Dundee Township approves budget
Dundee Township Board members approved the 2004-2005 budget at the Tuesday, April 13 meeting.

Not counting water districts—which are special assessment revenues disbursed to pay for running water lines in those specified areas— the township has revenues of $1,097,925 and expenditures of $1,419,910. The fund balance as of March 31, 2005 is projected to be $829,915.

From the overall total, the fire millage accounts for $202,066 in revenue and $94,000 in expenditures with a fund balance of $236,527.

The road millage accounts for revenues of $270,476 and expenditures of $500,000 with a fund balance of $378,598.

“This year, the township has the expense of paying for a township-wide reappraisal, and putting the appraisals on the computer, which will increase efficiency in the future,” said Township Supervisor Joanna Uhl. The work will be done by Landmark Appraisals.

The water district funds, which were not included in the overall township numbers, have revenues of $1,364,381 and disbursements of $1,361,981 with a balance of $40,181.58 which will go toward repaying the bond issue.

This year’s official audit will begin the week of May 3, said Clerk Tira Lupu.

In other business, the board approved hiring Arcadis FPS to do the engineering work on the Irish-Meanwell water district.

The board approved a chloriding contract with the Monroe County Road Commission at a cost of $27,027. Chloride, which keeps dust down on the roads, will be applied in a 10’ wide swath, the full length of the roads.

Mrs. Uhl said the chemical has a tendency to draw in water. In areas where there is poor drainage, the roads will get wet. However, she said where there is good drainage, the road commission says the roads pack harder and have a better surface.

Residents who live on roads with poor drainage can contact the Monroe County Road Commission, or the township will contact the MCRC on their behalf if they call the township, said Mrs. Uhl.

The cemetery mowing contract was awarded to R&R Lawn Care in a 3-2 vote. R&R has mowed the cemeteries in the past with no public complaints, and no unnecessary mowings. Another contractor, Bruckner Lawn Care, had a lower bid.

Those voting to award the contract to R&R were: Supervisor Uhl, Clerk Lupu and Trustee Marilyn Larson. Voting opposed were Trustee John Williams and Treasurer Janet Goetz.

The board also agreed to keep the same janitorial service; a second bid was not appreciably different.

The board gave Dennis Curry a six-month extension to finish digging a five-acre pond on Irish Road. Last year, he had been given a four-month permit, but bad weather, a wooded lot and closed roads hindered its progress.

Similarly, the board gave Harvey Labardee a nine-month period in which to dig a 4.9-acre pond off Ida West and Gloff roads.

His homestead is not on the property, so the driveway used during the excavation will be removed once the pond is done.

Planning Commission Chairman Art Bronson suggested the township consider a larger bond for digging ponds, since many are done for quarrying purposes and generate a lot of revenue for the property owners.

Sam Cognasse of Hiser Road, was given special approval to operate a dog and cat kennel. He is to provide adequate landscaping, and let the dogs out no earlier than 9 a.m., and put them back inside no later than 8 p.m.

Board members learned that the Dundee Sportsman’s Club, located on Plank Road, is applying for a club liquor license with entertainment provision.

Representatives from the club at the meeting said alcohol will be served only to members; the club cannot be rented out; and the entertainment license will be used only for karaoke and parties, not for licentious purposes.

Resident Ken Pilbeam asked if the township still received a tipping fee from Holcim for stone quarried by the company.

Mrs. Uhl said the money is divided between Dundee, London and Milan Townships, and she wants to negotiate a tighter agreement. Currently, the company can stop paying tipping fees whenever it wants, and she would prefer that not happen.

Resident Gary Lazette asked when the township and village officials would have another joint meeting to discuss planning issues. Such a scenario is unlikely to take place.

Mrs. Uhl said the township would host a public meeting, and whoever wants to attend may attend. The township’s professional planner, Jeff Purdy would present the information.