MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
October 12, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by President ProTem Hensinger at 6:00 PM via online video/phone conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ROLL CALL Present: Trustees Al-Awar, Benson, Butterwick, Hensinger, Nicoli, Popp, Saldana and Smith. Absent: Trustee Torres.
Others attending: Supt. Hnatow, BHMC President Curtner, ZH Malan, three project representatives and twelve residents.
WALL PERMITS
Application for construction of retaining walls/safety fencing at 660 Barton Shore Drive (660 Barton Shore LLC/representative Rayann Figler).
The project proposes renovation of an existing patio area and addition of a pool adjacent to the patio. Concerns about the steep slope and visibility from the road were satisfactorily addressed.
The Public Hearing was convened at 6:17 PM. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:18 PM.
Motion The permit to construct retaining walls and safety fencing at 660 Barton Shore Drive was approved. (Al-Awar/Smith/P)
Application for construction of retaining walls at 490 Barton Shore Drive (Englesbe).
The project proposes renovation of an existing patio area, including replacement of failing wooden retaining walls. Concerns about the steep slope and water drainage were satisfactorily addressed.
The Public Hearing was convened at 6:26 PM. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:27 PM.
Motion The permit to construct retaining walls at 490 Barton Shore Drive was approved. (Popp/Benson/P)
Application for construction of retaining walls/safety fencing at 931 Oakdale Road (Curnter/Meek).
The project proposes renovation of an existing patio area and addition of a pool adjacent to the patio. Concerns about slope, pool construction and drainage were satisfactorily addressed.
The Public Hearing was convened at 6:35 PM. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:36 PM.
Motion The permit to construct retaining walls and safety fencing at 931 Oakdale Road was approved. (Al-Awar/Smith/P)
PUBLIC COMMENT One resident spoke about road safety.
BARTON POND PRESENTATION BHMC Director Fred Brown reported on the Barton Pond ecological assessment that has been completed, and next steps in the process. Discussion included concerns for the long term investment needed to maintain the environmental health of the pond, frustration that other stakeholders contacted (Ann Arbor City, Huron River Watershed Council and more) offered no support, and the dire consequences of not addressing the condition of the Pond. Motion Funding of up to $5500 was approved for the next steps in the Barton Pond Beautification project (fiscal year 2020-2021), along with establishment of a joint BHV/BHMC subcommittee to develop a long term plan for the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget discussion. (Smith/Popp/P with Benson and Saldana voting no)
WATER COMMITTEE The committee report included:
1) Two development projects have been proposed for the area just north of Barton Hills Village: a 505 unit manufactured housing community, and 60-70 clustered homes. Both developments propose to have their own community well and community septic facility, which pose potential threats of overuse and contamination of the aquifer from which BHV draws drinking water. Committee chair Popp has done significant research and contacted numerous people, including Ann Arbor Township and EGLE officials. As recommended by the committee, a letter from the Board of Trustees stating these concerns will be sent to Ann Arbor Township.
2) New information was recently made public concerning the Gelman dioxane plume and proposed activity to control the plume, which has already contaminated some water sources. There is potential for this dioxane to spread to Barton Pond, and a number of citizens/organizations have voiced opposition to the currently proposed plans. As recommended by the committee, letters will be sent to appropriate officials, adding Barton Hills Village’s opposition as well. BHMC President Curtner stated that the BHMC Board unanimously agrees the proposed remediation plans for the plume are inadequate and more could/must be done.
3) In light of the first two items, the Water Committee will be researching options for new water sources for the future.
MINUTES Minutes of the September 14, 2020 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Popp/Butterwick/P)
FINANCE/FINANCE COMMITTEE The September 2020 Budget to Actual and September 2020 Cash Balances reports were reviewed. The Cash Disbursements for September 2020 were approved as printed (Aux. Book XVI F(6)). (Al-Awar/Hensinger/P)
It is hoped the position of Assistant Treasurer will be filled very soon. Treasurer Benson will research savings options.
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Perry) No report.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) No report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Recreation (Benson) Plans are progressing for the Halloween activity on October 30, 2020 from 4:30-6:30 PM in the Village Maintenance area that will provide a safe event for resident families who choose to participate.
Roads (Al-Awar) Resident comments have been received concerning speeding and safety on BHV roads. Ways to address these perpetual issues include:
–Speed tables. Costs to install are estimated at $4000/asphalt, $8000/concrete. Current speed tables are in good shape and being painted.
–Radar speed signs. Two of the three signs need repair, which costs nearly as much as new ($2500-3200). The Board approved purchase of two new signs (Popp/Benson/P with Saldana voting no)
–Increased patrol by Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department. Supt. Hnatow will check on the options/costs available.
–Third party enforcement (cameras/tickets). This will also be explored.
A subcommittee of Trustees Sarah Nicoli and Sharon Popp, and resident Paul Izenberg, will join Mr. Al-Awar to address these issues in more detail.
Security (Butterwick) Supt. Hnatow will be meeting with Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputies to discuss emergency response coordination. Also, the recent incident at a home on Underdown Road illustrates the benefits of having a home security system.
Environmental (Saldana) The application process is moving ahead with the Department of Natural Resources, and the committee expects to have a proposal from Aaron’s Nuisance Animal Control for board consideration at the November 9, 2020 Trustees meeting.
Human Resources (Torres) No report.
Long Range Planning (open) No report.
Zoning/Planning (Hensinger) No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS None.
NEW BUSINESS The ballot for the Michigan Municipal League Liability/Property Pool Board was approved. (Al-Awar/Popp/P)
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 11.9.2020