Board selects planner, bids farewell to Supervisor and Clerk

The newly-elected Torch Lake Township Board takes office today, November 20. On Tuesday the outgoing Board moved briskly through its last agenda. At the end, the sparse audience applauded, partly because it was a mercifully short meeting, and a lot of us have sat through much longer ones, and partly because there was genuine appreciation for the work done by retiring Supervisor Bob Spencer and Clerk Doris Leech.  (Click on the thumbnails for a larger view.)

The outgoing Torch Lake Township Board dispatched its final agenda in record time, ticking off a series of tasks accomplished and recommending some priorities for the incoming Board. Supervisor Bob Spencer and longtime Clerk Doris Leech are both retiring; Trustee George Parker will step up to the Supervisor’s post and Deputy Clerk Kathy Windiate was elected Clerk. Along with newly elected Trustee Larry Tomlinson, they take office on November 20.

The Township’s planner was terminated in September, and a search began immediately for a replacement. On Tuesday Planning Commission vice chair Jim Walworth said that all the candidates interviewed by the selection committee were qualified, but Chris Grobbel had the best combination of expertise, relevant experience, and communication skills. The Board voted to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Grobbel and hopes to have him on board in December.

Because of the untimely death of Constable Norm Taube the Board had declared the position of Constable vacant in October. The incoming Board will determine whether to continue the position and, if continued, will make an appointment. Elva Cowell, longtime member and current President of the Central Lake Library Board, is stepping down. The Board appointed this correspondent to complete her unexpired term as Torch Lake Township representative.

Incoming Supervisor George Parker and retiring Supervisor Bob Spencer met with a management consulting firm to discuss possible approaches to contracting for EMS management services, and recommended that the Board solicit proposals. The Audit Committee reported that auditor John Tobin recommended that the Board take a more active role in monitoring EMS billing and collection procedures. (Full disclosure: the EMS has retained this correspondent to update the tracking and reporting system.) A proposed EMS Mutual Aid Agreement with Elk Rapids Township has been drafted, reviewed by legal counsel, and submitted to Elk Rapids Township for comment. Elk Rapids is reviewing its own attorney’s comments, and Bob Spencer said the agreement should be ready for Torch Lake Township Board approval at the December meeting.

Two proposals were submitted for major repairs to the NW Torch Lake Drive boat launch. Bob Spencer recommended that the incoming Board contract for the repairs or close the ramp, as it has become unsafe. The Board also reviewed a maintenance service proposal for the Community Services Building and approved a three-year contract with ABI for $11,250. The maintenance contract is separate from ongoing work to get the HVAC system balanced correctly; that work is being performed under warranty.

A garage sale at the old township hall cleared away furnishings and fixtures and even the aerial photos of Torch Lake that hung on the walls for years. Don Leys will continue to operate the lending closet from the former EMS office, but the main building has been mothballed for the winter and will go back on the market in the spring.

The Central Lake recycling facility has exceeded its budget by $27,000 and has asked Torch Lake and Banks Townships, which share the cost, to contribute proportionately to the overrun. Torch Lake’s share would be approximately $9,700, and could be deferred until the fiscal year beginning in April 2009. Torch Lake, along with Milton Township, has also shared the cost of the Elk Rapids recycling center. Now Milton has set up its own facility. Given the changes, the Board agreed that a review of the recycling program is an urgent priority.

The Antrim County Road Commission is preparing paving estimates for Erickson Road, the border between Torch Lake and Milton Townships. The Board would like to pave the road in 2009 if funds-including a 50/50 split with Milton-are available. Trustee Alan Martel inquired whether funds from the Special Assessment District fire and EMS millage could be used for paving as the emergency vehicles need safe roads to serve the public. Clerk Doris Leech responded that the language approved by the voters authorized only operational expenses and contributions to the cost of the Community Services Building.

Then it was time for farewells. Incoming Supervisor George Parker lauded Bob Spencer as “the right man at the right place at the right time” and praised his leadership in building the new Community Services Building. Trustee Alan Martel said “I know I’ve been a pain in your side, but I agree with George’s kind words.” There was general acclaim for Doris Leech, who has served as Clerk for 12 years and who said “I will miss you all – but I will not miss Tuesday nights!” The meeting adjourned just before 9:00 and the audience applauded.

Upcoming meetings at the Township Hall (the public is invited to all of these):

• Regular Planning Commission meeting: Tuesday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• Special Zoning Board of Appeals meeting: Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
• Regular Board meeting: Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m.
• Open house honoring Doris Leech: Saturday, December 13 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.