Flint Township View

Twp. board mulling over earlier meeting time





FLINT TWP. — A recommendation to move up township board meeting times to 4:30 p.m. was postponed after objections were raised by Trustee Frank Kasle.

Township Supervisor Karyn Miller brought up the topic, which was not on the board’s Monday night agenda, but she gave the options of voting immediately or taking time to think it over by the next board meeting.

Noting that it is now dark outside at 7 p.m., Miller said the idea was discussed during a staff meeting at which she was present along with the clerk and treasur- er. She noted that some other local government bodies meet earlier in the day.

Kasle said he opposed changing the time but also did not want to do it without public notice or input. Public opinion should be considered, he said. He also noted that the board has met at 7 p.m. for a long time.

The time change would be effective in 2017. The 2017 board calendar and meeting times were approved earlier this year by the previous board. There are four new members on the seven-member board.

Miller pointed out that it only takes four votes by board members to approve the time change. Some new board members spoke in favor of it.

Tom Klee, who is newly elected, suggested trying out a different time, perhaps alternating the times of the twice-monthly board meeting. Carol Pfaff-Dahl, also newly elected, spoke in favor of trying out a new time on a trial basis for a few months to see if it affects meeting attendance.

Kasle suggested a quick poll of people in the audience to gauge public response. Miller declined, saying it was not a question and answer time. She said the matter would be placed on the agenda for the board’s next meeting on December 19 at 7 p.m.

She said it “may be a big deal for some but not for others.” Kasle requested that public notice be posted and public comment sought before making any changes.

Meeting dates and times for the township board and its other boards and commissions are posted on the township website calendar at www.flinttownship.org


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