May 4, 2015
The Bennington Township regular board meeting was called to order by Supervisor Lee Ash on May 4, 2015, 7:00pm, at the Township Hall.
Present: Jim Forsythe, Cindy Garber, Lee Ash, Nancy Zdunic, Donna Ash.
L. Ash moved to approve the agenda with additions. Second by Forsythe. Motion carried.
Forsythe moved to approve the minutes for the April 6, 2015 regular board meeting as printed. Second by Garber. All board members in favor. Motion carried.
Forsythe moved to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented. Second by L. Ash. All board members in favor. Motion carried.
Zdunic moved to pay bills as presented in the amount of $20,382.19. Second by Forsythe. All board members in favor. Motion carried.
Public Comment:
Scott Newman – Addressed the board with his concern regarding land divisions and the 2.5 acre or 20 acre requirements, stating that it was hard to have animals or agriculture under these rules and many people can’t afford 20 acres but could afford 5 acres. The Township Board indicated to Mr. Newman that the acreage requirement is a Shiawassee County regulation not a Township rule.
Jeff Bartz – County Comm. Update.
Board Reports:
Library – Humphrey – Minutes on file.
Plan Comm – D. Ash – Recommended approval of one variance request and one special use permit.
Moved by Jim Forsythe to concur with the Bennington Township Planning Commission and recommend approval of Special Land Use & Site Plan Application #PSUP15-01 by New Par/Verizon Wireless, 7549 S. M-52, Owosso, MI 48867, Property Tax ID 78-010-27-300-001, for the construction of a 195’ Monopole Communication Tower, with the condition that a surety bond be placed on file with Bennington Township in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) prior to construction. Second by Cindy Garber. Motion carried. There was also concern that should Shiawassee County waive the landscaping requirement for this project that at which time there is development of the land that the landscaping requirement be readdressed.
Moved by Jim Forsythe to concur with the Bennington Township Planning commission and recommend approval of Variance Application #PZBA15-06 by Frank and Susan Busnardo, 4849 Mohican Trail, Owosso, MI 48867, property Tax ID 78-010-52-035-000, for the addition on the rear side of a legally nonconforming structure that will further encroach into the minimum waterfront setback of 2 feet. Second by Lee Ash. Motion carried.
Jason Hittle – Addressed the board regarding a intention to construct a pole barn first, then live in the pole barn while constructing a house, then allow family to live in the pole barn. The County indicated that he should talk to the Township. The board replied to Mr. Hittle that these requirements were part of the Shiawassee County Ordinance not the Township.
Roads – L. Ash – All contracts have been signed. Forsythe indicated that he would like to see the repaired apron on the corner of Morrice Rd. and Bennington Rd. chip and sealed at the same time that Morrice Rd. was done.
Web Page – Forsythe – Update. Need an Administrator for the new BS&A Web Site for tax information and assessing information. Steve Schweikert, Assessor, indicated that he would be willing to do this job.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Handicap Accessible Doors & Cement Work – The board is considering installing automatic handicap accessible doors and redoing some sidewalks to accommodate these doors. This subject will be discussed in greater detail with additional information at a special meeting to be help at a later date.
FIOA Procedure Changes – Review information for next meeting.
Burial Cancellation Fee – Zdunic moved to charge a cancellation fee of $100.00 for a cancellation of a cremation burial less than 48 hours prior to burial. Second by Garber. All board members in favor. Motion carried.
Hall Rental Increase – Zdunic moved to increase the price to rent the hall to $100.00 for the rental with a $100.00 deposit fee. Second by D. Ash. Roll call vote: Forsythe – No, Zdunic – Yes, Garber – No, D. Ash – Yes, L. Ash – No. Motion failed.
Driveway Sign – Zdunic moved to have Edwards Sign place a sign at the driveway to the hall off from Brewer Rd. reading Bennington Township Hall with an arrow on both sides for a cost of $88.00. Second by Forsythe. All board members in favor. Motion carried.
L. Ash moved to adjourn. Second by Forsythe. Motion carried.
Adjournment at 8:50pm.