Controversy & Clash

May 10, 2011 meeting continued the controversy over a large, stand-alone building to be built without any bids, even after a discussion ensued concerning bids for lawn maintenance at the same facility but with a much lesser overall amount in question.  This month's controversy included questions asked between board members:

"Do we have a contract?"
"You did not ask for bids?"
"Who did you ask to review the project?"
"I see Steve Riggs was given $1,000, what was that for?"
"Did you ask for a signed waiver of lien?"
"Did an attorney review this contract? (implied understanding that the board has not seen this contract)"
"Is there a copy of the contract?"


Most questions were either not answered, or not answered satisfactorily. Most answers were "NO", or "I will not get anything else out for this meeting." If this township board has a contract, most board members have not seen it, and definitely have not signed it. The Supervisor maintained throughout the meeting that there was a legitimate contract on site within the town hall, but nothing was produced for review. Instead onlookers heard things like, "This smacks of hypocrisy...let's move on," and "I'm going to sit here and listen to you, and let me know when you're finished."

The end result of this board controversy was a motion made by Carol Draper, Treasurer, and seconded by John Fairbanks, Trustee:
"I would like to make a motion that any work on a new building be stopped until such time as we can review the contracts and make sure that a lawyer reviews them as well."
This motion passed with Frances Arquette, John Fairbanks, and Carol Draper voting in affirmative, and Marilyn VanVleet, and Linda VanDolsen voting against.

At the end of public comment, Linda VanDolsen was heard speaking over everyone else, "Sign the recall, recall me, whatever." 

And that is how the meeting ended...stay tuned...this clash is not over!