April 9, 2024, Regular Bushnell Twp Board meeting called to order at 6 pm at Bushnell Township Hall by Supervisor Christopher Smith with pledge of allegiance.
Present: Roll call: Trustee Patrick Draper; Trustee Mike Fitzgerald; Treasurer Karron Bliss; Clerk Louise Belyou; Supervisor Christopher Smith; Absent: None; Others: DTE Jeff Haines; Sheridan Fire Chief Brandon Stowell & Deputy Steven VanHolstyn; Tanner Smith;
Motion Fitzgerald, support Draper to omit 'Sexton' on agenda as she's not here. Carried.
Motion Draper, support Fitzgerald to approve amended agenda. Carried.
Motion Draper, support Fitzgerald to accept minutes of March 27, 2024, special meeting as presented. Motion carried.
Motion Fitzgerald, support Draper to accept minutes of March 27, 2024, budget hearing as presented. Motion carried.
Motion Draper, support Fitzgerald to approve payment of end of year checks #5833-5834 in the amount of $21,554.74 written March 28, 2024. Carried.
Motion Fitzgerald, support Draper to accept Treasurer's report as presented with a $116,971.48 balance. Motion carried. Checkbook balance = $113,676.27 Cash on Hand. Sheridan Community Fire Authority update. Stanton/Sheridan merge is on hold for now. Supervisor Smith introduced Chief Brandon Stowell and Deputy Chief Steven VanHolstyn. Stowell then reported on a 3/4 mill proposed to hopefully appear on the November 5, 2024, ballot. VanHolstyn explained an EGLE grant proposal in which Bushnell Township might be interested.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Jeff Haines, DTE, reported Fish Creek Solar project has started – has camera security – County Road Commission approved delivery routes for supplies. Discussion by the Board regarding EGLE Renewable Energy Grant mentioned by VanHolstyn for $330,000 followed.
Motion Bliss, support Fitzgerald to ask VanHolstyn to apply for Bushnell for the grant to be used in the following ways: $25,000 Fire Dept; $10,000 Cloud expenses; $6,000 Bennett Park; $6,000 Storage Shed; $283,000 Township Hall Improvements. Motion approved.
Motion Fitzgerald, support Draper to authorize Supervisor Smith to contact our lawyer for details for grant use if needed. Approved.
Motion Draper, support Fitzgerald to renew website contract with PJM for $1,095.91 for the May,'24 – May,'25 year. Motion carried.
Road Commission contracts for 24/25 year were discussed as follows:
Motion Fitzgerald, support Draper to approve two apps 1,000 gpm - $14,652 and one app 1,650 gpm - $12,087.90 for total = $26,739.90 for Chloride applications; Carried.
Motion Draper, support Fitzgerald to approve $2,000 for Roadside Brush Spraying; Carried.
Motion Draper, support Fitzgerald to approve $45,639 for gravel resurface with Limestone, Staines Rd from M-57 to Sessions Rd. Carried ($63,167 – $17,528 gravel credit)
Motion Fitzgerald, support Draper to approve $17,528 for gravel resurface Sessions from Cedar Lk Rd toVickeryville Rd. Carried.
Motion Fitzgerald, support Draper to adjourn. With no additional business to discuss the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Louise Belyou, Clerk