Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying your 2022.

During the 2/8 Board of Trustees meeting, I was prepared to share my thoughts on the proposed resolution.  However, when there is no motion to discuss I generally prefer to remain quiet to keep the meeting brief. 

I do not like the contents of the proposed resolution.  I do not wish to name the property.   I do not wish to manage the property.  I do not wish to approve individual expenditures on the property.

There seems to be some misunderstanding/disagreement regarding who should control/manage the Land Preservation Millage.  Many arguments could be made supporting the differing opinions on the matter.  Unless someone can point to a specific important problem that must be addressed, I do not believe that we need to resolve these differing opinions.  Also, I do not believe a BoT resolution will resolve this issue.

We have two millages for the purposes of purchasing and managing properties for active/passive recreation.  It seems logical to me that both millages are managed by a single group.  Because the Parks millage is managed by seven elected officials, I feel confident that they can properly manage the land preservation funds while remaining fully accountable to the citizens of Oakland Township.  Based on our recent grant successes, there are a least 5 million reasons to support my thoughts.  I do not feel that adding another layer of elected authority over Preservation Fund expenditures will serve the residents well.  Because I was previously on the Parks Board, I could speak at great lengths to describe the care and detail Parks puts into our natural areas and preservation fund expenditures.  I would strongly encourage anyone interested in land management to attend Dr. Ben Vanderweide’s presentation on Wednesday night at 7p.

Regarding BoT authority and oversight, I think most people would agree that the BoT, at minimum, has the authority to approve the budgets for both Parks and for Land Preservation.  This authority has been used to request small adjustments to budgets over the years through cooperative workshops.  I feel confident that the elected Parks Board is representing the residents well by managing the Park Fund and the Land Preservation Fund, and as a Trustee I feel that the budget approvals process is an appropriate check and balance.  

Kind regards,

Andy Zale