permit has been applied for the work at Fair Park .  Mr. Renn asking for a continued variance - Zoning Board of Approval set for Thursday, November 6 th at 6:30 PM.

Treasurers report approval - Motion by Siderman, support by Kilgus to accept report - All Ayes - MOTION CARRIED

Water/Sewer - Chairman Kilgus:  The sewer project has been completed.  There was a balance of $108,000.00 form the USDA loan allowing for replacement of the sewer and water main by the Village Office.  Bonney Bros. came in with the low bid - $101,000.00 and was awarded the project.  Work should begin next Tuesday or Wednesday.  Engineering fees for the project are $3000.00.  Kilgus proposed a collection fee for water bills when people present payment at shut off time.  Kilgus is to put together a proposal and present at the next meeting.  Siderman thanked and congratulated Kilgus and Rank for the work and effort that they put into the water and sewer project.

Law/Finance - Chairman Elliott:  The 2009 budget proposal is being worked on.  Elliott presented a quarterly review of the 2008 Capital Outlay - all departments are doing well.  The Equipment Fund should accrue that which is not spent for the purchase of a new truck.  Council has stayed within capital budgets and should utilize monies as delineated for the betterment of the Village.  Disability insurance is being looked into - there are 2 programs available - will follow up with Dave Tooker, our insurance agent for further information.

Building/Grounds - Chairman Siderman:  The settling pond project is completed.  The doors have been installed at the bath house in the trailer park.  Siderman has set aside $15,000.00 in the 2009 budget for renovation of the bathroom in the Village Office.

Streets/Sidewalks - Chairman Baltazar:  The sidewalks have been completed and angle parking in that section has been put in place.  Parking spaces have increased to 32 and 2 handicapped areas.  Next year sidewalks will be replaced from Commercial St. to the Welcome Center on both sides of the street.  Sand has been procured for the winter.  New center line to be placed on Benzie Blvd. where the angled parking is located.  Baltazar thanked Council - has been working on Council since 1993 and is retiring.  Note of thanks was read and given to Jim from the Council.

Superintendent Moore:  There was a DEQ inspection - DEQ requires the Cross Contamination Control Ordinance be revised - must be completed and approved by Council.  A valve turning program needs to be initiated by the Village - to be completed twice a year.  DEQ also requires updated maps for the new water main and sewer construction.  The storage of summer equipment is underway.  Water meters are being read.  Fire hydrants will be flushed on Friday, October 24 th .  Will complete inventory on Parks/Rec equipment and also on major equipment for the auditors.

Vicki Carpenter - Update on the newsletter - there is a feedback form included in the newsletter for the angled parking - some suggestions have already been received.  There have been 7 park benches and a picnic table donated to the Village.  Siderman thanked Vicki for a great job on the newsletter.

Rank had sent a letter to Rineer in reference to traffic control at the Art Fair.  Rineer has resigned as traffic director at the Fair but will help Brian set the barricades.  The Sheriff's Department will be utilized for traffic control.

Benzonia Township has requested the appointment of a trustee to represent the Village for The Fire Hall Study Committee.  Gary Siderman will fill this position.

Phil Downs - There were three dozen cars in attendance at the car show during the Fall Festival.  Award results are noted in the newsletter.  They all stated that they would be happy to attend next year.

Keith Bonney thanked the Village for the work that had been awarded to Bonney Bros. and would like to maintain a good working relationship with the Village.

Meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Laura Spencer, Clerk

Subject to approval at November 6, 2008 Council Meeting

 

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