MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
June 14, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by President Pro Tem Hensinger at 6:00 PM via online video/phone conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ROLL CALL Present: Trustees Al-Awar (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Benson (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Conlin (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Darden (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Haitam (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Hensinger (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Holmes (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), and Popp (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI). Absent: Trustee Smith.
Others attending: Asst. Treasurer Carey, Supt. Hnatow, ZA Perry, ZH Malan, BHMC President Curtner, and one resident.
WASHTENAW COUNTY SHERIFF The officer was not able to come due to scheduling, but hopes to attend the July 12, 2021 meeting.
TRUSTEE RESOLUTION The following resolution was adopted. (Benson/HolmesP)
BE IT RESOLVED that since SARAH NICOLI has served as a Barton Hills Village Trustee since 2020, and whereas she has brought enthusiasm, skill and wisdom to this volunteer position, serving as Clerk and committee chair along with other duties, the members of the Board of Trustees wish to thank Ms. Nicoli wholeheartedly for her contributions to the Board and her loyalty and dedication to the Barton Hills community, and extend their best wishes to her.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the Barton Hills Village Board of Trustees.
PUBLIC COMMENT None.
MINUTES Minutes of the May 10, 2021 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Conlin/Holmes/P)
FINANCE/FINANCE COMMITTEE (Benson/Carey) The May 2021 Budget to Actual and May 2021 Cash Balances reports were acknowledged. The Cash Disbursements for May 2021 were approved as printed (Aux. Book XIX F(4)). (Conlin/Haitam/P) Darden joined
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Perry) No report.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) The joint workshop (Master Plan) with the Planning Commission and the Trustees held on June 7, 2021 was helpful. The Commission is reviewing Trustee comments, and revising the draft Master Plan.
Ann Arbor Township is being sued by the developer whose proposed manufactured housing project on Warren Road was rejected. The BHV Trustees and BHMC Directors have serious concerns about the project and the potential for significant draw on the aquifer supplying BHV drinking water, as well as potential contamination if the proposed wastewater treatment facility should fail. There is a limit to how much development the area can support, given the recently approved 57-home project less than a mile from BHV’s northern border, and a large new development just approved by Northfield Township at the intersection of Whitmore Lake and North Territorials Roads less than 10 miles away. Other serious concerns include increased traffic on Whitmore Lake Road, especially considering limited sight lines at both BHV entrances, and stresses on police/fire/emergency agencies. A motion for summary disposition has been filed by the developer, so Ann Arbor Township is vigorously working on their response under a short timeline. The following motion was approved by the Trustees. (Al-Awar/Benson/P)
Barton Hills Village President Carla Smith was authorized to request of residents/attorneys Greg Curtner and Bruce Wallace that they file on behalf of Barton Hills Village an amicus curiae brief and an intervention, as appropriate, in the lawsuit that Ann Arbor Township is currently defending regarding the proposed Sun Communities development on Warren Road. Mr. Curtner and Mr. Wallace will initially provide this work pro bono publico, with no financial obligation to Barton Hills Village other than actual costs incurred. If it is determined that other steps may be needed, President Smith, at her discretion, will be prepared to call a Special Meeting of the Board before any further actions are taken on their behalf.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Water (Popp) The committee is investigating resources that may help in determining the capacity and refill rate of the aquifer BHV draws from. Climate change is also a concern as heavy storms impact water flow and erosion. Documents from Ann Arbor City and Ann Arbor Township regarding climate change are being studied.
Roads (Al-Awar) Paving projects have been scheduled with the contractor and should begin in the next few weeks.
Security (Holmes) No report.
Environmental (Hensinger) No report.
Zoning/Planning (Hensinger) No report.
Long Range Planning (Haitam) More members will be added to the committee. Ideas/suggestions of topics to explore are welcome.
Community Activities (open) Human Resources (open) Trustees were asked to express interest to President Smith regarding these open positions.
Vacancy Process (Conlin) The ad hoc committee has discussed the history of filling board vacancies, noting that the flexibility in the Charter is a good thing and no Charter amendment is recommended. However, the committee will formulate a Board policy that would assure transparency and open/consistent communication for all Trustees when a vacancy is being filled.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS None.
NEW BUSINESS Possible return to in-person meetings was discussed. Mrs. Esch will check on what is allowed under the current guidelines/Open Meeting Act provisions.
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 7:17 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 7.12.21