PLATTE TOWNSHIP
11935 FOWLER ROAD
HONOR, MICHIGN 49640
ANNUAL MEETING
BUDGET MEETING
FY 2022-2023
MARCH 18, 2023
12 P.M.
The Annual Meeting was called to order by Supervisor Solem at 12:01 p.m. and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Supervisor Solem introduced the elected board, and the appointed board and commission members- Treasurer Cindy Gottschalk, Clerk Alison Michalak, Trustee Dan Haswell and Trustee Robb Bollenberg;
Public Present-21
Supervisor Solem introduced the guests in attendance. They included:
Commissioner Art Jeannot
Sheriff Kyle Rosa
Fire Chief- Tim Markey
Road Commission Manager- Matt Skeels
Emergency Manager Rebecca Hubers
The minutes from the 2022 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk. A motion was made by Trustee Haswell, support by Treasurer Gottschalk to accept the Annual meeting minutes as read; All ayes; motion carried.
SUPERVISOR REPORT:
Clean up Day- 51 residents participated, 62 loads of refuse, 86 tires. Next cleanup day is scheduled for June, 2024.
Supervisor recapped improvements to the hall completed in 2022, and the proceeds from the sale of the Morgan School.
GUESTS
Commissioner Art Jeannot – Commissioner Jeannot updated the residents on the activities at the County level. Reducing costs at the county and streamlining services are helping with budget expenditures. Commissioner meetings are now available through YouTube. Broadband connectivity is still a priority at the County level. 2 housing projects with non-profit groups are active within the county. Opioid settlement funds are starting to be received. A detailed report is available with the minutes.
Fire Chief Tim Markey-Fire chief Markey reported on the total fire runs (352) for 2022. The majority of the calls are for medical issues, followed by downed power lines and vehicle incidents. There are 10 firefighters on staff. The older brush truck has been sold for $13,000. Road Commission Manager Matt Skeels-The new brine has worked out well and will be used for the 2023 season. 2023 projects include: The Reynolds Road bridge in Colfax Township will be replaced. Culvert replacement on Brownell Road at Carter Creek. Chip and seal on Crystal Drive between US 31 to M22. Federal funds to help pay for resurfacing of Cinder Road. 3 new plow trucks. Seal coat on M115 between Benzonia and Frankfort. Speed limits on county and township roads are set by the Michigan State Police. Road Commission owns the Platte River Elementary school building. The BCRC is open to leasing the building at this time. The Valley Road upgrade from Fowler Road north to the county line is on schedule for 2025. Sheriff Kyle Rosa– Reports that they are fully staffed at this time when many departments throughout the state cannot get enough staff. Jail renewal, Traverse Narcotics Team, and the school resource officer are fully funded thanks to the voters approving the millages. New program started using a comfort dog to be with the school resource officer and it is helpful with the interaction between students and law enforcement. A deputy is currently receiving specialized training to deal with mental health issues. 24-hour road patrol is returning to service this year.
Emergency Manager Rebecca Hubers-Explained her duties which include handling emergency responses, Homeland security and FEMA events. Coordinates community events requiring rescue training, hazard mitigation; coordinates training with Fire dept, sheriff’s department and other emergency responders. The 911 dispatch is being relocated to the lower level of the Sheriffs’ office.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Gottschalk to adjourn at 1:15pm All ayes; motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING-
BUDGET AND TRUTH IN TAXATION
Supervisor Solem called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. Clerk read workshop minutes from February 8, 2023. A MOTION by Haswell SUPPORT by Gottschalk to accept minutes as read; motion carried all ayes.
1. Budget for fiscal year 2023-2024: All members reviewed the proposed budget with the public in attendance.
2. Salary recommendations- a proposed increase in salaries for 2023-2024.
A MOTION by Resident Bob Michalak, support by Ruth Hovland to approve an increase of $1000.00 for each elected board member salaries; motion carried, all ayes.
A MOTION by Trustee Haswell to accept the proposed budget as presented, support by Paul Sole; motion carried, all ayes, voice vote.
A MOTION by Michalak, Support by Haswell to tax at the maximum rate as by allowed state of Michigan as authorized by the headlee amendment (L-4029);
All ayes, motion carried.
PUBLIC INPUT –Renee, liason for Betsy Coffia introduced herself and informed the public that there is coffee hours 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Red Door at 1pm. Her contact information was given to all. Lisa Pyne- concerned over the lack of people to take on increased zoning needs and potential accountability issues to make sure enforcement is ensured. Cameron Leuenberger states large parcels of land will encourage campgrounds.
A motion was made by Treasurer Gottschalk to adjourn at with support from Dan Haswell. All ayes; motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Alison Michalak
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