Well, okay, this seems a bit boring and since I'm not getting any feedback, and may just be doing this blog for myself, I am taking it over...I hate boring, and it doesn't serve any purpose if people fall asleep while reading this, so I will only tell you what I think you want to know, or maybe just what I think I want you to know...
This month's meeting was attended by all board members in various forms and levels of involvement...the meeting didn't get heated until the end when Linda VanDolsen ended up swearing at Johnel Buckingham, but more on that later...
Nothing noteworthy until you get to the supervisor's report:
Apparently Milfoil (an aquatic pesky plant) was "more entrenched than we realized," so there will be another two treatments this summer using more 24D. The good news is that Sauble Twp has also established a SAD (special assessment district) which will generate more funds to be used for the eradication treatment on Big Bass Lake.
Other noteworthy happenings, under Old Business:
The Granger Road paving project will be put on hold until 3 owners who are negotiating possible sales and land splits can work out details for moving of easements in order for the road to avoid going through their living rooms, or something like that.
The BIG news is of course the Office Building Project which will be going forward although John Fairbanks is attempting to distance himself from the ballooning costs. His comments were, "This building is getting expensive," and "The reason I am pushing is because I want a museum here." He also mentioned, "This is too expensive for me to feel comfortable with," and "I'm open for suggestions."
Well, this current administration seems to be willing to listen to suggestions, but the same suggestions are not acted upon, nor investigated. The rest of the board's time was used in defending the plans that they favored regardless of the suggestions and concerns of the citizens.
Linda VanDolsen's comments were, "I prefer were we started...let's get us out of here (meaning the current building).
"I've listened to all the people, but I really feel it should be the board's decision on the size.
"We won't be adding on to a 100 year old building."
VanDolsen finally made a motion to revisit the smaller plan for just an office building with no public meeting space; revise floor plan to include a coffee area and offices; return to the 28 x 40 original size. Carol Draper seconded, and Marilyn VanVleet asked for a roll call vote.
Draper-Yes
VanVleet-Yes
VanDolsen-Yes
Arquette-Yes
Fairbanks-Abstain with reason given, "We asked the public for what they wanted, they wanted a bigger building, I think we should go with what they want."
Fairbanks went on to say that he, "Would beat the numbers up again (for 28 x 40)."
Fairbanks further mentioned he needs a legal description to orient the new building on the south side of the property.
Draper made motion to allow Fairbanks to take action to get extension on survey for the property and make if official; seconded, and approved.
In New Business, the board discussed and made motion to put a light on a pole at 8 Mile & Mac Rd for safety sake (especially since this is a school bus stop for multiple buses).
Resolution adopted to place millage language on ballot for fire department equipment. This would simply be a renewal for fire equipment, not additional millage. We voted to approve a renewal for fire operating millage in 2008, but this is a different existing millage for equipment.
The meeting ended roughly and raucously as citizens voiced concerns and questions regarding a new office building which would effectively benefit the three officers of the court. Voting and meetings would still need to be held in the ancient town hall, and no one is telling the total cost of the new building YET! The board has budgeted $90,000 for the project which would be a separate facility with offices and bathrooms only (maybe a conference room).
Again, keep in mind that the current budget allows for an actual income of $101,658, but the actual expenses (without the building fund) is $121,147....
so this is not a sustainable budget! We will run out of money unless expenses are brought in line with income without using savings.
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Vicki, Please do not consider not doing the blog. There are people that I talk with that absolutely love reading the blog and it is the only resource they have to know what is happening in the Twp. I know that I read it every month and would miss it greatly if you were to stop your publication. "Keep on Keeping on". I very much appreciate your efforts in keeping this going..........Lou Fitz
ReplyDeleteHave other ideas been explored such as purchasing an existing building on a different piece of property or perhaps even relocating a building to this piece of property (as my brother, Jim Bromley, did when he purchased the old Scottville library building).
ReplyDeleteDo we have anyone on the board with extensive budgeting experience? It seems a financial guru is desperately needed here. It may even be in the township's favor to hire someone to come in and give a professional financial analysis.
I'm sorry I missed the meeting - AGAIN! I'll try to do better next time.
What was the heated argument about that you referenced early on in your post?
just the super who "lost" it upon being questioned by a citizen, but I can't recall the specific context, so I'd better stay mum...it was about the **** building anyway
ReplyDeleteHow long until the next election ?
ReplyDeleteWe need to throw these imperious, self-serving, egotists out on their ears.
Then we need to get a township board that listens to the citizens and acts with common sense on their behalf.
Vicki,
Please, please, keep publishing your 'minutes'.
Is it possible to list the email addresses of the Trustees so we can reach them?
ReplyDelete@ anonymous i don't know the trustees email addresses, but you could go up to the town hall on thurs when they have office hrs and ask for them...just a thought
ReplyDeleteVicki-
ReplyDeleteYou might get higher visibility at wordpress. http://bigbasslakemi.wordpress.com
very nice dave, thanks! but what do you mean by a "higher visibility?" how would I interface?
ReplyDelete