Sullivan Township Board Meeting Minutes October 3, 2023
MEETING: was called to order by Tony Mabrito at 5:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Present: Tony Mabrito-Supervisor, Libby Spencer-Clerk, Tracey McGhan-Treasurer, Joe Kremm-Trustee, Jeremy Rios-Trustee. We also had 21 residents in attendance.
MINUTES: It was moved by Libby Spencer, supported by Tracey McGhan to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held. Motion carried.
FINANCE: The Treasurer’s report on all Township receipts of $9655.05 for the period of August 1, 2023, to August 31, 2023, was presented by Treasurer Tracey McGhan. It was moved by Tracey McGhan, supported by Joe Kremm, to pay bills of $528,446.07 as presented by Clerk Libby Spencer. Motion carried.
REPORTS: Planning Commission – Jeremy Rios reported that they are still working on the Commercial Solar Ordinance Amendment. It was recommended that the board not approve the street access zoning ordinance by Freshcoast Planning. The board agreed.
Michigan Township Services were reviewed and includes two new houses are being built. Fresh Coast Planning Activity was reviewed.
OLD BUSINESS: Two companies were recommended as possible options to update the Master Plan.
Table and Chair Quotes were reviewed by the board and approved to order 230 chairs and along with 23 8-foot tables for the upstairs hall.
NEW BUSINESS: Softball Field upgrades were approved by the board to include the grading and addition of new diamond dust to be installed.
The purchase of a new garden tractor is needed. Jeremy Rios, Joe Kremm and Tim Decker all agreed to research an adequate tractor and provide quotes to the board.
Tim Decker has reached his 90-day evaluation period, and it was noted that he deserves the agreed upon increase in pay.
Clerk Spencer explained the work that the Muskegon County Clerks have been doing to consolidate the required 9 days of early voting per the passing of proposal 2022-2 in November’s election. A 3rd method of voting is now available for all State and Federal Elections. Sullivan residents will be able to vote in person 9 days prior to these elections at the Muskegon County Marquette Campus, along with the option to vote by absentee ballot or in person on the day of the election at Sullivan Hall. By Consolidating with Muskegon County, it will be saving Sullivan Twp a considerable amount of money.
Sullivan Residents Clean-up Day Report – Terry Jonas reported that he and his son filled two trailers full of junk and discarded tires. He stated that there is plenty of debris and tires to be removed from our township property and would like to make this a semi-annual event. It would be great if we had volunteers to assist Terry in his efforts to clean up our township. Thank You Terry!
Tracey McGhan reported that we were able to Recycle 794 tires on September 16th. We have already signed up with the county to hold another event next year.
It was agreed to amend our current Anti-Noise Ordinance. After much discussion and review, it was voted upon by the board in a roll call vote. We will be sending a copy of this amended ordinance to our lawyer for a final review.
Sullivan Pond Ordinance and Building Height Amendment was also approved in a roll call vote.
ORV Ordinance was amended per the revision to clarify that a person must possess a Drivers license to be able to drive the ORV on a road, etc. A roll call vote was used to this amended ord.
After much discussion and several questions, the Sullivan Shipping Container Ordinance will be sent back to the Planning Commission for clarification.
DISCUSSION/ANNOUNCMENTS: A property with an abandoned house has become a health concern to a couple of residents on Sternberg Road. We will reach out to Freshcoast to see what options are available.
A resident requested to have all Zoning and Non-zoning Ordinances added to the Sullivan Township Website. Clerk Spencer stated that she would try to get this accomplished by the end of 2023.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Libby Spencer, supported by Joe Kremm adjourn at 7:08pm. Motion carried.
Libby Spencer, Sullivan Township Clerk
