Well, it's about time...

New law for small town fire chiefs

Legislation has been enacted into law that will allow township officials or employees to also take on the responsibilities of fire chief in communities of less than 3,000 residents. Public Act 196 has immediate effect. The law was proposed by Rep. Paul Muxlow (R-Burnside Twp.). The legislation was offered in response to a situation in his district where the best candidate for the position of fire chief also happened to be employed by the local village. The new law specifies that the position of fire chief is not an incompatible position with anyone who is an employee or officer of a city, village, township or county with a population of less than 3,000 residents.

-from Michigan Township Association

-http://www.michigantownships.org/ccart8.asp

October 11th Meeting a real boon...

With over 100  people showing up for a township meeting, I wondered if I was in the right precinct.
The meeting was mostly casual & relaxed, but John Fairbanks did a great job of moderating the proceedings because the Supervisor, Douglas Mann, was out of town with a previous family commitment.

Highlights of the meeting:

Election workers approved for November 8th election:

Sharyn McGreehan, Republican

Pat Bishop-Democrat

Sharon Puff-No party affiliation

ORV Informational meeting turned over to Dave Kott-speakers included Mike Newmann, Staff Sergeant & Rec Enforcement of Lake County Sheriff Dept; Larry Collier, Lake County Board of Commissioners Chair; Bill Gillard, Sauble twp supervisor; and Charlie Young, Lake County Road Commission

Most of those in attendance were for the opening up of the roads in Elk Township, therefore...

J. Fairbanks-motion to insert a questionnaire in the outgoing winter tax statements to all taxpayers of Elk twp, simple & clear:

“Do you want to open county maintained roads in Elk Township…Yes, or No”

V. Gates seconded, all in favor, so a letter will be included in the winter tax statements going out the end of November

Next regularly scheduled meeting will be November 16th, so as not to coincide with the election or opening day of rifle season...

Happy Hunting & don't forget to Vote!

More UpComing News

About 30 neighbors came out for the September meeting, and a lot of ground was covered. October's meeting may very well be even better attended as the ORV policy for Elk Township will be on the agenda again. Come on out and air your views.
Other news:

• October 11th is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming Nov 8th election

• Office hours remain Thursdays between 9-1

• November 8^th meeting date changed due to the election- J. Fairbanks-motion to move meeting date to November 16^th

More Community Goodwill...

 Under sheriff Perrin presenting Lou Fitz with a plaque thanking him for his community watch service in helping to stop a "breaking & entering" and helping to apprehend the suspect involved

 Supervisor, Douglas Mann presenting Lou Fitz with a certificate from the township thanking him for his vigilance in the community

Elk vs. Sauble Ball Game

After the game between Elk Twp and Sauble Twp there is still good will

The team of Elk Twp

The Trophy given by Bill Gillard to Douglas Mann

August 17, 2011

Elk Township has a full board and finally was able to conduct business as usual. Well, almost usual...

A BIG THANK YOU TO ROGER BUCKINGHAM FOR SAVING A HUMMINGBIRD WHO HAD COME IN TO SEE ALL THE GOODWILL FLYING ABOUT THE TOWN HALL. ROGER CAUGHT HIM IN HIS HANDS WHEN THE LITTLE CREATURE WAS UNABLE TO FIND HIS WAY OUT OF THE HALL.

The public seemed very receptive of the new board's style of balancing citizen's input with board business.

Another noteworthy piece of information dealt with the engineering analysis of the existing township hall. Nordlund & Associates gave the almost 100-yr old building a clean bill of health and actually suggested removing the siding and showing the concrete blocks which were reportedly made "on site." All foundations, flooring, and existing roof were found to be sound. The report was well received, but no plans are in the works to do anything with the existing building.

Meeting of New Board

The New Township Board will consist of three newly appointed members and two former members. As you know, the recall of Super, Clerk, and Trustee was successful, so the three posts had to be appointed, and those three members will serve until the next regular election date, November 8, 2011. Then we do all the campaign signs again in Nov of 2012 when the entire board runs anew. So, the new super called a special meeting for Wednesday eve at 7pm to get acquainted with the electors and do the business of the township. Come on out...

WANTED...SUPERVISOR, CLERK, TRUSTEE

The Elk Township Board, or what is left of them, will be accepting resumes for the positions of Supervisor, Clerk, and Trustee until Thursday @ 1pm. Regular office hours for the township are Thursdays 9-1, so drop off a resume today.
The "Board" has called a special meeting to fill those positions for Saturday, August 13 @ 9am. This is an open meeting, so come on out and let your township board know YOU KNOW!

The Next Step...

Now that the recall is finally over, signs have been taken down, and tempers are cooling, we wonder what is the next step?
It is my understanding that a committee of the election commission, consisting of the Judge, Clerk, and Treasurer of the county, will meet to appoint one member of the Elk Township Board, then with this quorum, the board can meet on Tues, our regularly scheduled board meeting, to appoint the rest of the board.  This new board will serve until the next scheduled election, November 2011, or 2012 depending on the interpretation of election laws.
Anyway, that is only my interpretation, so come on out Tuesday to see for yourself. Hope to see you there!

PIGS CAN FLY!

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS:

In a stunning turnout, voters have overwhelmingly spoken for recall...

Supervisor-Linda VanDolsen recalled 256 votes to 78
Clerk-Marilyn VanVleet recalled 244 to 85
Trustee-Frances "Cookie" Arquette recalled 245 to 84


What do you think?