ScioTownship DDA Minutes
May 11, 2009
Scio Township Hall
827 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Chair Upton called the meeting to order at 12:06 PM
Members Present: Arbour, Clark, Cornish, Mayo and Upton
Members Absent: Fox, Holland, Rae and Weaver
Others Present: Del Vecchio, Fecho and Hedberg.
Public Comment: there was none
Minutes:
Upton moved and Mayo seconded a motion to accept the minutes of 4-20-09. The motion passed by a yes vote by all members present.
The notes from the Road Committee meeting of 4-30-09 were distributed with a minor correction added by Nancy Hedberg.
Washtenaw County Road Commission Report:
Frank Del Vecchio advised that paving was underway, although they were about two weeks behind given the weather. It is expected that the westbound pavement and sidewalk work will be completed in June, and sign restoration can then take place.
With regard to open condemnation issues, parcel 22 has been resolved upon payment of $2000 for cracks in the home’s walls
With regard to parcel 31, mitigation plans/repairs still need to be scheduled and completed.
With regard to Parcel 32, the ROW Committee and the WCRC rejected the case evaluation result. Pending before the Scio Board is a proposed resolution that would address some of the issues upon which the property owner seeks reimbursement, and may thus reduce their claim.
Parcel 38 was through the case evaluation process, which was then accepted by the WCRC and rejected by the Plaintiff. A settlement has been negotiated with was approved by the ROW Committee and the WCRC which would involve purchasing the entire parcel for $550,000, less payments to date and plus $60,000 for professional services. Upon discussion of environmental issues, it was determined that we should obtain a Phase I environmental study on our own, given a history in the area of some contamination, thought it was not believed to affect this parcel. Further, it was noted that the condemning authority (WCRC) has protection in such circumstances.
Case #178 has been through case evaluation, and the ROW Committee and the WCRC have rejected the award. A settlement offer has been received and will be discussed with the ROW Committee before any further action is taken.
Landscape Consultant’s Report:
Nancy reported that grass cutting was completed last weekend, the two long islands reseeded, herbicide/insecticide will be applied tomorrow, and dead junipers should be removed shortly. Questions and concerns were expressed about the Zeeb Road medians and the difficulty of their upkeep. Further, a question was raised regarding the frequency of the mowing of the parcels on the sides of Jackson, such as west of Arnett’s.
Chair’s Report: In an effort to save time, new Chair Arbour had no comments.
Township Manager’s Report:
Darrell Fecho reported regarding details of the upcoming Jackson Road Cruise, scheduled for May 16th. As is usual in Michigan, the weather remains a question mark.
NEW BUSINESS
Parkland Plaza sidewalks:
Currently Darrell Fecho is awaiting a hoped for approval of funding for the sidewalks in Parkland Plaza which is expected to occur at the end of May. Until then, no concrete plans can be made, although it remains expected that we may obtain $90,000 in block grant funding for the project.
Marty Mayo noted that while she had received some data on the Jackson Road bus service, she had not had time to evaluate it. Considering the considerable subsidy paid for the Peoples Express, and the anticipated end of the study (contract) period, and the lack of funds now available to the DDA and the Township, it was questioned how this could continue. Marty will call together the subcommittee which studied these issues earlier and report back.
Financial Report:
The current financial report was received from Sandy Egeler, and the following invoices were presented for payment:
Grand Traverse Pie Company $ 91.76
Sandra J. Egeler $ 400.00
Peoples Express $ 7,920.00
State Education Fund (taxes) $ 304.20
US Bank (bond fees) $ 325.00
Washtenaw County Road Commission $ 77,931.24
Washtenaw County (taxes) $ 77.25
Total $ 87,049.45
Cornish moved seconded by Mayo, to authorize the DDA to pay the foregoing invoices. On a roll call vote, Arbour, Clark, Cornish, Mayo and Upton voted yes. Fox, Holland, Rae and Weaver were absent. The motion carried.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Upton, seconded by Mayo, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried. Meeting adjourned 1:26 p.m.
