MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
TRUSTEES OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
September 11, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by President Holmes at 6:02 PM at Walter Esch Hall.
ROLL CALL Present: Trustees Al-Awar, Conlin, Darden, Haitam, Hensinger, Holmes, and Perry. Absent: Trustees Popp and Smith.
Others attending: ZA Capozza, Supt. Hnatow, BHMC President David, two residents, and one guest.
MINUTES Minutes of the August 14, 2023 Trustees meeting were approved as printed. (Conlin/Holmes/P)
PUBLIC COMMENT BHMC President David gave an update on BHMC activities. The Board of Directors have endorsed the Country Club’s request for a walkway and crosswalk.
WALL PERMIT Application to construct landscape/retaining walls at 525 Hillspur Rd.
The project was presented by applicant Andrew Roskamp and his landscape architect Patrick (Zaremba & Company). The proposed walls are changes to original plans approved by the Village Planning Commission in 2019. The walls are not in the setback. No public comment received. One neighbor responded via email with no objections. Following board discussion, the application to construct retaining walls at 525 Hillspur Rd was approved, contingent on receipt of stamped/signed professional engineering drawings and the outcome of Planning Commission review as requested by the Board. (Perry/Conlin/P)
SOLAR INSTALLATION Application to install a rooftop solar system at 525 Hillspur Rd. The project was presented by applicant Andrew Roskamp. No public comment received. One neighbor responded via email with no objections. The application to install a rooftop solar system at 525 Hillspur Rd was approved. (Al-Awar/Hensinger/P)
FINANCE (Holmes for Smith) The Cash Disbursements for August 2023 were approved as printed (Aux. Book IV G(7)). (Conlin/Haitam/P)
–Asst. Treasurer Laurie Carey submitted her resignation. She will be leaving BHV as soon as her replacement is secured.
STANDING REPORTS
Zoning Administrator (Capozza) An update on current projects was provided.
Planning Commission (Hensinger) The Commission will meet next month.
Superintendent (Hnatow) The Country Club finished the gravel walkway for pedestrians to cross to and from the pool. PK Contracting has been informed to paint the crosswalk. The crosswalk signs will be installed once the crosswalk paint is completed.
–The at-home recycling program will continue through the end of the fiscal year while remaining within budget. The program has been more efficient and cost effective. Residents can continue to sign-up for the program at any time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Roads/Vehicles (Al-Awar) Discussed establishing our centerline of the roads. The committee will discuss and report back with recommendations.
Security (Holmes) No report.
Water (Perry) A water subcommittee will meet on September 14, 2023 to look at engineering bids for water main replacements. The water committee will meet on September 19, 2023 to discuss potential water rate increase and the status of the smart water meter system. Will report recommendations to the Board.
Community Activities (Hensinger for Smith) The Fall Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Environment (Hensinger) Will submit the permit request to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the Year 5 deer cull.
Climate Resilience (Popp) No report.
Human Resources (Conlin) Changes to the Employee Manual:
Motion: Village office’s business hours are 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Monday through Friday. (Conlin/Holmes/P)
Motion: Employee vacation days and personal days are to be accrued by hours monthly for use as received. (Conlin/Holmes/P)
Motion: The Village will pay employees for holidays in accordance with the State of Michigan observed holidays. (Conlin/Al-Awar/P)
Long Range Planning (Darden) Meeting next month.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS MDOT M-14 (Smith) A written report was submitted.
NEW BUSINESS Trustees Holmes and Popp will connect with Village Attorney Scott Munzel to craft a letter to support the AATWP’s opposition of the potential for a mobile home park off Whitmore Lake Rd.
–Trustee Perry distributed a paper presentation of a proposed 57 luxury home neighborhood that the AATWP Planning Commission approved at their meeting on September 7, 2023. The development will be located off Whitmore Lake Rd, a half mile south of Warren Rd. After considerable hydrogeological work, the AATWP engineer agreed that the aquifer would support the development without adversely affecting the Village.
–Trustee Conlin discussed interest in providing life insurance for employees. Will seek proposals and report back to the Board.
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 7:17 PM.
Lacey R. Krecko, Deputy Clerk
Approved 10/9/2023