Marion Township - Livingston County Michigan

MARION TOWNSHIP

Draft Minutes

Board of Trustees - March 11, 2004

Public Hearing, Regular Meeting follows

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Hanvey, Sue Lingle, Dan Lowe, Myrna Schlittler and Dave Hamann

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

*************************************************************************************************************

CALL TO ORDER

Bob Hanvey called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

Mary Ann Bahr, Grass Lake Court: Ms. Bahr asked if the site would be left in its natural state. She also

questioned whether the only access would be from Triangle Lake Road. Ms. Bahr asked who would oversee the park

in terms of scheduling games, etc., and is the parking sufficient to handle the amount of cars. Sue Lingle explained that

the plan is the same one used for a previous grant application—nothing has changed. Access is off of Triangle Lake

Road and through the Sundance Meadows community. The park isn’t intended for organized sports; it won’t be rented

out or reserved. Basically, it’s less than ten acres and it isn’t going to be real complex. The township would like to

have small parks like this throughout the township so people in the area can use them. At this time, plans are for a

gazebo, two ball fields, a child’s play area, and a parking area. It will be gated, only open during daytime hours.

Jim Barnwell from Desine, Inc. has volunteered the design. The property was donated by Fred Brown, the developer of

Sundance Meadows. He is also donating the land balancing and the gazebo. The township will contribute the other

items mentioned. Sites are depicted for future development. A walkway is planned through the natural area.

Mr. Barnwell said that approximately 4 of the 9 acres are wooded.

James Carpenter, Triangle Lake Road: Mr. Carpenter wanted to know how many feet the baseball field is from the

property line of the first house depicted on the site plan. Ms. Lingle said fencing would be put up. Mr. Barnwell said it’s

probably 70 feet to the fence of the ball field, and a berm would be put in place. Mr. Carpenter asked who would be

playing ball? Ms. Lingle said she would hope it’s the people in the neighborhood. Ms. Lingle said the township has

discussed rules for the parks, although nothing formal has been decided on (e.g., dogs allowed, etc.). She will review

recommendations from other recreation areas.

Mary Ann Bahr, Grass Lake Court: Ms. Bahr asked if any of the neighbors have expressed concerns. Ms. Lingle

said that Janice Carpenter has attended previous meetings committee and voiced her concerns. At the last such

meeting, she felt Mrs. Carpenter was satisfied with the proposal.

Janice Carpenter, Triangle Lake Road: Mrs. Carpenter said she has additional concerns now with a proposed

subdivision being put in with access off of Clivedon Road. Mrs. Carpenter feels there’s already so much traffic on

Triangle Lake Road that it requires a separate entrance/exit, or a separate entrance/exit for the proposed development.

Ms. Lingle said it has been discussed with the Livingston County Road Commission (LCRC) and the road commission

is willing to put up signage. She also said there are two public acts put in place since the last grant application that

allows the local entity to become involved in establishing speed limits. Bob Hanvey asked Phil Westmoreland, township

engineer, to confirm whether any road that’s interior to a subdivision in the state is automatically 25 mph.

Mr. Westmoreland said yes. Mr. Hanvey asked how to define what’s interior to a subdivision. Mr. Westmoreland said

that Triangle Lake Road would probably not be considered a subdivision road. Clivedon Road would be. It’s more how

the county classifies it. Mr. Hanvey said there are parcel splits on one side and subdivisions on the other.

Mr. Westmoreland said that Triangle Lake Road is probably considered a “collector” road, because of the amount of

traffic and number of homes. He said the LCRC would probably do a speed study to help determine the speed limit.

Lori Pollack, Ms. Pollack wanted to commend the board, the township and Mr. Brown for donating the land. As a

new resident, one of the first things she noticed was the lack of parks. She feels this is a positive precedent and model

for the surrounding area, hopefully the first of many to come.

Anneliese Belknap,: Mrs. Belknap said she’s looking for a place to walk without dodging traffic, and she feels this

park will be the perfect place.

James Carpenter, : Mr. Carpenter said according to the pamphlet, 15 acres or more is desired, and yet the township

has 18 acres behind its building. How come nothing is being done with that area first? Ms. Lingle said because the

opportunity came up for the developer to give the township property, and so the focus shifted. Otherwise, the donated

property would be lost. Something will eventually be done behind the township hall. Mr. Hanvey pointed out that during

the hall expansion process, a road was put in place to allow access. Mr. Carpenter said it’s been over three years, and

yet nothing’s happened. Ms. Lingle explained the whole reason for the meeting is she would like to go to the DNR, and

for the second time, obtain a grant. Money is what it takes to do these things. The township isn’t that rich.

Mr. Carpenter asked why the township wants to start out small when it could start behind the hall and then expand.

Mr. Barnwell explained that if the township can take some of Mr. Brown’s money and parlay that with township money,

you have a lot more matching money, and that’s what they look at when considering a grant.

Close Call to the Public

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Dave Hamann motioned to approve agenda as presented. Myrna Schlittler seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

GRANT FOR PARKS

Ms. Lingle indicated that the purpose of her presentation is to answer as many of the public’s questions as possible,

and provided handouts.

Rick Dell, Mr. Dell is a 30+ year resident in the township and sees a dramatic need for some recreation in the

township. One of the reasons the township doesn’t have recreational areas is that it’s so expensive to obtain the land,

difficult to decide on a location, and this represents a significant contribution to the township. He feels it’s essential to

carry this project through to the DNR and obtain a grant.

Janice Carpenter, : She restated that she’s not opposed to the park. She wants to make sure the items that have

been discussed in the past will be honored, and she doesn’t see that anywhere—things such as lighting, restrooms,

and waste pick up. Ms. Lingle said in regard to the restroom, there would be portable accommodations for a while.

It would be approximately $125,000 to put in a permanent restroom and right now, the township can’t do that.

Mrs. Carpenter said the baseball field and the gazebo would be in place initially, but there needs to be facilities.

That’s where she has a problem. She doesn’t feel it’s being planned ahead. If you’re going to open a park, it has to

meet everyone’s needs. We’ve talked about handicapped areas. Ms. Lingle said it would be ADA compliant. The

walkways will have sections that will be paved. Ms. Lingle’s looking at play areas to allow wheelchair access.

Mrs. Carpenter asked about lighting and the gates. Ms. Lingle said the park would be closed at night so there isn’t a

concern about lighting. Ms. Lingle said there would be waste receptacles and pick up. The township will make sure

that it’s kept clean.

James Carpenter, : Mr. Carpenter asked how many people it takes to play a ball game. Ms. Lingle said 18.

Mr. Carpenter said there are only 16 parking spaces. If there’s a ball game and a soccer game at the same time…

He’s looking down the road at the parking. If they’re not parking in the subdivision or on Triangle Lake Road…

Ms. Lingle said there’s enough area to extend the parking. Also, it’s not going to be used for organized teams to

come in with all their families. This is basically a community playground. Mr. Carpenter said at the last meeting, the

Howell Athletic League and teams would be playing there. Ms. Lingle said no, the township never said that.

Mr. Hamann suggested that Mr. Carpenter read the minutes from the previous meeting. Mr. Dell said that was never

the intent, that was never proposed. Mr. Barnwell said the junior baseball league was never interested in using this

facility. This is intended as a neighborhood park, with this the beginning of a series of parks. Maybe other developers

would donate property. We don’t want to be shortsighted. The township can’t request $500,000 with only $100,000

matching from the township. The park was designed with that in mind. The parking lot is small so it doesn’t attract a

lot of people from outside. You don’t need 18 people to play ball—you can have 5 on a team or have 2 people batting

with people out in the field. Hopefully, this will be an example of what could be done in the northern part of the

township, such as Premier Farms or Sunridge.

Bonnie White, : From listening to the residents, it seems the baseball field seems to be causing some of the problem.

Why is a baseball field being proposed? She feels this compares to West Street Park, which is a lovely park.

Ms. Lingle said surveys were sent out to residents and the summary of the surveys indicated a lot of interest in a

baseball field and walking areas. The township tried to incorporate what was most desired based on the responses.

Ms. White asked whether the survey specified that the baseball field would not be used for organized leagues.

Ms. Lingle said no. She also pointed out that the township Planning Commission is very insistent that a lot of

developments provide parks for the development, but not everyone can use those parks, just those in the development.

Ms. White asked if it’s open from the back. Ms. Lingle said yes. Ms. White wants to know who’s going to make sure

the park isn’t full of 150 teenagers. Ms. Lingle said she’s sure the township would hear about it and the sheriff’s

department would be contacted.

Judy Lyons, : Ms. Lyons said she thought the park would be locked at night. Ms. White said from the front, but not

the back. Ms. Lingle said the Triangle Lake Road access would be locked at night, but not the subdivision entrance.

The park area will be enveloped by residences when Mr. Brown’s Phase 3 and 4 are completed. If problems occur, the

township will work with the sheriff’s department. Mrs. Carpenter said we need to focus on these things before things

get rolling.

Cindy Hodge,: Ms. Hodge thanked everyone who worked on this park proposal. She’s looking forward to using the

park with her granddaughter, like she did with her own children. We don’t have a downtown, we don’t have authorities.

This could even be an area that’s used during the Melon Fest to have an ice cream social in a township park. All of the

melons come from Marion Township into Howell, and yet there’s nothing done in Marion Township for the Melon Fest.

Ms. Hodge feels it’s shameful that people would oppose a park and family-friendly activities. We hear from these nay

Sayers…she can’t believe that none of these people didn’t grow up in a city where they’d sit at the end of the

cul-de-sac and any neighborhood kid could come in and play a game of baseball and just have a good time. We don’t

need organized sports for everything. She thinks it’s wonderful that the neighborhood kids could play together without

parents being involved. Ms. Hodge hopes this park goes through and it would be a wonderful addition to the community.

Mary Ann Bahr,: Ms. Bahr said while living in Brighton, she used Clinton Meadows park, which is huge compared to

this park. All they had to service the public were outhouses. As the park is expanded, would it be opened back up to

the public for comment? Ms. Lingle said yes, this isn’t set in stone. It’s going to be flexible.

Judy Lyons, : Ms. Lyons thinks it’s a great idea.

James Carpenter, : Mr. Carpenter asked Ms. Lyons if she would drive to the park. Ms. Lyons said yes.

Mr. Carpenter asked her where she’d park. Ms. Lyons said in the parking lot. Not everyone will show up at the park

at the same time.

John Belknap, : Mr. Belknap thinks the nay Sayers are looking for a pig in a poke. They’re looking for something that

may never happen. He has people riding 4-wheelers in the back of his property and he can’t stop them. But if there

was a community park with people doing it and it’s illegal, the sheriff will come out. With the growth in this township,

there isn’t going to be many chances to get acreage like this for a small park. The whole idea is a bunch of small parks

throughout the community.

Janice Carpenter,: Mrs. Carpenter said she’s been at this table before, and she doesn’t see anything that’s been

discussed has been resolved. Ms. Lingle said she’s not sure what Mrs. Carpenter is looking for. During the committee

meetings, items were changed for Mrs. Carpenter and Mr. Mantay. Mrs. Carpenter said the way the entrance was

changed was fine, but there are still things such as allowing dogs that are not addressed. She thought all of the items

would be addressed when reapplying for the grant. Ms. Lingle thought she explained about the dog issue. Dogs will be

allowed on leashes, and if there’s a problem with that, then it could be changed. Ms. Bahr asked if Livingston County

had a leash law. Mr. Hanvey and Mr. Hamann said it’s a state law.

Bob Bloomquist, : Mr. Bloomquist said for the West Street Park, they did a fundraiser to buy bricks. The walking trail

is great. If there were a task force put together to look at other parks in the community, it would be helpful in

determining what this park would contain. Ms. Lingle said that had been done via the survey.

Scott Schnute, : Mr. Schnute said he didn’t know about this park when he moved in a year ago. Mr. Schnute asked

about the plans for the fence and berm. A welded wire fence sounds kind of unattractive along his property line.

Ms. Lingle said the previous owner of Mr. Schnute’s property was invited to committee meetings, which he did.

There was originally talk of a wooden fence to eliminate visual contact, but he said he’d rather have wire. Ms. Lingle

asked Mr. Schnute to contact her.

Ms. Lingle thanked everyone for attending and she appreciates everyone’s input.

ADJOURNMENT

Dave Hamann motioned to adjourn the Special Board Meeting at 8:00 pm. Myrna Schlittler seconded.

Motion carried 5-0.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Hanvey, Sue Lingle, Dan Lowe, Myrna Schlittler and Dave Hamann

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Annette McNamara

*************************************************************************************************************

CALL TO ORDER

Bob Hanvey called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.

PLEDGE TO FLAG

MEMBERS PRESENT

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Bob Hanvey asked to have the Clark Hill invoice added under New Business. Mr. Hanvey also asked to have the

agenda rearranged to accommodate meeting attendees. Sue Lingle motioned to approve the agenda as amended.

Dave Hamann seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Board of Trustees, February 12, 2004

Myrna Schlittler motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Sue Lingle seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Special Board of Trustees Meeting, February 26, 2004

Dave Hamann motioned to approve the minutes as amended. Dan Lowe seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Ways & Means Meeting, March 8, 2004

Dave Hamann motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Sue Lingle seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

Litter Ordinance

Sue Lingle provided the board with pictures taken of a lot on the northwest corner of Pingree and Coon Lake Road

(the Baldwin property). The project has been abandoned at this point, and there’s debris left and now other people

are dumping. Ms. Lingle suggests the township contact the attorney to find out what can be done to have the

property cleaned up. Mr. Hanvey said that with the ordinance as it’s written right now, it’s not real clear. Ms. Lingle

said it needs to be addressed soon. Dan Lowe said that the attorney would contact the mortgage company to see

what can be done. Mr. Lowe asked if Waste Management has been contacted. Annette McNamara said they

wouldn’t take it because there’s concrete in it. There’s no one for the zoning office to contact. Mr. Hanvey said

he litter ordinance might be a way to take care of the “driveway paper” situation. He also informed residents that

there’s information on the township website and local cable channel to have delivery stopped. Dan Lowe motioned

to appoint Sue Lingle to work on the litter ordinance. Dave Hamann seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Land Split

Bob Bloomquist presented an update on this issue. Mr. Bloomquist has talked with several contractors who would be

interested in putting single-family homes on the parcels. To his knowledge, he’s done everything that is required.

Mr. Hanvey said it’s his understanding that the board has the option of granting the split with the footnote that because

the split is granted doesn’t guarantee land use permits, driveways permits, etc. Ms. Lingle said she talked with the

attorney regarding this issue. Mr. Lowe said he didn’t see any documentation that this park has been vacated.

Mr. Bloomquist said it’s filed with the state as part of the plat, as well as the Register of Deeds. The information on

platted subs is also available online at www.michigan.org. Ms. Lingle motioned to approve the granting of a land division

for parcel #4710-20-300-009 into four lots because each lot meets the minimum lot size, 4:1 width to length ratio, and

has frontage on an approved road, but this split approval is not an approval of any of the parcels for issuance of a land use

permit under the zoning ordinance. The Board also requests that Mr. Bloomquist provide a copy of the recorded plat for

the vacating of the park. Mr. Bloomquist said he has the official plat at home and he can also provide a copy of the court

judgment to vacate the property. Myrna Schlittler seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Lowe, Myrna Schlittler, Bob Hanvey,

Sue Lingle, Dave Hamann—all yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Bloomquist asked about land use permits. Mr. Hanvey said the main concerns are setbacks and driveway issues.

Richland Pay Request #5

A copy is provided in the packets. There are also letters from the architect and the township consultant, Joe Vellardita.

Ms. Lingle provided a spreadsheet detailing this information. Mr. Hanvey said the suggestion is that on line items 6 and 8

there is a reduction of $1000 each. The architect agrees with this. Mr. Richardson feels this is fair. The total request

will be for $63,557.50. Mr. Richardson indicated he would resubmit the pay request showing the revisions.

Mr. Richardson said he reviewed the AIA contract and the financing was set up through the bank. Is the project at the

point where it will go through First National Bank? Ms. Lingle said she will have to investigate and will let him know.

Myrna Schlittler motioned to approve payment to Richland Construction of $63,557.50. Dan Lowe seconded.

Roll call vote: Dave Hamann, Sue Lingle, Bob Hanvey, Myrna Schlittler, Dan Lowe—all yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Change Order Request

A summary page was provided along with comments. Mr. Richardson went through the items the board had questions on.

Item #2, Dependent Foundations—charges are for soil bearing capacity testing and changes that needed to be made in

some of the footings. The amount includes a credit of $1000 for not underpinning existing footings. Mr. Richardson is

requesting that the township to pay the added cost for changes to the footings, less the $1000 credit. Dan Lowe tried to

talk with Dependent Foundations, but wasn’t able to get answers to his questions. Mr. Lowe said there’s $16 per foot

difference between trench and pour and what was done. Basically, they are charging $44 per foot to put the wall in.

What they didn’t do is give credit for what the print called for. Mr. Richardson said he provided the architect with a

detailed breakdown. Mr. Lowe questioned the charge of $6000 for 70 feet of footing. Mr. Richardson suggested a

separate meeting be held to review the detailed breakdown for this line item. Item #3, Ideal Steel and Item #4, Stock

Building Supply, are items that reflect the changes in price from the time of the bid to the time of the contract.

Mr. Richardson said he bid the job on May 19, 2003, and the contract was signed on September 16, 2003.

Throughout last summer, there was a substantial change in market conditions for lumber prices and steel.

After the contract was signed, Mr. Richardson went to his lumber supplier and the price had increased 35%.

Mr. Richardson reviewed the contract with his attorney and both feel this is a legitimate request. Mr. Richardson is

already over $10,000 on lumber without the 35% increase. Mr. Hanvey read a letter from attorney Ray Toma to

Mr. Richardson, dated March 5, 2004, justifying the request. Mr. Richardson feels he shouldn’t have to bear the full

expense of a severe change in market conditions, and is asking the board to consider his request.

Item #5, Dave Taylor Trucking—this item seems to be okay.

Item #6, Concrete Connections—Mr. Lowe feels this one has a problem with the labor for installing the pea gravel and the

winter charges. Mr. Hanvey stated the architect said taking $720 out of the $1842 would be appropriate. Mr. Richardson

said four feet of fill was needed to bring the basement storage area up to grade. Mr. Lowe said the crawl space area

should have been part of the contract. Mr. Richardson said the contract specifically excludes fill materials.

Item #7, All Star Alarm—Mr. Hanvey said the only question is who will write the checks. Mr. Richardson said he would.

Ms. Lingle asked if the township has a copy of the bids from CommTech and All Star Alarm. Mr. Richardson said yes.

Item #9, CCM Electric—this item is okay.

Item #10, Four Seasons—this item is okay.

Items #2, 3, 4 and 6—Mr. Lowe suggested a motion approving the other items and arrange a meeting to discuss these

items. Mr. Richardson said these items total $14,400, and he’s already paid $12,000.

Dan Lowe motioned to approve billing for revised change order #1 for items #1, #5, #7, #8, #9, and #10 in their entirety.

Sue Lingle seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Richardson asked to have another meeting scheduled. The meeting will be on Monday, March 15, 2004

at 5:00 p.m. with Dan Lowe, Bob Hanvey, Cindy Hodge, and Bill Richardson. Mr. Lowe asked Mr. Richardson

to bring the breakdown for item #2. Mr. Richardson said Phase I should be done in six weeks.

Bruce McCullen Pay Request

Sue Lingle motioned to approve March 8, 2004 pay request for $980. Dave Hamann seconded.

Roll call vote: Dan Lowe, Dave Hamann, Sue Lingle, Myrna Schlittler, Bob Hanvey—all yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Rezoning #RZN 7-03

Richard Hartigan from Schonscheck, Inc. gave a presentation on this rezoning request. The township Planning

Commission recommended approval. The Livingston County Planning Department (LCPD) recommended denial

based on the fact that the majority of the surrounding area is industrial. Mr. Hartigan says they differ in that opinion

in that the property to the north is residential, the property to the west is residential, and the property to the east

and south is industrial. You need to evaluate what’s there and what can be done with it. This property is not

appropriate for industrial buildings because of the terrain. Discussion ensued regarding access roads. Mr. Hartigan

said people will know what they’re getting into. Mr. Hartigan said the hope is to create “affordable housing.”

The Planning Commission reviewed and approved; John Ambrose reviewed and approved. Mr. Hanvey

said it’s not a risk-free venture, but feels it’s to the benefit of the township to have the property be residential.

Dave Miechials, National Street: Mr. Miechials feels it isn’t fair to allow residential property in what is an

industrial area. Mr. Hanvey pointed out that Mr. Miechials is the only industrial parcel in this area. Mr. Lowe said

there’s a lot of truck traffic up and down the road.

Violet Dryer, National Street: Ms. Dryer would like to see what’s going to be done and how many houses

will be around her. Ms. Dryer said Regal’s and Miechials is very loud and people will complain.

Mr. Lowe asked if the property is rezoned, would they have to come back for a Special Use Permit for multi-family

dwellings. Mr. Hartigan said they would have to have a means of ingress and egress at the site plan approval.

Mr. Hartigan explained the situation with the financing. Ms. Lingle asked Mr. Hartigan if he and Mr. Schonscheck

had an investment in this project. Mr. Hartigan said yes. Mr. Lowe asked how many REUs are on the property.

Mr. Hanvey said 400 sewer REUs and approximately 150 water REUs. Mr. Lowe asked for an estimate on

the number of housing units. Mr. Hartigan said probably in the low 200s. A portion would be 12-plex

condominiums. Mr. Miechials restated that he doesn’t want to stop this rezoning; he just wants to preserve

his business. Myrna Schlittler motioned to approve RZN #7-03 for parcel #4710-01-200-018 from Light

Industrial to Urban Residential. Sue Lingle seconded. Roll call vote:

Dave Hamann, Sue Lingle, Bob Hanvey, Myrna Schlittler, Dan Lowe—all yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Resolution—Darakjian Property

Sue Lingle moved by resolution that the township subordinate the mortgage on property owned by Mr. Darakjian,

parcels #4710-01-200-018 and #4710-01-200-022, provided that the liens are all released, other than the two mortgages.

Dave Hamann seconded. Roll call vote: Myrna Schlittler—yes, Dave Hamann—yes, Dan Lowe—no, Bob Hanvey—yes,

Sue Lingle—yes. Resolution passed 4-1.

Text Amendments

Dave Hamann presented information on the text amendments. Bob Hanvey said that the LCPD recommended

approval of all three. Myrna Schlittler motioned to approve Z-15-04. Dave Hamann seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Sue Lingle motioned to approve Z-16-04. Dan Lowe seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Sue Lingle motioned to approve Z-17-04. Dan Lowe seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Home Occupation

Tom and Judy Lyons, 3498 Cedar Point Drive, were present to discuss the rules for home occupations, specifically

Section 6.14 of the zoning ordinance. Dave Hamann said this item should be addressed with the township Planning

Commission prior to board approval. Mr. Hamann said there is an ongoing project to revise the Home Occupation

ordinance as requested by the township board approximately one year ago. Mr. Hanvey asked Mr. Lyons what his

suggestions are. Mr. Lyons said item E states no changes to exterior of building. He feels some change should be

expected with a business. Mr. Hanvey said there are zoning districts established for businesses and zoning districts

for residential. The township is attempting to keep those districts separate, although some people have been

grandfathered in. As far as the outward appearance, one sign placed against the side of the building is allowed.

Mr. Lyons said you can’t have retail sales as the main occupation from the home, yet there are provisions to have retail

sales if you provide a service. Mr. Hanvey said that once the Planning Commission completes work on the new master

plan, the group will be meeting twice a month to discuss ordinance issues. Mrs. Lyons said their neighbor had a sign

out and was selling items out of the home. Mr. Hamann suggested that the Lyons attend the March 23, 2004 Planning

Commission meeting and address this issue during the Call to the Public. Ms. McNamara asked the board if she could

provide the Lyons with a copy of the draft proposal of the Home Occupation ordinance, and board members said yes.

Water System Construction & Inspection

Myrna Schlittler said this item doesn’t need to be voted on. With regarding to MHOG, Dan Lowe said the attorney is

working on this issue in terms of this item being unnecessary.

Resolution for Grant Application

Sue Lingle needs a resolution to approve the grant application to the State of Michigan DNR for development of outdoor

recreation facilities. Myrna Schlittler made the following resolution: Whereas Marion Township has approximately nine

acres located off of Triangle Lake Road south of West Coon Lake Road, whereas the Township Board has plans to

develop this land for community recreation, now therefore it be resolved that an application to the DNR for grant purposes

be made for the year 2004. The foregoing resolution offered by Board of Trustee Member Myrna Schlittler, and

supported by Dave Hamann. Roll call vote: Dave Hamann, Sue Lingle, Bob Hanvey, Myrna Schlittler, Dan Lowe—all yes.

Resolution passed 5-0.

Lawn Mowing Contract

Myrna Schlittler indicated the PE’s Lawn Care is willing to provide services at last year’s prices. Sue Lingle motioned to

accept the lawn mowing contract from PE’s Lawn Care for the 2004 season at last year’s prices. Dave Hamann seconded.

Roll call vote: Dan Lowe, Dave Hamann, Sue Lingle, Myrna Schlittler, Bob Hanvey—all yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Resolution for Summer Tax Collection

Myrna Schlittler moved by resolution for the treasurer to collect summer taxes at $4 per parcel. Dave Hamann seconded.

Roll call vote: Bob Hanvey, Sue Lingle, Myrna Schlittler, Dave Hamann, Dan Lowe—all yes. Motion carried 5-0.

Solid Waste Challenge Grant Application

Bob Hanvey said the township was approached by Recycle Livingston to see if the township is interested in joining with

the City of Howell, Oceola Township, and Howell Township to collect electronic recyclables. This is done once a year.

At a minimum, the township would provide the information on the website and cable channel. Mr. Hanvey would also

like to offer to Marion Township residents to pay for recycling of electronic materials they bring in. Last year, there was

$298 worth of recycling materials brought to the center by Marion Township residents. Mr. Hanvey is asking the board to

approve $500, and anything over $500 would be absorbed by Recycle Livingston. Myrna Schlittler motioned to

approve $500 for residents to recycle electronic equipment on the Recycle Livingston’s electronic recycling day.

Dan Lowe seconded. Roll call vote: Dan Lowe, Myrna Schlittler, Bob Hanvey, Sue Lingle, Dave Hamann—all yes.

Motion carried 5-0.

Clark Hill Invoice

Mr. Hanvey said most of this amount was for the rebuttal to the 38-page rebuttal provided by Mr. Bisio to the tax tribunal’s

recommendation that the case be dismissed. Myrna Schlittler motioned to pay the Clark Hill invoice in the amount of

$9840. Sue Lingle seconded. Roll call vote: Bob Hanvey, Sue Lingle, Dave Hamann, Dan Lowe, Myrna Schlittler—all yes.

Motion carried 5-0.

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT

Dave Hamann reported that three rezonings were on the February 24, 2004 agenda. Approval was recommended for

Coddington, denial was recommended for Marion Oaks, and Family Golf was tabled until March 23 meeting.

Proposed text amendments were reviewed. New business discussed was a proposed private sewer/water waste

treatment facility. A special meeting was held on February 26, 2004 for the Comprehensive Plan. A follow-up

comprehensive plan meeting is scheduled for April 7.

PARKS & RECREATION REPORT

Sue Lingle provided a report in the packets. One item of interest is the “Love Your Pet” contest, and the third place winner

is from Marion Township. Ms. Lingle shared pictures of the winners with the board.

ZBA REPORT

Dan Lowe reported a meeting was held on March 1, 2004. Two variance requests were heard: BeDen on Cedar Point

Court was approved, and Bandy was tabled. The attorney is drafting a letter to be sent to the Bandy’s giving them

permission to build on the same foundation so they can remove the existing structure.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Provided in packets.

DPW REPORT

Provided in packets.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE TOWNSHIP

None.

CALL TO PUBLIC

None.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Dave Hamann motioned to accept the treasurer’s report with expenses of $118,588.38. Myrna Schlittler seconded.

Motion carried 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT

Dave Hamann motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m. Sue Lingle seconded. Motion carried 5-0.