The regular business meeting of the Catawba Island Township Trustees was called to order by William Rofkar at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room.
Present were William Rofkar, Robert Schroeder, Gary Mortus, Pat Cerny, Jack DeVore Matt Montowski, John Gangway, Reggie Langford, Adam Leser, and Taylor Sigan.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
Robert Schroeder made a motion to approve the Zoning Hearing minutes and the Board of Township Trustee Meeting minutes as received from April 28. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, aye; William Rofkar, aye.
Pat Cerny stated the total for the bills was $21,246.63. Robert Schroeder made a motion to pay the bills. The motion was seconded by Gary Mortus. Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, aye; William Rofkar, aye.
Correspondence included:
The Ottawa County Commissioners 2008 Annual Report.
The First Quarter 2009 Report from the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau
submitted by Larry Fletcher.
An email addressed to William Rofkar from Catawba Island resident Lisa Seckler in regard to spraying for mosquitoes on Catawba Island.
John Gangway, Assistant Chief of the Catawba Island Fire Department, gave an update concerning repairs being completed on equipment truck 225 and engine 224. He also asked the Trustees if they had received his letter regarding the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant he is applying for requesting funds to purchase the new fireboat. The grant requires a minimum contribution from the Township.
Pat Cerny read the above mentioned letter aloud. In the letter John Gangway requested the Board of Trustees formally commit to a financial contribution of at least 5% of the project cost or $12,500 the minimum necessary to receive the FEMA Assistance Firefighters Grant of $250,000. Deadline for the grant application is May 20th.
Gary Mortus made a motion to pass a resolution in support of the grant application to FEMA for a fireboat in the amount of 5% from Township funds. Robert Schroeder seconded the motion. Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, aye; William Rofkar, aye.
Reggie Langford said volunteers have offered to help canvas the island and place gypsy moth traps in needed areas. In addition he is going to train a group of volunteers on how to install burlap around trees and what to look for.
Gary Mortus stated Bob Rogers is back on light duty for another two to three weeks so a patrolman is still covering his hours on the road.
Gary Mortus made a motion to pass a resolution appointing John Gangway as the Fire Chief effective June 1. Motion seconded by Robert Schroeder. Gary Mortus made it known the process Trustees have taken is the same process that was taken 23 years ago when Dan Barlow was appointed Fire Chief by the previous Trustees. Gary Mortus, aye; Robert Schroeder, aye; Bill Rofkar, aye.
Robert Schroeder stated Zoning received a complaint about a short term rental on Union Street. The property owners were notified and made aware of Catawba Township’s Zoning Resolution which states a dwelling is intended to be used for permanent occupancy by one family for not less than 30 days. Overnight rentals or short term rentals shall be prohibited.
Pat Cerny said Monday, May 18, will be the Cove West Properties pre-trial.
Pat Cerny stated John Rick made a complaint about the light in the curve on West Catawba Road. Gary Mortus said the light will be repaired as soon as possible.
Robert Schroeder said in regard to the email from Lisa Seckler there are no plans to spray for mosquitoes on Catawba Island.
William Rofkar made a motion that Catawba Island participate in the Ottawa County Engineer’s road paving projects. A cost estimate of $250,000 was received for the roads that were reviewed with them on road review. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. Robert Schroeder, aye; Gary Mortus, aye; William Rofkar.
William Rofkar said he would like to advertise for a dump truck body and a snow plow package so we could get sealed bids.
William Rofkar also said he would like to continue with the rubberized crack filling program we have used in the past. We contract through D.J.L Material. They charge us 98 cents a pound for the material and let us use their machine. The total cost will be approximately $5,000.
Gary Mortus made a motion to adjourn seconded by Robert Schroeder. All voted aye.