VILLAGE OF BEAR LAKE, MICHIGAN
MINUTES

December 12, 2001
The Wellhead Protection Meeting was held at 7 p.m. in the Village Hall. Present were: Fred Alkire, Jerry Johnson, Jerry Mathieu, Leslie Smith, Dave Adams, Don Conway, Dendra Best, Vern Best, Carol Urbanus, Joanne Schroeder, Glen Moore, Don Hyrns, and Len Steinberg. Don Conway of Gosling Czubak Engineering Services gave us a review of the activities that have completed to date: The work plan submitted and approved by MDEQ, the installation of 3 monitor wells, the conducting of the aquifer test, and the second grant application approved. The activities planned for 2002 include meetings, a regional water level study, computer modeling and delineation of the wellhead protection area, a contaminant source inventory, a new well location plan, and a grant application.
Participants stayed on for the regularly scheduled meeting that was brought to order by president Glen Moore at 7:30 Those arriving at 7:30 for the meeting: Connie Guerne, Jim Reed, Keith Rupert and Howard Higley. Trustees Cloyse Griffin and Jeff Harthun were absent.
The MINUTES of the November council meeting were approved as read.
The TREASURER’S report was accepted as read.
Carol Urbanus moved to amend the budget in the Park Fund as follows:
Increase salaries and wages by $300., repair and maintenance by $500, professional services by $500, park improvements by $3,100, garbage collection by $300 and capital outlay by $8,500, and to decrease playground equipment expenses by $6,000, public utilities by $1,000, and repair supplies by $500. Motion was seconded and carried.
A motion was made, seconded and carried to pay the bills as listed at the end of this page.

Current Fund Balances
General Fund $39,744.40 Equipment Fund $22,074.60
Major Street Fund $39,743.35 Minor Street Fund $ 630.22
Park Fund $25,540.13 Water Fund  $43,021.50
Building Fund $48,519.01 Library $119,905.55

 

Dave Adams gave a report on the progress of his planned housing project to be built on Russell Road between Potter and Main Streets. He noted that the 38 housing units would represent a substantial increase in revenue through taxes to the Village.


SEWER: Jim Reed reported that the next step for the Village in the process is to decided whether or not to participate in the upcoming sewer study. Don Hyrns moved to table the council’s decision until the next council meeting. The motion was seconded and carried with Hyrns, Steinberg, and Moore voting for and Reed and Urbanus voting against tabling the decision.
Vern Best provided council members with a letter from attorney Richard Wilson explaining that the law vests with the village the power to provide sewer services, and it is up to the village to provide the service if it so desires and to provide a method of payment. A village has no right to demand or expect a township to provide municipal services which village incorporation acts vest in a village.

PARK: The electrical wire has been pulled through in Hopkins Park and Shoemaker electric will hook it up for the pump for the drainfield. Park caretaker, Carol Urbanus, thanked Dave Adams of Bear Lake Hardware for supplying sand for the drainfield. She gave a report of the monies received for the year 2001 Fees$30,152, showers:$320.,empty soda cans refund: $30.

STREETS: The committee reported checking into the water-on-the-street problem at the Best residence saying that it will be fixed in the spring.


WATER: The committee did not meet with the water superintendent yet regarding a job description. Carol Urbanus called for a job description for everyone working for the Village. Len Steinberg moved to sign the Wellhead Protection Contract. Motion was seconded and carried.
SAND BUILDING: The cost of $20 for a ton of dry sand was considered too expensive for road use by the Council. Bids were received for garage doors for the sand building from Cadillac Garage Doors and Bear Lake Hardware. Steinberg moved to accept the Bear Lake Hardware bid on garage doors plus 2 locks not to exceed $15 each. Motion seconded and carried.
TREES: Jerry Johnson requested a village tree branch be taken down as it is a threat to his property. Don Hyrns also requested to have a limb removed from a tree on Lynn Street. Carol Urbanus moved to have the limbs taken down by Thompson’s Tree Service. The motion was seconded and carried.

LIBRARY: Dendra Best reported that over $15,000 in donations were received for the shelving and furniture for the new library. She also proposed that all 3 units of government purchase a bay of shelving at $500. No action was taken by the Council.

EQUIPMENT: No report on the proposed purchase of a tractor by Reed.
BONUS: Carol Urbanus moved to give Howard Higley a bonus of $250. Motion was seconded and carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:10.

Respectfully submitted, Joanne Schroeder
 

December 12, 2001: Bills submitted to be paid:
A & A Service $19.50 Blarney Castle $22.00
Ron Brown & Sons $444.32, $283.76 Forbes $8,500
Kent County $28.00 Mathieu Agency $790.00
McBride Septic $325.50 McLeod’s Sales $1,632.70
J. Schroeder $34.70 Mike Farnsworth $300.00