VILLAGE OF ARMADA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008
7:30PM
Pres. Ballard called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. All rose for Pledge of Allegiance. Present at roll call: Ballard, Boelke, Clark, Coenen, Stork, and Guse. Absent: Wolak. Also present: Clerk Poulos, Treasurer Adair, Jeff Bahorski, Karl Krueger, Jim Krueger, David Stork, Janet Awdey, Susan Bertram, Richard and Joan Weinand, David Meixner, Carolyn Sweeney, Ben Delecke, Matt Fahr, and Detective Jim Sharp.
AGENDA, APPROVAL OF
MOTION by Guse, seconded by Stork, to approve agenda as presented.
All Ayes CARRIED
CITIZEN COMMENT
None Received
GENERAL BUSINESS
MOTION by Stork, seconded by Clark, resolved to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
All Ayes CARRIED
Approval of RCM Minutes of 12/17/07 approved as presented.
Payment of Bills totaling $68,353.48 approved for payment as follows:
1. General Fund $ 27,651.51
2. Water Plant Fund $ 0
3. Water System Fund $ 4,466.14
4. Sewer Plant Fund $ 16,996.76
5. Sewer System Fund $ 875.87
6. Major Street Fund $ 3,939.65
7. Local Street Fund $ 2,995.87
8. Municipal Street Fund $ 2,384.05
9. DDA $ 0___
Total $ 59,309.85
Treasurer's Report approved for filing.
Departmental Reports received from DPW, approved for filing.
Blue Cross Rider approved to add to existing plan.
Fax Machine for Village Office approved to purchase.
Correspondence approved for filing:
Macomb County Road Commission Press Release
Letter from Daniel Sutherland, Village resident
Resolution 102 from Macomb County Clerk
2. SET CDBG PUBLIC HEARING DATE
The Clerk requested a Public Hearing date of February 11, 2008 at 7:45 for the distribution of CDBG funds.
MOTION by Guse, seconded by Boelke, to set the Public Hearing date of February 11, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. for CDBG distribution.
All Ayes CARRIED
3. CABLE COMMISSION REPORT
Janet Awdey, Jim Krueger, Dave Meixner, and Jo Adair, all Cable Commission members, expressed their current frustration with Comcast. Concerns raised were submitted to Council in writing prior to the meeting (on file). These concerns included the proposed PEG channel move from channel 6 to a channel in the 900's, which could only be viewed by subscribers of premium cable. The local contact liaison between the cable commission and Comcast no longer works for Comcast, therefore the Cable Commission has no direct contact to Comcast. Also, the reduced rate for Cable Commissioners will no longer be offered. Jeff Bahorski explained that legislation has been introduced in Lansing today to stop the PEG channel move until February 2009, but that the scheduled move is for tomorrow, so unless the stay proceeds, the channel move will happen. Cable Commission President Jim Krueger stated that he believes that if the channel does move, Comcast is in violation of the consortium contract. It was explained that the Village has a 20-year Franchise Agreement with Comcast, which was believed to exempt them from any of the current changes, which was a common belief of many communities. Jeff Bahorski stated that he understands that the community Franchise Agreements was considered void and a statewide Franchise Agreement replaced each community's individual agreements. Dave Meixner questioned whether the Village should file suit with the Michigan Service Commission, which Jeff Bahorski stated would be very costly and hard won. Discussion continued concluding that the Attorney and Treasurer would prepare a resolution/resolutions for the next RCM including Council's support of the Cable Commission against the movement of the PEG channel, keeping it on channel 6, to collect past fees from Comcast, about $13,000.00/year for the last 3 years, to provide a liaison to attend meetings and answer questions and concerns, and to keep the reduced rate for Cable Commissioner.
4. PART-TIME CLERICAL
Treasurer Adair explained that the Police Chief has expressed a need for a part time clerical secretary. She explained that the Police Department currently has a crossing guard that the Chief is interested in offering the position to. She also explained that the Village office is in need of a part time clerical person, which has been discussed and previously budgeted for, during past years. It was proposed that the Village and the Police Department could possibly share this employee. Trustee Stork stated that she would rather wait and budget for this position in the Village office.
MOTION by Guse, seconded by Stork, to employ a part time clerical at will employee of the Police Department at $9.00/hr not to exceed an additional 8 hours per week above the current crossing guard duties.
Ayes: Wolak, Stork, Coenen, Boelke, Clark, Ballard
Nays: None CARRIED
5. POLICE CARS
Marvin Wolak asked President Ballard to address this issue in his absence. Pres. Ballard explained that Wolak felt that although the lease of the Police vehicles that was approved in the current budget, it needed an official vote of Council. Police Commissioner Guse explained that several quotes were received for three different vehicles. The vehicles ordered are Dodge Chargers and will be black with orange decals, to coincide with the school colors.
MOTION by Guse, seconded by Stork, to approve the purchase of two Police cars at a total cost of $19,412.00 (principal cost of $18,262.00 and interest cost of $1,150.00), per year on a three- (3) year lease.
Ayes: Stork, Coenen, Boelke, Guse, Clark, Ballard
Absent: Wolak
Nays: None CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS
VILLAGE OF ARMADA 07-08 STREET PROJECT
Street Administrator Stork explained to Council that she had contacted Robert Bendzinski of Bendzinski and Company, Municipal Financial Advisors, to discuss the bond for the upcoming street project. She stated that Mr. Bendizinski would submit his findings to the Village at no cost. Treasurer Adair inquired as to how he will collect his information and Stork stated that he can obtain his information on line and will not require any information from the Village office also that he will review and report how much the Village could afford to spend on this project. Treasurer Adair asked if the bond would be funded solely by Act 51 monies, of which, she reminded Council, only 50% could be used. Stork stated that she is convinced that Mr. Bendzinski knows that information. Stork will bring this issue before Council when the information is received.
MOTION by Stork, seconded by Boelke, to do initial investigation into 2007/2008 road project through Bedzinski and Company to investigate feasibility for Franklin/Hollweg and Franklin/Hollweg/Torrey streets at no cost to the Village.
All Ayes CARRIED
BLUE CROSS RATE INCREASE FOR 2008
The Clerk informed Council that the Blue Cross rates for 2008 have increased 3.7% for a total cost of $185.00/year.
No further business.
Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Michelle Poulos, Armada Village Clerk