Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Report

From the Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting

At tonight's Board of Commissioners meeting, the seven commissioners were sworn in for their new terms, including two new commissioners—Monique French, District 2 and Diane Thompson, District 6. Then the Board elected its Chair and Vice Chair— Comr. Kathy-Sue Vette is chairperson for the 2023-24 term, and Comr. Steve Frisbie is Vice Chair for 2023, with that position limited by state law to one year. On the consent agenda, Commissioners approved the 2023 Board of Commissioners meeting schedule, an appointment to the Veterans Affairs Committee, an appointment to the County Economic Development Corporation, and FEMA Public Assistance Grant Agreements, related to COVID-19 expenses.

To view the agenda or meeting recording, visit the Agendas page of the website.

In new business, the Board approved,

a Road Department MDOT contract for federal grant funding for 2023 road improvements on 28 Mile Road from Gordon Lake Access to H Drive N, in Clarence and Sheridan Townships
a 2023 safety grant for tree removal on M Drive S. in Burlington Township and Uldriks Road in Bedford Township
authorization to post unused, vacant county land for sale

A message from Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott

Happy New Year!

I want to wish our new governing board, our countywide elected officials, judges and department heads, county employees, and the residents we serve a happy and productive 2023. I always say leadership matters, and we are all essential leaders in keeping our community safe, healthy and happy through the valuable services County Government provides. This year we will complete and continue several monumental projects, including: the implementation of a new financial and HR software system; major renovations and expansion at our Youth Center; lighting and solar infrastructure upgrades within county buildings; efforts to design and seek funding for improved internet access for county residents; and the planned creation of a new consolidated county-wide public transportation system. There are more, I’m sure, and the bottom line is that we undertake these projects only if and when they are financially responsible, can save money and/or increase efficiency, and ultimately improve the lives of our residents.

Despite fiscal challenges and increasing needs to address health and wellbeing along with economic prosperity in the community, our incredible County team will remain dedicated in 2023 to “Building a Better County Through Responsive Leadership.”

From the Calhoun County Road Department

The Calhoun County Road Department launched two new methods for communication with the public as of Jan. 1. Both replace previous options.

Text notifications from the CCRD will now be sent via Rave Alerts, instead of Textcaster. This allows citizens to sign up for alerts alongside other county notification options, like weather, traffic, and emergencies. If you aren't already signed up for text notifications, you can sign up by creating a Smart911 profile or by texting ROADS to 67283. Creating a Smart911 profile allows you to sign up for other county notifications but also by creating a "Safety Profile," dispatch will have access to vital information about your household in case of an emergency. Learn more at calhouncountymi.gov/rave.

Additionally, CCRD has moved to a new service request portal through which members of the public can report road problems. This new portal allows citizens to create an account, view request statistics, and receive progress updates about the request. Using the smartphone app, users can take a photo of the pothole or area of concern, which also pin-points the location at which the problem is occurring. This new system is integrated with the Road Department's operating software to ensure a smooth workflow for everyone involved. Find the link to submit a service request on our website, calhouncountymi.gov/reportaproblem.

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