GUIDE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT



GUIDE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

IN ISABELLA COUNTY

Prepared by students in JRN 516

Public Affairs Reporting

Department of Journalism

Central Michigan University

Spring 2007, with updates in

Fall 2008

FOR BACKGROUND USE ONLY

INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY ANY INFORMATION

YOU USE IN A NEWS STORY

John A. Palen, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Journalism

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant MI

989-631-0644

japalen@

CHARTER SCHOOLS

My beat was to cover two charter schools in Isabella County. The two schools are The Morey Charter School and Renaissance Public School Academy.

The Morey Charter School is located at 380 W. Blanchard Road in Shepherd. During 2006-07 school year, Morey had 216 students in grades K-12, plus a pre-kindergarten program. The majority of students, 145, are in the K-5 grade level.

Morey offers students a multitude of after-school programs, including a traveling basketball team for boys and girls in fifth through 12th grade. Additional programs include volleyball, taekwondo and elementary basketball.

Morey is a very parent-oriented school. They host the "parent Club," which has volunteer opportunities such as Adopt-A-Reader, Art Reach Volunteer, piano lessons, and holiday store volunteers during season.

There are seven board members at Morey, who meet once a month in the school library. The meetings are set up in formal meeting fashion. An agenda is passed out at the beginning of each meeting and is followed precisely. The principal and superintendent, Greg Vander Goot, is very involved in each school board meeting. He is usually the main speaker and works very closely with the board.

The board made a clear point that Morey's mission statement is very important, acting as the maxim for the school. The mission of The Morey Charter School is to empower and equip each student with a foundation in academic, technical and life skills necessary to become a productive, self-contributing member of society.

Being a charter school, Morey focuses on increasing enrollment. They boast about small class sizes, free tuition, certified teachers and social experiences.

One thing that Morey did to increase enrollment was a name change. The name is now The Morey Public School Academy. The board believes that the name change will reduce the stigma that charter schools are private schools.

Overall the school is run just like a traditional public school. There are school dances, science fairs and interactive classrooms. The building is a decent size for the number of students attending it. The entire school, grades K-12, is in the same building, and all share a gym and library. The 2007 class will have the largest number of graduates so far, with seven.

Renaissance Public School Academy is located at 2797 S. Isabella Road in Mount Pleasant. It started as a K-6 system, but over the past few years grades seven and eight were added.

Ethnically, the student body comprises 153 white students, 3 Asian/Pacific Island, 11 Hispanic, four African-American and 10 Native American students. There are 59 students in Kindergarten, 36 in Grade 1, 22 in Grade 2, 16 in Grade 3, 19 in Grade 4, 15 in Grade 5, and 14 in Grade 6. Statistics are not available yet for the new seventh and eighth grade classes, but they have roughly 12 students each.

Renaissance's mission statement is more individually oriented than Morey's. The mission reads: to provide a safe, nurturing and enriching environment that is an extension of home. A place where children encounter a variety of experiences that encourage exploration and collaboration; where children can express individuality and be protagonists in their education.

CMU charters both Renaissance and Morey. There are five board members at Renaissance who meet once a month.

Some comparisons between the two schools: They both encourage heavy parent involvement, they both constantly focus on increasing enrollment through marketing (per pupil funding) and they boast about their small class sizes.

The Renaissance building is much smaller than Morey. The building looks similar to an alternative education school building. The number of students per class is about the same.

NOT updated in Fall 2007

CHIPPEWA RIVER DISTRICT LIBRARY

The Chippewa River District Library was built in 1957 and expanded in the mid-1980s. The library became a district in 1998 after it was voted on by the city of Mount Pleasant. Before it was recognized as a district, the library budget was run by the city and county and the library board itself was more of an advisory committee. It did not have control over its budget or funding.

Today the library board has total control and power over finances and budgets for the library. The district units include the city of Mount Pleasant, Union township, and the Mount Pleasant School District. Essentially the community residents voted to become a district, knowing they were taxing themselves. The advantage is that the library always has that money for operation, rather than being dependant on a budget allocation from the city.

Lise Mitchell is the library director. The library board has six members, two representing each of the district entities. The library board is an independent group. Though the members represent their unit they are not working to advance the interests of the unit they represent. Members of the board are appointed by their unit, but once appointed are considered independent.

Current board members are:

-- President Thomas Delia, 772-1902

-- Vice President Ruth Helwig, 773-9813

-- Treasurer Ed Schmidt, 772-2742

-- Secretary Elliott Parker, 773-1835

-- Member Lynn Laskowsky, 772-4877

-- member Susan Pyecroft, newly appointed on April 23.

Board members are appointed for three-year terms and can keep their positions as long as they choose and are reappointed.

Current issues the library board is facing are the renovation of the downtown library, the Rosebush branch construction, and state budget cuts.

The major issue is the decision regarding expansion of the downtown library. The population is expected to increase by 22 percent in the next 25 years, and Mitchell as well as the board members believe the library should accommodate that growth. The renovation originally called for a three-level expansion in place of what is currently the library annex. Renovations would also include increased parking space and a drive-through for easy drop-off and pick-up of materials. More smart technology to expand opportunities for learning and programming would also be added.

Construction costs for the renovation and addition were estimated at about $9 million, with fundraising covering about $1 million. The remainder of the cost would be covered by a tentativevote for 3 mills every 20 years in 2008. Of that, 0.75 mills would go to complete the building project, and 2.25 mills would go for operating expenses.

The new millage needed to fund the project would need to be increased from the current 1.25 mills in addition to the 1.75 mills already being paid. Members of the community living in a home valued at about $100,000 would be paying $150 a year, about $65 more than they are currently paying.

The library board hired an outside source, the Breton Group of Grand Rapids, to do an overview survey of the community to get their opinion of the tax increase and the expansion of the library.

Though from the surveys it was established that the community values the services the library offers, they are unsure of the library's future role in the community and were hesitant to support such a large renovation.

Library board members discussed the options and the results at their following meeting and decided to alter the original plan from a three-level expansion to only a two-level expansion. The community will see a .75 millage increase on the ballot next year instead of the original 1.25 increase. The library's operating millage is up in 2008 and will need to be renewed. Library board members feel it is the appropriate time to ask for an increase, though not as large as the original renovation plans.

The current construction project the library is involved in is the renovation of a recently purchased building for the Rosebush branch. Previously the library was located in a church, which was becoming inadequate. The building needs some minor renovations, such as demolishing a wall, new carpet and an updated heating and plumbing system.

CMU engineering and technology students have had input on the project by supplying the library board with basic commercial plans for mechanical and electrical contractor to review for the renovations. Students will also volunteer time to help with the renovation by tearing down and demolishing walls.

The goal is for the new library to be up and running by June in time for the summer reading programs.

The final issue the library is facing is the recent buget cuts. The governor's 2008 budget calls for slashing library funding 50 percent, to $6.1 million. State library funding has already been cut $8 million since 2002, a 23 percent cut.

Nationally the average for state support for libraries is $3.12 per capita. The governor's proposed budget would fund libraries at only 60 cents per capital, placing Michigan 35th nationally in terms of state support for public libraries.

NOT updated in Fall 2007

ISABELLA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Isabella County Board of Commissioners is a legislative and policy making body of county government with a seven-member board that is elected on a partisan ballot. Its duties are specified by the Michigan Constitution and state statute.

The board's primary responsibility is development and administration of the annual county budget. It is also responsible for developing policies and procedures to maintain public accountability and internal controls, approval of all contracts, grant agreements, and personnel procedures and matters, including collective bargaining agreements, the management and operation of various departments, and for appointing all boards and commissions in the county.

The commissioners serve two-year terms (the present commissioners' terms expire in December of 2008) and are members of some of the county's "sub-boards" that they themselves have appointed.

The commissioners are as follows:

-- District 1, George Green, R-Farwell. Will answer questions from student journalists, but reluctantly. Often acts as though he has better things to do with his time, but is still a good source of information.

--District 2, John Haupt, D-Mount Pleasant. Tells it like it is, no fluff, and uses very colorful language at times. Will talk to students.

-- District 3, Roger Trudell, R-Shepherd. Very pleasant and agreeable, will talk to students after meetings to clarify anything and answer questions.

-- District 4, Christine Alwood, R-Mount Pleasant. Will take your calls, but answers are short and curt. Best look elsewhere.

District 5, Ron Roby, D-Mount Pleasant. Absent for most of the meetings in spring 2007, was not able to reach via telephone.

District 6, David Ling, D-Mount Pleasant. One of, if not THE best contact for student journalists. Will take the time to speak with you and arrange meeting times for interviews if he can.

District 7, Frances Lichtman, D-Mount Pleasant. Very agreeable, but shy of the press. Everything is off the record. Good source of information, but if you're after quotes, look elsewhere.

The board holds meetings twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m., with a work session that begins at 4 p.m. It is crucial that you attend the work session, as that is where all of the discussion takes place. The work session is where you will get most of your information and good quotes from.

Work sessions generally last anywhere from two to three hours. The evening meetings are very cut and dried, and mainly consist of voting on motions, with very little discussion of the items on the agenda. The meetings generally last from half an hour to an hour. There is absolutely no cell phone use while meetings are in sessions.

According to the 2005 Isabella County census the county has a population of 58,848 residents. This does not include students who reside in dormitories. Seventy-nine percent of the population is over the age of 18. The majority is white, at 91 percent, with 2 percent black, 2 percent Native American, 2 percent Asian and 3 percent bi-racial.

The most exciting issue that has come up from January to April of 2007 is the creation of the young Teens Network of Mount Pleasant. A non-profit organization that caters to area youth ages 12 to 15, it is trying to come up with funds to launch itself into the community.

Other topics of interest: The Aging Commission is still looking for a place to put its organization; ICTC was granted approval for two new positions on its board by the board of commissioners, raising their numbers from three to five; and a new zoning ordinance was put into effect to define and regulate private roads.

This beat is never lacking in story material.

NOT updated in Fall 2007

ISABELLA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

The Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission deals with the health, well-being, and general recreation of Isabella County and manages the county parks. The 10-member commission receives funding from fees and charges collected at county park facilities, as well as from the Isabella County general fund. It also receives funding from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2 percent fund. On average, the commission's funding is usually around $500,000 a year.

According to an internal study, out of roughly 65,000 people in the county, about half use the facilities. It is thought that nearly 150,000 people use the parks each year, so the remaining people come from the Tri-Cities, the Detroit area or elsewhere.

The commission meets once a month on the first Wednesday. Meetings usually consist of the board members, at least six for a quorum, and are open to the public. They cover all relevant topics pertaining to the commission at the time of the meeting.

The commission operates by a simple mission statement: to actively promote a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle for all residents and visitors of Isabella County by providing quality facilities and diverse recreation opportunities through the responsible management of human, financial and environmental resources.

The commission was created in 1967 under Act 261, which defines and lends guidance for the organization of parks and recreation departments. Before 1967, Coldwater Lake Family Park existed and was managed by the Road Commission.

Parks cover 1,004.5 acres of land, including trails, fields and campgrounds. Facilities include 178 campsites, 10 cabins, three beaches for swimming, four pedestrian bridges, 12 miles of developed hiking trails, 17 restroom facilities and nine picnic shelters.

Coldwater Lake Family Park, located in Weidman on 27 acres, is host to 95 campsites and five rustic cabins, grills, picnic tables, picnic pavilions, an Old West-themed playground, a swimming beach, a concrete boat launch, volleyball courts and a baseball diamond.

Deerfield Nature Park, located in Mount Pleasant is within a short drive of nearly two-thirds of the county population. The park has 591 acres, the largest of the county parks, and is handicap accessible. It includes volleyball, horseshoe pits, a swimming beach, 10 remote campsites, an eight-mile rustic walking trail, picnic tables, a sledding hill and a pavilion. The Wildwood Pathway, also located in Deerfield Nature Park, is a designated National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Gilmore Park, the second smallest county park at 7 acres, has limited amenities but allows access to Lake Isabella. Issues regarding deed restrictions have kept the park from having much development. A new vaulted toilet and fishing platform were built in 2005. The park is located in Sherman Township and is a popular winter fishing area for ice fishermen.

The Herrick Recreation Area was built on an abandoned gravel pit. The 113-acre park offers 73 campsites and five rustic cabins, picnic tables, grills, picnic pavilions, a railroad-themed playground, boat launch, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts.

The Lawrence A. McDonald Wildlife Sanctuary is currently undeveloped. It is an 11-acre parcel located in Wise Township. The county may use it for trail development in the future, since the sanctuary runs along the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, another trail partly owned and operated by the parks and recreation department.

The Majeske Landing Access Site is a boat access to Hubscher Pit, a 41-acre body of water. The ramp is located on the Chippewa River about 500 feet downstream from the pit. Shallow river depth limits the size of boats able to reach the waters upstream.

Meridian Park is divided from east to west by the South Branch of the Chippewa River. A new, 2.5-acre wetland mitigation site was recently developed, which can assist in educating the public about the value of wetlands and increasing bird and wildlife watching opportunities.

The parks departments crowning achievement is the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail. The rail-trail is constructed on an abandoned CSX railroad track and serves as a pathway that connects the city of Baldwin, Reed City, Clare and Midland. It is for activities like hiking, inline skating, and bicycling. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the rail-trail. Isabella County's portion of the trail is 8.25 miles and comprises a total of 100.5 acres.

Despite having such a small budget, the Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission has a lot on its plate. Most of it may not be newsworthy, but ensures the health and wellbeing of county residents providing quality recreation facilities for people from all walks of life.

Update by Ben Baird, fall 2007 semester

The number for the Isabella County Parks and Recreation office in the county building is (989) 772-0911. Use ext. 340 to reach the parks and recreation department.

From here you can ask to speak to Sue Ann Kopmeyer, director of county parks and recreation, or use ext. 233 to call her directly. Kopmeyer is very knowledgeable about the parks and anything the commission has on its agenda. If she has time, she is always willing to talk or make an appointment. She gives a report at every commission meeting.

Gary McBride, county drain commissioner, is one of the most vocal members besides Kopmeyer at the meetings. He can be reached at (989) 772-0911 ext. 248.

Parks Supervisor Mike Marsh regularly attends the commission meetings and knows a lot about the parks he works with. His work phone number is (989) 772-2468 and his cell phone number is (989) 289-6419.

Commissioner Christine Alwood is the member of a number of local boards and commissions besides parks and recreation and she seems to have a broad view of the community. She also works at Central Michigan University as the director of stewardship and donor relations. Her work number is (989) 774-7155.

Minde Lux, commission chairperson, can be difficult to reach. Call the Isabella County Building and use ext. 263 to reach her at work and use (989) 773-3428 to call her house. The best bet is to call her at work, where she will probably refuse to talk, and set up a time to reach her later.

Isabella County Parks and Recreation website is a great resource. It has information about all the parks, names and positions of all the commission members, contact information, links to related websites, and much more. Go to:

The major news event this fall was the construction of a tunnel under U.S. Route 127 as part of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail. It was completed Nov. 15 after about a year of construction and cost $1.48 million. The purpose was to keep the trail going straight after it was determined that an area under a U.S. 127 bridge would be filled with concrete rather than repair its support.

The Coldwater Park Development Project was a series of improvements and renovations to Coldwater Lake Family Park. These included: a new gatehouse, renovation of the bath house, a pavilion for the bath house, and a concrete walkway around the park. All changes are barrier free and handicap accessible. The project cost $380,000 and was primarily completed in October.

Isabella County Parks and Recreation had a total revenue of $537,451 for the 2006-07 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. A large portion of the revenue comes from various fees and permits at the parks. Gross sales were up 2.6 percent from 2006.

Commissioner Richard Gruss and Carol Lauffer, commission secretary, have resubmitted applications to the County Board of Commissioners. Their terms are up Dec. 31, 2007.

For spring 2008, I have several story ideas. The commission is requesting a grant in December 2007 to extend the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail to Clare, completing the section of the rail-trail in Isabella County. If this grant is approved, how much it is for, and when work would start would be a good story.

All county parks except for Deerfield Nature Park closed for the winter in October. The parks are tentatively scheduled to reopen on May 1. Leading up to the reopening are a number of tasks that must be done to ready the parks for the new season. The best source for what exactly must be done is Mike Marsh and his assistant.

I picked up on something at the December meeting that was not well explained. Chairperson Minde Lux requested that the commission search its policy on attendance and see if there was anything about dismissing a commission member who was absent a number of times. The impression I got was the commission was having problems with one member in particular. Gwynn Tilmann was the only member absent at this meeting. Gwynn has not been to a meeting since Aug. 1, though her absences have been excused. I’m not sure there’s a story here or not, but it could warrant some investigation.

Updated in Fall 2007

ISABELLA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

The Isabella County Planning Commission is part of the Community Development Department Team, which is “committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to the residents and land owners of Isabella County.”

The basic task of the Isabella County Planning Commission is to promote and oversee effective planning practices in Isabella County. Its basic duties and responsibilities consist of site plan reviews, special use permits, rezoning requests, zoning ordinance text amendments, and updating and maintaining the Isabella County Master Land Use Plan.

The purpose of the land use plan is to create an atmosphere in which surrounding communities can work together toward the objective of creating a pleasant place to live, with an agricultural economy full of economic opportunity and growth.

The commission is made up of nine board members; Chairperson Robert Thompson, Vice-Chairperson Gale Willoughby, Secretary Jerry Neyer, and members Christine Alwood, Richard Recker, Daniel Hess, Vance Johnson, Craig Schripsema and Marilyn Fosburg.

The planning commission works closely with the Isabella County Planning and Zoning Department, whose main goal is to promote positive growth through effective planning practices within Isabella County. Planning and Zoning Administrator, Michael Zalewski, is present at all planning commission meetings on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Department.

Important issues thus far deal with special use permits in Isabella, Nottawa, and Rolland townships, site plan reviews in Isabella and Nottawa townships, and rezoning a piece of property in Nottawa Township.

The issue that received the most public concern was the approval of a special use permit to establish a Motor Vehicle Repair Facility in Vernon Township. Many residents were extremely unhappy with having a repair business so close to their homes in fear of it being an eyesore. The public comment on the issue lasted well over an hour.

Planning Commission meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in Room 225 of the Isabella County Building, 200 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

The Isabella County Planning Commission can be reached through Isabella County Community Development at (989) 772-0911 Ext. 283. Michael Zalewski can be reached at (989)772-0911 Ext. 208.

More information can be found at mdev. Once there, one has access to a list of commission members, meeting schedule, current and past agendas, current and past minutes and public hearing notices.

Updated in Fall 2007).

ISABELLA COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION

My beat was the Isabella County Road Commission, one of 82 county road commissions in the state. Wayne County is different from the other counties because it has a Public Works Department instead.

County road commissions were organized by the Michigan Legislature in 1909, with two primary goals in mind. These are 1) to provide uniformity in road construction and maintenance across the state, and 2) to provide cost-efficient and high-quality road services for local roads.

The Isabella County Road Commission gets a small amount of funding from the county but mainly gets its funds from its share of the state fuel tax and license fees. The total amount of money the road commission gets per year varies, but is generally in the $8-10 million range.

Road commissions in Michigan are either appointed by the county board of commissioners or elected by the voters. In Isabella County they are elected. Road commissioners serve six-year terms.

Commissions are to hold at least one meeting per month. In Isabella County there are two meetings per month, on the 2nd and 4th Thursday. The meetings held on the second Thursday are at 8 a.m. The meetings on the 4th Thursday are at 6 p.m.

During the semester I covered the Road Commission, they were undergoing a few changes. One major change the commission was considering as I took on the beat was to increase its membership from three to five members.

A bit of background on that issue: The original Act 283 of 1909 establishing road commissions allowed for a three-member board. Public Act 598 of 2006 amended the original act to allow for "not less than three members, nor more than five members."

In the first meeting I attended in January, they discussed the matter. Commissioners were divided on when they should consider the possibility of increasing membership. Despite this, the move towards increasing membership went forward. The County Commission approved the increase after hearing comment Feb. 20 at a public hearing.

After nearly an hour of comments from those in favor and those against, the County Commission unanimously approved the increase. Their reasons for doing so were varied. They said the commission should have more representation, transparency and diversity of opinion in decision-making. They figured that with five members it would be earlier to a have a quorum for meetings, more people handling what is a large budget, and more experienced people making decisions.

The other major change that took place over the course of the semester was the hiring of a new Road Commission Manager. The previous manager, Jim Miller, resigned in September 2006. Former Gratiot County Road Commission Superintendent/Manager Fred Walkington was working for the road commission on an interim basis after Miller left.

During my first few meetings, the commission discussed scheduling interviews with a couple of likely candidates. By the time I attended my fourth meeting, they had come to basic terms with the man they eventually hired, Tony Casali.

Casali was hired and began work after Easter Sunday. He was formerly the public works director for the village of Fowlerville. He agreed to a five-year contract with Isabella County at $80,000 a year, with a 2.5 percent increase each year. The contract also calls for Isabella County to transfer public employee retirement benefits he earned in Fowlerville.

Steve Jackson is chairman of the road commission; Robert Curtiss is vice chairman, and Kathie Elliott, Dave Livermore and Jaclyn Conrad are the other commissioners. Livermore and Conrad are new. The commission office is at 2261 E. Remus Road. The office phone is 989-773-7131, and the shop phone is 989-772-2371.

Anyone who covers this beat in the future will find it not to be too difficult. If you plan on having a beat where there are regular meetings so that you can get all your articles written, this would definitely be one of the better beats to get.

The meeting space is small, and not a lot of people attend. You can expect meetings to last roughly an hour to perhaps 90 minutes or so if they're going really slow and there's a lot of discussion.

As with other beats, they have a short "work session" before their meetings where they do their more detailed discussion, and any good reporter would sit in on those beforehand as well, to be informed on what they're talking about in regular meetings. You can understand what's going on even if you don't sit in on them, but it's harder to understand if you don't. Their work sessions range from 30-45 minutes or so and take place before their regular meetings.

The members of the commission are nice people. I went to the early meetings and when I introduced myself they would up immediately being very nice. They were probably surprised as well as flattered that someone from CMU was covering them, so they were always friendly when I showed up. Introduce yourself early on and try to get acquainted early on, and you shouldn't really have a problem with any of them.

I personally didn't talk to Casali much expect for moment at the April 12 meeting, which was my last meeting, so I'm not sure how he is, but he seemed to be fairly easy going during the meeting, interacting with fellow employees. Interim Manager Walkington was very nice, but obviously future reporters won't be dealing with him. The two new commissioners, Dave Livermore and Jaclyn Conrad, seemed fairly nice when I walked to them after their first meeting. I didn't have much chance to get to know them either, since they were new and trying to play catch-up, but they were ok the little I spoke with them. Chairman Steve Jackson was okay, and Commissioner Kathie Elliott was nice, too. Vice Chairman Robert Curtiss seemed a bit more gruff.

Relevant websites are

(the road commission site.)

(the county website, which has some info on the road commission.

Also, future reporters should go to , which is the local Mount Pleasant paper, and check our their coverage of the Road Commission to keep up on anything you may miss at meetings, for accuracy, to look at what's been going on before you took on the beat, and so on.

NOT updated in Fall 2007

ISBELLA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Terms of appointment are for three years each and are staggered so that only one term expires per calendar year. Commissioners are Gary House, Pat LaChance and Don Brown.

The Dial-A-Ride system is considered "on-demand" and services 48 squre miles surrounding and including Mount Pleasant. This area covers Baseline Road on the north, Shepherd Road on the east, Millbrook Road on the south and Meridian Road on the west.

The "out-county" system is a flexible-route service to the remaining 528 square miles of Isabella County. This large area also include Greendale Township in Midland County (Oil City), Sheridan and Wheatland townships in Mecosta County (Remus) and Grand Township and the City of Clare in Clare County.

ICTC describes itself as an example for other communities to follow.

Fare for riding the transit system is $2 for a one-way ride. Punch cards are available in 22 or 44 ride quantities; discounts are available for youth, seniors and those with handicaps.

Residents of Mount Pleasant and Isabella County can ride Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fares can be purchased one-way on the bus.

ICTC marketing director Dennis Adams says the system received more han 1,000 calls a day. By upgrading its 20-year-old phone system with a software program called Vertical TeleVantage, ICTC is now able to route calls to personnel in administration, accounting and maintenance.

Two additional future expenses are the purchase of an updated Global Positioning System that allows dispatchers to locate ICTC buses and a lawn mower to reduce lawn-service contracts.

General Manager Rick Atkin said local property tax supplies nearly $1.2 million of the commission's $3.5 million in revenue.

However, the budget is almost as dependent on state and federal funding as it is on the income brought in from rider fares, contacts and advertising.

Michigan is responsible for 34 percent of the commission's budget. The federal government through yearly fluctuating gas taxes supplies 12 percent -- $420,000 -- of the budget.

Atkins said it's hard for a future budget to be drawn up because of how heavily dependent the commission is on state funding. When the economy isn't good, the number of riders increases. It's an interesting cycle.

Contracts with local apartments such as Copper Beech, Lexington Ridge, Union Square and the Village at Bluegrass help guarantee a portion of the 54 percent the commission brings in through rider fares. Atkins said a semester lease is roughly $8,000 and most of the apartments sign for three years.

The commission has few debts. In March 2001 the transit system moved into 2100 E. Transportation Drive, a new facility built specifically for its needs.

Six years later, ICTC remains with a $500,000 debt on the building. Accelerated payments, because of successful financial planning, are helping to get the building paid off in four years.

Updates for 2007 include the "Caravan of Care" food drive in January; the 33rd anniversary of ICTC in May; the National Bus Roadeo in Reno, Nev., in May; the Michigan Small Bus Roadeo held in Mount Pleasant with local ICTC driver bob Richardson in July; and National Public Transportation Week in July.

The commission phone number is 773-2913.

Demographically, about 10,000 of Mount Pleasant's population of 25,949 take a car, truck or van to work, of which 8,857 drove alone and 1,141 car-pooled. Almost 5,000 people reported travel time to work of under 10 minutes, while 2,663 reported travel times between 10 and 14 minutes. Median household income was $24,572.

Updated in Fall 2007

VILLAGE OF LAKE ISABELLA

VILLAGE OF LAKE ISABELLA

The thriving community of Lake Isabella is a close-knit one. The small, rural village located in Isabella County is a bustling area of activity at any given time. The citizens of Lake Isabella have the privilege of being residents of the first home rule village incorporated into the state in more than 40 years.

This village was my beat this semester, and I admit that I was at first apprehensive about reporting on it. I had never really heard of it, and I had no real idea what to expect going into the first village council meeting. Over the course of the semester I was pleasantly surprised at both how welcoming and how interesting the growing community is. I'm actually glad, looking back, that I got the opportunity to report on such a small place, because it allowed me to explore a lot of different areas while not getting overwhelmed or bored.

There is so much more to this area than meets the eye. From parks and a large, man-made lake, to a golf course and nearby airport, this tiny village really has some big assets in its midst. To understand this place, one must go back a couple of decades to learn about its history.

The Village of Lake Isabella began in part because of three men: Leo Gatehouse, Golden Grigg and Nephi Grigg. The Grigg brothers were businessmen who were responsible for Ore-Ida Potato products and also went into land development. They partnered with Gatehouse, who had the idea of damming the Chippewa River is Isabella County to create a man-made lake. The Lake Isabella Corporation was incorporated on Dec. 1, 1966. In 1968 the lake was created and the beginnings of a village had begun.

Since its inception, the community of Lake Isabella has grown. It grew so much that by the mid-90s it became clear that the residents needed some form of representation and government. The decision was made to incorporate as a municipality. Before this time many duties of local government were managed by the Lake Isabella Property Owners Association, referred to as LIPOA by residents.

LIPOA is a private corporation, owning land and buildings and paying taxes. The organization was established in 1969 and operated under the LIPOA Articles of Incorporation. The stated purpose of the association "shall be to protect and provide for the general welfare of all who live and own property in Lake Isabella, to place emphasis on recreation, health, safety and environmental concerns, and to develop and maintain all common properties.

LIPOA is run by a board of directors and also includes a number of committees overseeing a variety of functions. Although the association no longer acts as the governing body of the village, it still plays a big role in the community. It oversees the majority of parks, camping and nature areas in Lake Isabella, controls access to the lake and has a say in issues involving the dam. The association also lobbies with the village council and manager for association needs. The LIPOA office is at 1096 Queensway in Lake Isabella. General Manager is Al Apsitis. Larry Hiither is president of the board of directors, his term ends in 2009.

This brings the story back to the incorporation of Lake Isabella. The village became the state's newest incorporated home rule village in almost 50 years. A defining characteristic of the village is its property tax cap written into its charter. The cap restricts the total operating millage to no more than one mill. Though specific questions are voted on separately issue to issue. This means that residents of the village pay considerably less in property taxes than residents of other villages and cities. The village is governed by an elected village council. Now that it is an incorporated municipality, the village is a public body and has the power of law. A planning commission and other boards and committees assist the council in the everyday operation of the village.

Duties of the council are to provide for the public peace, health, safety and general welfare of persons and property. All legislation is made by ordinance or resolution of the Village Council. The council is made up of people separate from the LIPOA and has the power to levy and collect taxes for municipal purposes, determine and make public improvements and develop and maintain public utilities.

According to 2000 Census data, Lake Isabella has about 1,234 people. Of those, 618 are male and 625 are female. The median age is 45.3 years, and 228 residents are under 18, while 265 are over 65. Eighty-one percent of residents are high school graduates, and 25 percent have at least a bachelor's degree. Median household income is $40,833, and the average household consists of 2.34 people.

The Village Council meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. They meet at the village office; 1010 Clubhouse Drive. Lake Isabella, Michigan, 48893.

George Dunn is village president. He was elected in January 2004. His term expires in January 2008. He has also served on the Lake Isabella Planning Commission and is president of Middle Michigan Development Corp.

David Torgerson is president pro tem. His term expires in January 2008. He is a teacher in Chippewa Hills School District and also coaches junior varsity football.

Charles Kiel is treasurer. His term expires in January 2010. He is a retired teacher and works in the education field in accreditation. He was a driving force in the paving of Fairway Drive.

Jeffrey P. Grey is village clerk. His term expires in January 2008. He has been a resident since 1996. He also represents the Village Council on the Planning Commission.

Council member Richard Lacca was elected in 2005, and his term expires in January 2010. He previously served on the village Street Committee and is also on the LIPOA Architectural Control Committee.

Council member Arnold Griffin's term expires in 2010. A retired educator and former president of IPOA, he has lived at the lake since the early 1990s.

Council member Dan Pattison is the newest member, appointed in September 2006 to fill a vacancy. His term expires in September 2007.

The village staff is headed by Village Manager Tim Wolff, who was hired in January 2004. Before that he was an elected council member in the Village of Breckenridge. He holds a bachelor's in political science from Alma College.

Deputy Village Manager Jessica Manley has served the village for more than four years. She has thorough knowledge of the village and municipal operations.

Other staff is code enforcement officer John Terry and airport manager Tom Courser.

The most important issue in the village is the inability to build on lots surrounding various portions of the lake. The Department of Health only allows a certain amount of septic permits to be issued, and has stayed that way since the early 1970’s. The problem now is that there are too many people and not enough permits to go around.

As of now the village has a draft of a letter that will be sent out to property owners, asking what kind of action they wish to take. Legal measures have been brought up but no action has been taken as of yet.

Another current issue is water ownership. Currently the village includes the land under the lake and surrounding areas in the village but does not own the water. This belongs to Isabella County. The village council wants to transfer ownership of the water system from the county to the village.

Charter Cable is now available to the residents of Lake Isabella but there have been difficulties with people digging up the cable lines, and with Charter digging up other unmarked lines. Miss Dig was supposed to flag all underground lines, but something got botched up. Village Manager Tim Wolff has been appointed as Cable, Telecommunications and Video Service Franchise Coordinator.

Yet another current issue is the paving of local streets. Residents of 1,321 private lots have asked to have streets paved. An agreement had been decided by the time I began covering the Village of Lake Isabella, but I know that the project is still underway and costing many residents X amount of money.

Although the council received more than 2,000 letters in opposition, the council decided to continue with the project because the number of complaints was only 17.4 percent of the total lots.

Another issue is police and fire protection. There is currently no present police protection within Lake Isabella. When an accident happens the closest available police officer responds.

Residents were given a decision on the recent millage to contract part-time police protection. Though the Council thought that many were in favor it was voted down. Questions are only allowed to be put on a millage every two years, so it will be some time before this issue will come up again.

According to a recent document, the village also has a contract with the Nottawa-Sherman Township Fire Department and just made a second contract payment of $13.076. Now, residents on the Broomfield Township side of Lake Isabella have to pay the fire department in Broomfield Township and Sherman Township.

There has been no real answer as to why people are okay with paying extra or how much it actually costs.

A water study experiment was conducted some time over the summer by an unknown service at Lake Isabella. I could not get any concrete information about this but from what the council said things don’t look to good for Lake Isabella if things keep going how they are.

The council made some small comments about it such as “it’s only one study” and “we need a second opinion before we worry about it.” No hard detail there but it’s something to keep an eye on.

The Village Council now spends its meeting times within a new building that was recently finished at 1010 Clubhouse Drive, left off of Coldwater Road going towards Weidman.

Updated in Fall 2007

MOUNT PLEASANT CITY COMMISSION

Being consistent is what Mayor Jon Joslin is all about when it comes to the Mount Pleasant City Commission.

And the other six commissioners on the board seem to follow the theme directly.

“We aim to serve the citizens of Mount Pleasant well,” Joslin said. “But more importantly we attempt to lay a rubric for the future, while building on past precedents.”

The Mount Pleasant City Commission is comprised of seven citizens who are elected at large for three-year staggered terms. All candidates must live within the city limits. Joslin, just like past mayors and Vice Mayor Steve Bissell, earned his position after being selected by the other members of the commission. Each January the commission votes to determine its mayor and vice mayor.

The commission meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each week at Mount Pleasant City Hall, 401 N. Main St. However, each meeting also is broadcast live on Channel 26 in Mount Pleasant. It is again rebroadcast at noon Wednesday and Friday, and also at 8 p.m. Saturday if a reporter is unable to attend a meeting.

Joslin and Bissel are joined by commissioners Jim Holton, Bruce Kilmer, David McGuire, James Moreno and Keith Spycher. Another important individual – Kathie Grinzinger – has been a big figure this past year as part of the city’s team.

While most of the members on the commission currently have time remaining, the three-year staggered terms of Moreno and Bissel end on Dec. 31, 2007.

Retired teacher Kathy Ling and lawyer Jeffrey Palmer ran for the open seats Nov. 6 and will make their way to the commission in January. Ling is a good fit after having served on the Isabella County Commission, the Mount Pleasant Planning Commission and the Central Michigan Board of Health. Palmer has not held a local government position, but has served on several private boards for non-profit organizations. He works as a laywer with Michdale Associates, 116 N. Kinney Ave.

The most practical way to find out information is to attend each meeting and talk with the commissioners afterward. However, several of the commissioners are readily available via their home and office phones, and have a good history of returning phone calls.

Joslin can be contacted in his office at 989-773-7800 or at home (989-772-7381). Joslin also returns e-mails quickly from his address at jjoslin@mt-. Holton’s e-mail is jholton@mt-, and his office phone number is 989-775-2337.

One of the best ways to tackle the Mount Pleasant City Commission beat is to be prepared. The commission has a very user-friendly Web site at . Reporters can find all of the commissioners’ phone numbers, but more importantly they can print each meetings minutes ahead of time to be fully prepared. The Web site also posts results from each meeting, making stories easier to write, and ideas more possible.

The hot-button issue during the fall 2007 semester was surely rezoning issue regarding Broomfield and Crawford roads. The City Commission voted May 14 to rezone 157 acres at the southwest corner of Broomfield and Crawford roads, but a referendum was called allowing voters to decide the requests fate Nov. 6. The result – citizens overturned the commission’s decision on redevelopment of the land, forcing the land to revert back to a previously planned residential development. Voters defeated the decision to redevelop with 1,112 ‘no’ votes, while 610 residents voted ‘yes.’ This will continue to be a big topic to follow, as Planned Residential Development could be making steps toward building family-style apartments soon for up to two unrelated residents.

Another big issue discussed amongst the City Commission includes the installment of a service hotline throughout Michigan, which will begin in the summer of 2008. The help line, 2-1-1 won’t require additional costs for the city, as it will be funded by Listening Ear in Mount Pleasant and the Salvation Army. This $80,000 help line includes financial assistance and help in job searching for residents. Joslin welcomed the idea with open arms, as currently 65 percent of the nation has access to 2-1-1, which resembles the emergency hotline 9-1-1. Both are meant to be nationally recognized numbers which rout through local melting pots.

The City Commission also heard discussion from the chair of Brownfield Redevelopment Authority on Nov. 26, who stated his company will help make functionally obsolete properties in Mount Pleasant more profitable. Chairman Jeff Smith said the authority will pay for demolition and environmental costs of properties on the corner of Mission and Cherry streets to pave the way for a $1.6 million project next year. It didn’t take long for the commission to respond, as it quickly voted to reimburse D&D Real Estate investment LLC, a local developer, more than $100,000 in the next 12 years for the demolition, which will be covered by the Brownfield funds.

An employee with Quality Seed and Grain Equipment also stood before the commission this semester, and said a tax abatement for her company would help economic growth in Mount Pleasant. Because the company is currently struggling, Maggie Spence told the commission that an industrial facilities tax exemption certificate is one of only a few things available to help the company. The City Commission was highly supportive, as the request for the certificate passed unanimously.

Perhaps one of the most mind-boggling issues this past semester has been the story of a man named Todd Gurzick, who has vigorously fought to have the hours of his T.O. Dbl D’s Party Store, 104 E. May Street, extended beyond 11 p.m. each day. However, the commission voted 6-1 on Nov. 26 to keep the current zoning restriction, and uphold the 11 p.m. closing time. Because the property is in a residential neighborhood, several citizens have said they don’t see the need for an open-late party store. Gurzick tried to negotiate the fact that most of the housing near his store is occupied by students, so a time extension he said wouldn’t affect the flow of neighboring communities.

Mount Pleasant’s City Commission beat may appear to be tasking at first. The first meeting a reporter attends is tough to follow, but after that it goes much more smoothly. Some tips for covering the beat would be to arrive to the meetings early and stay late. Get to know the commissioners on a professional working-basis, and they’ll reward a reporter with the material and quotations he or she needs to write a concrete story on almost any topic. Mayor Jon Joslin and the rest of the commission are very well spoken, and usually are quite cooperative at meetings, over the phone and through e-mail.

Updated in Fall 2007.

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD

General Airport Information:

1. Located 1.5 miles northeast of the city just off Isabella Road.

2. 5,000-foot main runway accommodates all aircraft up to 30 passengers.

3. Considered a division of the city's Public Works Department.

4. City-owned corporate hangar is used for short-term housing of transient corporate jets.

5. Used by 40 jets in 2006 for $11,253 in hangar fees.

6. Approximately 38 aircraft based permanently at the airport.

Airport Revenue and Expenses.

Revenue:

1. Fuel Sales

2006 average low lead profit=$.63

2006 average jet fuel profit=$1.50

2. Aircraft Storage

3. Land Leases: Several private hangars on airport property

4. Fee: Annual fixed-base operators fee, service, etc.

Expenses:

1. Salaries

2. Supplies and permits

3. Navigational aids operational expenses

4. Utilities and insurance

5. Contracted services: snow removal and grass mowing.

By the Numbers:

-- Average annual operational cost is about $150,000

-- Airport generates about $120,000 of revenue per year

-- Contribution from city's general fund is about $30,000 = about $1 per citizen.

Advisory Board details:

-- It's a citizen advisory board made up of five city residents who provide input concerning the operation and future development of the airport.

-- Board members are appointed by the City Commission and serve staggered three-year terms without pay. There is a two-term limit.

-- Meets every month on the second Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the airport terminal.

Airport Personnel:

-- John Benzinger, airport manager since 1989

-- Office, 772-2965; cell: 989-944-1188, email moairport@

-- Todd Tarlton, assistant manager

Board Members (one vacancy)

-- Allen Bryan, 772-1040, term expires 1/31/2010

-- James E. Kostrava, 430-5688; term expires 1/31/2008

-- Mark Marshall, 772-5451, term expires Jan. 31, 2010

-- Brent Maxon, president, 775-3431, term expires 1/31/2009.

Latest Issues.

-- Purchasing 40 acres adjacent to the airport in summer 2007. Cost covered by 95 percent federal, 2.5 percent state, 2.5 percent local funding.

-- Upgrading water supply by hooking into Union township water system. Phase 1 is planned for this summer and brings water to the terminal building and will cost about $200,000.

-- Phase 2 continues the water line along the airport property for future development and then crosses south across Airport Road to connect with the existing Union Township water system. However, this might not be funded for a while.

-- Terminal expansion is planned for 2008, current terminal built in 1974. This expansion would include a bathroom with shower, a kitchenette, a bunk bed and couch for corporate jet pilots staying overnight. The expansion is dependent on completing the water upgrade project first. Funding will be 95 percent federal, 2.5 percent state, 2.5 percent local.

Airport Status as of April 2007

-- The airport is doing very well

-- Economic growth in the area has brought increased business traffic to the airport, which is where the serious money is at, and has more than made up for the long decline in general aviation.

Internet Resources:





Updated Fall 2007

MOUNT PLEASANT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

This is an advisory board to the City Commission but still has the power to make decisions for itself. The board consists of seven commissioners: five regular commissioners, a vice chair and the chair. Jim Collison is the new chair this year, and his term expires in January 2008. The vice chair is Sherry Cooper, who was also nominated and elected this year, and her term ends in January 2010. The other commissioners are Adrian Baumgardner, Charles Carlson, Patricia Daniels, Bob Frost and Michael Seaman.

Bob Frost is a professor in the CMU parks and recreation department. Other important people to know on this beat are Gregory Baderschneider, the city's director of parks, buildings and grounds, and Christopher Bundy, the director of recreation and sports. These two men are at every meeting and give the bulk of the information that the commission has to deal with.

The meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 401 N. Main St. Attendance is usually sparse, with only a few people coming to the meetings. The first meeting I attended only had two other people. The meetings only last from a half hour to an hour and tend to be rather unorganized. It seemed that they often forget to follow proper procedure for a formal meeting.

One of the issues the commission has been dealing with this semester is a policy on naming the parks. There has never been a set policy on naming or dedicating things "on the books," and the commission is looking to set one. Traditionally a person could get something dedicated or named when they donated half of the expense for it. For example, if a new bench cost $2,000, if a family or a person donated $1,000 they could have it dedicated to themselves or someone else. The commission has put the task on the staff, Baderschneider and Bundy, to research other cities' policies to get an idea of how they should set it. Commissioner Frost has recruited CMU students to help with the research, but they have yet to come up with a tentative policy.

Another recent issue facing the commission was all the grants they had to apply for and get approved. This included the Tribal 2 Percent Requests, the Access Recreation Grant and the Michigan DNR Trust Fund Grant. Two percent requests are grants that must be approved by the Saginaw-Chippewa Tribe. They will grant local government 2 percent of their gaming revenue, as long as local government gets the use of the money approved first. The Access Recreation Grant is a grant from the DNR to specifically provide barrier free recreational opportunities. The Michigan DNR Trust Fund Grant is a grant that can be used only for capital improvements, not operational.

My advice to anyone covering this beat would be to research what is going on in the commission before you go to a meeting. Chair Jim Collison is very willing to meet and discuss what is going on the with commission.

NOT updated in Fall 2007

MOUNT PLEASANT PLANNING COMMISSION

The Mount Pleasant Planning Commission meets every first Thursday at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Meeting Room, located at 401 N. Main St. For anyone who cannot attend a meeting, they are broadcasted live. For the following two weeks, the meeting is broadcasted every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on channel 26.

The nine-member board consists of a chairman, a vice-chairman and seven commissioners. Members of the planning commission are appointed by the City Commission. Each member serves a three-year term without pay, with all of the members having staggered terms. The current terms for two of the commissioners and the Vice Chairman will be up on January 31, 2008.

Planning Commission members are Chairman Peter Orlik, Vice Chairman Frances Lichtman, and Kim Ellertson, Jeff Jakeway, Eric Johnson, Michelle Lazarov, Lori Lumbert-Gillis, Mindé Lux and Tim Wolff.

The Mount Pleasant Planning Commission deals with the physical properties and development in Mount Pleasant. When issues are brought in front of the commission, the commission gives the individual (or a legal representative) a chance to present layouts, describe what they are asking for and explain the whys and hows of what they want. Depending on when this information is presented, the board may or may not open the floor up for public discussion. The boards will then vote on the request, and make their recommendation to the City Commission, who has the final word.

Planning commissioners are now allowed to talk about planning issues outside of meetings, according to state statutes. This means they are not allowed to talk to citizens or with other commissioners. Every planning issue must be discussed on the public record.

Members of the Planning Commission are to base their decisions on what they think is best for the city. They represent the city as a whole, not as individuals or their individual neighborhoods.

Commissioner Jeff Jakeway owns several homes in Mount Pleasant, which he rents out to individual students and to groups, such as Phi Mu Fraternity. When Jakeway acquires a new property and would like to get it rezoned so it can be rented out to students, or would like to make changes to one of his other properties, he makes a request to abstain from the commission for those decisions due to conflict of interest. The rest of the commission then votes on, and usually agrees to, his request. Jakeway will then step down and sit in the general audience, to not sway any of the others’ decisions.

Anyone from the general public who would like to voice an opinion on a specific issue can attend one of the public hearings or submit any concerns in writing to Tony Kulick, City Planner. Copies of all correspondence are then provided to the members of the commission. It is highly recommended that individuals do not contact the members of the commission because this could cause a conflict of interest for the said member.

Tony Kulick works closely with the planning commission. He is the executive secretary to the Mount Pleasant Planning Commission and leads the planning department.

One of the current problems that the Planning Commission has faced was that they tried to create a special “Park” zone. Currently, the public owns all park property, and the commission does not want the property to be sold off or built upon by individuals or small groups. However, when they suggested creating a park zone, the Parks and Recreation committee felt that the Planning Commission was crossing into their territory.

Commissioner Lori Lumbert-Gillis is a very opinionated woman. She constantly disagrees with members on the board and is long winded with her arguments. Gillis is against any issue that comes up that may benefit students she will be sure to voice her opinion on how students do not belong in the neighborhoods around campus.

Chairman Pete Orlik is a broadcasting professor at CMU, with his office on the third floor of Moore Hall. If a student has a question they can call his office or e-mail him and he is quick to respond and help. If he cannot help, he can direct the student in the right direction, or suggest who might be a better help.

Commissioner Jakeway is approachable. He is willing to talk to students and answer questions about the planning commission after the meetings.

Commission phone numbers: Orlik, 773-9370; Lichtman, 773-9766; Ellerston, 772-3887; Jakeway, 772-2163; Johnson, 774-1090; Lazarov, 775-8338; Lumbert-Gillis, 772-7544; Lux, 773-5616; Wolff, 714-2780.

The planning commission website is at:



The site includes a list of members, meeting schedule, current and past agendas, current and past minutes, annual reports, public hearing notices, forms, applications, and the Mount Pleasant City Charter, ordinances and zoning code.

Updated in Fall 2007.

MOUNT PLEASANT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

            The Mount Pleasant School District has six elementary schools and five secondary schools.  Four of the elementary schools are K-4 and two are 5-6.  Ganiard, 101 S. Adams St.; Pullen, 251 S. Brown St.; Rosebush, 3771 n. Mission St.; and Vowles, 1560 S. Watson St., are the K-4 schools.  Fancher, 801 S. Kinney Ave., and Mary McGuire, 4883 E. Crosslanes, serve fifth and sixth grades.  The give secondary schools are West intermediate, 440 S. Bradley St.; Mount Pleasant High School, 1155 S. Elizabeth St.; Mount Pleasant Area Technical School, 1155 S. Elizabeth St.; Oasis High School, 3350 S. Isabella Road; and Community and Adult Education, 1651 S. Bamber.  The most recent count indicates the Mount Pleasant School District has 3,778 students.  It has a large Native American enrollment, at 16 percent.

            The mission of the district is to prepare all students for continuing success.  In pursuit of the mission the schools will try to meet five goals. Each school will address the learning needs of each student, employ a highly qualified staff, provide a safe, caring and challenging environment, base it work on proven practices and data-driven instruction decisions, and expand learning partnerships with parents and other members of the community. The K-4 elementary schools meet the district's mission by having core and elective classes for students such as art, physical education and music.  Ganiard elementary has single-grade classes along with split classes such as first/second grade to enhance the learning environment. Mount Pleasant High School offers 120 courses including exploratory courses through the Technical Center.  It also offers honors and advanced placement courses in each subject, including calculus and physics.  Mount Pleasant High School also offers a choice of 25 clubs, 24 sports, drama and music.

            In 1967 the Mount Pleasant Area Technical Center was attached to the high school through a bond issue in the hopes of meeting the demands of a more trained technical workforce.  The Area Technical Center is one of two in the state that is conjoined with a high school.  Its mission is to provide hands-on technological and professional training for Mid-Michigan high school students and adults.  The center serves Gratiot, Isabella, Alma, Ashley, Beal City, Breckenridge, Fulton, Ithaca, Morey Charter School, Mount Pleasant Christian Academy, Sacred Heart, St. Louis and Shepherd.  It offers 24 industry-driven programs such as accounting, automotive technology, cosmetology, nursing and building trades.  High school students who take classes at the Tech Center are eligible for articulation at seven Mid-Michigan colleges, including CMU.  Articulation gives high school students the opportunity to earn three to 39 college credits, depending on the college, by completing classes at the Tech Center.  Students also have the opportunity to participate in a cooperative education program where they can practice classroom skills in a part-time job.

            The Mount Pleasant School District has four officers and three trustees on its Board of Education.  Pam Dosenberry is president, Laura McBride is vice president, Dana Briggs is secretary and Rita Doneth is treasurer.  Guy Newland, Barry Alford and Emily Harris are trustees.  Alford's and Harris' terms just began this year.   Tammy Holder is assistant superintendent of curriculum, Janet Burns is assistant superintendent for personnel, and Marla Michalak is the chief financial officer.   The board of education approved a three-year contract for Joseph Pius on April 18 as Superintendent.  Pius is formerly from Crestwood Public Schools in Dearborn and signed the contract in March with minimal bargaining.  The contract will pay him $127,500 during the first year, with salary for additional years to be decided annually.  He also receives a monthly mileage allowance of $350 for use of his personal vehicle on district business within the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District.  Trips outside the district are paid based on miles driven using the current Internal Revenue Service rate. The board meets at 6:30pm every third Monday of each month.

            The Mount Pleasant community approved a bond issue on May 8 for the district.  In 1994 and 1997, 7.94 mills were approved for additional of classrooms at West Intermediate and the seven elementary schools and construction of a new high school.  Because of refinancing of the 1997 bonds and rapid growth in the community, the 7.94 mills dropped to 6.02 mills.  In March the board approved a request to improve every school building and upgrade the high school football stadium.  Due to rapid growth, the millage needed to support the bonds will decrease from 6.02 mills to 5.48 mills, a decrease of .54 mills.  A mill is a tax of $1 on each $1,000 taxable value of real and personal property.

            The bond issue is earmarked for a number of projects. Among them, the Oasis Alternative Education Center will use $3.18 million to purchase the soon-to-be-vacated Isabella County Commission on Aging building, remodel the interior, repave parking lots and remove obsolete classrooms.  Mount Pleasant High School will use $4.4 million to install new stadium lights clubhouse and concession stand and resurface the track and tennis courts.  Vowles Elementary will use $1.9 million to add a 1,200-square-foot classroom because of growing enrollment. As of mid-December, building had begun; however there currently a work-stoppage due to permit problems. The estimated time of completion is April.

            On Dec. 10, the board of education was presented with a formal proposal by high school principal Jeff Thoenes that would turn the school year into a trimester system from the current semester system. The board will vote on the plan at their regular board meeting on Dec. 17. If approved, the high school would switch from two 90-day semesters, to three 60-day semesters. With this, students would be able to take 15 classes a year, broken up into three semesters of five classes. The impetus for the change is due in part to the revised Michigan Merit Curriculum, signed into law in 2006 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. It brought all public high schools under the same umbrella in terms of graduation requirements. Under the current system, 22-credits are required for graduation. Of those, 14 are required and 8 are electives. The trimester system would make 16-and-a-half credits required and leave 10-and-half as electives.

            Board meetings are usually easy to digest. A board packet is available at the administrative building a few days in advance of the meeting. It is a good idea to pick it up before hand so you know what to expect at the meetings. At times, however, there are attachments that board members have that are not put in the packets. You must approach a board member to find out how you can get a copy of the document.

            Issues left over that should be monitored are: the trimester system. If it is approved, it will begin to go into effect in the 2008-2009 school year; the progress on the addition to Vowles Elementary. When speaking with the principal off the record, he indicated that the addition was underwhelming and is not in step with the school's needs; there is a growing population across the school district, so this should be documented once this beat is picked up again.

            The funding-per-pupil amount from 2006 is $7,147. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe donates a considerable amount of money to the district. The most recent donation is from spring 2007 and totaled $1,275, 925.13 – the money for this comes from a "2% fund," in which the tribe donates 2% of its income for a period of time.

            Overall this is a fun beat. The best stories, however, come outside of the meeting room. It is imperative to get on the phone with the principals, because they are a very good source for possible stories.

Updated in Fall 2007

MOUNT PLEASANT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

 

            The Mount Pleasant Zoning Board of Appeals is a seven-member citizen board responsible for hearing appeals on decisions regarding enforcement of the city zoning ordinance and the housing licensing code.  Board members are appointed by the Mount Pleasant City Commission and serve staggered three-year terms without pay.  Board members are allowed to serve two terms.  If someone wants to serve on the board, they must fill out an application of interest.  Then the City Commission makes the appointment.  If there are no applicants, the commission seeks out an applicant.

            Board meetings are at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday each month at Mount Pleasant City Hall, 401 N. Main St.  The meetings are broadcast live on Channel 26 in Mount Pleasant and rebroadcast at 5 p.m. daily for two weeks after the meeting and also at 8 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.  This year the September meeting lasted around an hour.  The October meeting only lasted 40 minutes because there was only case.  The November case was the longest at around an hour and a half. 

Usually not many people attend the meetings.  The September meeting had a few extra people that were opposed to a case.  The second meeting only had the representative of the company requesting a variance, and myself.  The September meeting also had a few other journalism students attend.  The November meeting had quite a few students probably there for a class as it got closer to the end of the semester.

            If no appeals are submitted, the meeting is cancelled.  The board will elect a new chair and vice chair this February, or if the February meeting is cancelled, the first regular meeting that is held after.

 

The board members are:

Christopher Benison, (alternate) 601 S. University St., phone number 773-3543.  His term is until Jan. 31, 2009, and he is eligible for reappointment.  Benison is very eloquent and seems very educated.  He doesn't talk a whole lot at meetings, but when he does it's usually to ask an intelligent and maybe not as obvious question.

Norm Curtiss, 108 S. Oak St., phone number 772-2256. Curtiss will serve until Jan. 31, 2010, and is eligible for reappointment.  Curtiss is quiet unless someone asks him a question.  He comments on cases during the meetings once in a while.

Bob Heydenburg, 1505 Greenbriar St., phone number 773-9769.  His term expires Jan. 31, 2010 and he is eligible for reappointment.

Frances Lichtman, 1212 Tomah Drive, phone number 773-9766 (home) and 463-7182 (office).  Her term is until Jan. 31, 2008.  Her appointment will come up for review then.  Her membership is a result of a recent decision by Attorney General Mike Cox to have a liaison member belonging to both the planning commission and zoning board.  Lichtman talked a lot and was very nit-picky about the way a meeting is run, correcting the way motions were made.  In a conversation that lasted more than an hour after one meeting, Lichtman said "off the record" before nearly everything she said.  Most things she said weren't controversial, she just seemed really nervous about being misquoted or represented as some who knows more than she does (although she does seem to know a lot.)  She was very helpful in pointing out the right direction, but not for getting quotes.  Sometimes she is a bit long-winded during meetings.  She is a pretty busy person; she is a math professor at Alma College.  Out of the two meetings I have been to, she has only attended one.  She tends to make very good points when she speaks, and she seems to very strict when it comes down to the reasons for granting variances.  I think the other board members value her opinion greatly.

            Paul Murray: His address is 1121 Greenbanks Drive, Mt. Pleasant.  His phone number is 989-772-1209.  Murray's term lasts until Jan. 31, 2008, and he is not eligible for reappointment.  This means he has been on the board for two three-year terms.  Murray talks a lot during the meeting, and is very outspoken about his opinions. He is a really nice guy and doesn’t mind doing interviews.  He invited me to his office at his day job for one.His daughter is a journalist so I think that makes him less afraid of the media than most might be.

            Sam Staples:  His address is 300 Russell St., Unit 15, Mount Pleasant.  His phone number is 989-772-0359.  Stapes is the vice chair.  His term expires Jan. 31, 2008, and he cannot be reappointed.  Staples asks a lot of questions, but doesn't often express his opinions.  He tends to get off topic quite a bit and says things that don’t really apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  He seems pretty weary of the media and I think that comes from years of being in the public eye after his time as mayor in Birmingham, MI.  If you have to leave him a message, make it very clear who you are and what you are writing for if you want a response.  The Staples Music Hall on campus is named after him and his family.

            Pete Tolas: His address is 405 W. Grand Ave., Mount Pleasant.  His phone number is 989-772-2599.  Tolas, this year's chair, will be on the board until Jan. 31, 2009, and is ineligible for reappointment.  Tolas is very critical, and good in his chair position.  He was very opinionated and talkative during the meetings; however, he clammed up a bit when speaking afterward.  He seemed eager to leave once the meeting was over, although he didn't rush much during the meetings.

 

Small note about all board members:  It seems most don’t know a lot about the zoning code.  They rely heavily on Brian Kench’s information about specific cases, and his knowledge of specific zoning codes and what was done in previous cases.  But they do make the decision on whether an appellant is showing enough hardship to win the variance case.

 

Other Important People:

            Brian Kench: His email is bkench@mt-, and this is the best way to get hold of him.  Kench is not a member of the board, but he attends all meetings and is the one who prepares the agenda and answers questions for the board about city-related items.  He is very nice, knowledgeable and open.  He has tapes of the meetings, and was willing to email or print me any document I asked for.

            Becky Murphy:  She is the secretary.  She takes notes during the meeting.  She is the one to contact if Kench is unavailable.  Her phone number is 989-779-5302.  Her e-mail is beckymurphy@mt-. She is willing to e-mail or make copies of any of the materials related to the cases.  She really has been a pleasure to work with.

 

Cases this semester: 

            The most interesting case this semester so far has been the Advanced Auto Parts case.  Advanced Auto Parts wanted a variance on the signage ordinance.  They wanted an extra 108 square feet of signage.  The company cited safety reasons and aesthetic reasons for an increase in the variance.  They didn’t want people to slam on their breaks to try to make the turn into Advanced Auto Parts due to not seeing their sign.  They also have a huge red fascia on both sides of the building facing the streets.  They wanted lettering large enough to fill the fascia so it would not look like “small print on a legal document.”  The variance was unanimously denied.  The board said it was a unique situation, and that the previous business at that lot did so well, even with limited signage that they had to move to a new location.

            Another case had to do with a woman that wanted to add a garage onto her house.  She needed a setback variance, her property was narrow and there wouldn’t be enough room between the planned structure and the other lots surrounding her.  She was a senior citizen and wanted to put a laundry room in the garage too, so that she wouldn’t have to make trips the Laundromat.  The variance was passed.    

            Another case was on a setback variance and a proposal to split one large lot into two smaller lots.  If the two lots were split, the existing structure on the first lot wouldn’t have a large enough setback.  This variance was opposed by a few people in the neighborhood, citing the lowering of property value, the neighborhood feeling more cramped, and it would mess up her view of the softball field nearby.  The variance was approved pending the removal of a little bump-out structure on the garage of the house that was already on the lot.

            The last case of the semester dealt with the new strip-mall type development on Cherry St. and Mission St.  The contractor was requesting a greenbelt variance of zero ft, 10 short of what they needed.  The board approved a 3 ft. greenbelt on one side of the property and a 7 ft. greenbelt on the other side.  They wanted the developer to plant some extra trees to spruce up the landscaping though as a compromise.  Staples kept getting off topic and the meeting dragged over an hour and a half for the single case. 

           

            Internet:

Updated in Fall 2007

SHEPHERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

      The Shepherd Public School District is located in Shepherd, a village just 15 minutes south of Mount Pleasant.  The town is famous for its Maple Syrup Festival, and the people who live there consider it "the sweetest little town anywhere around."

      Shepherd Public Schools are home to the Blue Jays.  The district consists of five schools: Shepherd Elementary, Middle and High schools, Winn Elementary, and Odyssey Middle School/High School.  The district publishes a monthly newsletter, which can be useful for information.  The total student population is about 1,800, and there are approximately 120 certified staff members.

      I did not find the district's mission statement to be anything special, but the gist of it is that the district wants to "provide a learning environment, atmosphere and attitude that ensures self-development, continuous learning, and a life of choices."  The school's website is regularly updated and easy to use, and provide relevant information for covering this beat.  More information, and the monthly newsletters, can be found at .

      The district administration includes Superintendent Terry Baker, who came to the district in November 2006, and Assistant Superintendent Kevin Kolb, who looks after the district's budget.  Baker's predecessor was Thomas Gilstad, who only served as superintendent for 3 1/2 months.  Board President Tim Wilmot told me Gilstad was a retired superintendent from Bullock Creek and was only temporary until a replacement could be found.  "He came in knowing it was temporary," Wilmot said.  "He didn't want to work more than that, honestly."

      Other administrators are Kim Stegman, director of special education; Ben Doren, director of curriculum and testing coordinator. Peggy Trgina is the superintendent's secretary.   Trgina was very helpful to me and was very quick with e-mailing meeting agenda's and other documents.

      The Board of Education has seven members and meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in different locations in the district.  The president is Tim Wilmont, who recently took over in the summer of 2007.  Even though he is new, not much has changed because he was already serving on the school board for years, just as a different title.

      In addition to Wilmot, other board members are Gina Gross, John Cline, Sarah Cuthbertson and Ryan Hohlbein.

      In March 2007 Kolb said he felt very comfortable about the district's financial situation.  This, he said, was because in late November 2006 the schools received notice that the district's share of the 2 percent disbursement from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe had been approved, totaling about $211,000 to the district.  The biggest single item was $72,000 for school bus replacement.   The financial issue remains the same, as recent (October, 2007) word from Lansing, according to Kolb, says that Shepherd Schools will receive a 1 percent increase in per pupil student funding.   Though, the treasurer Ryan Hohlbein, said that 1 percent will hardly cover inflation they are still happy they are getting an increase, where many districts are being cut.     

      The largest and the most covered issue in the district is dealt with the school board and the citizens campaigning for a bond issue, which was passed in the Nov. 6 election.   The bond enables Shepherd to barrow a near 30 million dollars to renovate and expand the not only the districts physical capacity, but also technological capacity.   This was A HUGE issue, and provided me enough information for most of my stories.  Since it has passed, and good thing to cover is progress in the plans.   Currently, they have decided on a tentative ground breaking date of May 1, 2008 where construction will begin on the football field and Winn Elementary.  Here is a link to see the plans in full: .   Also check out this link to a forum held by a community driven organization called the FACTS committee (Facilities Are Critical To Success):  .  These will provide an excellent background on the issue.   Also, another note: they just recently decided which architectural company to go with.  They are Grand Rapids-based Tower Pinkster & Titus Associates.  You could call them and see how the plans are coming along.     

            Another issue that recently came up was the presentation of the annual district report, which showed lackluster improvements in the districts' test scores.  While some were above average, most were average or below.   It would be interesting to find how students are doing with testing, and how they plan on increasing scores.  Make sure to get your hands on a copy of the report.   The Superintendent's office will be more than happy to help you with that. 

      Overall, board members and Shepherd citizens are pleasant to talk to and are eager to speak with you as a student reporter.  Kolb as well as Baker is an excellent source to get information from at meetings or over the phone.  I had an incredible time talking with Baker, though.   Every time I needed a quote or an outlook on a piece, he was willing to talk and was more than willing to provide information.  I will say this, it was a little awkward at times, because even though I would say I was not writing for CM-Life, he would always ask me if the story was going to be in Cm-Life.   Be sure to ID yourself as a student at the start (Although maybe him thinking Cm-Life would run a story coaxed him into giving more info… nevertheless, it was not worth it!).   Also, don't call Terry Baker at home outside of office hours.  He was a little upset with me when I called him during dinner. 

Here are contact phone numbers:

      Shepherd High School office: 989-828-6601

      Board of Education office: 989-828-5520

      Kevin Kolb, assistant superintendent: 989-681-4301 (home) 

 

      Terry Baker:   989-621-7978 (cell)

Updated in Fall 2007

SHEPHERD VILLAGE COUNCIL



Contacts:

Gina Gross

Village Clerk

989.828.5278

vos@

Members:

Lee Coughlin: Village President 989.828.6712 coughcon@

Sandy Baxter: Trustee

Geoff Bartlett: Trustee

Mike DeGraw: Trustee

Matt Foote: Trustee

Melody Myers: Trustee

Jim Bush: Trustee

Steve Davidson: DPW Superintendent 989.828.5062

Anthony Hagen: Police Chief

Carey Wilmont: Treasurer

The village of Shepherd is located 6 miles south of Mount Pleasant off U.S. 127. It is a general law village ruled by a village council. The council is headed by the village president Lee Coughlin. The council members are elected by the residents by the use of ballots.

The village was built in 1857 around Salt River Flats which is the original name for the village. In 1887 a fire destroyed the village; it was then rebuilt and named Shepherd.

Shepherd has a population of 1,536 people. Its racial makeup is largely white, 1,480 people. There are seven blacks and eight American Indians. The median household income in 1999 was $40,804. The median family income in 1999 was $49,135. All these numbers are taken from the 2000 U.S. Census.

Shepherd's main tourist attraction is the annual Maple Syrup Festival. It is held at the end of April. April 2008 will mark the event’s 50th year. It has tractor shows, arts and craft shows, a parade and pancake and sausage meals. The big event is the pancake eating contest.

There were a few major issues this semester. The first was the new sidewalk ordinance which states that residential property owners and the village will split the cost of repairing most damaged sidewalks 50/50. With the old ordinance homeowners were completely responsible for the cost of repairing sidewalks. There was a budget of $10,000 and the sidewalks in front of over 20 residences were replaced. The repairs began Oct. 15 and were completed by Halloween.

Another issue was tax abatement for Highland Plastics Inc. They applied for a $189 thousand tax abatement for new equipment. The council approved the abatement. This was only the second time the council had to deal with a tax abatement so they turned to Middle Michigan Development Company for help on how it’s done. Highland Plastics said they will be applying for another tax abatement next year for $1 million for the construction of a new building.

A third issue is still being discussed and that is who will be in charge of Hall Street, Shepherd Public Schools or the village of Shepherd. After the bond issue passed on Nov. 6 for improvements for the schools there have been talks of closing Hall Street permanently to improve loading and unloading buses. It has pretty much been decided to do reconstruction to Hall Street and turn it into a loop so buses won’t have to back up, which is a safety issue, to leave the parking lot. However, who will be in charge of the curbs, gutters and utilities are still being discussed.

An issue that was brought up in last year’s guide to local government was that of the village manager position. Lee Coughlin brought up the idea to create a position of village manager in 1999 so there would be a full time staff member in charge of day-to-day decisions. He also expressed interest in the position which caused controversy among the council members because some thought he was only creating a position because he needed a job. Coughlin said this is not the case and that he only wants what is best for the village. The issue has not yet been brought up this semester, however Coughlin said he would like to bring it up at the next council meeting.

Updated in Fall 2007.

TIFA: DDA, EDC, BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

mt-

Mount Pleasant has three Tax Increment Finance Authorities (TIFA). The purpose of these authorities is to initiate projects and programs to halt property value deterioration and increase property tax valuation in designated districts. One authority was created for the Central Business District (CBD), generally described as the downtown area. The other two TIFAs were created for Industrial Park North, located east of North Million near U.S. 27, and University Park, situated on the south of the CMU campus.

Mount Pleasant's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) encompasses Mission Street from Bluegrass to the north city limit, Pickard Street from Arnold to Packard, and Broadway Street from Mission to Fancher.

The TIFAs and DDA are funded by a portion of the property taxes from the properties located within their districts. The TIFA and DDA Board then determine how the funds will be utilized, which directly or indirectly benefits all properties within the district. Typical projects include aesthetic improvements such as landscape, decorative lighting, entry walls, sidewalk brick pavers, planters, banners, holiday decorations, and the ongoing maintenance of those improvements.

Mount Pleasant also has an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) which deals with financing land purchases for economic development in the city, and a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority that helps provide financing to assist with the redevelopment of environmentally contaminated or structurally or economically obsolete sites in the city.

A nine-=member citizen advisory board oversees the operation of all the authorities listed above. Board members are appointed by the City Commission and serve staggered four-year terms without pay.

Members are Gary Allen, 775-2300; Tim Coscarelly, vice chairman, 772-1244; Bob Joynt, 773-5908; Tom Krapohl, 772-2991; Nathan Long, 774-1574; Joe Olivieri, 773-2333; Susan Pyecroft, 772-8787; Jeff Smith, chairman, 772-3750; and Tim Dolehanty, 772-0911.

Major issues include the West Broadway Revitalization Project, an economic development effort on the north side of Broadway Street, west of the downtown shopping district. It is a $15 million effort consisting of renovating the old Borden Creamery Building and constructing a second building between the creamery and Water Works Salon and Mountain Town Station. The project also includes the construction of a 375-space parking lot, acquisition of the railroad right-of-way along the Chippewa River, and continuation of the decorative streetscape west of Washington Street on Broadway.

NOT updated in Fall 2007

UNION TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The seven current members of the Charter Township of Union Board of Trustees will hold their jobs until at least next year. Union Township voters elect trustees for four-year terms, and the next election will be in 2008. Terms for all members expire at the same time, so the entire makeup of the board could theoretically change in one election. Current members are James Collin, township supervisor, 772-4600 ext. 26; Margie Henry, township clerk, 772-4600 ext. 29; Deborah Supka, township treasurer, 772-4600 ext 28; and trustees Russell Alwood, 772-4343; James Horton, 779-8004; Marian McDonald, 773-9348; and John Verwey, 772-3453. The township superintendent and finace director Gwen Plowman, and receptionist Kathy Blizzard are also present at every meeting.

All seven board members are paid for their work. They are required to have a registered address in Union Township and be a registered voter at that address. Every member is required to take an oath of office before assuming his or her duties. While a township board typically has five members, the Union board expanded to seven when the township became a charter township in the early 1990s. Four is a quorum.

The board meets at the Union Township Hall at 2010 S. Lincoln Road. Meetings are at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of each month. January and November are the only exceptions in which the board only meets once. As with its membership size, this meeting schedule is unconventional, as typical township boards meet no more than once a month. This board meets more often because of the size of the township as well as the large number of events occurring there.

The board makes final decisions on essentially all Union Township matters and is responsible for hiring all township positions including the building inspector Randy Robinson, the township’s zoning administrator Woody Woodruff, utility workers, and all other township staff. The township is located in Isabella County, and is the county's only chartered township. The Morning Sun described union Township as the "fastest growing municipality in mid-Michigan" in a 2005 story. The township is a client of the Middle Michigan Development Corp., a private, non-profit organization working towards industrial and technological development in both Isabella and Clare counties. The township was invited to join the MMDC in 2005. Other MMDC clients include the city of Mount Pleasant and Central Michigan University.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Union Township had a population of 7,615 in 2000. The 2006 census estimates population has increased to about 10,753 people, approximately half of whom are students. The number of students living in Union Township is certainly high enough to impact the rate of vacancies in Mount Pleasant. The very popular Union Township apartment complexes have resulted in a 25 percent increase in vacancies in the city, an all-time high. Trustee Marian McDonald has said the township is doing very well financially, although township growth is expected to level off compared to recent years.

Union Township has a contract with Mount Pleasant for the city to provide fire protection, and receives police protection from Isabella County. The township does not provide ambulance services. Water and sewer services are offered in Union Township, but trash and recycling services are not.

The township has had a conflict with Isabella County over the police protection it has provided. The county wants the township to help fund the purchase of two new police cruises, two officers, and new police gear. Because it is Isabella county’s fastest growing township, the need for more police protection is also increasing. Gwen Plowman, the township superintendent and finance director said the township has generated $1.2 million in new revenue since 2004. “We’re bringing more revenue to the county than any other county,” said board supervisor James T. Collin. The township’s 2.25 millage rate generates over $485,000 to give to the city for fire protection.

With increase revenue will come increased crime, according to Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski. In September 2006 the sheriff told the township board to expect more traffic, more accidents and more incidents of shoplifting, bad checks and counterfeit money use. He encouraged the board to contract with the sheriff's department to hire two additional deputies to patrol the township, an endeavor that would cost the township approximately $185,000 during the first year. The sheriff's proposal met with resistance from the board. The proposal was again met with resistance when it was suggested during the Oct. 10, 2007 meeting. The board appointed Collin, Supka, and Verwey to a dialogue committee to discuss the possibility of the township participating in a law enforcement agreement with Isabella County. The committee has met once so far and plans to meet again sometime in December. No date has been set.

Other than the dispute with the county over police protection, the Water Franchise Agreement with the Saginaw Indian Chippewa Tribe has been the biggest issue. The franchise agreement would allow the tribe to lay a 16 inch water main along Broadway and Remus Roads, east of US 127 to service an new industrial park on their federal trust land. Initially the tribe requested access to the township's water supply to service the park, but the new plan would connect the park to the tribe's existing water supply via a mile and a half water main through township land.

However, some aspects of the proposal did not sit well with the board. "There are no considerations other than a promise," said Township Supervisor James T. Collin. Trustee Jim Horton said the contract lacked a renewal clause leaving the fate of the water main uncertain after the specified 20 years expire. The board decided to postpone approval to allow for changes and discussion of the plan.

Communicating with the tribe is essential to reach an agreement,” Collin said.

“We certainly don’t want to have a bad relationship with them,” he said. “We need to look at what’s best for our township.” The contract was given back to the tribe’s lawyers to make changes. The agreement may be passed at the township meeting on Dec. 12, 2007.

While most government meetings last for at least two hours, the township’s meetings tend to adjourn within an hour. There seems to be somewhat of a citizen interest in township issues. The meetings tend to be scattered with at least a few residents that often speak during the time for public comment about business on the agenda.

Websites:

: The official website contains a calendar of all board meetings for the rest of 2007, plus minutes and agendas for meetings dating back to January 2006. Contact information for officials is available on the site, and there is a list of departments and services and links to each. There are also links to other sources containing Union Township-related information.

: The website of the Middle Michigan Development Corp. describes the functions of the MMDC and the demographics of the counties it serves, Isabella and Clare.

: The website of the Michigan Townships Association, a legislative a public advocate for the state's 1,242 townships, contains demographic information about Union Township.

Updated in Fall 2007

UNION TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

The Union Township Planning Commission is a nine-member advisory panel that meets on the third Wednesday of every month and makes recommendations about zoning, permit issuance, land use and zoning ordinances. The commission advises the union Township Board of Trustees and is appointed by the trustees on a non-partisan basis.

The current members are Chair Ken Schaeffer, Michael Darin, Alex Fuller, Herbert Hills, Jim Horton, Louise Plachta, Jim Wilson, Tim Hauck and Rick McGuirk. The commission works with Union Township Zoning Administrator Woody Woodruff, who brings concerns he receives from the community, drafts ordinances, and is responsible for fulfilling many of the mandates the commission sets out in its meetings. Woodruff also is a journalist's primary contact with the commission and with Union Township zoning matters.

The commission meets at the Union Township Hall, located at 2010 S. Lincoln Road. Its meetings start at 7 p.m., and none of the meetings I attended lasted more than an hour. For the most part the commission has little business to conduct. Usually one or two agenda items will come up -- usually a zoning request the commission will hear and ask questions about, before entertaining public comment (there generally aren't many members of the public present) and adjourning.

In 2000 Union Township had a population of 7,615 and more than 3,000 homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2005 the population had climbed to more than 10,000, with nearly half of those being students of Central Michigan University. The township covers 28.5 square miles.

Union is a charter township that surrounds the city of Mount Pleasant and essentially functions as a municipality. It consists mostly of agricultural land, but the Planning Commission's master land use plan calls for increased residential and commercial developments in the future. The future land use map for the township includes almost no agricultural land.

The Planning Commission has dealt with several fairly minor issues. At its April 18 meetings, the board approved for recommendation to the trustees a new ordinance amendment it asked Woodruff to draft that would bring it into compliance with Public Act 110 of 2006. The act and amendment deal with special use permits for group daycares, which are daycares that care for six to 12 children. According to the new state law, if those daycares meet certain state requirements for spacing and setbacks, etc., then the planning commission must approve their permit requests.

MISSING PAGE

…..U.S. 127, which will be constructed by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Isabella County Road Commission in the future.

The rezoning is the first step in the creation of a new strip mall development by Encore Developments. Preliminary plans for the mall include as many as eight stores, but the retailers to lease the properties have yet to be named.

Encore Developments also is responsible for the strip malls on Bluegrass Road near Mission Street, just outside Mount Pleasant. The developments include a Super Wal-Mart, Menards, Kohl's Sam's Club and Starbucks Coffee Ltd. The planning commission approved the site plans for the Bluegrass developments, which also fell in line with its future land use plans. Encore is based in Grand Rapids and can be reached at 616-913-9331.

Finally, at its April meeting, the commission approved preliminary site plans for an office park to be constructed on Collegiate Way near Bluegrass Road. The office park will operate as a condominium development and is being developed by Central Michigan Surveying and Development. Tim Bebee, CMS-D's owner, is the primary contact person for stories about the office park. He can be reached at 989-775-0756.

The best way to make contact with the Union Township Planning Commission is by speaking with Zoning Administrator William "Woody" Woodruff. He can be reached at 989-772-4600 ext. 41. Woodruff deals with all planning commission business and can answer any questions journalists might have about the commission, how it operates, and the issues it is dealing with. Woodruff also can put journalists in contact with the planning commissioners.

The best way to speak with the commissioners themselves, however, is after regular meetings. The commissioners are all very friendly and accommodating to journalists, although they prefer not to give out their phone numbers. They have been known to entertain questions during the public comment portion of the regular meetings and also will answer them afterwards. Phone numbers also can be obtained by calling 989-772-4600 and speaking with the township secretary. The township hall also houses documents, such as site plans, zoning requests and ordinances.

NOT updated in Fall 2007

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