Waterloo Township Board Meeting Unapproved Minutes May 25, 2021

Call to Order and Pledge: 7:00 p.m.

Present:  Lance, Morency, Walz, McAlister, Kitley, and 11 residents.   Also attending: Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schutte and Deputy Jim Moore.

Public Comment:  Richardson talked about the bills that are being voted on in Senate and House regarding our governance of gravel pits and short-term rentals.  He has encouraged people to contact their representatives to address these bills # SB 429 Gravel Bill and SB 446 Short-Term Rentals.    As a township, we do not want to lose our rights to govern these processes. Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schutte introduced himself and Deputy Jim Moore who is now serving our township 40 hours per week.  He feels that Deputy Moore will be an asset to our township and will present monthly reports. Previous deputy has retired.  Jason, Vice President of the Centurions Motorcycle Club in Munith introduced himself.  They would like to help the Munith community with whatever is needed or as a charity fund raiser.  They left information for the Township.  They would like to be more involved in the community.

Consent Agenda: Kitley motioned with support from McAlister to accept the consent agenda as presented.  Aye/all; no/none.   Motion carried.  Kitley motioned with support from Walz to pay the bills as listed on the Post Audit report in the amount of $632.22.  Roll call vote:  Yes/ Kitley, Lance, Morency, McAlister, Walz ;  No/none.  Motion carried. There was a police report for April given by Deputy Moore.    He said there would be a more complete report for May.

Correspondence:  None

Special Order:  Aggregate Resources Permit Renewal:  Don Beagle gave the report that mining is done in the Aggregate Resources Pits.  45,000 tons of gravel went out last year.  There is still a large amount of material left to move out, but they are working at getting it off site.  Hoping to have all materials moved by end of 2021 and have everything finished by 2022.

Lance motioned with support from McAlister to approve the renewal permit for 1 year with the following conditions:

1. The new permit expires on June 1^st, 2022.
2. Aggregate Resources retains the existing surety bond language, and dollar amount of $85,800 (this includes the 10% Township administrative fee).
3. Regrading and brush removal shall be performed in area 5 before a potential September meeting of the Extraction Committee.
4. No mining shall occur below 990’ in the pit floor.
5. Aggregate Resources will maintain eroded slopes as necessary as we approach final reclamation.
6. Aggregate Resources agrees to a fall meeting of the Extraction Committee if deemed appropriate by Waterloo Township for the following purposes:
   1. Review progress towards the reclamation plan
   2. Review a complete and updated ‘closure plan’
   3. Discuss any adjustments that can be made to the reclamation bond amount.

Aye/all; no/none.  Motion carried.

New Business:  Walz stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee was having a work day at the Park in Munith to paint and plant flowers on Wednesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m.  They are looking for help in maintaining and watching the park in Munith.

Waiting on information from M-Dot to work on road millage.  Will have to have some informational town halls in preparation.

New Business: Morency reported on the Planning Commission meeting held on May 18^th.  They are working on the short-term rental ordinance, putting together the verbiage.  They have no additions to the updated ordinance list.

There was discussion about opening up the Town Hall for rentals again now that restrictions are being lifted.  Kitley stated that there have been several calls from people looking to rent.  It was decided to go ahead with the rentals.

Other Business That Comes Before The Board:  Walz stated that she would like to add a newsletter to the summer tax bill.  She was told to proceed with it.  She also stated that there is a group working on helping people to keep them from losing their homes due to Covid issues.  She said she is working with some of them herself.

Public Comment:  Bill Richardson read a letter stating that they really enjoy the rural beauty of this township and the quiet.  He said there is no need for unnecessary businesses that really do not add to the beauty of our township.  ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­People enjoy coming here for the quiet and the camping areas.  He felt the board has done a lot of good in their years serving.  Re-purposing a beautiful township house and adding a hall to the back.  They have also followed the gravel pit processes very closely.  The letter for viewing in its entirety is available at the Township office.  Many in attendance agreed with the letter as read.  Walz stated that there will be a meet and greet for our new deputy Jim Moore.  The date will be announced later.

Adjournment:  Walz motioned with support from McAlister to adjourn at 7:46 p.m.

The next Planning Commission meeting will be Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.  The Budget Hearing meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on June 22, 2021 and followed by the regular board meeting at 7:00 p.m.  Minutes will be published in the Stockbridge Community News at the end of each month, on our website waterlootwpmi.com and on our Facebook page at: waterlootownshipmichigan.

Submitted by: Janice Kitley, Clerk