Rutland Township Board met Tuesday, March 14.
RUTLAND TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 14, 2017
The Rutland Township Board held its regular monthly meeting in the Township Hall. The Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm which was followed by the Pledge to the Flag. Roll call showed the following members present: Supervisor Sanders, Clerk Carlsen, Trustees Schuldt, Bulmahn, Payson and Eaton. Also present were Assessor Siers and Road Commissioner Schultz.
MOTION TO APPROVE OR AMEND THE AGENDA
A motion was made by Trustee Payson and seconded by Trustee Bulmahn to approve the Agenda as presented. Vote: Voice vote. All ayes, motion carried. 2017-03-01.
APPROVE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING – FEBRUARY 16, 2017
Trustee Eaton asked that the last sentence of the minutes be removed since he felt that the clerk was making a comment and it should not be a part of the minutes. The Clerk responded by saying that the statement was what had happened at the meeting and would not be removed. A motion was then made by Trustee Bulmahn and seconded by Trustee Payson to approve the minutes of February 16, 2017. Vote: Voice vote. 3 ayes, 1 nay, (Trustee Eaton) motion carried. 2017-03-02
APPROVAL- TOWNSHIP TOWWNSHIP AND ROAD DISTRICT FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE 10 MONTHS ENDING JAN. 31, 2017
A Motion was made by Trustee Payson and seconded by Trustee Eaton to approve the Township financial reports for the 10 months ending Jan. 31, 2017. Vote: Roll call vote, Payson yes, Eaton yes, Sanders yes, Bulmahn yes, Schuldt yes, motion carried. 2017-03-03
A motion was then made by Trustee Payson and seconded by Trustee Bulmahn to approve the Road District financial reports for the 10 months ending Jan. 31, 2017.Vote: Roll call vote, Payson: yes, Bulmahn: yes, Schuldt: yes, Sanders: yes, Eaton: yes, motion carried. 2017-03-04.
PRESENTATION OF TOWNSHIP AND ROAD DISTRICT FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE 11 MONTHS ENDING FEB. 28, 2017
There were no questions on the Township financials for the 11 months ending Feb. 28, 2017. Trustee Bulmahn noted the $500.00 transfer to the Road District from the town in January to the Road District. He also commented that we are in fairly good shape with the actual budget versus the current 11 months’ budget. Trustee Bulmahn stated that we still have a large reserve of cash on hand. He is concerned about having large amounts showing in the reserves and has mentioned this previously as well.
REVIEW OF FEBRUARY 2017 BILLS – AUTHORIZE TOWNSHIP AND ROAD DISTRICT BILLS FOR PAYMENT
Trustee Bulmahn had questions regarding the amount of hours the assessor’s employee’s had and the Supervisor responded by reading off all the hours for her employees. Trustee Eaton questioned if the Sentry Security bill is shared with all departments and the Supervisor said that it was. Trustee Schuldt questioned the voided check to Steve Surnicki. A motion was made by Trustee Payson and seconded by Trustee Bulmahn to approve the Township Bills for February 2017 for the amounts of: $11,120.09 for gross salaries, invoices of $5,957.25, automatic payments of $1,163.30, Quick books charges of $124.50, for a Total amount of $18,365.14. Vote: Roll call vote, Payson: yes, Bulmahn: yes, Schuldt: yes, Sanders: yes, Eaton: yes, motion carried. 2017-03-05
Following a brief discussion, a motion was made by Trustee Bulmahn and seconded by Trustee Payson to approve the Road District bills of February 2017 for payment in the amounts of: $12,439.71 for gross salaries, invoices of $4,788.17, automatic payments of $545.69, Quick books charges of $98.50 for a Total amount of $17,871.97. Vote: Roll call vote, Bulmahn: yes, Payson: yes, Eaton: yes, Sanders: yes, Schuldt: yes, motion carries 2017-03-06
OLD BUSINESS- APPROVE ORDINANCE RU 2017-01 TO REGULATE THE REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL TRAVEL, FOOD & LODGING OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES EXPENSES
Trustees Bulmahn suggested some changes to the ordinance as well as having all expenses pre –approval by the board prior to any reimbursements for them. as well as costs for food and travel. The new Ordinance is to be dated January 1st following the changes and a motion made earlier by Trustees Bulmahn and Schuldt was withdrawn as a result.
APPROVE AUDIT BID FOR APRIL 2016-MARCH 31, 2017 AUDIT
Discussion then followed regarding the proposals for an audit received from two different Audit firms. The Township is required to have a full audit, as opposed to a less costly audit review, due to it being the end of the current terms of the officers. K & A Audit firm gave us the best price with Tighe, Kress & Orr, our previous auditors, later matching them. Both firms are very good but it was felt that having a different group was a good idea and the price of $7,500 would be the same as well. A motion was then made by Trustee Schuldt and seconded by Trustee Bulmahn to approve the Audit Bid of $7,500 from K & A and Associates to do the Township Audit for the year ending March 31, 2017. Vote: Roll call vote, Schuldt: yes, Bulmahn: yes, Sanders: no, Payson: yes, Eaton: yes, motion carried. 2017- 03-07
BUDGETS FYE MARCH 31, 2018
The Board then received copies of the new Budgets for the Township and the Assessor. They will review them for further discussion at next months meeting.
REPORTS BY OFFICIALS
Trustee Eaton asked that the tablets suggested by the Clerk last fall be considered for next years’ budget. He also asked that his objection to the last line in the February minutes be reflected in tonight’s minutes, and it is so noted. The Clerk then gave a short synopsis on some of what’s been happening lately. She stated that she doesn’t express opinions or make comments in the minutes and had only written what actually happened at the meeting. She also expressed her displeasure at those who blame the Clerk for the recent happenings in this election. Trustee Schuldt brought in an article from the newspaper which contained an interview with Lisa Madigan, the States Attorney, regarding another Township having money allegedly stolen. He once again reiterated the importance of having another set of eyes working in the office.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was then made by Trustee Schuldt and seconded by Trustee Payson to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 pm. Vote: Voice vote, all ayes, motion carried. 2017-03-08.
Alerts Sign-up