Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met on January 13, 2025, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding. Trustee Jordan Gallagher was excused. The Board adopted the 2025 Poverty Exemption Resolution, approved the Capital Improvement Plan 2025-2031, authorized an ATV and skid unit purchase for the Fire Department, addressed several marina items including a cooler purchase and delegation of hiring authority to the Harbormaster, discussed a MIOSHA fine related to a fire department incident, and approved paying ZBA and Planning Commission members for training time.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during the initial Public Comment period or the Extended Public Comment period at the end of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
No parks and recreation matters were discussed.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Shaw reported that M-72, from the Parkway to just west of Tom's driveway, will close on February 3rd to relocate underground utilities in preparation for construction of a roundabout at the intersection.
Harbormaster Den Jenuwine updated the Board on marina progress, including the fish grinder, new construction, sealcoating, and fans for the launch ramp. He proposed repairing both finger piers, obtaining a quote from SkyWeb for wi-fi services, and Brewery Creek summer dry dock, and asked the Board to consider long-term marina planning. The Board approved purchase of a beverage cooler for the marina for $5,310.00 by a 5-1 vote, with Trustee Darga voting no, after Coca-Cola stopped providing machines to seasonal businesses.
The Board voted unanimously to delegate marina hiring and firing authority to the Harbormaster, with oversight by the Supervisor, per township manual guidance. Supervisor Shaw asked whether the Marina Committee, which has not met recently, should continue; the Board decided to leave it at status quo since the Harbormaster now handles research and proposals.
Regarding the AT&T Lease Renewal, Supervisor Shaw reported that attorney Bryan Graham found no issues with the lease but noted it does not expire until 2029. The Board's consensus was to wait two years before considering renewal.
Other Business
Trustee Don Gallagher asked why the township truck lacks a salt spreader; Supervisor Shaw said he would look into it.
Fire Chief Keith Tampa explained a MIOSHA referral stemming from an incident at the sewer lift station where a County DPW employee was injured while servicing a pump in a dry well. The township's fire department responded but lacked equipment to extract the employee, requiring a regional rescue team. MIOSHA initially believed a township employee was injured and cited the department for lacking training documentation, though such records existed. After documentation was provided, the case was closed, but a $750.00 fine remained (a 50% discount was unavailable due to the dispute process). Trustee Gallagher suggested using MIOSHA guidance to improve policies and records.
Financial Summary
- ATV purchase from Classic approved for less than $24,000.00.
- Skid unit purchase from Heritage approved for $11,509.00.
- Marina cooler purchase approved for $5,310.00 (5-1 vote, Trustee Darga opposed).
- MIOSHA fine of $750.00 related to the fire department incident.
- Invoices totaling $243,936.04 approved for payment.
- ZBA and Planning Commissioners will be paid the equivalent of one meeting for attending future educational classes.
Action Items
- Supervisor Shaw to look into acquiring a salt spreader for the township truck.
- Board to revisit AT&T lease renewal in approximately two years.
- Marina Committee status to remain unchanged for now, with no scheduled meetings.
- Trustee Gallagher's suggestion to use MIOSHA for policy and recordkeeping improvements was raised but no formal action was recorded.