DRAFT
VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL
OCTOBER 14, 2024
Present: Campbell, A. Drenth, Sowers, McCallum, Bennett and M. Drenth
Absent: Dhillon, Spearing, Potter
Others: Jacob Byrd, Jarris Rubingh, Devon Doucette, Mike Gank, Bethany Cooper
Meeting called to order by Campbell at 7:00pm
- Motion by Bennett, A. Drenth to accept the regular minutes of September 9, 2024, and Sowers, Bennett to accept the special meeting of September 16, 2024, as presented. CARRIED 5-0
PUBLIC INPUT: Doucette is a Sargent for Antrim County Sheriff’s department and was here to discuss and answer questions regarding the need for a new Public Safety Center Building for the County. One third of the new building will replace an outdated jail and the remaining two thirds will provide an area for the 911 Department and the Sheriff Department. It will be on the ballot on November 5, 2024. Gank informed us that a new 180-foot 911 tower is going up in the Orchard Hill area west of Bellaire. It will give them the ability to communicate with a larger area.
DEPARMENTAL REPORTS:
- Police: Police Chief Byrd has ordered a trail camera to enable him to be able to track unauthorized vehicles, ORVs, etc. driving on the recently updated track at the Sports Park.
- DPW: Work has started to prepare for Consumers Power to install new underground lines for Forest Hill Development.
- Streets: N/A
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Planning Commission: Continue to review the Master Plan for the Village.
- Parks and Recreation: Witchy Walk to be held October 26, 2024, as a fund raiser for the Little League ball program to purchase new equipment. The concession stand will be open. Also seeking sponsorship to help support the program. The ground that has been wet in the past has also recently been tiled.
DISCUSSION:
- Fall Color Cruise along the Breezeway – Has been busy. Number of young families.
- Paddle Antrim – Very successful this year.
- TRUNK or TREAT – October 31, 2024. Hours will be 5:00 to 6:30.
- Waste Water Project – Holding pattern.
- DTE – There was recently a gas leak in the Central Lake area that affected all customers in the Village of Ellsworth.
- Hydrology Study – Antrim County recently received a grant and has begun repairs on the dam located in Bellaire.
- Police building – Still looking at options.
- Update Recreation Plan – Looking at combining with Banks Township
- Sidewalks – Verifying that the policy regarding the cost of a sidewalk replacement is split 50/50 between the property owner and the Village.
ACTION ITEMS:
- Motion by Bennett, Campbell to approve Halloween hours of 5:00pm to 8:00pm for the Village. CARRIED 5-0
- Motion by Campbell, McCallum to approve the budget amendments. CARRIED 5-0
- Motion by Sowers, A. Drenth to pay the bills. CARRIED 5-0
- Motion by Sowers, Campbell to adjourn at 8:10pm. CARRIED 5-0
Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk
