Special Meeting of the Lovells Township Board
March 28, 2024
PRESENT: Cheryl Hopp, Heather Lovell, Ken Ball, Tamara Kengel, Gary Neumann
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: None
Supervisor Neumann called the Board Meeting to order at 10:00AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS:
- Proposal for Township Insurance from Paul Olson, Municipal Underwriters of West Michigan (MUWM) for FY’24-’25 and decision.
- Supervisor Neumann presented the invoice for the Township General Liability, Property and Hazard Insurance (Umbrella) Policy as quoted by our long-term carrier MUWM. This year’s policy quote was for $20,967.00. This is a 20% increase over FY ’23-’24 and is driven by property value increase and a 6% overall inflation driven premium increase. Discussion was had regarding “shopping” new carriers and it was decided that we did not have sufficient time to do so for the upcoming policy term but would for the next FY.
- Neumann Moved, Lovell Supported to sign the offered quote and contract for $20,967. In a Roll Call Vote, all Ayes, we will proceed to sign and pay the invoice.
- Close out funds for FY’23-’24 and amend as required
- The General Fund Budget was reviewed and exceptional items noted. Supervisor Neumann indicated that an amendment was being proposed to the FY ‘23’24 Budget to balance an excess in Expense Category 172 of $1,760 with a deficit in Expense Category 101 of $1,102, eliminating the deficit and reducing the excess in EC 172 to $658. Neumann moved to accept the proposed amendment, Kengel Supported and in a Roll Call Vote all Ayes, the Amendment was Adopted.
- The Fire Fund Budget was reviewed with no outstanding balance issues to be made. It was noted that FY-‘23’24 was exceptional for vehicle maintenance expenses. Neumann Moved, Lovell Supported to accept the Fire Fund Budget as Closed for FY-‘23’24. In a Voice Vote, all Ayes, the Budget Closure was made.
- The Landfill Fund Budget was reviewed and exceptional items noted. Supervisor Neumann indicated the Landfill Budget Expenses exceeded the Income by $105. The budgeted carryover was to be $2,810 so funds exist to cover this slight deficit within the Landfill Fund. Neumann moved to amend the budget by reducing the budgeted carryover to $2,705 to offset the deficit, Lovell Supported, and in a Roll Call Vote all Ayes, the Amendment was Adopted.
- The Liquor Fund Budget was reviewed with no outstanding balance issues to be made. It was noted that FY-‘23’24 was a year that a contribution from General Fund was made to offset shortages in State funding. It was discussed that we would use interest earned on the Tax Account during the seasons where that account was flush with deposits to provide the offsetting funds needed going forward. Neumann Moved, Lovell Supported to accept the Liquor Fund Budget as Closed for FY-’23-’24. In a Voice Vote, all Ayes, the Budget Closure was made.
- Review and approve FY’24 -‘25 meeting schedule
- The Meeting Schedule for the Board and Standing Commissions was reviewed (attached). Neumann moved , Lovell supported to accept the schedule as presented. In a Voice vote, all Ayes, the schedule is confirmed
- Set township fee schedule for FY24 -‘25
- The Fee Schedule for the Township was reviewed. Kengel Moved, Hopp Supported a to amend feed schedule to increase the non-resident dump ticket cost to $100 from $96. In a voice vote all ayes the Fees Schedule was amended. Neumann moved; Ball supported to accept the Fee Schedule as amended. In a Voice vote, all Ayes, the Fee Schedule is adopted.
- Adopt payroll schedule based on 3.2% COLA for all salaries, wages, and per-diem payments, beginning with the April payroll cycle, payable in May.
- The Pay Schedule for the Township was reviewed. There was some discussion around our positioning to be competitive but as we have not had an issue with hiring it was decided to leave as is Neumann moved, Kengel supported to accept the Pay Schedule as presented. In a Voice vote, all Ayes, the Pay Schedule is adopted.
- Support for Porta-Potty at Dam 4 Landing in conjunction with Michigan Fly Fishing Association (MFFA) al
- It was discussed for the comfort of residents and guests using the river that a Porta-Potty at Dam 4 was a worthwhile expenditure. This was done before Covid with MFFA, but since has fell by the wayside. With renewed interest from MFFA they have agreed to partner with Lovells Township to fund this project. They have presented a quote a for approximately 5 months of coverage, with pumping (2X/month) from Jack Milliken Inc. ($1,550). Lovells will ask MFFA to split the cost evenly. Ball Moved, Lovell supported to authorize up to 1,500 of Township funds toward this project. In a Roll Call Vote, all Ayes. We will proceed with MFFA to make this happen.
Scheduled Business closed at 11:08
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Entered at 11:08
None
End of Public Comment @ 11:09
- Motion to Adjourn by Kengel, Support by Lovell, Motion Carried by Voice Vote
Meeting Adjourned at 11:09
Next Regular Meeting of Lovells Township Board will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at this location.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kenneth F. Ball
Lovells Township Clerk