MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
September 12, 2022
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by President Benson at 6:00 PM at Walter Esch Hall plus online video/phone conference.
ROLL CALL Present: Trustees Benson, Conlin, Darden, Hensinger, Holmes, Popp, and Smith. Absent: Trustees Al-Awar and Haitam.
Others attending: ZA Capozza, Asst. Treasurer Carey, Supt. Hnatow, ZH MDarden, BHMC President David, and six residents.
MINUTES Minutes of the August 8, 2022 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Darden/Conlin/P)
PUBLIC COMMENT
–One resident asked the Trustees to contact DTE about burying power lines.
–BHMC President David noted the separate identity but mutually supportive relationship of BHV and BHMC, and concerns about construction projects taking so long to complete.
–One resident encouraged the Trustees to look into the value of the fire truck and the potential for selling it.
–One resident noted the need for poll workers at the Ann Arbor Township office for the November election.
RESOLUTION A resolution in support of the proposed rezoning of 2 parcels in Ann Arbor Township related to potential development was approved. (Smith/Holmes/P)
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Capozza) An update on current projects was provided.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) The Commissioners will be discussing landmark trees and steep slopes at their meeting in October.
Superintendent (Hnatow) Report topics were finding a new home for the fire truck, and addressing security incidents involving trespassers.
FINANCE/FINANCE COMMITTEE (Haitam/Carey) The August 2022 Budget to Actual and Cash Balances reports were noted. The Cash Disbursements for August 2022 were approved as printed (Aux. Book I G(6)). (Smith/Conlin/P)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Water (Popp)
–The proposed amendment of BHV Code Chapter 9 (Water Rates) was approved for distribution via the Barton Bulletin to the residents for public comment (increase rate from $3.99 to $5.99 per CCF effective November 1, 2022; addition of tax lien to overdue billing process). (Popp/Smith/P)
–Barton Hills Country Club (BHCC) wishes to purchase the Barton Green property, and proposes obtaining an appraisal at a cost of $2,500. Their chosen appraiser is acceptable to BHV. Any sales agreement made with BHCC must include provisions for BHV to retain water rights, and to continue brush/vegetation disposal on the property.
Motion Barton Hills Village will split the cost with Barton Hills Country Club for appraisal of the Barton Green property. $1,250 will be reallocated from 266-801 (Legal) to 536-955 (Water Miscellaneous) for this expense. (Smith/Hensinger/P)
Community Activities (Benson)
–Plans are well underway for the Fall Picnic (September 18, 2022).
–The proposed survey was approved with edits (remove questions 3 and 5, question 6 marked optional). (Darden/Smith/P with Benson abstain)
Environment (Hensinger) The proposed recycling survey was approved for distribution. (Holmes/Hensinger/P)
Climate Resilience Subcommittee (Popp) Approval was given for committee members to staff a table at the Fall Picnic to offer information regarding climate resilience topics. (Popp/Hensinger/P)
Human Resources (Smith)
–Congratulations were expressed to Superintendent Hnatow and his new bride Sarah.
–An update was given on the progress of the employee house improvements.
–The following recommendation from the Human Resources Committee was approved.
The Trustees authorize the Superintendent to commence a search for a new Deputy Clerk, with the intent of bringing that new employee on board in November 2022, moving the current Deputy Clerk into a part-time transition/historian/secretarial position at the Deputy Clerk’s existing hourly rate, and releasing the existing Administrative Assistant from BHV employment. Further, the Trustees authorize the Superintendent to negotiate a not-to-exceed Deputy Clerk compensation package of $25.60 per hour for a 30 hour work week, plus health insurance, participation in the defined benefit plan, and other benefits currently provided to BHV employees. Finally, the Trustees authorize the reallocation of an amount not-to-exceed $17,863 from 701-702 (Maintenance Staff Salary) to 852-720 (Retirement – Defined Contribution), 851-717 (Hospitalization), and 215-702 (Clerk Salary). (Smith/Darden/P)
Long Range Planning (Darden) No current projects.
Roads (Al-Awar/Smith) An update on the M-14/Barton Drive MDOT study was presented. The following statement was approved.
The Trustees of the Village of Barton Hills:
- Oppose eliminating the M-14 / Barton Drive ramps.
- Oppose MDOT doing nothing to improve traffic safety in the area of M-14 and Barton Drive.
- Support MDOT implementing short-term recommendations from its 2021 “M-14 from US-23 BR to Barton Drive, Ann Arbor Township, Washtenaw County Road Safety Audit”.
- Support MDOT’s 2022 PEL study intended to evaluate the environmental and traffic safety issues and possible improvements for future work on M-14 at Barton Drive and Main Street. (Smith/Darden/P)
A public meeting will be held in late September where MDOT personnel will explain the project/answer questions.
Security (Smith for Holmes) No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS None.
NEW BUSINESS
–Sale of the fire truck will be explored.
–Discussion of golf carts on the roads will be continued at the next meeting to allow the BHMC Board of Directors to have input.
–A letter will be sent to DTE regarding underground electric lines.
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 10.10.22