MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
May 8, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by President Protem Conlin at 6:01 PM at Walter Esch Hall.
ROLL CALL Present: Trustees Al-Awar, Conlin, Darden, Haitam, Hensinger, Popp, and Smith. Absent: Trustees Holmes and Perry.
Others attending: ZA Capozza, Supt. Hnatow, BHMC President David, three residents and 2 project representatives.
–Following Supt. Hnatow’s recommendation, Clerk Hensinger administered Oath of Office to new BHV Deputy Clerk Lacey Krecko.
MINUTES Minutes of the April 10, 2023 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Al-Awar/Smith/P with Haitam voting no, Darden abstain)
WALL PERMIT 320 Juniper Lane (Alawi) Application for construction of a retaining wall. The architect explained the wall was made shorter and lower by one riser, the guardrail and stairwells are lower down, and everything is tighter into the ground. The wall materials are limestone, which will match the existing stone of the house, and the railing is to be a very fine black metal. The concrete stairs cannot be seen from anywhere except when walking on them.
The public hearing was convened at 6:09 PM. One resident questioned how this will be monitored to be sure that the wall is built in accordance with the blueprint. The hearing was closed at 6:11 PM.
Motion The wall permit for construction of a retaining wall at 320 Juniper Lane was approved as presented. (Smith/Al-Awar/P)
PUBLIC COMMENT BHMC President David gave an update on BHMC activities.
One resident expressed their distress regarding the 320 Juniper Lane process.
FINANCE (Smith/Carey)
–The Cash Disbursements for April 2023 were approved as printed (Aux. Book IV G(3)). (Popp/Hensinger/P)
–BHV received a check for $17,414.03 as a result of a Michigan based class action lawsuit City of Long Beach, et al v. Monsanto Company, et al. regarding polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). BHV was considered within jurisdictional boundaries that contain and/or is immediately adjoining a water body impaired by PCBs. There is no evidence of PCBs in Barton Hills Village water.
Motion The expense reimbursement policy was approved as presented. (Darden/Haitam/P)
Motion The language about unbudgeted and emergency considerations will be added to the discussion of the proposed Code amendment. (Darden/Hensinger/P with Al-Awar and Haitam voting no)
Motion Trustees supported the Committee working with Flagstar Bank to maintain full FDIC insured values. (Darden/Hensinger/P)
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Capozza) The Attorney fee invoice was delivered to the 320 Juniper Lane applicant. As stated in the letter, no permits will be issued until payment is made.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) No report. The Commission will continue to look at trees and steep slopes.
Superintendent (Hnatow) The BHV guide book was submitted for review.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Roads/Vehicles (Al-Awar)
Motion The barrier at Barton North and Underdown will be removed and replaced with painted designations, and the yield sign on Underdown will be replaced with a stop sign. (Al-Awar/Smith/P)
Motion The paving bid from S&J, which was the lowest bid received, was accepted. (Haitam/Smith/P)
A small portion of the road leading to Whitmore Lake Rd is owned by Washtenaw County. Before considering paving, a letter will be sent to the County requesting them to waive the permit fee or have them complete their portion.
Security (Holmes) Absent.
Water (Perry) Absent.
Community Activities (Smith) Dave & Jan’s retirement party will be held on June 11.
Motion A curio cabinet will be purchased to be displayed in the foyer and a photo of Jan & Dave will be hung. (Hensinger/Darden/P)
Environment (Hensinger) The ravine erosion by Forest Rd was discussed.
Human Resources (Conlin) Proposed changes to the Village Code will be discussed at the next meeting.
Long Range Planning (Darden) No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS The remaining agenda items will be moved to the June agenda.
NEW BUSINESS None.
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 8:19 PM.
Lacey R. Krecko, Deputy Clerk
Approved 6.12.2023