MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
May 10, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by President Smith at 6:28 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), Haitam (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Hensinger (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Holmes (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Popp (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), and Smith (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI). Absent: Trustee Nicoli.
Others attending: Asst. Treasurer Carey, Supt. Hnatow, ZH Malan, BHMC President Curtner, eight residents and one guest.
TRUSTEE VACANCY The resignation of Sarah Nicoli was accepted with regret, effective April 27, 2021. Discussion ensued concerning the process for filling the vacancy. Andrea Darden and Denton Wolf were nominated; Ms. Darden was elected to complete the term of office to November 2022. (Popp/Benson/P with Al-Awar, Benson, Hensinger, Popp and Smith voting yes; Conlin, Haitam and Holmes voting no. Previous motion to elect Wolf: Conlin/Holmes/F with Conlin, Haitam and Holmes voting yes; Al-Awar, Benson, Hensinger, Popp and Smith voting no.) Ms. Darden took the oath of office and was seated on the Board.
President Smith appointed a committee of Trustees Conlin, Darden, Hensinger and Holmes to study whether or not a process for filling Trustee vacancies needs to be developed, and if so, what the options might be.
Ms. Nicoli’s resignation left committee chairs open. Trustees were asked to contact President Smith if they are interested in being appointed to the positions.
CLERK Ms. Nicoli’s resignation also left the office of Clerk vacant. Chris Conlin was elected Clerk and took the oath of office. (Smith/Al-Awar/P)
BERM PERMIT Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation applied for a permit to construct two berms on their North 40 property as part of their project to return the previously farmed land to natural area. A public hearing was convened at 7:43 PM. Written comment received from an abutting neighbor, who was present to speak as well, was addressed by the applicant and their representative from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The public hearing was closed at 7:56 PM. Construction of two berms on the North 40 as indicated on the plans submitted by Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation was approved.
(Popp/Al-Awar/P) Mr. Holmes left.
PUBLIC COMMENT
–One resident spoke concerning proposed development on Whitmore Lake Road east of Barton Hills Village, citing potential negative impact on water/wastewater.
–One resident spoke concerning traffic accidents on M-14/Barton Drive and Ann Arbor City officials’ statements about possibly closing the Barton Drive ramp.
MINUTES Minutes of the April 12, 2021 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Conlin/Hensinger/P with Darden abstain)
FINANCE/FINANCE COMMITTEE (Benson/Carey) The April 2021 Budget to Actual and April 2021 Cash Balances reports were acknowledged. The Cash Disbursements for April 2021 were approved as printed (Aux. Book XIX F(3)). (Benson/Conlin/P)
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Perry) No report.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) A joint workshop with the Planning Commission and the Trustees to learn more about the Master Plan is scheduled for June 7, 2021.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Water (Popp) The status of the proposed Maple Ridge development on Whitmore Lake Road was discussed. Residents of nearby Barton Farms submitted a letter to the Ann Arbor Township Planning Commission public hearing held on May 3, 2021, citing concerns about groundwater sufficiency, wastewater treatment, traffic and adequacy of public services. BHMC has drafted a similar letter to be sent to the Commission. The Water Committee was asked to submit a letter detailing Trustee concerns, including request for a complete aquifer assessment, wastewater treatment safeguards, and specific measures to address traffic safety. (Darden/Hensinger/P)
Roads (Al-Awar) Quotes are being obtained for this year’s paving projects.
Security (Holmes) No report.
Environmental (Hensinger) An update on the Barton Pond Beautification project was given, along with reports of improved attention to cleaning up pet waste along the roads.
Community Activities (open)
Zoning/Planning (Hensinger) No report.
Human Resources (open) No report.
Long Range Planning (open) No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Master Plan revision was returned to the Planning Commission with Trustee comments. (Hensinger/Popp/P)
NEW BUSINESS None.
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 8:41 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 6.14.21