Advertisement

Newly appointed Treasurer Jennifer Woodruff told the board she wanted to go on record saying she will not be responsible for any water assessment information that was done before she took office on July 1.

She asked to have an outside source evaluate what has been done and check on errors and omissions. Trustee Jack Wylie said the clerk and treasurer will coordinate the assessments with the Lexington Worth Townships Utility Authority. The LWTUA was formed to provide municipal water for M-25 corridor residents several years ago.

In June, Clerk Marcy Bartniczak reported the water assessments were a major issue for the auditors, who wanted the principal and interest figures separated. At that time, Supervisor Ed Smith stated it appeared some parcels have never been assessed. Bartniczak noted with the new computer system the chances of this happening again were very remote.

The board has had questions about the water assessments for quite a while. When they were elected in 2004 all but Balinski were new officials and they were not familiar with the municipal water project. It was some time before they realized the township faces a potential $2 million cash shortfall before the bonds are retired in 2020.

In other business, the board discussed the proposed nature-wildlife area grant application. They agreed to hire Fleis & Vandenbrink to do an engineering study on the three lots the township owns on the water front in Birch Beach Subdivision.

Bartniczak explained the township would be responsible for the lots once the improvements are done. Smith said responsibility for garbage, public toilet facilities etc. will be decided as they go along.

*They tabled the issue of codifying the general ordinances after the motion to pay no more than $12,500 went down 2-3. The price included a CD so office staff can print a copy for residents and an independent attorney's review. Woodruff questioned the increase in price from $8,570 and Smith said he needed more time to evaluate the proposal.

*Bartniczak reported the township has received anonymous donations for a memorial plaque and dedication service for the new flagpole to show appreciation to all those who have served in the armed forces. They will plan a memorial garden. The township cannot solicit donations, but may use any contributions received for the memorial garden.

In other recent action:

*The board accepted the resignation of Treasurer Michaelene Balinski and appointed Deputy Treasurer Jennifer Woodruff to the position.

*The board voted to send a letter to the road commission stating they will not cost share in ditch clean out petitions anymore. Road commission policy calls for townships, property owners and the road commission to each pay one third of the ditch clean out cost on local roads.

Trustee John (Jack) Wylie reported the board does not think the township should be responsible for what they think is a road commission and property owner concern.

*They also discussed the possibility of sharing the cost of paving of Sheridan Road with Lexington Township. The road commission will match $25,000 a year with townships for paving on local roads.

*The board voted to send a letter to the Moore Public District Library Board saying no renovation or capital improvements should be done until a needs assessment is completed. Library Board Representative John Kraft reported the board is discussing the idea of renovations and he thought the needs of residents in the district should be determined first.

He told Bartniczak so far the library board has spent $2,700 on attorney fees and nothing on books from the millage funds.

Last year the township board lost an attempt to withdraw from the district library after Worth residents failed to approve a millage to support the district library. The millage passed in the district as a whole by 28 votes, but only 2% of Worth residents voted.