February 20, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Board of Trustees Meeting

February 20, 2024

7:00 pm

I.          Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by Richard Porter at 7:00 pm.

The pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States: 

Present:  Richard Porter, Scott Frederick, Rusty Smith, Hayley England, and Stephanie Craig

Absent:  None

II.         Public Hearing on the 2024-2025 budget.  The public hearing was opened at 7:00pm.      Public comment was taken at this time.  No public comment.  The public hearing was c   closed at 7:01pm.

III.        Approval of Agenda:  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Hayley to accept the agenda as written.  All in favor, the motion passed. 

IV.        Approval of previous township board minutes.  A motion was made by Scott, 2nd by Rusty to accept the January 16th meeting minutes as presented.  All in favor, the motion passed.

V.         Payment of Bills:  A motion was made by Scott, 2nd by Rusty to approve the payment of bills.  Roll call vote; all in favor.  The motion passed.

VI.        Treasurers Report:  A motion was made by Scott, 2nd by Rusty to approve the treasurer’s report as presented.  All in favor, the motion passed.

VII.       Correspondence:  Township Supervisors are meeting tomorrow in Fredonia to discuss the roads. 

VIII.      Committee Reports:

Planning Commission/Roads - Scott Frederick.  A virtual meeting was held last month on the Master Plan.  This project should be completed in the next couple of months. 

Fire - Chief Lance Lohrke.  Chief Lohrke goes over his report for January.  Training for January was inventory. 

Disability insurance committee report/fire department.  The Clerk updates on the insurance research so far.  The committee is leaning toward remaining with Decker insurance. 

Fire barn update - Rusty Smith.  Rusty goes over what has been done to date.  The builders are right on schedule.  The floors are completed, and drywall is being hung.  There have been twelve change orders to date that have been approved for a total of $24,544.  Three payments have been made so far.  To date we have spent $246,832. 

IX.        Public Comment:  Public comment was taken at this time.  Sheriff Hinkley updates on Sheriff’s office personnel.  Tommy Miller gives a county update.  Jim Haadsma gives a state update.     

X.         Unfinished Business: 

            1.  Update board on purchased sign agreement.  Fritz advertising from Spring Arbor won the bid for the new digital sign. 

XI.        New Business:

1.  Discuss/approve internet franchise agreement.  An explanation of the franchise agreement was given.  This is a non-exclusive franchise.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve the internet franchise agreement.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed. 

2.  Start review of new policy manual sections 5-13.  Set date for board workshop.  A workshop will be set up, possibly in April, to discuss changes and updates to the new policy manual.

3.  Review of proposed 2024-2025 budget.  A workshop will be held to review the budget.  This meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 12 at 9:30. 

4.  Budget line adjustments of 2033-2024 budget.  A motion was made by Scott, 2nd by Rusty to approve the presented budget adjustments.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed. 

5.  Discuss/approve Resolutions 2024-02 through 2024-05 salary increases for township board.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve Resolution 2024-02 to establish the Supervisor salary.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve Resolution 2024-03 to establish the Treasurer salary.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve Resolution 2024-04 to establish the Clerk salary.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  A motion was made by Scott, 2nd by Hayley to approve Resolution 2024-05 to establish the Trustee salary.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.

6.  Discuss/vote on enhanced law enforcement services for Sheridan Township.  A workshop is requested to discuss this further.  This issue will be added to the March 12th budget workshop.

7.  Discuss MTA annual conference in Traverse City.  Anyone that would like to attend needs to let the Clerk know.

8.  Resolution 2024-06 to approve Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2024.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve Resolution 2024-06 to approve Federal Property Guidelines for 2024.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed. 

XII.       Adjourn:  A motion was made by Hayley 2nd by Stephanie, to adjourn at 8:13.  All in favor, the motion passed.

Stephanie Craig, Secretary