MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
October 10, 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 Al-Awar, Benson, Conlin, Darden, Haitam, Hensinger, Holmes, Popp, and Smith. Absent: None.
Others attending: ZA Capozza, Asst. Treasurer Carey, Derek Reeves (staff), ZH MDarden, BHMC President David, three residents and one guest.
WALL PERMIT Application for construction of retaining walls at 490 Barton Shore Drive (Janice Englesbe, contractor Reid Hollowell present).
The project proposes replacing an existing/failing retaining wall, addition of a second wall, and creation of swales/drains to direct groundwater effectively. Engineering plans are in progress.
The Public Hearing was convened at 6:07 PM. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:08 PM. No written comments were received.
Discussion focused on adequate control of groundwater, setback encroachment, and impact on neighbors.
Motion The 490 Barton Shore Drive wall permit review was tabled to the November 14, 2022 meeting, with the following expectations:
–submission of signed engineering documents
–information indicating potential impact on neighbors/appropriate management
–application for variance to allow encroachment in the east side setback.
(Al-Awar/Hensinger/P)
SOLAR PERMIT Application for installation of rooftop solar panels at 320 Juniper Lane (Alawi—no representatives present).
The project proposes installation of solar panels on a large roof section facing Barton Pond, and a smaller roof section facing Juniper Lane.
The Public Hearing was convened at 6:38 PM. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:39 PM. One neighbor submitted a written comment in support.
Motion The permit to install rooftop solar panels at 320 Juniper Lane was approved.
(Darden/Conlin/P)
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Capozza) Mr. Capozza gave a presentation regarding zoning violations/current Code provisions for fine enforcement. BHV Code Chapter 6 Section
1.63 will be amended to add: Fines for repeat offenses will be determined on a monthly
basis from the date of the first offense. (Darden/Smith/P with Popp abstain)
MINUTES Minutes of the September 12, 2022 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Smith/Holmes/P with Al-Awar abstain)
PUBLIC COMMENT
–BHMC President David stated that the BHMC Directors sent a letter to MDOT expressing the same 4 points as the BHV Trustees regarding the M-14/Barton Drive PEL study.
The BHMC Directors requested more time to discuss their reply to the BHV Trustees regarding golf carts on BHV roads.
FINANCE/FINANCE COMMITTEE (Haitam/Carey) The September 2022 Budget to Actual and Cash Balances reports were noted. The Cash Disbursements for September 2022 were approved as printed (Aux. Book I G(7)). (Smith/Popp/P)
Maturing CDs will be reinvested appropriately.
STANDING REPORTS
Planning Commission (Hensinger) The Commissioners will meet on October 11, 2022 to host a public hearing for the amended Master Plan, and to continue discussion of trees and steep slopes.
Superintendent (Smith for Hnatow) Report topics:
1) dangerous dogs on Barton North Dr.
2) disposition of the Fire Truck
3) another round of rusty mailbox replacements
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Roads (Al-Awar/Smith) About 25 people attended the MDOT Neighborhood Conversation on September 29, 2022. A draft report of the M-14/Barton Drive PEL study is expected in mid-December, with further opportunities for public comment.
Security (Holmes) Great concern was expressed about two large dogs from 415 Barton North Dr. running uncontrolled on BHV roads. A history of incidents from 2009 to the present was provided to the Trustees, and also sent to the owners with a request that they attend the meeting (no response/presence). Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Robinson, and Animal Control officers, have been contacted regarding procedures. The Trustees approved the following actions:
1) Send a letter to the owners, along with an invoice for fines according to BHV Code Chapter 6 and BHV documentation (first offense 2.16.22 ($75), second offense spring 2022 ($200), third offense Sept. 2022 ($400), fourth offense week of 9.26.22 ($400), fifth offense 10.04.22 ($400), sixth offense 10.04.22 ($400) = $1875).
2) BHV staff are prohibited from entering the 415 Barton North property due to danger from the dogs (no trash collection or other onsite services).
3) Request vaccination status for the dogs
4) Alert residents via the Barton Bulletin that a dangerous animal(s) situation exists at 415 Barton North and advise to beware especially in the Barton North/Hillspur area and in all areas of the Village. (Holmes/Smith/P with Hensinger abstain)
Water (Popp) No public comment was received following publication of the proposed amendment of BHV Code Chapter 9 (Water Rates). Ordinance 59 to amend water rates and billing was approved as printed. (Smith/Conlin/P with Haitam abstain)
Community Activities (Benson)
–The Fall Picnic on September 18, 2022 was well attended, and within budget.
–The Halloween event has been moved to Sunday October 30, 2022 from 5 -8 PM. Sign up is in progress; a third trolley may be added if needed.
Environment (Hensinger)
–The 4th year of the 5 Year Deer Management program is getting underway. While the budget was based on 50 deer, staff counts indicate a large number of deer, so 60 may be applied for if funds are available.
–Progress is slow but continues in determining resources/potential actions/stakeholders for the erosion situation in the Forest/Oakdale/Colliston ravine.
–The recycling survey has been distributed and responses are being compiled.
–The Barton Green appraisal is in progress. Trustee Haitam voiced opposition to the sale of the land based on the greater goal of preserving the greenbelt.
Climate Resilience Subcommittee (Popp) Committee members staffed a table at the Fall Picnic to offer information regarding climate resilience topics. Short articles will also be provided to be included in upcoming Barton Bulletins.
Human Resources (Smith)
–New maintenance employee Mike Ebbert has started on a 4-6 week probationary basis. If successful, he would move into the 215 Barton Shore employee house.
–A potential new deputy clerk will begin training with Jan Esch on October 18, 2022.
–Painting of all three employee homes has been completed. Electrical update on the 215 house will begin soon. New windows have also been ordered for that house.
Long Range Planning (Darden) No report. Holmes left
Roads (Al-Awar) The speed tables have been repainted, and shoulder work is in progress. The shoulder erosion near 33 Barton North will be reseeded with grass.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
–Fire Truck. Mr. Hescheles has information concerning the sale of the truck, but was not able to attend the meeting due to illness. The Trustees voted to pursue sale of the Fire Truck in order to give it a good home and free up garage space for other equipment and vehicles. (Darden/Haitam/P with Al-Awar voting no)
–Discussion of golf carts on the roads was moved to the next meeting to allow the BHMC Board of Directors more time to study the issue.
NEW BUSINESS A blanket sign permit was approved for Barton Hills Country Club.
(Darden/Smith/P with Al-Awar and Haitam voting no)
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 8:34 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 11.14.22