I would like to see our new Clerk (Mabry or Mangiapane, whoever is elected) recommend returning to more comprehensive minutes of Board meetings. Abbreviated minutes that meet only the legal minimum requirements were implemented by the Board at their March 13, 2013 meeting. See page 1 bottom at this link for very terse description of this major change.
https://ecode360.com/OA3183/document/54051437.pdf
Their reasons were not clear, except, as I recall from faulty memory, a reference to meeting videos being available. However no video is available for this meeting or any meeting before 2017. So we cannot research the discussion around this decision like we can decisions before 3/12/2013.
Past minutes before 2014 had summaries of Board discussions and citizen comments. Current minutes show only motions and votes and list your name if you comment, but nothing about what you said. The Board is alone among township boards or committees in their approach to minutes. Parks, Planning Commission, Zoning Board Appeals and Library Board, for example, provide comprehensive minutes.
The importance of going back to the old-style minutes was driven home to me today. I went to Township Hall and looked at 1980 minutes to research formation about our library board formation. What wonderfully complete but not too wordy descriptions of the Board discussions on this issue were in these minutes.
Oakland Township Sentinel 
I agree that the minutes do not reflect what went down at that meeting.
Residents need to know what the BOT is deciding on and who is influencing their decisions.
I am afraid that the BOT is being directed by politics and not what we what in out wonderful township parks!
I would question every resolution by the BOT to lead our township into a horrible mess instead of what is the right road.
We have a wonderful Parks Commission and wonderful employees, that have done a great job over many years.
I trust the PRC knowledge over those BOT officials who ignore our offers to educate and explain why we are managing our parks in a fact based direction.
These BOT folks, as well as uninformed residents, who don’t both not to to learn.
The PRC / OT has offered educational lectures to bring mis-informed residents and BOT officials regarding the correct way to manage our beautiful park system.
There is a lecture on Invastives / problems on October 29 at the OT cider mill at 6:30 pm, free.
Please come to enjoy a great lecture and meet folks that manage our wonderful parks for your enjoyment.
Thanks,
DLS
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The original intent of changing the meeting minutes was that videos of meetings would be kept forever as a reference point. It’s very disappointing to hear that they are only kept for a certain amount of time. The videos should be the preferred method of maintaining Township business. Maybe you should look into why there are not preserved.
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I agree – go back to full transcription and video recording and keep them archived forever! The local government works for us!!
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