Summary
The Elmwood Township Board held its regular meeting on January 8, 2024, with all members present. The board approved the consent calendar, adopted a bond authorizing resolution for 2024 Capital Improvement Bonds, approved a budget amendment transferring funds for a new ambulance chassis, and approved payment of invoices. The meeting was brief, concluding at 6:22 p.m.
Public Comments
No public comments were made at either the opening or closing public comment periods.
Infrastructure Projects
Municipal finance attorney Patrick McGow of Miller Canfield presented the Bond Authorizing Resolution for 2024 Capital Improvement Bonds. He explained that in November the board had adopted a notice of intent not to exceed $6 million, combining three projects. The resolution retains the $6 million cap but allows resizing after bids are received. Bonds will be sold through competitive bidding, with award required to the lowest bidder, and closing possible within three weeks of sale. The township may spend funds now and reimburse itself once bond proceeds are received, with up to one year after Treasury approval to sell the bonds, which can be paid off after ten years. The motion to adopt the resolution, made by Clerk Preston and seconded by Trustee Gallagher, passed 7-0 by roll call vote.
Supervisor Shaw reported that a pre-construction meeting was held with Basch, who are ready to begin work. Trustee Trevas asked about the status of an MDOT roundabout project after MDOT received a large grant. Supervisor Shaw replied that MDOT now has $20 million available for an $18 million project and it remains on track.
Other Business
The Discovery Pier update item was deleted from the agenda by motion of Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Trevas, passed unanimously. Clerk Preston reported that absentee ballot applications have been mailed. No engineer's report or other officer remarks were given.
Financial Summary
The board adopted Resolution 2 of 2024, a budget amendment transferring $30,000.00 from the ARPA fund to the fire fund to cover the cost of a chassis for a new ambulance; the motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga, passed 7-0 by roll call vote. Invoices totaling $76,712.22 were approved for payment on a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Clerk Preston, passing unanimously by voice vote. The bond resolution maintains a not-to-exceed amount of $6 million for combined capital projects.
Action Items
Bonds must be sold within one year of Treasury approval; the township may spend project funds in advance and reimburse itself once bond proceeds are received. No other specific deadlines or follow-up tasks were noted.