The January 8, 2024, General Board Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm at the Newberg Township Fire Department. Minutes from the December 11, 2023, General Meeting were approved as written.
Reports:
Assessor: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Discussion was had regarding current cases.
Ambulance: Director Schrader reported thirty-three calls for the month of December; nineteen Newberg, eight Porter and six mutual aid calls in the surrounding area. Schrader handed out new fee recommendations from MHR for the ambulance department. Motion made by Duff, supported by Covey, to change the Newberg Ambulance fee for lift assist to $175, BLS standard emergency call to $575 and ambulance service call involving Porter ALS to $900. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Director Schrader shared he would like to sell the old ambulance this month and start accepting sealed bids that can be sent to the Fire Department at PO BOX 257 Jones Mi. 49061. Bids will be opened at the February General Board meeting on February 12, 2024. Motion made by VanHuekelum, supported by Covey, to start the sealed bid process for the sale of ambulance unit 712. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Fire: Chief Forrester reported seven calls for the month of December; five Newberg, one Porter and one mutual aid to Penn Township.
Sexton: Nothing to report.
Building: Clerk Duff read the building report for December.
Treasurer: Report for the month of December is available by contacting the Treasurer. Treasurer VanHeukelum announced her resignation affected April 1, 2024. Motion made by Duff, supported by Blackburn, to accept VanHeukelum’s resignation as Newberg Township Treasurer affected April 1, 2024. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
The board will be appointing a new treasurer at the February 12, 2024, General Board Meeting. If interested, residents of the township can send a resume/letter of interest and qualifications to the township board emails (located on the website) or clerk@newbergtwp.com and the clerk will forward to all board members. Any questions, they can contact the township 269-244-8747.
County Commission: Nothing to report.
Public Comment: none at this time.
Correspondence: Noted misc. correspondence.
Unfinished Business:
Update on New Township Hall: Jim Rifenberg shared information gathered from the health department and building inspector. The township board will be meeting with the architect and building inspector to move forward with plans for the hall on January 24, 2024, 4:00pm at the Newberg Township Hall.
Budget Workshop Meetings: Township board scheduled the budget workshop meeting to plan the 2024/2025 budgets for January 17, 2024, and February 15, 2024, both meetings will be held at 7:00pm at the Newberg Township Hall.
New Business:
Township Road Projects 2024: No new information from the road commission regarding road contracts yet.
EMS and Fire Milage: Supervisor shared both road mileage and fire millage can be renewed in 2024. The road millage expires in 2024 and the fire millage expires in 2025. Board requested Supervisor Covey contact the township attorney to get proper wording to start the process to have the road millage placed on the August ballot.
Landfill Passes 2024: Motion made by Blackburn, supported by Harvey, to have the Newberg Township issues up to six landfill passes for residents with open cases for blight in the township for the 2024 calendar year. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Motion made by VanHeukelum, supported by Covey, to give two landfill passes per parcel with up to six passes allowed per property owner for the 2024 calendar year. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Motion made by Duff, supported by VanHuekleum to adopt a resolution to schedule the monthly General Board Meeting on the second Monday of each month to be held at the Newberg Township Fire Department at 7:00pm for the 2024 calendar year. Roll Call Vote: “Aye”-Covey, Duff, VanHuekelum, Blackburn and Duff. Resolution passed upon roll call vote.
Motion made by Duff, supported by Blackburn, to set the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Inhabitants to be held on March 10, 2025, following the regular General Board Meeting. Roll Call Vote: “Aye”- Duff, VanHuekelum, Blackburn, Harvey and Covey. Resolution passed upon roll call vote.
Bills to Pay: Motion made VanHuekelum, supported by Harvey, to pay the bills for the month of January in the amount of $17,074.10. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Comments from the floor: Resident asked about the bills that are listed on the bills to be paid and asking for more detailed information. Clerk Duff stated that if he has questions or would like more detail regarding specific bills to contact her and she can answer any questions he has.
Adjournment: Motion made by Covey, supported by Harvey, to adjourn the general meeting at 8:22pm. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
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