Sentencing has been handed down to a Livingston County woman who admitted to stealing from several vehicles in Brighton and Howell. 17-year-old Kendra Keranen of Howell pleaded guilty as charged last month to five counts of larceny from a motor vehicle and one count of larceny of $1,000 or more. On Thursday, she was sentenced to 24 months of probation under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which means her record will be expunged if she successful completes probation. She will also be required to pay more than $2,500 in restitution. Keranen, along with three other young adults from Howell, were charged with stealing from multiple vehicles in Brighton and Oceola Township. Authorities say electronics, cash, purses, wallets, tools, gift cards and sunglasses were taken from vehicles outside residences between July 5th and 8th. The suspects were identified and arrested after a deputy discovered one of the stolen gift cards was used at a local Target store. As for the rest of the suspects, 26-year-old Adrian Ortega will be sentenced September 29th. He pleaded guilty earlier this month. 24-year-old James Juel is tentatively scheduled to go to trial in November and a competency evaluation has been ordered for the final suspect, 25-year-old Catherine Barrera. (DK/JK)
Howell Woman Who Stole From Multiple Vehicles Gets ProbationHowell Woman Who Stole From Multiple Vehicles Gets Probation
↧
↧
Green Oak Meeting Set Wednesday To Discuss Region's Water ResourcesGreen Oak Meeting Set Wednesday To Discuss Region's Water Resources
Area residents are invited to give their input on a regional water resources plan, with three meetings this week, including in Livingston County. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, or SEMCOG, is hosting a series of public meetings over the next six weeks, including one on Wednesday in Livingston County. Topics to be discussed include water infrastructure, which encompasses drinking water, storm water, and sanitary sewer. Also to be discussed are invasive species and the stateâs blue economy, or the ability of Michiganâs water resources to be used for economic opportunities. The first meeting will be held Tuesday at Cobblestone Farm in Ann Arbor. That will be followed Wednesday with a noon time meeting at the Green Oak Township Hall on Silver Lake Road. The final meeting this week will then be Thursday in Monroe County. SEMCOG says all three meetings will help to guide development of regional policies and implementation activities. A final meeting is set for Nov. 10 at the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron. You can find details on Wednesdayâs Green Oak Township gathering through the link below. (JK)
↧
Local Radio Club Offers Incentive To Residents To Become Licensed OperatorsLocal Radio Club Offers Incentive To Residents To Become Licensed Operators
A local club is hoping to encourage amateurs to become licensed radio operators by offering an incentive. The Livingston County Amateur Radio Klub, or LARK, is giving away a new Dual Band radio to anyone who successfully passes their exam to become a licensed radio operator. LARK Technical Director, Les Butler, says âbeing an amateur radio operator is a fun and very rewarding hobbyâ. Amateur Technician Class licenses are issued by the Federal Communications Commission. With that type of licenses, operators can communicate with others that are hundreds of miles away. Butler says those FM communications can even reach astronauts at the International Space Station. Butler tells WHMI the exam is pretty easy to pass in his opinion. Butler recommends that anyone taking the exam take the practice test as many times as necessary. Sample exams can be found at the LARK website, located at the link below. Testing is offered on the second Tuesday of every month free of charge at the Emergency Operations Center in Howell. The free radio incentive is available only to Livingston County residents and will be offered until December 31st. (DK)
↧
Brighton Church Hosts First Responder Appreciation DayBrighton Church Hosts First Responder Appreciation Day
First responders from all over Livingston County were invited to an appreciation event yesterday in downtown Brighton. Firefighters, police and EMTs along with their families were treated to food and entertainment at St. Paulâs Episcopal Church. The event featured an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, and an opportunity to create posters, thanking the first responders. Downtown restaurants provided food and there was training in âHands Onlyâ CPR. Brighton area churches and downtown restaurants sponsored the event that was a way to say thanks and recognize first responders. Hamburg Deputy Fire Chief Nick Miller says they donât do what they do for recognition. He says it's always nice to see the support that the community has for its responders. He says they all do it for different reasons usually it is because we want to do it, not for the recognition. Miller says it is actually difficult at times for some to want to accept recognition, because it's part of the job; their passion. He says they do it because we want to do it so sometimes the recognition is a little bit tough to take but it is nice and it is very much appreciated. It's good to see that the community does support us. Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin stopped by the event to express his appreciation. He says he was impressed with the way downtown Brighton came together in support of its public safety personnel. Putnam Township Firefighter Tom Parrish says it was nice to see the community get together for the event. He says normally first responders meet people in more tragic circumstances. Parrish says it was nice to be able to meet people for something fun for a change. After the tragic events of 9-11-2001 the federal government designated the week of September 25th as First Responder Appreciation week. The Rev. Deon Johnson, rector of St. Paulâs says the event was also to draw awareness to first responders and all that they do throughout the year. (DS)
↧
Hamburg Township Post Office Relocating Hamburg Township Post Office Relocating
The Hamburg Post Office will be moving into a vacant commercial property located in the Village of Hamburg development at 7420 East M-36. The U.S. Postal Service was unable to secure a long term lease in the current location and Communications Specialist Elizabeth Najduch tells WHMI a lease agreement has been finalized. The length of the lease and a timeline for the move has not been determined. Najduch says the Hamburg postmaster is really excited about the pending move and details about a grand opening will be forthcoming. Renovations to the building are planned now that negotiations are done. There was originally talk of closing the post office and discussions about moving the post office have been underway for months. Residents felt it was important to have the post office located in Hamburg Township as a way to keep its identity. (JM)
↧
↧
County Commissioner Appointed To Open Position On Metropark BoardCounty Commissioner Appointed To Open Position On Metropark Board
A county official has been chosen to fill a vacant position on the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of commissioners. Steve Williams, who currently represents District 6 on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners, will soon have a different position to fill. Williams was unseated by Sheriff Bob Bezotte in the August primary election, but is looking ahead to his new volunteer role. On Monday, the Livingston County Board of Commissioners interviewed three candidates for the volunteer position- local resident Carl Meisner, Hartland Township Trustee Joe Colaianne and Commissioner Williams. Commissioner Williams was interviewed first by the board so that he wouldnât know the questions they planned to ask the other candidates beforehand. After his interview, he resumed his seat on the board to aid in interviewing the other candidates. He did not however ask them any questions. At the conclusion of the interviews, Commissioner Gary Childs motioned to appoint Williams to the position, citing Williamsâ longtime commitment to the county as his reason. The other two candidates were not nominated and Childsâ motion passed in a 5-2 vote. Commissioner Williams voted in favor of appointing himself. Commissioners Dennis Dolan and William Green voted in opposition, though they did not say why. Williams tells WHMI he is looking forward to the new position as parks and recreation have always been a passion and interest of his. He noted that metropark fees have been raised a couple of times in recent years. He says he wants to help the HCMA by making it possible to provide excellent services but also create efficiencies to save money. Williams feels he will represent the residents of Livingston County well because the position is a combination of his experience, education and utilization of skills he gained serving as a county commissioner for 12 years. The position is effective immediately and expires in May of 2021. (DK)
↧
Former Howell Teacher Enters Plea To Child Pornography ChargesFormer Howell Teacher Enters Plea To Child Pornography Charges
A plea has been entered by a former teacher and coach at Howell High School charged in a child pornography case. 60-year-old Duane Millar had been charged with two counts of possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. His trial had been set to begin October 3rd, but a plea hearing was held Monday where Millar entered a guilty plea to a single count of receiving child pornography. In exchange, the two possession counts were dismissed, although they will be used when determining his sentencing guidelines. The charges were filed followed a search of Millarâs East Lansing home in March after a three-month investigation by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Millar had child pornography in an email account and on various computers and media storage devices. Soon after the charges were filed, Millar resigned his position with the Howell district, where he had taught world language and coached cross country and track. Sentencing was set for February 6th in federal court on Grand Rapids. The plea agreement with Millar stipulates that he will face between 5 and 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years of probation and up to $250,000 in fines. (JK)
↧
School Board Rejects Proposed Transgender Notification PolicySchool Board Rejects Proposed Transgender Notification Policy
The Howell Public Schools Board of Education refused to indulge one memberâs attempt to create a policy around the issue of transgender students. Trustee Deb McCormick tried to get a policy added to the agenda at Monday's meeting, but without success. She called the policy the âParentâs Right to Know.â When her attempt failed, McCormick brought the issue back up during board comment at the end of the meeting and accused the rest of the board of ignoring the issue. The policy, she says, is to give parents the choice about what their child is or isnât exposed to. She says would have informed parents in the district when or if there was a transgender student wishing to have accommodations. Board Secretary Brent Earl says there is no reason to do anything with a policy at this point. He says the federal government is currently prohibiting any enforcement of the guidance of the transgender issue. There is no reason to do anything right now because this is already being handled, and they are already following state law, which is the right thing to do. He says his opinion is that they are following state law and have a way forward on a case by case basis. Earl says no additional action on this topic is needed; no debate is warranted at this time. If it ever comes up they will debate it, but there is no reason to at this time. Several other board members agreed with Earl, saying the state of Michigan is handling the issue and the board is not ignoring it. Earl accused McCormick of âharping on this topicâ¦to the point of becoming reckless.â He read a note that Superintendent Erin MacGregor sent out to the board saying the district and the board thinks it is prudent to follow existing Michigan state law and to address any legal issues as they become binding. Earl says there is no binding law at present that allows transgender students to access the restrooms or locker rooms they identify with as opposed to their biological gender. MacGregor declined comment on the discussion. McCormick has since delivered a statement to WHMI that reads, "The statement made by Mr. Earl and other board members is not accurate. The State of Michigan has not joined in the law suit fighting this issue. The board received a letter I supplied to them in May of 2016 from the Attorney General of the State of Michigan which plainly states this. The only reckless behavior is how the issue occurred and was handled. When policy is made by employees of the district without the consent of the board and the superintendent we have a big problem. The superintendent has to decide to follow the current law, but for how long? Parents have a right to know so they can plan accordingly and we avoid a repeat of the situation." (DS)
↧
Pool Rates Charged Swim Clubs Under Scrutiny by Brighton School Board Pool Rates Charged Swim Clubs Under Scrutiny by Brighton School Board
The rates charged at the Brighton High School pool was the subject of contention at the Brighton Board of Education meeting Monday night. Many parents with children who are in Club Wolverine â which uses the pool on a regular basis â were at the meeting to object by a decision by the board two weeks ago to change the clubâs status from group B to Group D. According to Superintendent Greg Gray, the difference between B and D in the fees Club Wolverine is charged is about $20,000. Currently, Club Wolverine is charged just under $20,000 a year to use the Brighton pool for practice each week. But moving them down to Group D status would have meant a huge jump in their rates. Group D is defined as the rate charged to âout-of-countyâ non-profit organizations, and Club Wolverine is based in Ann Arbor, in Washtenaw County. However, the Club Wolverine people at the meeting said that about 80 members live in Brighton, and most go to Brighton schools, and to charge them out-of-county rates is excessive and unfair. In the end, the board revisited the issue and unanimously approved an amended motion byTrustee Bill Trombley to send the matter of the rate the club is charged back to administration for review. Club Wolverine parent and Genoa Township resident Tom McHugh has two children who are in Club Wolverine and attend the Brighton Area Schools. He tells WHMI that he thinks the motion approved by the board, is a good short-term solution. Gray told the board he would discuss the pool situation, and the rates charged each team, with the pool director and athletic director John Thompson and report back to the board. In contrast to the rates charged Club Wolverine, the Brighton swim team, called the Eels and known by the acronym âBESTâ, is charged nothing for the use of the pool. Superintendent Greg Gray says thatâs because BEST â which is a club sport at Brighton High School â has been having financial difficulties and needed a helping hand to get them back on their feet. Pictured is Club Wolverine parent Tom McHugh. (TT)
↧
↧
Senior Appreciation Day Wednesday At Huron-Clinton MetroparksSenior Appreciation Day Wednesday At Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Senior citizens throughout Livingston County can take advantage of free activities at local Metroparks. All 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks are celebrating âSenior Appreciation Dayâ this Wednesday. Senior citizens age 62 and over will receive free daily park entry to any Metropark. There are also a variety of free activities for seniors at the different parks. At Kensington Metropark, free Island Queen III boat rides, hayrides and a free hot dog lunch are being offered. At Huron Meadows Metropark, a free small bucket of driving range golf balls is being offered. A full list of activities is available through the link below. (JM)
↧
Panel Discussion To Discuss Opioid Abuse IssuesPanel Discussion To Discuss Opioid Abuse Issues
A panel discussion next month in Livingston County will feature local lawmakers, court and law enforcement officials and addiction specialists. The October 17th event is being sponsored by Congressman Mike Bishop and is billed as an informational awareness and discussion on opioid and prescription drug abuse. The status of those issues will be examined from a local and national perspective. Itâs set for Monday, October 17th from 1-2:30pm at the at the Putnam Township offices on W. M-36 in Pinckney. Special guests include Karen Bergbower of Karen Bergbower & Associates; Kaitlin Fink of Livingston County Catholic Charities; Francine Zysk, district court administrator; and Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy. Bishop, a member of the Opioid Conference Committee in Congress, sponsored an amendment earlier this year to the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act that allows state and local governments to invest in programs that utilize secure containers for prescription drugs. In Livingston County, the Big Red Barrel program is in place at every police station for the safe, no questions asked, disposal of prescription medications. Studies have shown that many people who become addicted to Opioids start by consuming excess medications left available friends and family. Reservations for the October 17th forum are required and can be made by Oct. 14 to Katherine Van Tiem at Katherine.vantiem@mail.house.gov or calling 810-227-8600. (JK)
↧
Howell Super Updates School Board On Facilities PlanHowell Super Updates School Board On Facilities Plan
In one local school district the discussion into what will happen to its underused facilities continues. Two of four phases of the Howell Public Schools Board of Educationâs look at facilities use have been completed. Superintendent Erin MacGregor gave the board an update last night and an overview of what will happen next. A decision out of the entire process, which includes meetings with subcommittees and the districtâs stakeholders, is expected in early December. MacGregor outlined what has happened already and what plans are going forward. MacGregor tells WHMI the committee has some set guidelines. The way that they're going to look at any of the options is to have some guiding principles guide that work and lead that work. What they did as a full committee was to take a look at those, delve deep into those and then prioritize those. They're all important, but MacGregor says he challenged the committee to prioritize those from most important to least important and that's what they did. That provides another layer, if they're going to look through these guiding principles and look at the options then what do they consider most important they can start to have some really hard conversations around what are the best options.
MacGregor says the priorities are equity of use across the districtâs elementary buildings, and financial stewardship. Of the five guiding principles, he says disrupting the fewest students is the lowest of the priorities. Included in the options the district is considering is to eliminate internal schools of choice. He says he struggles to understand why that is a problem if all of the services and supports are available across the district. A few parents spoke up during the public comment asking for consideration on the schools of choice issue. One couple says the option is one of the reasons they stay in the district. Trustee Grace Trudell says she likes having that option because it allows her son to stay in district rather than having to move to accommodate parenting time. MacGregor says while he understands the issue, it puts a strain on the districtâs other buildings. He says they are currently just looking at options, and there is no discussion about closing any of the districtâs buildings. A second community forum is set for this Wednesday at 6 pm in the Board of Education room. (DS)
↧
Livingston County Settles ACLU Lawsuit Over Jail Mail For $150,000Livingston County Settles ACLU Lawsuit Over Jail Mail For $150,000
A lawsuit filed against Livingston County by the American Civil Liberties union over its policy concerning legal mail being sent to jail inmates has been settled, although another lawsuit over the same issue will continue forward. The ACLU of Michigan filed the suit in 2014 after it got no response to two dozen letters sent to inmates. The jailâs policy has been to restrict most incoming and outgoing mail to postcards and not to deliver legal mail to inmates unless it was from a lawyer who is already representing them. The Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, in a unanimous decision last year, overturned the countyâs policy, calling it âarbitraryâ and that the letters sent by the ACLU were âprecisely the type of communication that an attorney and an inmate would want kept confidential. The countyâs attempt to appeal that to the U.S. Supreme Court was rejected earlier this year, leaving the appeals court ruling in effect. Court records indicate that the county and ACLU entered into a settlement September 23rd in which the county denies any wrongdoing or admission of liability, but promises to abide by the appeals court decision concerning jail mail, while paying $150,000 to the ACLU Fund of Michigan. Attorney T. Joseph Seward of the law firm Seward, Peck and Henderson represented the county in the lawsuit and tells WHMI that a previous lawsuit filed by Prison Legal News about the postcard-only policy continues forward. Seward added that the settlement does leave open the possibility that if a future decision in another case were to result in a new precedent concerning jail mail, the county would be able to revisit this decision and seek an update to its policies. The Prison Legal News lawsuit is set for a motion hearing next week. With the $150,000 settlement in the ACLU lawsuit, the costs associated with the two lawsuits are at least $292,000. (JK)
↧
↧
Trump Supporters Rally In BrightonTrump Supporters Rally In Brighton
A rally in Brighton yesterday was the second public gathering in Livingston County for supporters of Donald Trump for President. The corner of Charles Orndorf Drive and West Grand River, near Meijer, was packed with people donning red, white and blue and campaign signs. The Trump flash mob was part of a statewide movement that included rallies at over 40 locations. A similar event was held in August and since then, the number of locations has expanded from 25 to 40. Marcia Dicks of Tyrone Township volunteers at the Livingston For Trump campaign offices and is the Vice Chairwoman for Michiganâs 8th Congressional District Republican Committee. She tells WHMI the rallies are fun and shows just how much support Trump has in the area. Dicks says the campaign office has been âteeming with peopleâ. State Senator Joe Hune also attended the event and echoed Dicksâ notions. Hune attended a Tea Party debate-watching event on Monday and says he was impressed with the turnout. Hune believes the Trump campaign is catching fire and is expecting him to do well in the November election. (DK)
↧
Nearly 100 Books Collected For Sheriff's Office To Help Kids In CrisisNearly 100 Books Collected For Sheriff's Office To Help Kids In Crisis
Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputies will have to make some room in their patrol vehicles for books that were recently donated to assist children caught in crisis situations. The âBack the Blueâ book drive is a collaboration between the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office and Usborne Books & More. Donors purchased books through an Usborne Consultant and the company matched the donations by 50% after hitting the $250 mark. The books that were purchased will be divided among local police agencies and kept in patrol vehicles to distract and comfort children in the midst of a traumatic event. Lauren Moore is a Team Leader and Independent Consultant with Usborne Books and headed up the book drive. She tells WHMI she reached out to donors through social media and email. The book drive brought in just under 100 books and a few stuffed animals from six donors. Moore says sheâd love to hold another book drive, but this time connect with more people to encourage more donations. Moore dropped off the cases of books and stuffed animals at the Sheriffâs Department Tuesday, which were gratefully received by Undersheriff Mike Murphy. Murphy says the books provide more than just a comfort of the moment, but also an educational and interactive distraction for kids. (DK)
↧
South Hill Road Bridge Over I-96 To Close Thursday In Lyon TownshipSouth Hill Road Bridge Over I-96 To Close Thursday In Lyon Township
South Hill Road will be closing over I-96 in Lyon Township for bridge repairs. The work gets underway Thursday on South Hill Road, east of Milford Road and is expected to last through mid-November. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the emergency bridge repair project involves installing temporary bridge supports and repair piers. That will require closing South Hill Road over I-96, between South Hill Court and Pure Pack Drive. M-DOT says local access will be maintained for businesses and residents. The posted detour for northbound South Hill Road is eastbound Grand River Avenue to northbound Old Plank Road, then westbound Pontiac Trail to South Hill Road. The posted detour for southbound South Hill Road is eastbound Pontiac Trail to southbound Old Plank Road, then westbound Grand River Avenue to South Hill Road. A link to the project map is included below. (JM)
↧
South Lyon Woman Pleads In Crash That Killed Her MomSouth Lyon Woman Pleads In Crash That Killed Her Mom
Sentencing is set for a South Lyon woman charged in an alcohol-related crash that claimed the life of her mother. 51-year-old Janet McGahey had been set to go to trial last Monday, September 19th in Oakland County Circuit Court in connection with the fatal crash that took place in September of 2015. But records show that McGahey instead pleaded guilty as charged and will be sentenced October 26th. Authorities say McGahey was traveling on 11 Mile Road with her mother, 89-year-old Betty Whitfield of Lyon Township, in the passenger seat. They say after stopping at the intersection of Milford Road, she became distracted while talking on her cell phone and pulled out in front of a delivery truck, which struck the passenger side of her vehicle. McGaheyâs mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The truckâs driver was not injured. McGahey was hospitalized at the time for her injuries, but later released on bond, and has been ordered to attend AA meetings three times a week while awaiting trial. (JK)
↧
↧
Board Member & PTO Leader Trade Accusations Of MisconductBoard Member & PTO Leader Trade Accusations Of Misconduct
Accusations of misconduct by a Brighton school board member and of a PTO leader were topics of discussion at Mondayâs Brighton Area Schools Board of Education meeting. Trustee John Conely accused the PTO of violating state election law by campaigning for a particular slate of candidates at meetings inside school buildings, including while school was in session. Sherri Osterman, who is president of the Hilton Elementary PTO admitted that she handed out sheets with information on the November election school board candidates at the Parent Advisory Council meeting. Osterman, besides being the Hilton PTO president, also has her own Political Action Committee called âPositive Actionâ that is registered with the county. The âcheat sheetâ, as Osterman calls it, contained the names of her committeeâs preferred candidates. They include Alicia Reid, Jason Tracey, William Rockwell, and incumbent Andy Burchfield. For her part, Osterman apologized to the board, saying she came as an individual to the Parent Advisory Council meeting and PTO meetings â not as president of a school PTO - and didnât realize that what she had done might be a violation of state election law. "I'm not a professional campaigner. I didn't know it was a violation. I sincerely apologize. I always thought it was okay to have candidates and school board members at all of our meetings because I've always welcomed all of you. Every time we have a meeting I try to keep it personable. I introduce every parent. I introduce administration. I would certainly introduce Mr. Conely to all of our parents." Conely filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Hilton PTO demanding all financial information and was told that they have five business days to respond, which would be by the end of the business day Thursday. Conely said he filed the FOIA as a citizen and not as a board member. Conely maintains that he filed the FOIA merely âto make sure all PTO expenditures are related to the schools.â A spokesman for the Elections Division of the Secretary of Stateâs office in Lansing said Tuesday that his department would have to look at the issue, but that the best way to determine if there was a violation is for the person making the allegation to file a complaint with the state so it can be investigated. But Conelyâs conduct has also been called into question. He was criticized at the board meeting for putting his business address at the bottom of campaign signs for three persons running for the board of education: Incumbent Bill Trombley, Roger L. Myers and James Alexander, Jr. Asked by WHMI why he used his own business address on the signs, he said that he supports those candidates, and as an individual can support anyone he wants who is on the ballot. During a discussion of the issue, Conely had to be gaveled down by Board President Jay Krause after he derogatorily referred to Board Vice President Dave Chesney, itself a possible violation of board policy regarding conduct. Krause said after the meeting that that the board may need to hold a retreat or special meeting to discuss legal issues surrounding school election campaigns as well as board conduct. Osterman has also claimed that Conely acted in a âthreateningâ manner toward her on different occasions, which frightened her. In response, Conely told WHMI that âthere is no substance to her comment.â He further stated that Osterman has asserted in the past that he âfavorsâ charter schools over public schools, which he said is not the case. Conely says he merely thinks that school children should have choices and options. âI support public education 100%, but I also support options,â he said. Conely has been an open supporter of the Livingston Classical Academy, which had sought to open a charter school in the former Lindbom Elementary School. He was also personally thanked for his support by LCA organizers at a recent open house event at their current location in Whitmore Lake. (TT/JK)
↧
Public Hearing Set For New Howell Township Master PlanPublic Hearing Set For New Howell Township Master Plan
One local township is ready to hold a public hearing in anticipation of approving their new master plan. The Howell Township Planning Commission agreed to amend the current Master Plan draft after hearing suggestions that came during the mandatory comment period from neighboring townships, utilities, and the county. Minor issues like removing markings that overlapped into the City of Howellâs property and adding additional information about public transportation were addressed. The commission had also heard some concern that some color changes on the future land map had property owners worried that some of their rights would be taken away. Sloan said that all they were doing was marking the parcels as having significant natural features that they as a board were interested in protecting. No property rights were being taken away or changed. Zoning Administrator and Township Clerk Carolyn Eaton praised the work the commission did on the master plan saying that it far surpasses the usability of the old plan. The next step is to hold a public hearing where residents can share their own comments and concerns for consideration of the board. It is possible that new plan can be approved of and implemented following that session. The public hearing is scheduled as part of the planning commissionâs next meeting on October 25th. (MK)
↧
Brighton City Council To Discuss Retreat At Thursday MeetingBrighton City Council To Discuss Retreat At Thursday Meeting
The Brighton City Council will meet later this week to continue discussing the format of its annual retreat, a gathering that helps set the tone for the coming year of City operation and innovation. The Brighton City Council comes together every year for an intensive two-day weekend retreat, where members work with staff to set City goals and priorities. At a recent study session, Council and staff had a conversation about the format of the retreat scheduled this November. Staff has recommended using a third-party facilitator to help guide Council to forming a unified vision for the City. Communities across the state have adopted a process of creating one guiding vision and drawing actionable goals and objectives from that foundation. Council has expressed interest in balancing the goal of achieving a big picture vision for the City of Brighton with the need the retreat to be cost effective. The conversation will continue during a special meeting of the Brighton City Council this Thursday at 6:30pm at Brighton City Hall. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
