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July 12, 2004 Meeting
July 26, 2004 Meeting
August 9, 2004 Meeting
August 16, 2004 Special Meeting
August 23, 2004 Meeting
September 13, 2004 Meeting
September 27, 2004 Meeting
October 11, 2004 Meeting
October 25, 2004 Meeting
November 8, 2004 Meeting


 


 

 

VILLAGE OF CARO REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES  back to top

Regular meeting called to order November 8, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. by President Striffler

 Present:  President Thomas Striffler, Trustees:  Dick Pouliot, John Fields, Mike Henry, Henry Knier, Jr., Bernie Nelson, Charlotte Kish

 Absent:  None

 Others in Attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider – Village Clerk/Treasurer, Benson Page – Chief of Police and other guests.

 Agenda Approval:  Knier/Henry moved to approve the agenda with two additions, Communications: 3. Akron/Fairgrove Police Dept. Correspondence and Regular Agenda: 8. Police Car.  Motion carried. 

 Public comments/Visitors: 

None. 

 Communications:

President Striffler noted the communications as listed on the agenda.   

Consent Agenda:

Minutes:  Regular meeting October 25, 2004

Invoices

Departmental report  

Pouliot/Nelson moved to approve the consent agenda including the invoices for payment as submitted.  Discussion: Council would like to see an update of the meetings at the Caro Center .  Also, Knier inquired as to reports from Fire and Zoning or perhaps other department reports.  Village Manager will take under advisement and return with a plan. Motion carried.

 Regular Agenda:  

1.                  Request from Saginaw Valley Travel Club –  Mary Lou Earl, representative from Saginaw Valley Travel Club, was at the last council meeting to ask for an exception to the insurance provision to use the fairgrounds.  At that time it was the consensus of Council that Ms Earl check with her homeowners insurance regarding coverage and perhaps a rider, and the Village Manager would look into a waiver.  President Striffler felt the village could either accept the risk, have the Village’s insurance company state they are covered under the village policy, and also have them sign a waiver to limit the village liability, or make the club obtain their own insurance.  Knier/Fields moved to approve the application after it has been approved by the Fair Board, subject to obtaining releases that satisfy our legal council.  Motion carried.  Failure to sign the waiver would void their right to camp at the fairgrounds.    

2.                  Set Public Hearing – Resolution Regarding Village Elections– Henry/Knier moved to schedule a public hearing for November 22, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. to determine if the village wants to make a one-time choice for an alternate date for village elections and to allow the village clerk to conduct them.  Motion carried.   Also, the terms of office will be discussed.  

3.                   Clerical Amendment of L-4029 Form –  Snider reported that the refuse millage was inadvertently switched with the community promotions millage and requested permission to do an amended L-4029 per clerical error.  Pouliot/Kish moved to adopt the amended L-4029 to change the community promotions millage to 1.0984 and the refuse millage to 0.4996 as previously adopted by Council.  Motion carried.  

4.                  Appointment to Planning Commission – President Striffler recommended the appointment of Elinor Moyer to the Planning Commission.  Henry/Nelson moved to ratify the appointment of Elinor Moyer to the Planning Commission.  Motion carried.           

5.                  Financial Software Contract –   Snider presented a contract for Civic Software.  Nelson/Kish moved to approve $42,800 for the Civic Software contract as presented.  Motion carried.  An itemized list of anticipated costs to date was presented.  These will be handled by PO ’s.   

6.                  Request from MI Ethanol – Murphy handed out a letter that he received from Tony Simpson, General Manager of MI Ethanol.  President Striffler referred the letter together with the agreement to the Finance Committee.  

7.                  Discussion Dore/DDA Project – Murphy stated that the density tests and treated wood have been completed and explained the results of the density tests.  The final grading was started, however could not be finished due to rain.  Henry/Fields moved to approve the balance owed to Dore & Associates less 5% retainage and the costs of the density tests that were redone including the village employee wages.  Motion carried.  1 abstention – Henry Knier Jr.  

8.                  Police Car – Police Chief Page submitted a proposal regarding the 1997 Ford Crown Vic police car that was involved in a deer accident.  Knier/Kish moved to approve allowing Chief Page to dispose of the car as salvage for $3,300 and put the money into the capital outlay line item of the police budget.  Motion carried.                       

Items Pending/Tabled:

1.      Gilford Road Design Engineering Proposal – Pouliot/Nelson moved to approve the additional expenditure to Rowe Inc. for Gilford Road Design Engineering not to exceed $31,000. Motion carried.   President Striffler will draft a letter and present it at the next I.C.A. meeting advising the townships on how the Village plans on continuing with the Gilford Rd project due to the Village’s limited resources and to see if there is any interest in assisting with the project.  Carpenter discussed the possibility of a design exception regarding the existing width of the gravel shoulders at the portion of Gilford Road to be milled and overlaid.  It was the consensus of the Council that if the design exception was not granted, then would not mill and resurface that area and would extend the reconstruct area.  

Committee/Liaison Position Reports:

1.                  Personnel – Murphy stated that the DPW Superintendent agreed to the terms of his proposed employment contract.  Knier/Fields moved to approve the DPW Superintendent’s employment contract as presented.  Motion carried.            

Manager Report:

Murphy reported that the DDA Finance Committee is reviewing the assumption of $27,000 for the paving of the parking lanes in the downtown on Wednesday.

 Murphy stated that he met with the townships and worked on some outstanding sewer issues.  He is waiting to get the agreements back from the townships and for Indianfields to approve the HRC proposal.

 A special finance meeting has been set for November 29, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. to review the financial audit.  

Other:

Carol Ellsworth appeared before Council to discuss the sign on M-24 that needs to be painted.  It was the consensus of Council to go ahead with the painting.

 Also, Ms Ellsworth stated that skateboarders have been chipping up the parking lots and doing a lot of damage in other areas.  Murphy will look into this.

 Nelson/Kish moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. 

Meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted

Karen J. Snider, Village Clerk/Treasurer

VILLAGE OF CARO REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES  back to top

Regular meeting called to order October 25, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. by President Striffler

 Present:  President Thomas Striffler, Trustees:  Dick Pouliot, John Fields, Mike Henry, Henry Knier, Jr., Bernie Nelson, Charlotte Kish  

Absent:  None  

Others in Attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider – Village Clerk/Treasurer, Benson Page – Chief of Police, Charles Sundblad, DPW Superintendent, other guests.  

Agenda Approval:  Pouliot/Fields moved to approve the agenda with two additions, Regular Agenda: 5. Date for Bridge & Trail Open House and Committee/Liaison Reports: 6. Planning.  Motion carried.   

Open Public Hearing – President Striffler opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. regarding the Application from Plastech for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate.  Mr. Al Ziegler, Representative from Plastech, spoke on behalf of the request, as well as Jim McLoskey, Tuscola County EDC.  Plastech is attempting to upgrade the facility and equipment productivity improvement.  The request is for a 50% tax abatement for a period of 12 years.  No further public comment at this time.    

Public comments/Visitors: 

Marlene Walker, President of Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival, announced that the festival went very well and although the Board has not met since the festival, the correspondence has been positive.  She also recognized that even though the Caro Ministerial Association spoke against the beer tent, they were very supportive of the festival.  She reminded everyone that comments could be sent to www.tuscolapumpkinfest.com.   

Communications:

President Striffler noted the communications as listed on the agenda.  Concern was expressed as to the beet trucks using Colling Road to turn on M-81 instead of Kester Drive .  This will be taken under advisement and reviewed.  

Consent Agenda:

Minutes:  Regular meeting October 11, 2004

Invoices

Departmental report  

Henry/Knier moved to approve the consent agenda including the invoices for payment as submitted.  Motion carried.  

Regular Agenda:  

1.                  Request from Saginaw Valley Travel Club –  Mary Lou Earl, representative from Saginaw Valley Travel Club, stated that in the past years, approximately 25 families have camped down at the Caro Fairgrounds over Memorial Day.  When the Council approved last year’s request, the club was told that they would need to purchase insurance for future years before any further requests would be approved.  Ms Earl stated that they are a non-profit club and have not been able to purchase the insurance.  It was the consensus of Council that Ms Earl check with her homeowners insurance regarding coverage and perhaps a rider, and the Village Manager will look into a waiver.  This will be on the agenda at the next meeting.   

 

2.                  Close Public Hearing – President Striffler asked if there was any further public comment.  None received.  Nelson/Kish moved to close the public hearing on the request from Plastech for tax abatement at 8:05 p.m.   Motion carried.  

3.                  Decision Regarding Plastech –  Knier/Nelson moved to approve the application for Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate from Plastech not to exceed the amount listed in the application. Motion carried.   

4.                  Gilford Road Design Engineering Proposal – Council discussed a revised proposal from Rowe Engineering for the Gilford Road project.  The proposal has been revised several times, and this proposal incorporates all the previous revisions.  The total amount to perform the work listed in the proposal dated October 20, 2004 is $117,000. The amount paid to date by the Village is $86,000 which leaves a balance of $31,000 if accepted.  Pouliot, Snider, Murphy and Striffler to review budget figures and put together a projection of where the money would come from.  Nelson/Henry moved to table this item and refer it to the Finance Committee for a recommendation.  Motion carried.             

5.                  Date for Bridge and Trail Open House –  It was the consensus of Council to have the second open house for the Chippewa bridge and trail project on November 8, 2004 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   Council will do a follow up of the people on their list and provide the list to Snider by the end of the week.                       

Items Pending/Tabled:

1.      None.  

Committee/Liaison Position Reports:

1.                  Personnel – Knier stated that the committee met prior to Council to discuss the DPW Superintendent contract.  This will be brought back to the next Council.

2.                  Finance – Pouliot reported that Charlie Sundblad requested to purchase a John Deere 1435 four-wheel drive mower to be used for mowing and snow removal on the sidewalks.  The quote is for $24,737.82, however Sundblad recommended eliminating the rotary broom and hardware, bringing the total to $20,598.82.  Pouliot/Knier move to authorize Charles Sundblad to purchase the John Deere 1435 four-wheel drive mower not to exceed $20,598.82.  Motion carried.  Sundblad will also utilize MiDEAL website to determine if this is a good price for the equipment.  Discussed trading in the 935 lawnmower and if this was a feasible option, however this will be determined by Sundblad.

Murphy submitted an estimate of costs for the pavement resurfacing of Frank Street from Almer to Hooper.  The total cost of the work is $56,067.75 with the Village paying the cold milling cost of $17,237.50 and the balance picked up by MDOT.  Murphy stated he would request $21,000 total so some curb can be fixed.  He also recommended taking a loan from the general fund.  Henry asked about the possibility of the DDA doing this project inasmuch as they are not going to do certain other project this fiscal and are looking at options.  Pouliot/Knier moved to approve the Frank Street project  in the amount of $22,000 for the Village portion due to the contractor being in town and ready to go and the funding adjustment can be determined later.  Motion carried.

MDOT Invoice – Pouliot discussed an invoice that came from MDOT from a two year old project that needs to be paid to bring closure to the job (Job No. 39403A). Pouliot/Nelson moved to approve payment of the invoice from MDOT for a project done in 2001/02 regarding S. Colling Road, M-81 to Kester Drive in the amount of $7,819.26.  Motion carried.

3.                  DDA – Henry reported that the front of the DDA building is almost completed.

4.                  Parks & Recreation – Knier stated that Parks & Recreation met October 21.  Amy Elwert attended and hopefully by the November 18, 2004 meeting, a complete draft of the 5-year plan will be available.

5.                  CATS – The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for December 3 at 4 p.m. for the M-81 project and the Village Manager is trying to include a fundraiser for the trails project in conjunction with the ribbon cutting ceremony.  A chicken barbecue will be held and Murphy asked for volunteers to help with the project.  The CATS group is looking for fundraising ideas.  They came up with a method to use for recognition.  McComb and Schall have walking programs for their students at lunch time and they are working on a way to get donations for the number of miles walked without the students doing the solicitation.  The next meeting of CATS is November 4.  President Striffler did a presentation to the Exchange Club and their February spaghetti supper profits are going toward the trails project.

6.                  Planning – Pouliot/Nelson moved to approve the payment of $40.00 per diem per meeting for the regular secretary of the Planning Commission for the extra work this person has to do.  Motion carried.           

Manager Report:

Murphy passed out a copy of a letter from Dore & Associates dated October 25, 2004 stating that they will replace the wood at the base of the siding with treated lumber and also do the fine grading.  They will also allow the Village to do compaction testing on the site without waiting the 30 days.   

Murphy also discussed the sidewalk sales downtown and what should or should not be sold.  

Murphy reported that he had his meeting with Mrs. Overbaugh and interested parties and explained their options regarding the ravine.  

Other:

Snider submitted a proposal from Solutions Plus for the hardware/software needed for the Network upgrade to be able to handle a new financial program.  Knier/Field moved to approve the proposal presented by Clerk/Treasurer Snider from Solutions Plus for the Network upgrade not to exceed $14,000.  Motion carried.  

Fields reported on the 9/11 memorial semi-truck being at the Wal-Mart parking lot.  The truck bears the name of each person who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks.  A sales associate from Wal-Mart was instrumental in getting the truck to Caro.  The proceeds from the tour are going towards a 9/11 scholarship and emergency fund for the victims’ families.  Fields stated that this was the only scheduled stop in the State of Michigan and a lot of work was put into the project and felt a thank you should be sent on behalf of the Council.  

Nelson/Kish moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. 

Meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted

Karen J. Snider, Village Clerk/Treasurer

 

VILLAGE OF CARO REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES back to top

Regular meeting called to order October 11, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. by President Striffler  

Present:  President Thomas Striffler, Trustees:  Dick Pouliot, John Fields, Mike Henry, Henry Knier, Jr., Bernie Nelson, Charlotte Kish

 Absent:  None  

Others in Attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider – Village Clerk/Treasurer, Benson Page – Chief of Police, Charles Sundblad, DPW Superintendent, other guests.  

Agenda Approval:  Pouliot/Nelson moved to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.   

Public comments/Visitors:  None.   

Communications:

President Striffler noted the communications as listed on the agenda.   

Consent Agenda:

Minutes:  Regular meeting September 27, 2004

Invoices

Departmental report  

Henry/Fields moved to approve the consent agenda including the invoices for payment as submitted.  Motion carried.  

Regular Agenda:  

1.                  Request from Plastech –  An application was received from Plastech for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate for the purpose of upgrading their facility.  Nelson/Kish moved to set a public hearing for October 25, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. on the application from Plastech as presented.  Motion carried.  President Striffler stated a review of the Village abatement policy needs to be done with consideration being given to a sliding scale, percentage of abatement and period of time.  This matter was referred to the Policy Committee and return to Council in one month with recommendation.    

2.                  M-81 Striping – President Striffler reported that MDOT responded to the Village’s inquiry as to the extra white striping down M-81.  The cost to the Village would be approximately $1,500 and would be placed about 4’ off the edge of the gutter pan.  The striping would only go in the three land sections from Hooper Street to Almer Street and from Grant Street to Gilford Street .  Discussed the pros and cons of this being done for a bicycle trail.  Kish will research this further and report back at a future meeting.  

3.                  Ordinance No. 397 –  Discussed adding “or designee” after Village Council in Section 2, if it is approved by the Village Attorney.   Fields/Knier moved to adopt Ordinance No 397 with the change of wording if it meets the Village Attorney’s approval or if not, it will remain as written.  Motion carried.  Murphy passed out a map of the proposed snow removal route for sidewalk removal to be used on a trial basis.  The priority of snow removal is streets, parking lots and sidewalks.  The routes were chosen due to the largest amount of school foot traffic.  The main routes include Hooper from M-81 to Gilford; W. Frank and E. Frank from Hooper to Ellington Street , M-81 from Hooper to Cleaver and the Village owned property on Cleaver.  

4.                  Dore Demolition Update – Pouliot/Henry moved to authorize the Village Manager to line up contractors to take care of the remaining items as outlined in the memorandum by Rowe Incorporated dated October 7, 2004, and if they are not completed by Dore & Associates within the 30-day time limit, the Village will proceed to have the work performed and deduct that amount of money from the money being held back.  Motion carried.   1 abstention Henry Knier.           

5.                  Engineering Design Standards –   Nelson/Knier moved to adopt the Engineering Design Standards as revised on April, 2004 as presented.  Motion carried.  

6.                  DWRF Design Costs – Knier/Nelson moved to approve the design engineering contract with Rowe, Inc. for the Water Treatment Plant not to exceed $70,000, with a portion of that being the engineering cost to complete a pilot study.  Motion carried.  One opposition – Mike Henry.  

             Knier/Nelson moved to authorize the village to take a loan from the General Account for the Water fund to be used for the Rowe Design Contract for the Water Treatment Plant and also the pilot study and the contractor’s portion of the pilot study not to exceed $80,000 and said loan to be paid back to the General fund upon receipt of the DWRF loan.  Motion carried.                       

Items Pending/Tabled:

1.      None.  

Committee/Liaison Position Reports:

1.                  Parks & Recreation – The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 7 p.m.              

Other:

I.C.A. meeting scheduled for October 19, 2004 at 7 p.m. at the Caro Municipal Building .  

President Striffler stated MML is looking for people to serve on their standing committees.   

President Striffler discussed HB 4358 which will allow 65 foot trucks to travel on any Michigan highway, road or local street without respect to prior limitations as well as lowering the fine if operating an overweight truck.  Striffler stated that he wrote to our Senator asking him to oppose the bill.  

Manager Report:

Murphy stated that he discussed getting W, Frank Street from Hooper to Almer redone with MDOT.  There were some issues regarding the right way of doing things between MDOT and the contractor, however it appears they can be worked out.  It would cost the Village approximately $15,000.  We would pay the difference between the paving and milling.  Murphy will get more information on this.  

Murphy stated that Almer and Indianfields Townships have not paid their final surcharge that was due June 30, 2004 .  President Striffler will address at ICA .  

Murphy stated he is trying to find a way to discard the leaves that get picked up by the Village.  Murphy will discuss with DEQ to determine what can be done legally.  

Chief Page reported that the Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival went very well and he felt traffic moved smoothly.   One incident occurred when a Pumpkin Festival volunteer told one person that his float was inappropriate for the parade.  Chief Page attempted to resolve the issue resulting in the person being charged with failure to display a license and three counts of resisting and obstructing a police office and one count of assault.  A second person in the vehicle was also arrested.  

Council asked that Marlene Walker, Chairperson of the festival, come to the next council meeting and give a report on the overall festival.

 Nelson/Kish moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. 

Meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted

Karen J. Snider, Village Clerk/Treasurer  

 

VILLAGE OF CARO REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES back to top

 Regular meeting called to order September 27, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. by President Striffler

 Present:  President Thomas Striffler, Trustees:  Dick Pouliot, John Fields, Mike Henry, Henry Knier, Jr., Bernie Nelson, Charlotte Kish  

Absent:  None  

Others in Attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider – Village Clerk/Treasurer, Benson Page – Chief of Police, Charles Sundblad, DPW Superintendent, other guests.  

Agenda Approval:  Pouliot/Kish moved to approve the agenda and move Item 1 to be addressed after the agenda approval.  Motion carried.   

Presentation – President Striffler presented a Resolution to Larry Gettel who resides within the Village of Caro .  Mr. Gettel, on June 28, 2004 at the Alternative Learning Center , who disregarded concerns for his own personal safety, is recognized for saving the life of another.  Even after Mr. Gettel was severely injured, displayed courage and sought to prevent further injury to two co-workers. Mr. Gettel was able to disarm an assailant, preventing further injury and death to innocent parties.  The Council presented this Resolution of esteem and appreciation for Mr. Gettel’s selfless actions on behalf others and thereby saving lives.  

Public comments/Visitors: 

None.     

Communications:

President Striffler noted the communications as listed on the agenda.   

Consent Agenda:

Minutes:  Regular meeting September 13, 2004

Invoices

Departmental report  

Knier/Nelson moved to approve the consent agenda with one change in the Council Minutes under Regular Agenda: Item 3. by inserting the word approximately before 3’ on each side and the payment of invoices.  Motion carried.  

Regular Agenda:  

1.                  Presentation to Larry Gettel – Addressed after Agenda Approval.   

2.                  Set Trick-or-Treat Hours- Henry/Fields moved to set the Trick-or- Treat Hours for Sunday, October 31, 2004 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and the Fire Chief will blow the whistle at the beginning and at the end.  Motion carried. Murphy/Snider will make sure the announcement gets put on Channel 3.  

3.                  Recommendation from Planning – Council reviewed the request from the Planning Commission to amend the Caro Zoning Ordinance by adding language to Article 10, Section 1003 Principal Uses Permitted Subject to Special Condition and Article 25, Section 2502 Special Condition Uses Permitted.  Knier/Nelson moved to approve the recommendation from the Planning Commission to adopt Ordinance No. 396 which adds language to Article 10, Section 1003 and Article 25, Section 2502 of the Caro Zoning Ordinance as presented.  Motion carried.  Motion carried.   

4.                  Pay Request – Dore & Associates – A lengthy discussion occurred regarding certain items not being completed to satisfaction.  Henry/Pouliot moved to pay to Dore & Associates a progress payment of 75% net of $42,603 with retainage being held due to the contractor not following specifications.  1 abstention Henry Knier.  Motion carried.  Doug Skylis, Rowe Incorporated, recommended sending a letter to Dore & Associates outlining what needs to be corrected and put a timeframe on it and if not rectified within the timeframe, the Village will take care of and keep the retainer and take whatever action necessary.  Henry/Pouliot moved to send a letter to Dore & Associates outlining exactly what is expected to meet the Village expectations as outlined in the specifications and if work is not completed within 30 days of the letter, the Village will evoke the penalties as outlined in the contract.  1 abstention Hank Knier. Motion carried.  The balance of the retainer will be paid in full if the project is completed to the specifications within 30 days.           

5.                  Pumpkin Festival Request – Nelson/Knier moved to approve the request from the Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival except for number 8, the first sentence “Exclusive permission be granted to the festival to use the downtown sidewalks for seating for parade visitors on Sunday” needs to be stricken.  Discussion.  Council feels that they can not grant exclusive permission for the use of the sidewalks.  Motion carried.  

6.                  HRC SRF Design CostsA proposal was presented from Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. for Engineering Services for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements.  This will be taken to the next I.C.A. meeting.  President Striffler will try to set the meeting for October 19.  

7.                  Location for Deer Camp – Tim Murphy, on behalf of the Tuscola County Advertiser, requested permission to host their second Buck Pole/Chili Cook-off on W. Lincoln Street between Town & Country Bridal and Lota’s Country Corner.  Pouliot/Henry moved to approve the request from the Tuscola County Advertiser to host their Buck Pole/Chili Cook-off on W. Lincoln Street from 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 14 to 6 p.m. on Monday, November 15.  Motion carried.  

8.                  DWRF Design Costs - Murphy handed out a Milestone schedule for the Drinking Water Revolving Fund for information.  Snider and Murphy will get the fund balance projection to date for the general fund.  This will be addressed at the next meeting.                       

Items Pending/Tabled:

1.      None.  

Committee/Liaison Position Reports:

1.                  Fair Board Update – President Striffler reported that Fields, Murphy, Sundblad and Striffler met with the Fair Board representatives and feels that a lot of progress has been made towards reaching a contract. Council discussed the length of the contract.  The Fair Board would like to attract more events at the fairgrounds and feel that they need the ability to plan for more than just a short period of time.  Also discussed the possibility of a re-opener clause in case circumstances change.  It was the consensus of the Council to go with 5 years.           

President Striffler stated that Dale Rieck has resigned from the Planning Commission due to his work schedule and children’s activities.  President Striffler recommended the appointment of John Kastraba to the Planning Commission.  Knier/Fields moved ratify the appointment of John Kastraba to the Planning Commission.  Motion carried.  There is one more vacancy and any interested people should submit their name.

Other:

Discussed Indianfields Township dropping out of the TAAA.  

Ruth Overbaugh asked the status of the Ravine.  Murphy stated he is in the process of setting the meeting with the homeowners that their property abuts the ravine.  It will be on Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 7 p.m.   This will give Murphy the opportunity to explain the problems some of the homeowners are having and also explain the options.  

Policy Committee set for October 4, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss snow removal.  

Discussed Letter to the Editor by Mr. Fitzgerald.  Knier and Henry felt they wanted to respond to clarify facts.  

Snider suggested the Council take note of the great job Mr. Corradi and Mr. Eremia from DPW did on the landscaping around the Caro Municipal Building and also the parking lot.           

Manager Report:

Murphy stated he would let Scott Fader explain his concern. 

Scott Fader expressed concern that his sewer line is clogging due to tree roots.  He would like the tree(s) removed and felt he was not getting results from the Village.  The Village Manager will review the site and if the tree(s) are dead/dying, he will have them removed.  He was not aware that the trees were dying.  He will get back with Mr. Fader with his results.  

Discussed the decorative lighting request to change some of the double head lighting to single on State Street per the DDA minutes.  It was suggested that the electrical engineer take a look at this as it is deviating from the plans and may not be sufficient lighting.  

Murphy handed out the Executive Summary for Revisions To the Village of Caro Engineering Design Standards.  This will be dealt with at the next meeting.  

Knier/Fields moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. 

Meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted

Karen J. Snider, Village Clerk/Treasurer   

VILLAGE OF CARO REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES  back to top

Regular meeting called to order September 13, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. by President Striffler  

Present:  President Thomas Striffler, Trustees:  Dick Pouliot, John Fields, Mike Henry, Henry Knier, Jr.  

Absent:  Bernie Nelson, Charlotte Kish  

Others in Attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider – Village Clerk/Treasurer, Benson Page – Chief of Police, other guests.  

Agenda Approval:  Pouliot/Knier moved to approve the agenda with the additions of Regular Agenda: 5. Proposal for Drinking Water Revolving Fund and Committee/ Liaison Reports 3. DDA 4. Airport Authority and 5. Trails.  Motion carried.

Public comments/Visitors: 

Rev. Jim Solomon, Caro Ministerial Association, gave an update on the status of the Caro Ministerial Association regarding the offer they made to help the Tuscola Pumpkin Festival and to let Council know that they have not dropped the ball.     

Communications:

President Striffler noted the communications as listed on the agenda.  Dale Reick also submitted a resignation from the Planning Commission which leaves two vacancies.  

Consent Agenda:

Minutes:  Regular meeting August 23, 2004

Invoices

Departmental report  

Henry/Fields moved to approve the consent agenda as presented including the payment of invoices.  Motion carried.  

Regular Agenda:  

1.                  Appointment to Caro Transit Authority – President Striffler proposed to appoint Marshall Raymond to the Caro Transit Authority.  Knier/Fields moved to ratify the appointment of Marshall Raymond to the Caro Transit Authority as presented by President Striffler.  Motion carried.  

2.                  Request from Caro Business Association- Knier/Henry moved to approve the request from the Caro Business Association to hold their fall sidewalk sales on October 7-9, 2004 and have scarecrows in front of their stores, contingent upon the Village Manager working out any details between the Caro Business Association and the Pumpkin Festival.  Motion carried.  

3.                  Change Order & Pay Request – A change order was presented by Rowe Incorporated for Dore & Associates regarding the demolition of 145, 147 and 149 State Street , as well as an Application for Payment.  The original price of the contract was $34,900 and the net increase proposed is $7,703 for a total of $42,603.  No changes to the contract dates were approved.  Henry/Pouliot moved to approve the change order to change the original contract price from $34,900 to $42,603.  1 abstention – Knier. Motion carried.  Council discussed the request for payment and disagreed with the Certificate of Substantial Completion.  It was felt that too many details remained unfinished.  Discussed the density tests and felt that they did not meet the specifications that were bid.  Additional density tests needed to be done, especially on the back of the lot where the material was dumped, being approximately 3’ on each side and 6’ in depth.  Henry, Murphy, Sundblad and Rowe will put together a letter containing the requirements for Dore & Associates to complete job.  

4.                  Closed Session – MAP Union Update – Knier/Pouliot moved to go into closed session at 9:30 p.m. for the purpose of an update on MAP Union Negotiations.  Roll Call: 5 yeas, 0 nays, 2 absent, Bernie Nelson and Charlote Kish.  Motion carried.  

            Open session resumed at 11:05 p.m.   Rose and reported that MAP Union  negations were discussed.  

5.                  This item was addressed after number 3.  Douglas Skylis from Rowe Inc. submitted a Proposal for Design Engineering Services which included a Water Treatment System Pilot System.  A lengthy discussion took place.  The Village Manager and Treasurer will look at the flow of the water fund.  No other decision was made at this time.                     

Items Pending/Tabled:

1.      None.  

Committee/Liaison Position Reports:

1.                  Personnel – Knier reported that the committee was able to work out the details regarding the Village Manager’s employment contract.  Knier/Henry moved to approve the Village Manager’s employment contract as presented.  Motion carried.

2.                  Finance – a. Pouliot reported on the status of the Michigan Ethanol R/O water standby agreement with the Village.  Pouliot/Knier moved to direct the Village Manager to get a written agreement in place by September 30, 2004 for the treatment of the r/o water between Michigan Ethanol and the Village of Caro .  Motion carried.  b. Police Building – Pouliot explained that $70,000 was budgeted for the police building in the FY 2003/04 budget with only $51,562.20 being spent.  Some items were not able to be completed in that fiscal as expected.  Pouliot/Henry moved to amend the FY 2004/05 budget to add an additional $18,437.20 to the police budget which $9,000 will go towards furniture and the balance of it to be used for floor covering.  Motion carried.

3.                  DDA – Henry reported that the DDA approved the purchase of a mule to assist with snow removal and hauling mulch.  Snow removal issue needs to be addressed at Policy Committee.  The DDA agreed to pay $2,000 to the owner of the Pub Tavern for the property he owns in the alley. 

4.                  Airport – Striffler reported that the Airport Authority Board has agreed to re-bid the security fencing project and bids for that will be opened Sept 29 at 1 p.m.   The bids came in too high partially due to the increase in the price of steel and also some contractors did not submit bids according to specifications.   

5.                  Trails – President Striffler met with Jason Davis and Dan Merz regarding the Trails project and invited them to attend the Parks and Recreation meeting.           

Manager Report:

Note: This part of report was addressed prior to closed session.  Murphy gave an update on the Ravine behind Court Street.  The property is privately owned.  Murphy and Sundblad walked the area to determine the cause of the problem.  Murphy presented several options which included the residents of Caro or the Village could petition to become a part of the County drain.  If the Village petitions, the costs would have to be paid by the Village such as publication fees, legal fees, etc.  The process could take several years to complete. At that point, the County Drain Commissioner would take over the problem.  Another option is that the Village could go in and clean up the area but several questions resulted as to that option.  It was decided to try to bring the neighborhood together and present all the options and get their input, hopefully within the next three weeks.   

Resumed from closed session.  Village Manager report continued. 

Jerry Osborne, Village of Caro Police Officer , was named 2004 Employee of the Year.

Pouliot/Knier moved to send a letter to MDOT regarding the need to put white striping outside the curb line between VanGeisen Road and Frank Street and also between Grant Street and Cleaver Road .  Motion carried.

Murphy reported that Officer Michael Gebauer was credited for saving the lives of two individuals as the result of a fire call on September 12, 2004 .

Murphy stated that the Kiwanis Club of Caro is seeking permission to set up stands Oct 8 and 9 for the purpose of a peanuts fundraiser.  Henry/Pouliot moved to approve the request from the Kiwanis Club for Oct 8 & 9 for the purpose of their first annual peanut fundraiser to be located on the corners of E. Frank Street and M-24, E. Frank Street and M-81 and S. State Street by the Pizza Hut, contingent that the stands be on the sidewalks and do not have any visual obstructions to traffic.  Motion carried.  

Other – Reminder of the informational meeting scheduled for Monday, September 20, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. regarding the Chippewa Trails Project.  

Knier/Henry moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:47 p.m. 

Meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted

Karen J. Snider, Village Clerk/Treasurer  

VILLAGE OF CARO REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES back to top

 Regular meeting called to order August 23, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. by President Striffler

Present:  President Thomas Striffler, Trustees:  Dick Pouliot, John Fields, Bernie Nelson, Mike Henry, Charlotte Kish (newly appointed)

 Absent:  Henry Knier, Jr.  

Others in Attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider – Village Clerk/Treasurer, Benson Page – Chief of Police, other guests.  

Agenda Approval:  Pouliot/Fields moved to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.  

Open Public Hearing – President Striffler opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. regarding the close out of the Community Development Block Grant.  Jim McLoskey, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, explained that the original application was approved July, 2002 in the amount of $340,350 from the Michigan Community Development Block Grant.  The purpose of the grant was for the reconstruction of two parking lots within the Village’s downtown district.  The local match amounted to approximately $81,396.  The project was completed with minor problems.  The feedback was very positive.  Thank you letters will go out.  

Appointment to Council Vacancy – President Striffler stated that last Monday five candidates were interviewed for the council vacancy.  A couple council members expressed that this was the hardest decision they have had to make.  All candidates brought something unique to the table.  Pouliot/Henry moved to nominate Charlotte Kish to fill the vacant council seat.  Roll call: 5 Yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent – Henry Knier, Jr.  Motion carried.  Village Clerk Snider swore in the new council member.  

Public comments/Visitors: 

Ruth Overbaugh expressed concern that nothing is being done with a ravine that goes from Court Street to M-24 and is causing damage to her property.  This will be addressed under Number 3 on the agenda.  

Communications:

President Striffler noted the communications as listed on the agenda and also read a Certificate of Appreciation from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Lapeer County Chapter #287 expressing appreciation to the Village of Caro for assisting with the moving wall.

Consent Agenda:

Minutes:  Regular meeting August 9, 2004 and Special August 16, 2004

Invoices

Departmental report  

Henry/Nelson moved to approve the consent agenda as presented including the payment of invoices.  Motion carried.  

Regular Agenda:  

1.                  Close Public Hearing - Decision – Nelson/Fields moved to close the public hearing on the close-out of a Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, received by the Village of Caro for the purpose of reconstruction of two parking lots within the Village’s downtown district.  Motion carried.  Jim McLoskey will submit the final paperwork to close out the project.  

2.                  Chippewa Fund Raising- It was decided that an open house would be held at the Village of Caro regarding the Chippewa fundraising project.  It will be held on September 20, 2004 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to do a presentation and answer any questions the public may have.  Council members will make calls.  The Village of Caro is eligible for a grant in the amount of $369,999 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund; however, we need approximately $100,000 local match.    

3.                  Follow up of Ravine behind Court Street – The Village Manager investigated the complaint of Ruth Overbaugh and determined that most of the property in question belongs to Tom McIntyre.  This is private property.  It appears the ravine runs through Lots 37-38.  After a lengthy discussion, the Village Manager was directed to look into determining the process of declaring certain property part of the County Drain and exactly what happens if this does occur.  The Village Manager will also try to determine what is causing the blockage.   

4.                  Sanitary Sewer West end M-81 – Charles Sundblad, DPW Superintendent and Wayne Zolnierek, Project Manager for Spicer Group discussed the sanitary sewer on M-81 by Rite Aide to Quinn Street .  The Village has videotaped the existing condition of the sanitary sewer from Rite Aide to Quinn Street and determined that the existing 8” sanitary clay tile from the railroad tracks to Quinn Street has several existing cracks.  The section of sanitary sewer located under the railroad tracks is possibly a steel pipe and is considered in poor condition.  The section of clay pipe from the railroad tracks to the manhole in front of Rite Aide is in good to fair condition.  Sundblad recommended re-routing the sewer from Quinn Street down Milwood Street .  This would involve installing a new manhole at Quinn Street , installing 100 ft. of new 8” sanitary sewer and re-routing of two service leads.   Pouliot/Fields moved to approve the recommendation from Sundblad to re-route the sewer from Quinn Street down Milwood and installing a new manhole at Quinn Street for approximately $12,000.  Motion carried.  

5.                  Salt Truck – Henry/Pouliot moved to approve Thumb Truck Equipment to switch over the salt box and leaf box on the trucks for the amount of $1,165 and give Thumb Truck Equipment the old salt truck chassis worth $800 which would cover the entire cost to do the work ($1,965).  Motion carried.  

6.                  Closed Session – Update on MAP Union Negotiations – Nelson/Kish moved to go into closed session at 9 p.m. for the purpose of an update on MAP Union Negotiations.  Roll Call: 5 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent, Henry Knier, Jr. Motion carried.  

            Rose and reported that MAP Union negations were discussed.            

Items Pending/Tabled:

1.      None.  

Committee/Liaison Position Reports:

1.                  None.           

Manager Report: Murphy suggested the Council recognize Heather Hampel for her hard and dedicated work getting the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Caro.  

Nelson stated he would not be at the September 13, 2004 meeting.  

Fields/Henry moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 p.m. 

Meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted

Karen J. Snider, Village Clerk/Treasurer  

   

VILLAGE OF CARO SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES   back to top

Special meeting held August 16, 2004 was called to order by President Striffler at 6:30 p.m.  

Present:  President Tom Striffler, Trustees: Dick Pouliot, John Fields, Mike Henry and Henry Knier, Jr.  

Absent:  Trustee: Bernie Nelson

Others in attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider –Clerk/Treasurer  

The purpose of the meeting was to conduct interviews for the council vacancy position created from the resignation of Dan Corradi.  

President Striffler explained to each applicant the procedure that would be used for the interview and that he anticipated a decision would be made at the August 23, 2004 council meeting.   

Attached to the minutes are the applicants and questions asked of each candidate.  

Fields/Knier moved to adjourn at 9:12 p.m.   Motion carried.  

Meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted:

Karen J. Snider

Village Clerk/Treasurer  

 VILLAGE OF CARO REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES  back to top 

Regular meeting called to order August 9, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. by President Striffler

Present:  President Thomas Striffler, Trustees:  Dick Pouliot, Henry Knier, Jr., John Fields, Bernie Nelson

Absent:  Mike Henry  

Others in Attendance:  David Murphy – Village Manager, Karen Snider – Village Clerk/Treasurer, Benson Page – Chief of Police, other guests  

Agenda Approval:  Pouliot/Knier moved to approve the agenda with 3 additions; Communications 4. Communication from MML; Regular Agenda 4. Caro Center Committee; Committee Reports 2. Historical.  Motion carried.  

Public comments/Visitors: 

Ruth Overbaugh expressed concerns with a ravine that goes from Court Street to M-24 and is causing damage to her property.  The Village Manager and DPW Superintendent will investigate the problem.  

Communications:

President Striffler noted the communications as listed on the agenda.  Nelson reported that MML Executive Director George Goodman is retiring from his position.  

Consent Agenda:

Minutes:  Regular meeting July 26, 2004

Invoices

Departmental report  

Nelson/Fields moved to approve the consent agenda as presented including the payment of invoices.  Discussion: Knier expressed concern with the amount of the Centurytel bill.  This will be reviewed.  Motion carried.  

Regular Agenda:  

1.                  Set Public Hearing – Knier/Fields moved to hold a public hearing on Monday, August 23, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the Caro Municipal Building , Council Chambers, 317 South State Street , Caro , Michigan as part of the close-out of a Community Development Block Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, received by the Village of Caro .  Motion carried.   

2.                  Revi