Another Budget Year in Books for Hayes

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – Reports to the Hayes Township Board during its June 24 meeting included a Lake Boards update from Trustee Bob Buckley who informed that muck packs deposit and spraying had been done on Cranberry Lake. John Marion, Hayes Planning Commission chair, noted that the July 9 Planning Commission meeting would provide a public comment period regarding an ordinance change to the accessory buildings.

Clare County Commissioner Gabe Ambrozaitis also spoke, bringing the board up to date on Board of Commissioners actions, as well as all that was transpiring at Clare County Airport 80D. That included appropriation of $7,000 to again fund an airport manager, at which point Ambrozaitis introduced Emerson Corder as that newly appointed manager, saying,” We look forward to great things from him.”

Corder spoke briefly regarding his plan to rework the airport sign [as it is no longer the stated three-entity cooperative effort] emphasizing a desire to have it not look so much like DNR park sign. He also noted the lack of adequate tie-downs at the airport, something he is keen to correct.

Business then moved to approval of the June 10 General Board minutes and the June 13 Special Board minutes, as well as the Consent Agenda [bills to be paid, bills paid prior, and treasurer’s report].

Supervisor Brendan Powell reported on a recent video meeting with MiMichigan Health regarding the walk-in clinic it offers, adding that he also learned there are personal care physicians available there as well. He also noted the sports complex water sampling results as OK. Powell informed that the new Hayes Township Zoning maps are in and displayed in the hall. He also reminded of the Aug. 2 hazardous waste collection at Northern Oaks, adding that he was informed by Waste Management that trucks will run earlier in the day if the heat is high, as it has been recently.

Treasurer Savannah Cavanaugh reported that Spark Grant work is progressing; that tax statements would be sent out June 30 and reminded that taxes can now be paid in person via debit/credit card; that 10 Hayes Township parcels are on the tax auction list; and that there would be a Touch a Truck from 4-6 p.m. July 16 at Harrison City Park. She also noted there would be a Back-to-School event held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 11, which will coincide with the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children’s Paint the Sidewalk event. Cavanaugh added that there is Great Start Collaborative information available at the township hall.

Clerk Deb Hoyt also spoke of the Spark Grant, noting the CMF Spark revision had been sent in, adding that the township is still struggling to get timely payment from CMF. That timing shortfall has resulted in the originally included $15,000 in administration fees had given it back by the township into playground equipment. Hoyt also spoke of being busy with the fiscal year-end closeout of the budget, some of which was simply proposed due to outstanding items yet to come in.

Trustee Buckley offered a single positive observation to his fellow board members. “I’ve been hearing a lot of good things out there about this board and what you’re accomplishing,” he said.

Trustee Rob McKay noted that there were a lot of expired permits out in the township which need follow-up.

Under New Business, the Board moved to approve resolutions setting Board salaries as: Supervisor $31,390.58 ($1,207.33 per pay); Clerk $43,161.82 ($1,660.07); Trustee $5,864.30 ($225.55). Treasurer Cavanaugh opted to forgo the proposed $45,937.33 ($1,766.82) and say at her current rate.

Also approved were hourly wages for staff which reflected a 2.6% Cost of Living Allowance increases. Those inlcuded: Clerk Assistant $19.51; Assessor $18.97; Cemetery Sexton $19.99; Deputy Clerk $19.51’ Deputy Treasurer $16.40; and Maintenance $19.99.

Other motions approved included:

-A request to allow Hayes Township personnel to enter property located at 3821 N. Grant Ave., Harrison to remove fence that is being donated to Hayes Township [to later be reinstalled to complete a portion of fence at Hayes Township Cemetery].

- Deputy Treasurer Erin Cottrell to attend Michigan Townships Association “Making Meetings More Effective” with registration cost of $100 and mileage of $119.70.

-Mario Irrigation Proposal for replacement of sprinkler heads at approximate cost of $750.

-Payment to Black Rock Technologies of full contract payment at $35,640 [10% discount, plus annual cost of $11,880].

-BS&A Cloud proposal, as presented.

New Business also included the opening of sealed bids which had been received for black dirt at the cemetery, and for demolition of the tennis courts [which had been determined irreparable due to inadequate sub-soils]. Trustee Rob McKay had submitted bids for that work and thus, to avoid a conflict of interest, was required to leave the room for the bid opening, conducted and read aloud by Powell. Absent from the room, McKay likewise abstained from voting on the awarding of those contracts. Those chosen low bids resulted in the black dirt at the cemetery going to Henry Excavating LLC at $350, and the tennis courts demolition going to Rob McKay Trucking Services LLC at $6,150 contingent upon completion of Worker’s Compensation and accident fund paperwork.

Discussion items included FY 24-25 Budget closeout, and FY 25-26 New Budget.

At a follow-up special meeting and public hearing held Wednesday, June 25, the Board approved the June 24 General Board meeting minutes, and moved to:

-Accept Resolution 24-23 Budget Amendment.

-Accept Resolution 24-24 General Appropriations Act.

-Approve the L429 2025 tax rate request.

-Approve VC3 technology support.

The Board meets next at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 at Hayes Municipal Complex, 2055 E. Townline Lake Road.