January 21, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Board of Trustees Meeting

January 21, 2025

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:  Led by David Martin. 

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

Absent:  None

II.         Approval of Agenda:  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to accept the agenda as presented.  All in favor, the motion passed. 

III.        Approval of previous township board minutes:  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to accept the November 19th meeting minutes as presented.  All in favor, the motion passed. 

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

V.         Treasurers Report:   A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented.  All in favor; the motion passed.

VI.        Correspondence:  MTA capital conference.  The Clerk will register those that are interested in attending.

VII.       Committee Reports:

Planning Commission/Roads - Scott Frederick.  There is a Planning Meeting at the end of this month to discuss updates on the solar ordinance and a new battery storage ordinance.  Carlisle Wortman will be in attendance.

Fire - Chief Lance Lohrke.  Chief goes over his report for November and December.  Training for November covered air packs and training for December was tours of Andersons and Continental Carbonic.  Rescue 16 in fully back in service with the new plow attachment.  Chief Lohrke states that the Fire Department will be moving to the 800 MHz radio system in May.   

Deputy - Jack Williamson.  Jack presents his report for November and December.  The new vehicle should be in service by the end of February.

VIII.      Public Comment:  Bruce Nelson, the new interim director of Albion Economic Development introduces himself.  He states that their largest project currently is the new 425 agreement for an industrial development district.  Steve Frisbee, Michigan State Representative, makes comments and updates on current State developments, and plans for separating funding for roads.

IX.        Unfinished Business:  None.

X.         New Business

1.      Parks and Recreation Millage/Community Pavillion.  The Supervisor has already contacted the County, and they have given us the go-ahead to use the Parks Millage to build a public pavilion on the Township grounds.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve submitting the application to continue to receive the Parks Millage funds.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  

2.      Budget adjustments for 2024-2025.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve the budget adjustments as presented by the Clerk.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.

3.      2025-2025 Budget for Board to review for February Meeting.  A copy of the budget is provided for the board members to analyze and prepare for the February meeting. 

4.      MTA Spring Conference Grand Rapids, Mar 31-April 3, 2025.  Information for the MTA conference is provided; the Clerk will need to be notified if anyone would like to attend. 

5.      Approval of new plumbing/mechanical inspector.  Our previous plumbing/mechanical inspector has resigned.  Larry Craft and William Carpenter have been hired as our new inspectors.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve the appointment of the new plumbing/mechanical inspectors at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.

6.      Approve new application forms/fee schedule.  The Zoning Administrator talks about the new forms that he has created.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2nd by Scott to approve the approve the new application forms/fee schedule.  All in favor; the motion passed.

7.      Review Siding Quotes.  A copy of the siding quote is provided.  The Township is still waiting for a couple of other quotes to come in. 

XI.        Closed Session:  A motion was made by Rusty 2nd by Scott to move to a closed session to consult with our attorney regarding a written legal opinion.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  Closed session opened at 8:03 pm.

XII.       Open Regular Meeting.  Public Meeting re-opened at 8:37 pm. 

XIII.      Adjourn:  A motion was made by Hayley, 2nd by Stephanie, to adjourn at 8:39.  All in favor, the motion passed.

Stephanie Craig, Secretary