The New Haven Township Board met on February 7, 2011, at the New Haven Township Hall.  The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Dickinson at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge to the flag.

 

A roll call was taken, members present, Supervisor Dickinson, Clerk Owen, Treasurer Eickholt, Trustee LeCureux and Trustee Foster.  

 

Guests were, Dan Winters, Jim and Darlene Fitzgerald, Deputy Richardson, Mike and Diane Dowler, Commissioner Gary Holzhausen, the Shiawassee County Road Commission Board, Stephen A. Zemcik, Mike Constine, John Michalec, Managing Director Lonny L. Latunski, and Superintendent Brent P. Friess.

 

Motion by Trustee LeCureux, supported by Trustee Foster, to approve the agenda as presented.                             

All Ayes.

Motion Carried.

 

Motion by Trustee LeCureux, supported by Trustee Foster, to approve the minutes from January 3, 2011.

All Ayes.

Motion Carried.

 

Treasurer Eickholt gave the following report; General Fund $ 35,145.70, 2-Mill Road Account $ 41,048.84, Township Investment Account (C) $ 116,322.62,  Perpetual Care        $ 34,266.65, Fire Account $20,315.61, Ambulance Account  $ 6,706.54, and Tax Checking Account $ 70,724.60.

 

Motion by Clerk Owen, supported by Trustee LeCureux, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented.

All Ayes.

Motion Carried.

 

Call to the Public-None

 

Deputy Richardson presented the township board with a police report on township activity.

 

Supervisor Dickinson updated the township board on the status of the Mistiguey Creek Drain Project.  A meeting is schedule on March 24, 2011 in Saginaw County.

 

Motion by Clerk Owen, supported by Trustee Foster, to appoint James Fitzgerald as an alternate Board of Review Member for New Haven Township effective February 7, 2011,

A roll call vote was taken.

It was unanimously approved

Motion Carried.

 

The Shiawassee County Road Commission Managing Director, Lonny L Latunski presented the New Haven Township Board with recommended 2011-2012 projects.  It was noted that New Haven would be seventh on the list for the Brine applications, and also seventh on the list for the Gradall.  The Johnstone Road Bridge has been approved for resurfacing in 2013, and it was indicated that in the future the Road Commission may have to ask for participation in match contributions. Pavement markings on edges of roads will only be done on roads with more than 3000 cars per day, this being a result of Federal funding mandates.   The State Road project from Wilkinson Road to Juddville Road will be completed by May 22, 2011.  State Road from Juddville Road to Riley Road will commence on June 18, 2011.

 

Motion by Trustee LeCureux, supported by Treasurer Eickholt to adopt the following resolution:

 

New Haven Township

March Board of Review Alternative Starting Date

Resolution 2011-02-07

 

WHEREAS, Public Act 194 2003, allows the township board by resolution to select an

alternative starting date in March when the board of review shall initially meet.

 

WHEREAS, MCL 211.30 provides an alternative starting date of Wednesday following

the second Monday of March.

 

WHEREAS, The assessor’s availability to assist the board of review on that day shall be

the reason for selecting Wednesday March 16, 2011.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that New Haven Township Board approves the Board of Review meeting on the Third Wednesday of March in 2011.

 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Township of New Haven held on the 7th day of February 2011, board member Thomas Foster moved for adoption of the foregoing resolution and board member Mary Eickholt supported the motion.

Voting for:  Dickinson, Owen, Eickholt, LeCureux, Foster

Voting Against:

The Supervisor declared the resolution adopted.

_________________________
Don Dickinson - Supervisor

_________________________

Marilyn Owen- Clerk

Motion by Trustee LeCureux, supported by Trustee Foster, to adopt the following resolution:

 

New Haven Township

Poverty Exemptions Guidelines

Resolution 2011-02-07

 

WHEREAS, the adoption of guidelines for poverty exemptions is within the purview of the township board; and

 

WHEREAS, the homestead of persons who, in the judgment of the supervisor and board of review, by reason of poverty, are unable to contribute to the public charges is eligible for exemption in whole or part from taxation under Public Act 390, 1994(MCL 211.7u); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to PA 390, 1994 New Haven Township, Shiawassee County adopts the following guidelines for the supervisor and board of review to implement. The guidelines shall include but not be limited to the specific income and asset levels of the claimant and all persons residing in the household, including any property tax credit returns, filed in the current or immediately preceding year;

 

To be eligible, a person shall do all the following on an annual basis:

 

1) Be an owner of and occupy as a homestead the property for which an exemption is requested.

 

2) File a claim with the supervisor or board of review, accompanied by federal and state income tax returns for all persons residing in the homestead, including any property tax credit returns filed in the immediately preceding year or in the current year.

 

3) Produce a valid drivers' license or other form of identification if requested.

 

4) Produce a deed, land contract, or other evidence of ownership of the property for which an exemption is requested if requested.

 

5) Meet the federal poverty income standards as defined and determined annually by the United States Office of Management and Budget.

 

6) The application for an exemption shall be filed after January 1, but before the day prior to the last day of board of review.

 

7) Comply with any additional eligibility requirements as determined by the Township board.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the board of review shall follow the above stated policy and federal guidelines in granting or denying an exemption, unless the board of review determines there are substantial and compelling reasons why there should be a deviation from the policy and federal guidelines and these are communicated in writing to the claimant.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, if asset levels exceed the items/amounts below, the individual/property owner shall not be eligible for a Property Tax Poverty Exemption.

 

1. The homestead being claimed and personal property used in connection with the use and occupancy of the homestead.

 

2. All assets up to a cumulative dollar value of $ 25,000

 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Township of New Haven held on the 7th day of February 2011, board member Trustee LeCureux moved for adoption of the foregoing resolution and board member Trustee Foster supported the motion.

 

Voting for:  Dickinson, Owen, Eickholt, LeCureux, Foster

 

Voting Against:

 

The Supervisor declared the resolution adopted.

 

_________________________

Don Dickinson - Supervisor

 

_________________________

 

Marilyn Owen – Clerk

 

Motion by Trustee LeCureux, supported by Treasurer Eickholt, to authorize reimbursement to  Supervisor Dickinson in the amount of $ 256.50 for Board of Review Training Fees and one manual.

A roll call vote was taken.

It was unanimously approved

Motion Carried.

 

Motion by Trustee Foster, supported by Trustee LeCureux, to authorize the payment of mileage to Sexton Gary Felker in the amount of $ $ 47.40 and Clerk Owen in the amount of $ 37.00.

A  roll call vote was taken.

It was unanimously approved.

Motion Carried.

 

The Budget Workshop will be February 17, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

 

The next regular board meeting will be March 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

The Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing will be March 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

 

Motion by Trustee LeCureux, supported by Treasurer Eickholt, to adjourn at 8:47 p.m.

All Ayes.

Motion Carried.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Marilyn L. Owen

New Haven Township Clerk