February 13, 2023

 

 

APPROVED

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH

BUDGET HEARING

BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

 

 

Present: Spearing, Sowers, A. Drenth, Palajac, Potter, M. Drenth

 

Absent: Campbell, McCallum, Dhillon

 

Others: Police Chief Byrd, Ross Maxwell, Linda VanAndel, Jarris Rubingh, Jerry Rasmussen, Jeremy Scott, Judy Scott

 

Spearing opened budget hearing at 7:00 PM

 

The Finance Committee presented the 2023-2024 budget.  A short discussion on the budget was held.

 

Meeting closed at 7:10 PM

 

 

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

 

Present: Spearing, Sowers, A. Drenth, Palajac, Potter, M. Drenth

 

Absent: Campbell, McCallum, Dhillon

 

Others:  Police Chief Byrd, Ross Maxwell, Linda VanAndel, Jarris Rubingh, Jerry Rasmussen, Jeremy Scott, Judy Scott

 

Meeting called to order by Spearing at 7:10 PM

 

1. Motion by Sowers, A. Drenth to accept the January 09, 2023, Minutes as presented. CARRIED. 4-0
2. Motion by Palajac, Sowers to amend the action items to include adding an item regarding a letter of support bringing broadband to Antrim County. CARRIED 4-0

 

PUBLIC INPUT:

 

Jeremy Scott introduced himself as the new Administrator for Antrim County.  He talked about his goals in this position and one of them is to improve the lines of communication between Antrim County and Village of Ellsworth.

Jarris Rubingh gave updates from the Board of Commissioners.  One of his new appointments is to oversee the North Country Mental Health Board.

Ross Maxwell and Linda VanAndel were here to provide an update on the process of obtaining funding for replacement of the culvert on Bridge Street.

 

DEPARMENTAL REPORTS:

 

Police: Chief Byrd presented his monthly report. He has also met with residents at the Front Porch and met with ECS administrators. He is also doing a school bus patrol.

DPW:   N/A

Streets:  N/A

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

Planning Commission:  Did not meet.

Finance Committee:  2023-2024 Budget was discussed with Council members.

DDA:  The DDA received the 2023 Spirit Award from the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce. They are busy planning the concerts to be held at the Community Square this summer.  They are also working on the Logo project.

 

DISCUSSION:

 

1. 2023 Pig Roast/Fire Works – The sponsors of the Fireworks have sent a letter explaining how much their costs have increased in the last few years.
2. Wastewater Sewer Project – In a holding pattern.The median income figure provided by the census for the Village of Ellsworth is inaccurate.
3. The Logo Project – The DDA will meet in February to discuss the revisions that will be presented for the new logo.
4. Labyrinth – Discussion about the future of maintaining the labyrinth.

 

ACTION ITEMS:

 

3. Motion by Palajac, Sowers to approve the following wage increases for 2023-2024 year. The Head of the DPW and Village Clerk will receive an 8.7% increase.Village employees, Police and Treasurer will receive a 6% increase.  The zoning administrator and the on-call person for the water department will remain the same.  CARRIED 4-0
4. Motion by Sowers, Palajac to approve the 2023-2024 budget.CARRIED 4-0
5. Motion by Sowers, A. Drenth to approve the budget amendments.CARRIED 4-0
6. Motion by Palajac, A. Drenth to approve our updated Capital Improvement Plan.CARRIED 4-0
7. Motion by A. Drenth, Sowers to approve the Planning Commission Annual Report.CARRIED 4-0
8. Motion by Palajac, A. Drenth to approve signing a letter of support for Broadband for Antrim County.CARRIED 4-0
9. Motion by Sowers, Palajac to pay the bills.CARRIED 4-0
10. Motion by Sowers, Palajac to adjourn at 7:50 pm.CARRIED 4-0

           

Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk