Kenockee Twp. weighs software costs, caregiver zoning

KENOCKEE TWP. — Facing a mandatory software transition with higher ongoing costs, the Kenockee Township Board on Oct. 13 delayed a decision on upgrading its financial system to give officials more time to evaluate proposals.

Supervisor Tod Molesworth, Clerk Jenny Francek and Trustee Josh Schieweck were present; Jackie Robinson and Patti Shappee were absent.

BS&A representative Joel Champ outlined two options for moving the township’s software to a cloud-based system. The company currently supports both its existing platform and the newer system, but plans to discontinue support for the older platform.

“We’re supporting two platforms,” Champ said. 

BS&A is a Clinton County-based software company located out of Bath Township and supporting more than 2,100 municipalities.

The township could upgrade only its tax and assessing software for a discounted one-time implementation cost of $6,100, with annual fees of $6,780. Upgrading all current modules, including general ledger, accounts payable, cash receipt and payroll, would carry a discounted implementation cost of $17,400 and annual fees of $14,070.

Champ explained that implementation includes moving existing data and training staff. BS&A would also handle database security and backups under the new system. Half of the implementation cost would be billed at signing, with the remaining half billed when the system goes live. The initial annual bill would be prorated to account for payments already made for the existing software.

Board members asked about costs, access to public property records, data ownership and the ability to move to another provider.

“Your data belongs to you,” Champ said, explaining that the township could request its data if it chose another platform.

Champ agreed to send Francek a written explanation of the two proposals and indicated that the township could consider them in November while retaining the proposed discounts.

The board also discussed potential changes to its zoning ordinance for Class II caregiver facilities. During the Planning Commission report, members heard that a final special land-use application had been approved and that the commission was seeking legal guidance on a moratorium while ordinance changes are considered.

Discussion focused on directing caregiver facilities toward industrial districts and away from neighborhoods. Information concerning a possible six-month moratorium was forthcoming from the attorney; the board did not adopt a moratorium at the meeting.

Other business

• The board approved beginning the process of placing a lien on an Avoca Road property following discussion of unresolved demolition concerns. Board members raised questions about sewer capping, required inspections and a gas line reportedly struck during the work.
• The board also accepted a new agreement for ambulance service funding following approval of a millage in August.
• Estimates for township hall doors were tabled while the board considers software expenses and a possible grant for hall improvements. Schieweck shared a request from Shappee to submit a letter of intent for a grant of up to $100,000. The board agreed to the request.
• A new culvert is expected to be installed on Imlay City Road in the coming weeks. Because the work is on a primary road, the township will not be responsible for the cost, according to the roads and bridges report given by Molesworth.
• During public comment, resident Marie Stahl asked about a drain assessment affecting her property and said she and neighbors were seeking more information. Molesworth gave her contact information for the county drain office.
• Upcoming community activities include a trunk-or-treat 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Kenockee Township Park. Participants decorating vehicles may begin setting up at 5 p.m., with vehicles encouraged to be in place by about 6 p.m. Organizers discussed limiting vehicle traffic during the event to help children move safely between trunks.
• A dance at the Emmett VFW hall is planned for 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, with donations supporting the Kenockee Township memorial wall.

The next regular board meeting will take place on Nov. 10.