MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
April 11, 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, Haitam, Hensinger, Popp, and Smith.
Absent: Trustees Al-Awar and Holmes.
Others attending: ZA Capozza, Asst. Treasurer Carey, Supt. Hnatow, ZH Anand, BHMC President David, three project representatives and five residents.
MINUTES Minutes of the March 14, 2022 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Smith/Popp/P)
WALL PERMIT 859 Oakdale east retaining walls (second part of the application from 859 Oakdale Road Property Trust). The plans for the east walls were revised due to elimination of the septic field component. The Public Hearing was convened at 6:03 PM. One resident spoke in support of the project, and BHMC President David indicated his Board’s support contingent on the outcome of the BHV review. The public hearing was closed at 6:05 PM. Trustee questions concerning water run-off/drainage, slope stabilization, and silt control were addressed. Requested signed engineering drawings will be submitted shortly.
Motion The application to construct the east retaining walls at 859 Oakdale Road was approved. (Conlin/Haitam/P)
SOLAR PERMIT Application for installation of rooftop solar panels at 1035 Country Club Road (Robert Frank/Sharon Popp). The Public Hearing was convened at 6:14 PM. Neighbors were contacted; one written response in support. There being no further comment, the public hearing was closed at 6:15 PM.
Motion The application to install solar panels at 1035 Country Club Road was approved. (Hensinger/Conlin/P with Popp recused)
PUBLIC COMMENT BHMC President David gave an update on BHMC Board activities.
FINANCE/FINANCE COMMITTEE (Haitam/Carey) The March 2022 Budget to Actual and March 2022 Cash Balances reports were acknowledged. The Cash Disbursements for March 2022 were approved as printed (Aux. Book I G). (Conlin/Popp/P)
The Budget Revision Resolution was approved as printed (Aux. Book II G). (Popp/Conlin/P)
Concerning the Barton Pond drawdown, both grant applications were denied. An amount not greater than $2,500 was approved at the August 9, 2021 Board of Trustees meeting to share the cost with BHMC for the final appeal to EGLE for the drawdown. That amount was paid to BHMC on 3-15-22. However, the total cost was greater than anticipated, and BHMC has asked that BHV share in paying the overage. The request from Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation for an additional $1,143.71 towards the Barton Pond drawdown was approved, with an approved budget resolution to transfer $1,200 in the 2021-2022 budget from Department 851 Hospitalization to Department 751 Parks to cover the expenditure. (Hensinger/Popp/P)
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Capozza) Two separate incidents of accessory buildings being constructed in the front yard without approval are being addressed.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) No report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Environment (Hensinger) Reported items:
–Recycling. Door to door collection is not feasible due to the size of the trucks, but the committee is meeting with a Recycle Ann Arbor representative to evaluate the current BHV recycling practices for possible improvement.
–Solar. One estimate has been received for installing solar at the Village Hall ($42,000 for free standing in the rear yard). More estimates will be obtained.
–Silt/Water Flow. There are serious concerns about water flow/erosion in the ravine between Forest and Colliston Roads, which threatens Oakdale Road and washes silt into Barton Pond. Several stakeholders are involved in this complex situation. Trustee Hensinger will organize a special committee to address this issue.
–The Committee is also promoting rain gardens and the Dark Skies Initiative.
Climate Resilience Subcommittee (Popp) No report.
Water (Popp) No report.
Long Range Planning (Darden) The Committee suggested having a professional reserve study done to help identify needs and funding for the coming years. A sample reserve study will be circulated to the Trustees, and the various committees will provide information regarding their subject areas. The information will then be evaluated to help determine priorities and decide if professional help is warranted.
Human Resources (Smith) The Committee has updated three major job descriptions, and will continue to work on the remaining job descriptions, employee housing, safety, training, and other items. The updated Employee Manual is expected to be ready for Board review at the next meeting.
Community Activities (Benson) The Winter Wonderland event was not held due to conflicts with vacation schedules. The Easter home decorating event is in progress.
Security (Holmes) No report.
Roads (Al-Awar) No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Proposed Charter Amendment resolution was approved. (Popp/Hensinger/P)
NEW BUSINESS
–Foster Bridge closure. Discussion focused on anticipated traffic increase and security concerns related to the 12-week closure of the bridge this summer for painting/repairs.
–Barton Pond tree removal. BHMC has proposed a joint effort to remove a large, dead tree that has become lodged in the mud offshore from the Barton Boat Club. The removal estimate is $2,500; BHV share proposed at $1,250. The Trustees were supportive but will have to look at potential funding sources in the budget before making a commitment.
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 5.9.22