This from the March 11, 2020 meeting:

Presentation of Volunteer Recognition for Cam Mannino

Chairman Choi recognized resident Cam Mannino’s unselfish dedication to Oakland Township’s parks. Since she began in 2015, Ms. Mannino has written over 175 blog posts that appear on our natural areas website, the Natural Areas Notebook, and which have received over 52,000 views. She has tirelessly volunteered with vernal pool monitoring, seed collecting, nest box monitoring, invasive species workdays, weekly bird walks, and so much more. Cam Mannino is an invaluable ambassador for our parks, and the Parks and Recreation Commission and department staff are so thankful for all she does. The Commissioners expressed their thanks. Commissioner Rooney praised Ms. Mannino for her eye for nature and the beautiful way that she shares her observations through her writing and photos. She shared a quote from naturalist Henry David Thoreau, and said she feels Ms. Mannino embodies the notion of Mother Nature. Secretary Barkham reminisced that Ms. Mannino is the one who first introduced her family to the wonders of Bear Creek Nature Park. Ms. Mannino in turn thanked the PRC, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager Dr. VanderWeide, and Director Milos-Dale for helping her learn so much about stewardship, native plants, etc., and for giving her the opportunity to be involved with our Oakland Township parks system. Chairman Choi and the Commissioners presented Ms. Mannino with a certificate of appreciation for all that she has done and continues to do for Oakland Township.

If you have not seem Cam Mannino’s beautiful photos and in-depth explanations of what she captures with her camera check out this website: https://oaklandnaturalareas.com/author/brown366/

See the rest of the meeting minutes, written by veteran Ingrid Kliffel, that gives an outstanding summary of discussions leading up to decisions.

The next meeting is Wednesday, April 9^th by remote access via GoToMeeting. See the access instructions, proposed agenda, and packet of information about each agenda item here: https://www.ecode360.com/documents/OA3183/public/537907497.pdf

Drivers seem to be frequently running the stopsign at Oakbridge and Ridgeside according to alert resident Russell Zahodnik in a Nextdoor posting. Oakland Township Sentinel alerted our Township Supervisor Mike Bailey and Manager Adam Kline to this issue and suggested the Sheriff Department check it out. See the email and Nextdoor posting here: Residents Running Stopsign in Oakland Farms

As far back as I have looked in Township records the Township has been fiscally responsible. Our previous and current Boards have not saddled us with large unfunded debts coming due in the future as some Townships (like Bloomfield) have.

When we need municipal bonds to finance buildngs or property purchases our AAA rating means we can offer the lowest interest rates. Some of us who are not accountants love to poke fun at our “bean-counters”  perceived unwillingness to spend any money at all for anything. We have been fortunate to have those on our Boards who watch the spending  and financial committments closely.

The proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), that many would call a sewage treatment plant,  raised many questions from residents and the Commissioners.  Lombardo has an NPDES permit granted by the State of Michigan MDEQ. The township has no say in granting or denying this permit. State Law cuts us out. Planning Commissioner George Platz asked Lombardo to find some examples of this actual design and membrane technology working in real life. See more here:Stony Creek Crossing WWTP

See the full story at this link:

156 Home Jensam Development Coming to 247 acres on Clarkston Road

This letter sent 3/1/20 by email suggests that Planning Commission give  very close scrutiny to the wastewater permit granted by the  state MDEQ in 2016.

PC Suggestion for Buell – Stony Creek

Read article at this link:

New 143 Home Development Proposed on Buell Rd by Power Lines

Read my letter to Supervisor Michael Bailey here:

Concerns about OTFD

Bob Yager – Editor- Oakland Township Sentinel

Want to Appeal Your Tax Assessment? – Follow Judy Workings’ Advice in Preparing for Board of Review in March
If your property has been assessed at too high a value, you pay too much property tax. You can appeal a too high assessment to the Board of Review. Read more here: Want to Appeal Your Tax Assessment

It is my opinion that George Washington was our greatest president.

He could have been king or dictator, but rejected that role. He could have run for a third or more terms, as President, but did not.

On this President’s Day,  his farewell address, where he advises he will not seek a third term and gives his advice to the country is not outdated but is still very relevant, especially paragraphs 20-25 concerning the hazards of political parties.

George Washington Farewell Address – 1796