Newberg Township General Meeting

July 11, 2022

The General Board Meeting, held at the Newberg Township Fire Department was called to order on July 11th 2022 at 7pm. Minutes from the June 13th meeting were approved as written. 

Reports:

Assessor: Nothing to report. 

Ordinance: No report for the month of June. 

Ambulance: Treasurer Van Heukelum read the EMS report for the month of June. The ambulance had thirty-four calls for the month; nineteen Newberg, ten Porter, three LaGrange and two Penn. Motion made by Duff, supported by Rifenberg, to keep the ambulance pay roll for the volunteer EMS workers at paying every four months. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Fire: Assistant Chief Rifenberg reported thirteen calls for the month of June; ten Newberg, one Porter, one mutual aid to Marcellus and one dispatch to help another department in St. Joe County that they were not able to go to due to not enough day time help. 

Sexton: Sexton Rifenberg reported four cremations and one full burial for the month of June. 

Building: Treasurer Van Heukelum read the report for June. 

Treasurer: Report is available for the month of June. 

County Commissioner: Not present. 

Public Comment on Non-agenda items: 

Under Sheriff for the Cass County Sheriff Department discuss the 911 Millage that will be on the ballot in August. Karee Krause, director of Cass County Veterans Affairs, shared information regarding the program. Krause helps get veterans set up with medical services and assistants that are available to them in the county. For more information and questions go to www.casscountymi.org.   

Correspondence: Noted misc. correspondence. 

Unfinished Business: 

Solar Panels: Members from Orion Solar presented an educational PowerPoint explaining what solar is, the process of setting up a solar panel system and answered questions regarding solar coming to Newberg Township. Motion made by Duff, supported by Covey, to accept the changes written in the agreement on the reduction of setbacks in Newberg’s Solar Ordinance. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Discussion followed regarding the assessment of the solar panels and the impact it has on the township tax revenue. Duff suggested having the attorney look into what the best option for the township would be regarding changes to our ordinance. Supervisor Covey will be contacting the attorney. 

New Business: 

Direct Deposit: Duff and Van Heukelum presented information about direct deposit for all township employees. It was suggested by the township auditor to look into direct deposit to help with payroll processes for the township. Will be presenting to fire and ambulance at their August meeting and then follow up at the August General Board Meeting. 

Bills to Pay: Motion made by Duff, supported by Van Huekelum, to pay the bills for the month of July in the amount of $52,548.86. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 

Public Comment: A resident from the township reported that Friday August 5th there will be a free shredding event at the Marcellus Library. This is free to the public and people can bring any paper they would like shredded. A member from the Village of Jones shared that he has had a lot of flooding issues at his property he purchased and wants to know what the township can do about this. Supervisor Covey reported he will have to contact the Cass County Drain Commission.  Motion made by Rifenberg, supported by Covey, to adjourn the meeting at 9:04pm. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.