LOCKE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES Draft 12-19-2024
December 17, 2024 Approved___________
The Locke Township Board met on December 17, 2024, in the Locke Township Hall, 3805 Bell Oak Road.
Present: Nathan Lott, Marcy Shepler, Sheri Rambo, Ty Hull, Jean Coe. Also, present Fletcher Reed
Absent: None.
Call to order at 7:01 PM by Supervisor Lott followed by pledge to flag.
Additions to agenda: Motion Rambo second Shepler to allow Glenda to work along with Shepler.
Approval of agenda:
Action on November 12, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting minutes. Motion Shepler, second Rambo to approve the Board of Trustees meeting minutes of 11/12/2024. PASSED {5-0}.
Action on Accounts Payable checks. Motion Shepler, second Rambo to approve accounts payable checks #6470 – #6519 in the amount of $48457.96. PASSED {5-0}.
Presentation/Public Comment: None
Unfinished Business:
*Locke Township Cemetery Ordinance 2024-01. Motion by Supervisor Lott to adopt Ordinance second by Rambo to adopt Ordinance 2024-01. Roll call vote: Yes-Rambo, Shepler, Lott, Hull, Coe. No-None. Passed (5-0)
New Business
*Locke Township Master Plan draft. Reviewed by Planning Commission December 3, 2024, Public Hearing Scheduled for February 18th 2025@ 7pm. Planning Commission recommends release of Master Plan for public review.
William & Works will send Master Plan to reviewing agencies pending clarifications.
Motion Shepler, second Hull to send Master Plan draft to reviewing agencies.
Roll call vote: Yes-Shepler, Lott, Hull, Coe. No- Rambo. Passed (4-1)
*Proposal from William & Works, dated December 3, 2024 to prepare Locke Township Zoning Ordinance update $18,000 in approximately 9 months. Begin update approximately April 2025.
Motion Lott, second Shepler to accept Williams & Works proposal to prepare Locke Township Zoning Ordinance update as stated in December 3, 2024 letter at an estimated cost of $18,000 and a time frame of approximate time frame of 9 months. Proposal passed (5-0)
* Appointments to Planning Commission, Nomination by Lott to appoint Ty Hull to an ex officio township board member term expiring 11/20/2028. Motion by Rambo, second Coe to accept appointment. Nomination of Dorothy Hart to a partial term expiring 12/31/2025, motion by Rambo second by Hull to accept appointment. Nomination of Duane Pinckney to a 3-year term expiring 12/31/2027, motion by Shepler, second Rambo to accept nomination.
Dorothy Hart and Duane Pinckney. Nomination by Lott, second Rambo.
Zoning Board of Appeals permanent position available and NIESA alternate representative position available.
*Clerk Shepler appointed Glenda Turner as Deputy Clerk. Motion Lott, second Coe to approve the appointment of Glenda Turner as Deputy Clerk. Passed (5-0)
*Treasurer Rambo appointed Michelle Soliz as Deputy Treasurer. Motion Lott, second Shepler to approve the appointment of Michelle Soliz as Deputy Treasurer. Passed (5-0)
Reports:
*Clerk-Nov rev/exp report distributed and reviewed. Attended December 11th MTA workshop/training for elected officials and attended December 12th Fahey, Schultz Attorney’s free Newly Elected Officials Workshop.
*Treasurer- Oct Treasurers Revised Report – Nov Treasurers report distributed; Attended MTA Webinar 11/13 onboarding new officials. 1042 tax bills/newsletters mailed.
*Trustee- Coe attended December 11th MTA workshop/training for newly elected officials
*Trustee- Hull could not attend December 11th MTA workshop/training for newly elected officials. Will look into online options.
*Supervisor- Nov rev/exp report. December 3rd submitted Bloom PA 116 apps to MDARD. Attended December 11th MTA workshop/training for newly elected officials.
*Zoning Administrator- Nov report summary with building & trades permits update.
Public Comment. None
Discussion items.
*Township Hall Rental Agreement to be discussed at future meeting.
*Attorney – anticipate Atty Hitch will retire this year. Request for proposal will be sent to potential legal services providers asking for written submission outlining experience, processes and costs.
Cost of Living (COLA) for 2025 salaries and wages (2.5%) to be discussed at another time.
Communications, seminars, etc.
*MTA Annual Educational Conference in April
Any Other Business/Board member comments:
Discussion on Locke Township Resolution 2024-12 to support Local Control and Claim of Appeal against Michigan Public Service Commission Order. Motion Shepler, second Rambo to support appeal.
Roll call vote: Yes-Rambo, Shepler, Lott, Hull, Coe. No-None. Passed (5-0)
Adjournment: Motion Shepler, second Hull to adjourn meeting. PASSED {5-0}.
Meeting adjourned at 8:56 by Supervisor Lott.
Marcy Shepler
Locke Township Clerk
