NEW BUSINESS

Fire Ordinance

The Planning Commission, together with McKenna Associates, Inc., presented the board a sixth draft of an Ordinance to Regulate Open Burning and Establish Fire Safety Regulations. Dan Kraft, Planning Commission Chair, gave an overview of the proposed ordinance. Two unresolved issues were brought forward: 1) The International Fire Code should be adopted by the Township as it is referred to in the Michigan Building Code, which is the Building Code the Township adopted; and 2) Concern that the standards for incinerators were outdated and should not even be permitted in the Township. A public hearing was held on August 20, 2002 with extensive public input, both in favor and opposed to open burning. Under the proposed regulation, residents would have the opportunity to petition for more restrictions on a subdivision-by-subdivision basis. Peter Cohl, Pebblebrook resident, asked the Board to consider: 1) Does the right to burn supersede the right to breathe clean air? 2) The length of burning time allowed being sunrise to 9 p.m.; and 3) Each homeowner should have a right to sign a petition, not just one vote per household. Dr. Gary Gillespie, Pebblebrook resident, stated that the by-products of burning, i.e. smoke, is detrimental to the elderly, people with chronic heart and lung conditions, pregnant women and their fetuses and the very young. Mike Allan, Ingham County Health Department, stated that ordinance writing is up to the Township and asked that restrictions not be lessened. Trustee Wright stated that the ordinance has become more restrictive in regard to leaf and trash burning. George Durak, 116 Feldspar, presented the Board with a letter dated September 3, 2002 expressing his concern with the proposed Ordinance. Melanie Ford, Woodview subdivision, drafting committee member, was asked by Supervisor Martin to put in writing the intent of the committee. The Board agreed that clarification was needed regarding NIESA issuing burn permits. Supervisor Martin will contact NIESA regarding that issue.

Treasurer Fink moved and Clerk Hiner supported tabling the vote on the new fire ordinance and keeping the matter open for discussion at the October Board meeting; passed.

Zoning Board of Appeals Appointment
Treasurer Fink moved and Trustee Wright supported renewing Dale Fulton’s appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals; passed.

Planning Commission Appointment
Trustee Wright moved and Treasurer Fink supported reappointing Rosemary Philip, Gerald Eidt and Harold Powell to the Planning Commission; passed.

Cable Commission Appointment
Trustee Wright moved and Clerk Hiner supported reappointing Ivonne Key to the Cable Commission; passed.

Board Policy Revisions

Adopted December 4, 2001 – Strike “There will be a ledger for all employees, supervisor, treasurer and clerk to sign in and out during their time spent at the Township Office”; revise “All staff will be recording all designated workday activities”. Adopted June 3, 2001 – Revise “Bills must be in by close of day on the Monday Friday before the meeting”.

Trustee Zaban moved and Trustee Wright supported the Board Policy revisions; passed.

Building Code Resolution

TOWNSHIP OF WILLIAMSTOWN

BUILDING CODE

STATE CODE

ORDINANCE #41

An ordinance to designate an enforcing agency to discharge the responsibility of the Township of Williamstown located in Ingham County, under the provisions of the State Construction Code Act, 1972 P.A. 230.

The Township of Williamstown ordains:

Section 1. AGENCY DESIGNATED Pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Building Code, in accordance with Section 8b(6) of 1972 PA 230, the Building Code Official of the Township of Williamstown is hereby designated as the enforcing agency to discharge the responsibility of the Township of Williamstown under 1972 PA 230, State of Michigan. The Township of Williamstown assumes responsibility for the administration and enforcement of said Act throughout its corporate limits.

Section 2. REPEALS All ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 3. MUNICIPAL CIVIL INFRACTION Williamstown Township will continue to enforce building code violations through the use of municipal civil infractions, as provided by the Williamstown Township code.

Section 4. PUBLICATIONS This ordinance shall be effective after legal publication and in accordance with provisions of the Act governing same.

Adopted this 13th day of August 2002.

This Ordinance duly adopted on August 13, 2002 at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees and will become effective August 13, 2002.

Date: ___________________________

Signed: __________________________
    Susan Hiner, Clerk
    Williamstown Township

A roll call vote was taken:

      Supervisor Martin   Yes

      Treasurer Fink   Yes

      Clerk Hiner      Yes

      Trustee Zaban   Yes

      Trustee Wright   Yes

Resolution passed.

Meeting Date Change
Clerk Hiner asked that the November 12 Board meeting be rescheduled to October 29 due to time restraints in preparing Board packets after the election on November 5.

Trustee Wright moved and Clerk Hiner supported changing the November 12, 2002 Board Meeting date to October 29, 2002; passed.