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Village of
Bear Lake
P. O. Box 175
Bear Lake, Michigan
49614-0175
Phone/Fax: 231.864.4300

Village of Bear Lake
July 19, 2006

Please note that the Minutes are not posted to the web site until they have been approved.

The Regular Meeting of the Bear Lake Village Council was called to order by President Glen Moore at 7:32 p.m. at the Bear Lake Village Hall.

Council Present:  Vern Best, Connie Guerne, Ricke Guerne, Howard Higley, Robert Howe, Glen Moore, Michelle Mortenson, Ron Ronning and Carol Urbanus.

Absent: Don Hyrns

Guests: Gregg Brown, Don Raiff, George Thompson, Robert Cummings, Rich Russell, Carver Edwards, Jack Sawka, Pat Bacon, Jim Abbott, William Axce, Roger Swanson and Bernie Ware.

Minutes: The June 2006 minutes were approved as presented.

Treasurer¹s Report: Motion by Ron seconded by Robert to accept the Treasurer¹s Report as read. Yes votes: Vern Best, Ricke Guerne, Robert Howe, Ron Ronning and Glen Moore. Abstain: Carol Urbanus. Motion carried.
Building Fund     62,027.08
Equipment Fund     15,730.98
General Fund     42,732.17
Local Street Fund    10,978.79
Major Street Fund      8,842.94
Park Fund         53,148.36
Water Fund         90,841.04

Bills: Motion by Ron seconded by Ricke to pay the bills as presented. Motion carried.

Correspondence: Manistee County Chamber and Manistee County Library.

Sewer Supporters: A letter recently sent to Jack Sawka and our State Representatives evoked a civil discussion on the efforts by individuals to acquire a new sewer system in the 3 district (Pleasanton, Bear Lake Township and the Village) area. Many ideas and concerns were presented and funding issues were approached. Mr. Sawka offered his assistance in searching thru data, (with a Village council member) at the Manistee County Health Dept. in search of septic systems in our area that have not been updated since 1973. Although no action was taken, various items were discussed and erroneous information was acknowledged.
The Council would like to remind Village residents of various websites they can visit to view important information regarding sewer and septic systems: septic.umn.edu/ or michigan-onsitewastewater.org which can guide you to other website links.
The possibility of the council acquiring a loan(thru the Strategic Water Quality Initiative Fund) to upgrade or replace failing septic systems in the Village has been addressed in the past and will be revisited at the August meeting. This program could fund up to 90% of a community¹s cost for planning & designing a State Revolving Loan (SRF) or (SWQIF) wastewater construction loan project. The SRF provides funds to municipalities to plan, design and build publicly owned projects for water pollution control.
Kudos were given by audience members regarding the open lines of communication between sewer supporters and council members.

Guest: Roger Swanson checked on the backflow inspection with a certified plumber and found that an inspection report was not needed. The council would like the record to show that Roger Swanson will be exempt from acquiring an inspection sheet and his name will be removed from the list.

Guest: Pat Bacon requested that the sand be removed from various intersections in the village as she's concerned about the safety hazard and the vehicles ability to start and stop. Howard will do his best to keep ahead of the problem.

LIAA: Bernie Ware announced that the Land Information Access Association has selected the Pleasanton and Bear Lake Townships along with the Village of Bear Lake to participate in the multi-jurisdictional planning assistance program known as ³Partnerships for Change Program². The LIAA will provide at least $25,000 worth of services over the term of this project. The Partnerships for Change Program will cover $15,500 worth of these costs and the three municipalities will provide the remaining $9,500 (as cash match) for the project.

Pleasanton has agreed to fund $5,000; Bear Lake Township, $2,500 and the Village reaffirmed their commitment to contribute $2,000 toward the common goal. Official signing of the document will take place in early September at a joint planning meeting at which time they will have 12 months to fulfill the requirements.

Motion by Vern seconded by Ron to sign the necessary paperwork needed to comply with the programs requirements and contribute $2,000 to the Partnerships for Change Program. Motion carried.

Property Owners Update: Don Raiff, representing the Bear Lake Property Owners, gave a report about their efforts regarding the weed mapping and their ideas for controlling obnoxious weeds that have been spotted in the lake. At this time there is no way to rid the lake of this particular weed, they are seeking ways to control the problem. He will do his best to keep the Village informed of their activities regarding the lake.

Computer: Motion by Ron seconded by Ricke to allow the clerk to purchase a new computer for Village records. Motion carried.

Centurytel: Motion by Ron seconded by Ricke to allow Centurytel to bury the lines as long as there is no financial responsibility to the Village. Motion carried.

Discussions Held On:
- Audit is in progress.
- Signs for the sidewalks discouraging skateboarding will be ordered.
- Signs regarding the beach water not being tested will be ordered along with a public beach sign that
will be posted in Hopkins Park.
- All approved sidewalk repairs have been completed.
- An outstanding water bill will be paid on a home on U.S. 31
- Fence around school parking lot has been erected.
- Will seek bids on a metal roof for pavilion in the park.
- Implementing a Social Security Privacy Act Policy was approached with more discussion to ensue at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle Mortenson, Clerk

Bills paid for June
Allied Waste, $188.00; Bear Lake Ace Hardware, $485.00; Blue Cross Blue Shield, $373.36; Tom Evens Fence Co., $2,510.95; Galaxy Electric, $76.00; Gear It Up Communications, $30.00; Gosling Czubak, $300.00; GT Packaging & Janitorial, $94.08; Kent County Health Dept., $48.00; McBride Septic Systems, $760.00; McLouth Welding, $100.00; Ron Brown & Sons, $965.00; Dale Stanton, $600.00; Staples, $52.45; Thompson Tree & Stump Removal, $480.00.