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A work session of the Danbury Township Board of Trustees held on May 25, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. was called to order by the President, Ms. Dianne M. Rozak, with Ms. Rozak, Mr. David M. Hirt and Mr. Charles B. Scott in attendance. Fiscal Officer Shelley J. Seamon was excused.
Purpose of the meeting was to meet with members of the Ottawa County Historical Society to discuss potential acquisition of the Keeper’s House on Bayshore Road by the Danbury Township Board of Trustees.
Visitors at the meeting were Paul Moon, Bill Coder, Sharon Coder, Nancy Dunham, Keith Addy, Doug Garrett, Rita Mahler and Sarah Weber.
Paul Moon addressed three concerns. What if a future board of trustees is insensitive to historic sites; what if a board of trustees wanted to sell off all or part of the property or use some portion of it not related to historic preservation and perpetuation of the Keeper’s House and, does the OCHS as a 501(c)(3) have the authority to give away its only asset. Mr. Moon stated the OCHS would like the township to assume the mortgage on four of the seven lots in the amount of approximately $30,000. He also stated that a long-term lease to protect the Society along with a reverter clause would be requested in the event the township chose to use any of the property for non-historic purposes. Ms. Rozak stated the county prosecutor would advise on the issues Mr. Moon presented and that a perpetuity clause could recorded with the deed much like is required when the township uses state and federal grant funds for parks to ensure they remain open to the public for the use originally intended. She also stated she was not in favor of assuming the mortgage but would be interested in looking at an arrangement to have the OCHS repay the township since the mortgage would have to be satisfied in order for the township to assume the property. She added the trustees will also be spending general fund dollars for retrofitting township hall and the general fund will need to be used for matching funds if a pending grant is awarded. Mr. Scott asked about the original purchase of the Keeper’s House. Mr. Coder stated the remaining mortgage was paid off by the Ottawa County Commissioners. Ms. Rozak reviewed a list of expenses provided by the OCHS which the township would assume including electric, security alarm, general liability insurance, and road fees to the property association, water assessments and provision of portable toilets. Mr. Scott questioned whether anyone has looked into the major repairs needed and whether they would be done prior to the township potentially assuming the property. Mr. Coder stated he felt the repairs were not major. Mr. Moon will provide a list of current maintenance issues which include mortar work in the cellar and runoff issues on the north side. Mr. Garrett stated there are no mandated restrictions for making repairs historically correct.
Mr. Hirt questioned if the OCHS would still be conducting fundraisers. Mr. Coder stated they would and discussed the various events held at the property as well as the Society’s desire to continue their docent program, regular public open schedule during the season, flower planting duties and indoor painting and decorating. Ms. Rozak will summarize the discussion items from the work session and forward them to the prosecutor for his opinion.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
The only official public record of Danbury Township is the paper file(s) located at Danbury Township Hall. The official approved copy of township minutes including attachments and references is available for review or purchase. Contact the Township Fiscal Officer at (419) 732-3039 or via e-mail fiscalofficer@danburytownship.com to make arrangements for record review or purchase.
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