County Chapter Update

County Chapter Minutes - Spring 2009 (includes last quarter of 2008)

Alcona	October 28, 2008	A presentation was given on zoning ordinance liabilities and responsibilities. A Q & A session followed.

Allegan	September 15, 2008	Senator Patricia Birkholz (R-Saugatuck Twp.) gave a legislative update. Current chapter officers were re-elected: Stephen Schulz, chairman; and, Linda Evans, secretary. The Senior Citizen Services program, Michigan Planning Enabling Act and economic development in the county were discussed.

	December 3, 2008	The Chapter held its annual potluck Christmas party.

Alpena	February 16, 2009	MTA President Colleen Schwartz gave a legislative update and announced Michigan will be the featured state at the NATaT Conference in Washington D.C. in September. She asked townships to become involved with planning the event. MTA District 7 Director Ken Gauthier gave a report on the annual conference, the MTA Web site redesign, MTA’s new social networking site Community Connection, the availability of TGA scholarships, and upcoming MTA educational opportunities. The county board of commissioners and the road commission provided updates on activities in the county. The floor was opened to suggestions on how to keep townships actively involved to defeat adverse legislation like HB 4780.

Bay	October 15, 2008	U.S. Armed Forces were honored with a moment of silence. A $2.4 billion clean coal power plant construction project in Hampton township, Purchase of Development Rights program (PDR) and maintaining clearance for high voltage power lines were reported on. A Clean Beaches resolution was adopted by the members.

	December 10, 2008	The chapter’s annual Christmas party was held.

Charlevoix	September 29, 2008	Matt McCauley, associate director of regional planning for Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, discussed services they provide and reported on the economy. Charlevoix County MSU Extension Director Dean Solomon gave an update on the county land use plan and how the County is working with Land Information Access Association to develop a combined zoning ordinance for six townships and the City of Charlevoix.

	October 27, 2008	The new Off-road Vehicle law was discussed. MTA officials’ training was announced.

	November 24, 2008	Chapter officers were elected: John Vrondran, Chairman; Jim Rudolph, Treasurer; and, Marilyn Beebe, Secretary. A roundtable discussion was held.

Cheboygan	September 25, 2008	Chapter members were provided transportation by the Straits Regional Ride to travel to the county 911 center. 911 Central Dispatch Director Bob Bradley led a tour of the facility and talked about the history of 911.

	October 30, 2008	MTA District 5 Director Charles Veneros reported that Bill Dohm, Little Traverse township supervisor, received the outstanding citizen award from the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce for his commitment to preserving the small town character of Harbor Springs. He also provided insight on the Cobalt Community Research Web site. Visit www.cobaltcommunityresearch.org for more information.

	December 4, 2008	The annual Christmas potluck dinner was held. Officers were elected: Charles Beckwith, chairman; Bruce Brandt, vice chairman; Barb Hall, secretary. Intergovernmental cooperation was discussed.

Delta	September 25, 2008	Chapter President Gregg Johnson commented on the tour of the Tilden and Empire Mines. Road commission meeting dates and time were discussed. An update was provided on the new Brownfield committee. A Q & A on jail renovations was held.

	October 23, 2008	Members of the Delta County Road Commission, County Commission, and the county clerk attended. The chapter passed a motion to set aside funds to sponsor attendance to district meetings.

	December 5, 2008	The chapter held its annual Christmas meeting.

	January 22, 2009	A member was appointed to the Central U.P. Planning and Development board to represent townships. The chapter passed a motion to become involved in an on-air radio program, “Newsmakers,” where township officials volunteer to go on-air once a month and discuss current issues or topics. Delta County Emergency Management Director Robert Berbohm reported on equipment and tower upgrades.

Huron	September 17, 2008	MTA Member Information Specialist Cindy Davis discussed MTA resources and current legislation.

Ingham	October 22, 2008	MTA District 20 Director Linda Towsley reported on the MTA Annual Educational Conference in Detroit and upcoming new officials’ workshops. The Ingham County budget, elimination of road patrol and maximum millage amounts under the Headlee Amendment were discussed. Candidates were introduced.

Iosco/Alcona	October 16, 2008	The Alcona County Chapter of MTA was invited to attend. MTA Member Information Liaison Evelyn David attended and had a wonderful dinner. She discussed the importance of taking the oath of office. The future of wind turbines in the area was also discussed.

Iron/Dickinson	October 21, 2008	MTA Member Information Liaison Evelyn David attended a joint county chapter meeting, arranged by MTA District 2 Director Denny Olson, Breitung Charter Township supervisor.

Kalamazoo	November 13, 2008	MTA Executive Director Larry Merrill attended.

	February 25, 2009	MTA District 19 Director Jeff Sorenson reported on the Annual Educational Conference. MTA Past President Pat White encouraged improved attendance to county chapter meetings. CRAM Director John Niemela gave a presentation.

Kalkaska	October 20, 2008	Bethel Larabee was appointed as chapter secretary. Discussion included a proposed centralized septic system, and implementing a county-wide nuisance ordinance.

Lapeer	August 19, 2008	Galland Burnham, Lapeer county EMS director, discussed EMS operations. Prosecuting Attorney Byron Konschuh discussed a new bad check collection program.

Manistee	October 22, 2008	MTA Member Information Liaison Jim Beelen presented a certificate of appreciation to Fred Alkire, supervisor of Pleasanton township for 38 years and a leader of the Manistee County Chapter of the MTA for 34 years, for his chapter leadership. Others in attendance, including local and county officials, thanked Fred for his dedication and commitment to local government, his community and Manistee County. Reports were given on recycling options, a draft ORV/ATV ordinance and new software for township treasurers.

	January 21, 2009	Recycling options in Manistee County, a cooperative effort for a Household Hazardous Waste day with Oceana, Mason and Manistee Counties, the ratification of labor contracts for 911 staff, grants to plan wildfire prevention, liquor inspections and cooperative efforts to create a master plan were reported on.

	February 25, 2009	Officers were elected: James Wisniski, president; Jim Espivik, vice president; Becky Dinsen, secretary; and Linda Cudney, treasurer. A slide presentation and handouts were provided on Brownfield redevelopment. MSU Extension Director Elaine Bush provided the quarterly extension report, a zoning administrator certification program form. She also said the governor is cutting funding for MSU extensions by 50%, reducing many programs. Casino revenue sharing and funding from federal tax dollars for expanded patrol by the county sheriff were discussed.

Marquette/Baraga	October 23, 2008	MTA Member Information Liaison Evelyn David attended a joint county chapter meeting, arranged by MTA District 2 Director Denny Olson, Breitung Charter Township supervisor. MTA Past President Arlene Hill attended.

Oakland	December 4, 2008	MTA Executive Director Larry Merrill congratulated re-elected and newly elected officials in attendance. He talked about the benefits and resources at MTA, how townships will need to work together to help provide a better future for Michigan, and board governance – the importance of communicating and working together. He also said solutions for revitalization must come from townships. Larry introduced MTA District 21 Director Colleen Schwartz as the incoming President of the 2009 MTA Board of Directors. Colleen talked about the MTA Annual Educational Conference and MTA-PAC. David Evenco with the Road Commission gave a report.

Oscoda/Alcona	September 8, 2008	The Alcona County Townships Association was invited to attend where MTA Member Information Liaison Evelyn David discussed the importance of taking the oath of office. The future of wind turbines in the area was also discussed.

Ottawa	September 29, 2008	MTA Legislative Liaison Bill Anderson reported on current legislation.

	February 2, 2009	MTA Member Information Liaison Evelyn David gave a presentation on the Open Meetings Act.

Presque Isle	October 7, 2008	MTA District 7 Director Ken Gauthier reported on the annual NATaT Conference, new officials training, current legislation, statutory and constitutional revenue sharing and having townships adopt a retention schedule resolution. Other items included a Firewise Program presentation on protecting your home from wildfires, a comparison of natural gas and electricity costs, the Wolverine Clean Energy Initiative, and the Harvest Wind Farm in the Thumb Area.

	January 6, 2009	MTA District 7 Director Ken Gauthier gave a legislative update and urged members to contact their legislators about reinstating general revenue sharing from the economic stimulus package. He also encouraged members to use the MTA Web site. The county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, sheriff, prosecutor, drain commissioner and members of the road commission reported on their respective departments. A fire safety presentation was given. Emergency mutual aid among townships was stressed. Chapter officers were elected: Ruth Koronka, chair; Neil Sorgenfrei, vice president; and Pam Schaedig, secretary/treasurer.

Roscommon	September 30, 2008	MTA District 10 Director Diane Randall urged members to contact their congressional leaders in protest of HJR III and to encourage them to find another way to provide tax relief. Political signage, a county-wide drainage plan and a draft ORV ordinance were discussed.

Tuscola	September 18, 2008	MTA Member Information Specialist Cindy Davis gave a presentation on how to make your county chapter stronger.

This page last updated on 10/5/2009.

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