1 | P a g e Middlebury Township 6/13/2023 minutes Middlebury Township PO Box 622, Ovid, Michigan 48866 Draft Regular Meeting 7627 W. M-21, Ovid, MI Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 7:00 pm REGULAR MEETING Call to Order: Supervisor Swan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Board Members Present: Supervisor Jeffery Swan, Clerk Susan Tomasek Swan, Treasurer Jill Ruess, Trustee Greg Atwood, and Trustee Gene Ruess Guests Present: 5 Guests were present as well as Shawn Dilts, Deputy Clerk; Mike Herendeen, Deputy Supervisor. Scheduled Comments: County Commissioner not present. Public Comments: Opened at 7:01 pm Closed at 7:09 pm Resident identified that the Swarthout drain near his home is not functioning properly. He states that the Clinton County portion of the drain is plugged. Supervisor Swan will follow up to advocate for resolution. Mr. Semans complimented on the clearing of the brush along the highway in front of the township hall. He was inquiring on the status and plan for the driveway. Trustee Ruess updated that due to cost and contractor’s willingness. Motion to Approve Agenda: Trustee Atwood made a motion to approve agenda as amended with the addition of CDs for item 6. Clerk Tomasek-Swan seconded the motion. Carried on voice vote. Motion to Approve Minutes: Clerk Tomasek Swan made a motion to accept as presented the May 9,2023 minutes. Treasurer Ruess seconded the motion. Carried on voice vote. Motion to approve Bills Clerk Tomasek-Swan made a motion to approve bills from General Funds and Road Fund in the amount of $23,284.74 with checks #5953-5970 and 3 EFTs for an amount of $9,483.96 from General Fund and check 1079 with the amount $13,800.78 from Road fund. Treasurer Ruess seconded the motion. 2 | P a g e Middlebury Township 6/13/2023 minutes Roll Call Vote: Ayes: G. Atwood, G. Ruess, J. Ruess, S. Tomasek Swan, J. Swan Roll Call Vote: Nays: None Carried Communications: Supervisor Report- Supervisor Swan reports that the Owosso Speedway has started installation of the sign and the SE corner of the property has been rezoned at the county level. The next step is for the NW property to be rezoned. He also reports that Dr. Boggs, Matt McKone, and himself toured the Griffin home that will be utilized for Veterans. It is planned to open in July. MTA- Supervisor Swan reports that the MTA picnic occurred. County Clerk Wilson discussed Prop 2 and desired plans. Wilson is proposing for there to be one central location for the entire county to vote at for the 9 days of early voting for the required 8 hours per day. Then the townships would conduct voting at their own location on voting day. These plans have not been approved. Chris Cannon reported changes at the state level environmental protection department and brining is being eliminated. The department is also requiring inspections of septic systems that are not connected to a municipality over the next 2-5 years. The county is completing a new zoning plan for solar and wind by July. Library- Clerk Tomasek-Swan reported board approved pay raises for the library staff. Minutes included in packet. New fiscal year begins 7/1/2023. OMESA- Fire Grant, FY 2022 Audit completed and went well. There is discussion regarding the replacement options of the current engine. Clerk- Clerk Tomasek-Swan updated the board on the township’s responsibilities for the August 2023 election. Cemetery Section signs have been installed. FOIA has been received for 2020 election. MTA classes are an add on option is on the invoice for annual dues. The board will review and will discuss for a decision at the July board meeting. Assessor- Not present Business: 1. NSF Resolution Update Supervisor Swan met with Dr. Boggs and Attorney McKone. The issue has been resolved at the county, the taxes are being backed out and a refund will be sent to the township. The attorney is addressing the verbiage of the letter to utilize for any future incidents. 2. Treasurer Bond Insurance Quote Supervisor Swan met with Dr. Boggs resolved the issue. Township to pay for the insurance, submit the receipt to the county, and the county will reimburse. Treasurer Ruess made a motion that she will email Amanda at Burnham and Flowers and it will begin the additional tax insurance for the 2023 tax season, Supervisor Swan seconded the motion. Carried on voice vote. 3. Michigan Class LCSA check via ACH this is a new clearinghouse company distributing the funds. Clerk will discuss with other area clerks about their township’s decisions regarding utilization of this clearinghouse. Supervisor Swan will explore the legitimacy of the company. 4. MI Fire Grant – There is an opportunity for a $10K grant application for the township to receive funding for personal fire equipment or gear. Discussion will occur with the other municipalities of OMESA. Clerk Tomasek-Swan made a motion for Supervisor Swan to sign the grant application, Trustee Atwood seconded the motion. 3 | P a g e Middlebury Township 6/13/2023 minutes Carried on voice vote 5. Office Admin Hour increase Supervisor Swan requested that the hours be increased to a maximum of 15 hours per week. Trustee Ruess made a motion that the admin hours be increased to 15 hours per week and it was seconded by Trustee Atwood. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: G. Atwood, G. Ruess, J. Ruess, S. Tomasek Swan, J. Swan Roll Call Vote: Nays: None Carried 6. CD’s Treasurer Ruess would like to reinvest the CD’s. Clerk Tomasek-Swan identified that there are remaining ARPA funds in the account and those cannot be invested. Treasurer will invest $150K of these funds into a CD. Next CDs will be renewable in October. Final Comments: Opened at 8:07 pm Closed at 8:11 pm Guest commented that the improvements at the Owosso Speedway are beautiful. A guest inquired about what are the plans and improvements at the Owosso Speedway. . Without objection Supervisor Swan Adjourned at 8:11 pm . Next meeting July 11, 2022 at 7:00pm X Shawn Dilts Deputy Clerk