August 8, 2022
The August 8th General Board Meeting held at the Newberg Township Fire Department was called to order at 7:00pm. Minutes from the July 11th 2022, were approved as written.
Assessor: Nothing to report.
Ordinance: Supervisor Covey read the July report.
Ambulance: Ambulance Director Rifenberg reported twenty-three calls for applications to the department at the July EMS meeting. Renee Gallagher will be starting her EMS classes this fall. Motion made by VanHeukelum, supported by Rifenberg, to accept Renee Gallagher to the Newberg EMS Department. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Steve Schrader was appointed as the Assistant Ambulance Director by the EMS department. Rifenberg reported she has posted information looking for more part time employees for the EMS.
Fire: Chief Forrester reported seven calls for the month of July.
Treasurer: Report for the month of July is available from the treasurer.
County Commission: Nothing to report.
Public Comment: A resident from the township shared concerns about people speeding through the village of Jones when the speed limit is 25mph. Supervisor Covey stated he would contact the Sheriff’s office and the Road Commission.
Correspondence: Noted misc. correspondence.
Announcements: nothing to report.
Unfinished Business: Mass Gathering Ordinance: Discussion was had regarding the ordinance and other happenings and events in the township. Supervisor Covey will be scheduling a special meeting with the attorney, ordinance officer and the board.
Blight Ordinance: Discussion was had earlier when ordinance report was read. Nothing new to add.
New Business: Newberg Township Bank Accounts: Treasurer VanHeukelum discussed changing the current banking accounts to a pooled cashed banking system. Motion made by VanHeukelum, supported by Duff, to switch Newberg’s General, Fire and EMS banking accounts to a pooled cash account with the new account that will hold all the funds and will have Carrie VanHeuklum, Jessica Rifenberg, Amanda Norton-Duff and Jill Blackburn as signers. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Direct Deposit: Discussion was had regarding changing payroll for the township to direct deposit. Motion made by Duff, supported by VanHeukelum, to switch from paper checks for the township payroll to direct deposit for all Newberg Township employees and volunteers and keep paper checks for the volunteer fire department that are paid once per year. Roll Call Vote: “Aye”- Duff, VanHeukelum, Covey, Harvey and Rifenberg. Motion carried upon roll call vote.
Township Hall Phone Messages: Covey shared the concern that the messages at the hall are not getting answered in a timely manner. Rifenberg reported that he had some complaints from people not receiving call backs. Clerk Duff reported the message states that all contact information is on the Newberg Township website so people can also find what they need there. Clerk Duff will be contacting the phone service to see if we can change the voicemail so everyone on the board has access to the messages.
Bills to Pay: Motion made by VanHeukelum, supported by Covey, to pay the bills for the month of August in the amount of $41,151.12. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Clerk Duff reported they had a volunteer fireman help out with transport/moving needs on two ambulance calls and wanted to know if we can pay him ambulance run for his assistance and help. Motion made by VanHeukelum, supported by Covey, to pay Tanner Johnson for two ambulance runs. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Comments from the floor: Discussion was had regarding dust control for the season and if any concerns or complaints about the application. Rifenberg asked if we can have the drain commissioner come to our next meeting to discuss the drain issues in Jones.
Resident Sherry shared information about hazard waste and used tire collection happening August 17 from 3-6pm at the Cass County Road Commission. You must show proof of residency in Cass County.
Motion made by Covey, supported by Rifenberg, to adjourn the meeting at 8:33pm. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
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