MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
May 9, 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, Darden, Hensinger, Holmes and Popp.
Absent: Trustees Conlin, Haitam and Smith.
Others attending: ZA Capozza, Asst. Treasurer Carey, Supt. Hnatow, staff Joe Hnatow, ZH MDarden, BHMC Vice President Frank, and eight residents.
PUBLIC COMMENT
–BHMC Vice President Frank spoke about the successful Earth Day, public input for the North 40 project, construction project concerns, and road security.
–A resident echoed concerns about potential increased traffic during the Foster Bridge closure this summer.
–Owners of 800 Oakdale described their recent difficulties with their renovation project and BHMC communications. Mrs. Esch will send them the BHMC information regarding governance/procedures they requested.
MINUTES Minutes of the April 11, 2022 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Popp/Holmes/P with Al-Awar abstain)
FINANCE/FINANCE COMMITTEE (Haitam/Carey) The April 2022 Budget to Actual and April 2022 Cash Balances reports were acknowledged. The Cash Disbursements for April 2022 were approved as printed (Aux. Book I G(2)). (Darden/Al-Awar/P)
WALL PERMIT 484 Barton North application to construct a driveway retaining wall (Bednar/DeWolfe-Bednar). The applicants propose to add a circular portion to the driveway, with a stone retaining wall ranging from 7 inches to 4 feet in height to accommodate the slope in topography. The Public Hearing was convened at 6:34 PM. One resident spoke concerning safety of the 4 foot drop off. The public hearing was closed at 6:42 PM. Trustee discussion included:
–minimal tree removal, with no landmark trees involved
–minimal visual impact to neighbors; all neighbors have been notified
–drainage will be adequately provided, with additional oversight in the BHMC review
–safety for the 4 foot area/circle will be addressed by the Building Inspector. Supt. Hnatow did not think it would be an issue for snow plowing.
–the applicants understand that if they change their plans in any significant way, they will need to come back for additional review
Motion The application to construct a driveway retaining wall at 484 Barton North Drive was approved as presented. (Al-Awar/Holmes/P)
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Capozza) ZA Capozza gave a brief summary of current projects being reviewed.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) The revised Master Plan was reviewed. The Planning Commission will move to the next steps in the update process, which include setting a public hearing.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Environment (Hensinger) Reported items:
–Recycling. The committee is meeting with a Recycle Ann Arbor representative to evaluate current BHV recycling practices for possible improvements.
–Silt/Water Flow. A Special Committee of various stakeholders is being formed to address the serious concerns about water flow/erosion in the ravine between Forest and Colliston Roads, which threatens Oakdale Road and washes silt into Barton Pond.
Climate Resilience Subcommittee (Popp)
–Information will be published in the Barton Bulletin regarding the available video of the recent rain garden presentation.
–Solar. Estimates are being sought for installing solar at the Village Hall.
–Residents are invited to participate in “No Mow May” which will benefit bees and other pollinators.
Security (Holmes) Appreciation was expressed for the staff patrolling efforts. A proposal regarding signage for the entrance cameras is expected for the next meeting.
Long Range Planning (Darden) A sample reserve study was circulated to the Trustees. There is no funding in the current budget for that type of expenditure. Water infrastructure is the most important area, and is already covered for future needs by the Water Reliability study. Information on other Village assets (maintenance buildings, equipment, etc.) could be compiled by the BHV staff. Concern was expressed for the water main projects on Corrie/Hillspur/Colliston and the significant cost of the engineering quote received so far. Treasurer Haitam will be asked for information concerning the Public Improvement Fund and the possibility of designating the telecommunications lease revenue specifically for water system improvements.
Roads (Al-Awar) Potholes will be patched soon now that hot patch is available. Quotes are being sought for paving projects; how much paving can be done will be dependent on the cost. Culvert replacement and other road expenses are also part of the overall roads budget.
Community Activities (Benson) Upcoming events include an End of School Ice Cream Social (June 5), Fall Picnic (September 18), Halloween (October 29) and Holiday Caroling (December 11). Details will be printed in the Barton Bulletin as events occur.
Human Resources (Smith) A written report was submitted with the agenda.
Water (Popp) No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Report on Accessory Dwelling Units requested of the Planning Commission was received. The report was accepted, and the Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation Board of Directors will be asked for their comments. (Holmes/Darden/P)
NEW BUSINESS
–With much sadness the Trustees acknowledged receipt of Superintendent Jeff Hnatow’s letter announcing his retirement (effective July 1, 2022). Supt. Hnatow recommended the search begin from within, noting Joe Hnatow’s interest and qualifications, which Joe verbally confirmed. Work will begin immediately on this Human Resources matter.
–Supt. Hnatow announced that the live holiday evergreen tree has been moved from its temporary location on the Village Green to its permanent home near the Village Hall. He requested that the tree be dedicated to David and Jan Esch in honor of their many years of service to Barton Hills Village. The Trustees agreed that this will be announced to the residents in an upcoming Barton Bulletin.
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 6.13.22