The Good....
Anne Whitmore, President of the Topinabee Friends of the Library reported to the Board the successful Tuesday summer reading time enjoyed by many local and visiting children and their families. She noted the very popular children's field trip to the local Post Office and also had praise for Librarian Patty King's work.
Bob Schneider requested the Board keep he and the other adjacent owner of riparian rights next to the Woodruff St boat launch apprised of the new launch ramp and not encroach on their property.
The Board employed Township Attorney Tim MacArthur to educate both the Board and interested members of the public in attendance on the trials and tribulations of a local "Blight Ordinance". Supervisor Gale wisely chose to start with a simple initial ordinance that proposes to deal with only rubbish, trash, and junk. This would address nuisances that have been an ongoing issue for some residents. A roll call vote had Trustee John Brown with the sole dissenting vote because he had concerns with unstated and unknown costs to implement the ordinance. Mr MacArthur was directed to draft a "Blight Ordinance" specific to the township's needs.
The Bad......
Bids were opened for removal of the township docks. Cottage Care had the only written bid and it was unclear if this was solicited by a Board member or received as a result of the prior public notice. Trustee John Brown stated he had conveyed his offer previously. With clarification lacking on what the only sealed bid entailed, Trustee John Brown was awarded the contract to remove and reinstall the docks in spring 2014 for a total cost exceeding $2,000. Until the Mullett Board addresses the issue and need for a formal bid and procurement policy, every job put out "to bid" will be viewed with a jaundiced eye. Advertising, solicitation, and bid improprieties leave the public with the view something smells. It is hard to believe with the hundreds of docks installed and removed every year and with local contractors scrounging for work that no one wants to bid and do work for Mullett Township.
Katherine Hadden, daughter in-law of the late Louis Hadden speaking on behalf of husband Keith and mother in-law Shirley Hadden of the Topinabee Hardware addressed some concerns her family had with the proposed "Streetscape" design and it's negative impacts on customer and delivery access. She stated that as commercial stakeholders in the community, the Board had a duty to keep them and other informed on matters that impact them. She requested emails or some other timely notice of any meetings to allow their input in the planning process.
The Ugly........
Supervisor Gale stated that the Haddens were victims of "misinformation" and the entire "Streetscape" plan had been vetted in numerous "public" meetings.
Supervisor MaryAnne Gale addresses the "public" on Mullett Board initiatives and the proposed "Streetscape" plan during the annual TDA meeting.
Who ?????? addresses the "public" on Mullett Board initiatives and
the proposed "Streetscape" plan at Mullett Township Board meetings.
Tom O'Hare, Mullett Township Chairman of the Board, ignoring the fact that public comments should be directed to the Board and given free rein by Supervisor Gale, responded to the Hadden's concerns reminding Katherine Hadden that as Tom recalled, the late Louis Hadden was a supporter of the TDA in 2008. Tom stated Louis had in "fact" pledged the first $500 from a local business owner to fund the TDA. Mr O'Hare, remembering a different Louie than the rest of us, always neglects to mention that Louie NEVER made good on this alleged $500 pledge. Unfortunately, Louie having passed over a year ago is unable to defend his position.
