bearlakemichigan.org

The Village of Bear Lake Web Site has been in existence since July 1998. Click here to view the minutes archives.

Please note that the Minutes are not posted to the web site until they have been approved. The October 2002 Minutes were approved at the November 2002 Council Meeting. A copy of the current month's minutes can be requested from the Clerk but please be advised that until approved they are subject to corrections and revisions.

October 9, 2002

The regular meeting of the Village of Bear Lake was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall by President Glen Moore. Present were: Treasurer: Connie Guerne, Clerk: Pam Wade. Trustees: Dendra Best, Vern Best, Don Hyrns, Carol Urbanus and Joanne Schroeder. Howard Higley. Absent: Jeff Harthun. Guests present: Brett Spaulding, Jim Brand, Tim Richards and Jim Reed.

Minutes: The September Minutes were approved as corrected.

Motion made by Vern, seconded by Don to accept the Treasurer’s Report as read. Motion Carried.

Bills: Motion made by Vern, seconded by Carol to pay the bills as presented. Motion carried.

Guests: Mr. Brett Spaulding and Mr. Jim Brand presented the council with a proposal for a Simple IRA retirement plan for Howard Higley. The Simple plan would mean that the Village would contribute 3% of Howard’s salary to the account. Instead of giving Howard his “one lump retirement sum” annually, the Simple IRA plan would be set up for payroll deduction starting in 2003. Motion made by Dendra, seconded by Vern to set up the payroll deduction for the Simple IRA retirement plan for Howard as presented to the council. Motion carried.

Mr. Jim Reed purchased buildings on property that borders Hopkins Park. Reed requested permanent access from the park through campsites. Legal aspects of accommodating his request will be referred to our lawyer.

Remember
911

Don and Vern attended the Manistee Local Revenue Sharing Board to present the request for $17,000.00 to help cover the cost of the new village tractor. The grant decisions will be made on October 28, 2002.

Equipment: Four replacement barricades have been purchased. The village trucks have had service in preparation for winter. The new tires for the village pickup truck will be put on soon.

[PLEASE NOTE: Prospective buyers for the old tractor and for all 8 sections of dock may contact the Village Clerk]

Trees: The ash tree on the North West corner of Maple Street and Cody Street was to be removed. The property owner verbally requested that the ash tree not be removed. The tree was only trimmed. The property owner verbally agreed with Vern that he would be responsible if there was any damage done as a result of only trimming the tree instead of removing it and that he would pay for the cost of removal if the tree has to be removed in the future. The property owner of the Walnut trees on Maple Street verbally requested that those trees not be removed. Those trees were only trimmed over the road where the branches were causing a hazard, per the verbal request of the property owner. A letter will be sent to the village resident that exceeded the brush pickup limit.

Water: We have not received information about the mortgage release we need in order to complete the agreement with the Carter family for the purchase of the property around the water tower.
There is still a concern with a live water main under the Bear Lake School that has not been taken care of.

Park: Carol received a compliment from the Village Manager of Kingsley Michigan, concerning our Village Web Site and the Library pages.
The camping rate changes were presented for the council to review.

Library: The Keddie Norconk Memorial Library Board seems to be behaving as though there isn’t an Urban Cooperative Act, which involves three units of government. Motion made by Dendra, seconded by Carol to authorize contacting the Village attorney for guidance and clarification on what the local library board agreement means that was made under the Urban Cooperative Act and signed by all three units of government. Motion carried.
Joanne has been appointed to the Manistee County Library board and due to a conflict of interest; resigned as the Village Council Representative to the Keddie Norconk Memorial Library Board. President, Moore appointed Vern as the Village Council Representative to the Keddie Norconk Memorial Library Board, to replace Joanne.

Sewer: The Utilities Authority Documents were examined by the Village attorney, Randy Hyrns and he states to the council that he has serious doubts about the wording of these documents. Motion made by Dendra, seconded by Carol to authorize Glen to address the concerns with the Utilities Authority documents, the concern of Mr. Reed’s request for access to the park at the same time that he addresses the Library concerns with Randy. Motion carried.

New Business: The Bear Lake Promoters requested permission to close Cody Street between Smith and the driveway of the Bear Lake School property, for Christmas in Bear Lake on December 7, 2002. Permission granted. Howard needs a new drill. Motion made by Don, seconded by Dendra to authorize Howard to purchase a new drill and batteries. Motion carried.

Old Business: Connie has postponed shopping for a new computer as her old computer is working at the present time. Joanne requested that Dendra advertise the old tractor and old docks for sale on the Village Web Site with the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Permission granted.
Meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.

Page updated November 19, 2002

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