PLATTE TOWNSHIP

BENZIE COUNTY

11935 FOWLER ROAD

HONOR, MICHIGAN 49640


PLATTE TOWNSHIP QUARTERLY METING

January 2, 2024 6 P.M.

2023-2024

3rd quarter October Nov December


The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Solem at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.


BOARD PRESENT: Supervisor Solem, Treasurer Gottschalk, Trustee Haswell, Trustee Robb Bollenberg and Clerk Michalak.

PUBLIC PRESENT: 11 residents- Mike Burgard, Heather Hollick, Linda Gottschalk, Paul Gerhart, Cam Luenberger, Matt Wieber, Paula Figura, Jim Duntley, Jeanne Strathman, Ron Gottschalk, Bob Michalak

A MOTION by Haswell, support by Gottschalk to accept minutes from 2nd quarter; motion carried all ayes.


PUBLIC INPUT- none


COMMISSIONER REPORT

Commissioner Jeannot presented his quarterly report. Highlights include updating the Airport Authority settlement, hiring of a HR person at the county; review of the Headlee amendment rollback; Opioid settlement monies are being used for addition and mental health services;

CORRESPONDANCE-

Supervisor reports that a land acquisition company from Oklahoma has sent a letter solicitating to purchase the Townships’ 80-acre property on Fowler Rd. Advised the residents to be aware that solicitations may be sent to owners of vacant parcels of land within the township.


REPORTS

  1. Well and Septic- 0

  2. Fire report- 0

  3. WBJPC – Trustee Bollenberg recapped the last meeting of the Planning Commission. Stated that the commission will focus on zoning amendment updates in 2024; nuisance and noise ordinance language will be considered. Resident Burgard queried about the 3-month review for the assistant zoning administrator.

  4. Property Transfers/land splits- 1- transfer from the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy$270,00 Indian Hill Road, 85 acres. 1 (30 acre/10 acre) land split Indian Hill Rd. (Eden Bible church) Treasurer reports that the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy sale resulted in that parcel being removed from Commercial Forest tax status. Remittance has been received reflecting a $27,000 tax payment to the township.

  5. Road Commission- Supervisor stated that the next Road committee meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2024. Supervisor stated that Valley Road from Fowler Rd. to the Leelanau County line is on the list for repaving in 2024.


OLD BUSINESS-

  1. Snow removal contract- supervisor reviewed the new contract for snow removal. The contract is for three years expiring October 31, 2026 at $45.00 per service. A MOTION by Michalak, SUPPORT by Solem to accept the contract from Dan Haswell to provide snow removal services at the Township Hall, effective November 1 2023 thru October 31, 2026; Motion carried, all ayes.

  2. Salary resolution- Clerk reviewed the current salaries of the elected board. Trustee Bollenberg suggested that a 3.5% increase in keeping with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Resident Linda Gottschalk suggested an increase for the board and clerk is appropriate with a job performance review submitted by each official. A MOTION by Haswell to increase the elected officials’ salaries by 3.5% for fiscal year 2024-2025, support by Solem; motion carried, all ayes, voice vote.

  3. Ironman update- Supervisor reports that an organizational meeting is being held January 9, 2024. September 15, 2024 is the date for the race, using the same route as 2023.


NEW BUSINESS

Election update- Clerk reviewed the dates for the 2024 election cycle February 27, August 6, and November 5

Headlee resolution- Clerk read the resolution. A MOTION by Haswell, SUPPORT by Gottschalk to support by resolution the County reset of the Headlee amendment initiated in 1982.


PUBLIC INPUT-none


BOARD ROUNDTABLE- Trustee Bollenberg inquired on the estimates for the hall energy renovations- Treasurer asks residents to consider becoming deputy treasurer. Trustee Bollenberg would like to attend the MTA Capitol Conference. This conference will discuss solar, wind, and other alternative energy programs. A MOTION by Michalak, support by Solem to send Bollenberg and Wieber to the conference and cover lodging, mileage, and registration fees, motion carried, all ayes.

CLERK’S OPERATING STATEMENT

A motion by Gottschalk, support by Solem to accept the clerk’s operating statement as presented. Voice vote, motion carried, all ayes.

TREASURER’S OPERATING STATEMENT

A motion by Haswell, support by Solem to accept the Treasurer’s operating statement as presented. Voice vote, motion carried, all ayes.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

A motion by Gottschalk, support by Haswell to approve the bills for the 3rd quarter as presented. Voice vote, motion carried, all ayes.

Motion to adjourn by Trustee Haswell, support by Solem

All ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm


Respectfully submitted by:

Alison Michalak, clerk

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