Approved Regular Meeting of the Lovells Township Board
June 13, 2023
PRESENT: Cheryl Hopp, Heather Lovell, Ken Ball, Tamara Kengel and Gary A. Neumann.
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Jo Johnson, Sally Brand, Dave Soderquist, Randy Long, Allen Cail, Suzi Moore, Ann Duby, Kevin Kunkleman, Joan Petroff, John Petroff, Robert Krepps
Supervisor Neumann called the Board Meeting to order at 10:00AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ken Ball was introduced as the newly sworn Clerk for Lovells Township. Neumann advised that due to the transition between Cynthia Infante -Inman, Deputy Clerk Heather Lovells and Ken that the meeting Agenda was unfortunately not published but read to the meeting instead. Heather Lovell has agreed to remain as Deputy Clerk at Mr. Ball’s request.
Reading and approval of the minutes of our Regular Board Meeting May 16, 2023. No Questions/Comments. Neumann moved to accept the minutes from May 16, 2023 as read, Ball supported. Voice Vote: All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED
PRE PAID VOUCHERS: Neumann moved, Lovells supported a motion to approve May pre-paid vouchers From May 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023 as presented: General Fund totaling $7,479.75; Direct Deposit Checks totaling $4816.95; Fire Fund totaling $8,745.05; Landfill Fund totaling $2,428.83; and Liquor Fund totaling $175.21 In a roll call vote: All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s May Report Received and Accepted as Presented. The balance for the Liquor Fund reflected the transfer of $1,000 from the General Fund as a “Solvency Reserve” as approved by the Board in May.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Assessing– Summer Tax Bills are in process and should be out in early July
Fire/EMS Department – No Report
Cemetery Sexton- No Report
Liquor Inspector- 3 Inspections, No issues noted
Zoning Administrator – 3 Permits Issued, 2 Additions to Existing Structures, 1 Accessory Building
Zoning Enforcement Officer – No Issues/ Citations
COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:
Board of Review – There is currently vacancy on the Board of Review due to the departure of Tamara Kengel. Supervisor Neumann to appoint a new replacement during New Business Item #7
Historical Society – We have had a lot of visitors to the museums during the month of May and the displays on Women in Fly Fishing and Local Birds have been well received by the public. There is a Garden Dedication scheduled for June 23 and a Fly-Fishing Clinic Scheduled for late July
Crawford County Planning Commission (CCPC)– No Report
Lovells Township Planning Commission (LTPC) – There are 2 vacancies open. Neumann indicated he would prefer to have one vacancy occupied by a non-resident property owner to serve so this important part of our community has a voice in governance.
Zoning Board of Appeals – No Activity
Lovells Media and Reading Center – The Book Boxes created by an Eagle Scout Candidate are completed and installed. They are mainly stocked with children’s books at this moment but Nancy will create a selection of more mature themed books so that a broader audience is served.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
- Speed Signs: Neumann brought forward a recommendation to purchase one battery operated Speed Sign and two mounting brackets [ Total $3,195] that would enable the signs to be placed on existing street sign posts at either end of the speed zone on County 612 on a rotating basis. It was deemed inappropriate at this time to place this device on Lovells Rd or Twin Bridge Rd approaches as these are technically not reduced speed zones.
- Neumann moved to complete the purchase, Lovells Supported, Roll call vote was all Ayes and the motion passed
- Short Term Rental: Correspondence from the Township’s Attorney indicated his opinion that the Township had no legal basis to rescind the short-term rental Special Use Permit at 8718 Twin Bridge as he could find no clear violation of the Zoning Ordinance. Discussion ensued regarding the lighting issue and other well documented problems with the conduct of rentals and whether they would by accumulative effect equal a violation of the SUP provisions regarding “character of the neighborhood”. Neumann indicated that the attorney had been made aware of the other complaints brought up and was not swayed. Discussion regarding the need to update the Zoning Ordinance was made, but that may not resolve the particular issue with this property.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Resolution on the Nation Guard Special Use Permit MOU with the State of Michigan (DNR) Neumann read the proposed Resolution (Version #3) authored primarily by a consortium of advocacy groups with the addition of Lovells specific language regarding T28N-R2W. Motion to adopt the Resolution as the official position of Lovells Township was made by Neumann, supported by Lovell. Roll Call vote was unanimous in favor, Motion Passed.
- Bridge Walk Support: A proposal was made to support Bridge Walk meals (Fireman’s Breakfast and Community Lunch) with $400 toward Paper Products. Neumann moved to provide the support supported by Lovells. Motion passed on a voice vote.
- Parks Committee. Neumann shared correspondence from MTA on the establishment of an Park Board or Committee. An unpaid Park Committee to perform the leg work on behalf of the Township Board and present recommendations thereto was suggested as the way to proceed. Neumann indicated he already had several people interested in serving in this capacity. No Vote Required
- MTA Membership: Neumann suggested that we renew our membership with Michigan Townships Association (MTA) for the next year based on the value they have provided on administrative issues. Dues are based on taxable value and amount to $1,246.25 for the next year. Motion by Neumann, supported by Hopp to renew membership in MTA at the prescribed cost. Roll Call Vote was taken all Ayes, Motion Passed
- Plus up for Little Library Boxes. Hopp informed on the installation of the Little Library Boxes positioned at Lovells EZ Mart and Kellogg’s Bridge Store. The total cost exceeded the $418 allocated by the Township for the project for a total expenditure of $493.97. Neumann moved, supported by Hopp to “plus-up” our contribution by $75.97 to cover the full cost. Voice vote: unanimous, Motion Passed.
- Support for Warblers Fireworks display: Warbler’s Hideaway Association requested $400, as has been provided in the past to support their 4th of July Fireworks display. Discussion that this activity seemed popular and well done and deserved our support. Motion by Neumann, supported by Hopp to provide the requested funds. Voice Vote all Ayes, Motion Passed.
- Board of Review Appointment: Neumann Indicated that as Tamara Kengel can no longer serve on the Board of Review due to being named Treasurer, an opening has been created. Neumann has nominated Joan Petroff to serve in that capacity. Voice vote: all Ayes, Appointment Approved
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: County 612 Bridge Work is delayed until mid-late July as of today. This may change.
Regular Business closed at 10:59
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
- Jo Johnson commented on the breadth of “nuisance” issues at 8718 Twin Bridge STR. It was discussed that many of the issue perhaps could have been resolved more amicably early in the process, but it now seems that the impasse will remain. There seems to be no enforcement mechanism that can be recommended for this situation. It was discussed that perhaps a revised Zoning Ordinance with regards to future STR issues may be an idea worth considering, but it is unlikely to help with the current situation at this address. Discussion was held that the term “light pollution” may not be the best description of the issue and that “light trespass” may be a more accurate term to use.
- Dave Soderquist reminded us all that communication by the Board and Township officials in a timely manner on Agenda, Minutes and Ordinances is appreciated. Neumann indicated that the Zoning Ordinance and all existing amendments are undergoing consolidation and upon completion of this process and review, the consolidated ordinance will be published. The Board asked for the public’s grace while they work through the transitions following Cynthia Infante-Inman’s unanticipated departure.
- The DNR has published a harvest plan for the woodland around the Shupac Lake area. Joan Petroff indicated a public comment period until July 11. It is unclear what if any impact public comments will make to the proposed harvest plan.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kenneth F. Ball
Lovells Township Clerk