The board:

• Accepted the budget proposal. “Everything is tight. We were conservative on our figures,” commented Bruns.
• Approved a cross tube replacement on Vernor Road between Fish Lake and Five Lakes. Cost for the 30” tube $3350.
• Approved a noxious weed ordinance – affects 2.5 acre parcels (or less).
• Tabled the handicapped-accessible doors for the township building, pending more quotes. There was also some skeptism about whether it was really warranted, given the expense.
• Opted not to donate to the Lapeer fireworks.
• Decided against going for the new BS&A software – again, too expensive.
• Discussed the parking lot. It’s been paved and restriped. The approach to the road was not, though, and board members decided that was okay for now. (The approach requires a permit, inspection, and more quotes.)
• Appointed Sharon Albrecht and Allen Hoppe to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Appointed Jo Carol Pariseau and David Schlaud to the Planning Commission. All three-year terms.

freedom

Robert Lawson from Replays was there to talk about the upcoming Mayfield Freedom Festival, scheduled for July 3-5. He explained to the board, “It’s about trying to create our own identity.” He said he wants to “bring people to the awareness of what Mayfield Township is about.” Hmm. There’s a concept. He was looking to the board to support business in the township.

Lawson is the driver of a very ambitious plan for the inaugural freedom festival which includes everything from a car show to a 5k to music to baseball to Texas hold-em to cancer fundraising to fireworks.

Well, probably not fireworks. Turns out local businesses just don’t have the resources to pay for it, and the township turned him down, too. He was asking for help with $4800 to put on a 22-minute display in the middle of the diamonds. He’d done all the legwork, but couldn’t get the funding.

Bruns said he was uncomfortable committing public funds to private enterprise. Lawson said it was not about private enterprise. “We’re doing everything we possibly can,” he said. “This is about Mayfield Township.”

Well, kudos to Lawson. I think that’s pretty cool that he’s developed this vision and he’s acting on it.

of the people

Former candidate for the supervisor spot, Jerry Hudson, had some observations for the board.

• After commenting that the appointment process should have been more “above board,” (uhhm, yeah) , he applauded the choice.
• He pointed out a couple of things in the minutes that “never happened,” but the board made no move to amend the minutes.
• He was troubled about inertia on a matter in the planning department. Bruns said he’d look into it.
• Last but not least, Hudson’s all over the fire department thing. Informed the board of the $210 million in funds available from the feds for building fire departments. There’s been talk about a township fire department, I wonder if the board will do anything with that information. (Seems like every meeting someone turns up with a fire run bill – at least perhaps a small millage to cover that fee for folks? Maybe someday….)

Other stuff was covered at the meeting, but those are the highlights from what I heard.