The Good:
The Sauble/Elk/Eden Twps fire department continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of our township---
new fire truck coming soon
Fireman's Ball to be held at Skinner Park on Aug. 7th
The Cemetery Board continues to work hard on behalf of .... hmmm ... our township ... our peace of mind for those who have gone on before us---
a work crew was helpful in cleaning up the cemetery, tree trimming, chipping, clearing brush
The Citizen's Advisory Committe (CAC) continues to be active in and around the township doing work that the township officials would rather not be bothered to do---
completed a physical viewing of all roads around the township to assess signage and safety, and generated a report to the board detailing needs, wants, and issues
The Bad:
Numerous times during this meeting, the super made decisions unilaterally or without motions:
once during the CAC report, when a vote was asked for regarding coloring-in a land use map to be used in township planning, the super said just do it the "Norman Township" way.
Another time when a furnace, which was previously tabled, came up for discussion, the super called for a voice vote without the benefit of a motion and second for public records...this is the same furnace that the board received two bids on and decided not to do anything about because of the possibility of building a new office building.
One more time during discussion of a new Michigan regulation which requires the townships to sell permits for Michigan fireworks displays, the super expressed a desire to maintain a file for permits.
While this issue of proper procedure may seem banal and petty, it is actually a necessary part of an elected supervisory role-leadership which can be trusted to keep accurate township record of the ways and means of expenditures and processes.
The Ugly:
This administration has come to the conclusion that listening to the public is too difficult and will not net them the office building they desire in a timely manner. Therefore, according to some previously agreed upon but largely invisible dance step, the board wants to go back to "plan A": a $37,000/materials only, pole barn style building to house offices only. This board seems to feel that the township money is theirs to spend, and as long as they don't go over "budget," it doesn't matter what they do with that money; after all they know what is best for all of the citizens.
Some of the board's question/responses were as follows:
Arquette-"You're talking about building something that we don't even know who's going to build it."
Fairbanks-"This ain't brain surgery."
VanDolsen-"Working drawings are needed."
VanVleet-"I like the smaller plan."
Draper-"I am still concerned about volunteers...before you spend money how much is labor going to cost?"
Fairbanks-"I actually do think, once there's some activity out there...I can get some local boys to help."
(((hmmmm...just like they are NOT helping during trash clean up?????)))))
After discussion, Arquette made a motion to contact Mr. Peterson, a licensed engineer, for a working drawing. This motion was passed by the entire board.
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Well, it sounds like finally someone is telling it like it is. It seems embarrassing sometimes when our Board does not follow the proper procedures to conduct business in a professional manor.In regard to the office building being considered by our board, if you are considering volunteer labor, you may want to re-think the purpose of the building. If you plan a project to benefit all of the people, you will get all the volunteer labor you will need. If you build just a pole barn office building for the Township officers, chances are good that you will only get the officers and their close friends to help. No one else would have an interest in a project like that. If you want to bring the community together, spend "our money" on all of us, and not just the three officers, just because they can. The Board needs to re-visit the options investigated for three and a half years, with the previous Citizens Advisory Committee and the assistance of a "Professional" architectural firm that certified the current Township Hall is structally sound and with proper design, could be added on to with no adverse problems. If we pay as we go, do the project in stages. Build offices and restrooms on the rear of the Hall now, then wait for our funds to accumulate again and finish the meeting hall. In my opinion, this sounds like a plan for all Township residents and one we could all get behind. Ask the people, you may be surprised as to what you may hear.
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