1 00:01:01,840 --> 00:01:08,720 All right. Good morning. Call this uh meeting to order. If you would all 2 00:01:07,119 --> 00:01:12,880 please rise and state the pledge with me. 3 00:01:10,400 --> 00:01:18,400 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 4 00:01:15,360 --> 00:01:24,240 republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and 5 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:30,960 justice for all. >> All right. Thank you very much. I've uh 6 00:01:27,759 --> 00:01:33,680 completed roll the agenda. Is there any changes to the agenda? 7 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:36,960 » Nope. >> Do I have a motion? 8 00:01:35,759 --> 00:01:38,880 » Move the agenda. >> Support. 9 00:01:37,600 --> 00:01:44,880 » All right. So, I got a motion and support. Well, I don't even have to look 10 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:47,520 over to the right side today. Um, all in favor signify with I. 11 00:01:46,720 --> 00:01:52,399 » I. >> Opposed. Okay. 12 00:01:50,159 --> 00:01:57,840 Moving on to number five. Approval of minutes from the August 12th meeting. 13 00:01:56,560 --> 00:02:01,200 » Support. >> I got a motion supported. Any 14 00:01:59,439 --> 00:02:04,399 discussion? Seeing none, all in favor signify. I 15 00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:10,399 » I >> opposed. 16 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:15,360 Okay. All right. We move on to excuse me we move on to number uh six which is 17 00:02:13,040 --> 00:02:20,879 limited public comment. If anybody has a public comment u please come up to the 18 00:02:17,440 --> 00:02:23,879 podium and uh please keep it within 3 minutes. 19 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:35,440 Okay. See no movement. We move on to number seven which is 20 00:02:33,040 --> 00:02:38,440 construction codes. Morning 21 00:02:39,040 --> 00:02:43,280 everyone. >> Good morning. 22 00:02:40,480 --> 00:02:47,280 » Um, as far as my report, I'll elaborate a little bit more on the 23 00:02:45,040 --> 00:02:53,440 soil erosion. Wait, we did have a meeting with Eagle, um, Tammy and 24 00:02:49,840 --> 00:02:59,920 Claudine and I, which went very well. Um, since we've gotten into this, we 25 00:02:55,680 --> 00:03:04,080 need to change the ordinance. Um, and then once we have it changed, we need to 26 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:09,440 send it to Eagle for their review, which could take up to 90 days 27 00:03:06,720 --> 00:03:14,080 and then bring it back to the board for approval of the change of ordinance. So, 28 00:03:12,239 --> 00:03:18,959 in talking with Ben and Claudine, I think right now the goal is to for the 29 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:25,519 my department to take over soil erosion on January 4th, giving us time to do all 30 00:03:22,239 --> 00:03:28,720 of that. Originally, we didn't know we had to do all this 31 00:03:27,040 --> 00:03:34,480 with the ordinance and there was the 90 days that they could have it up to. So, 32 00:03:31,519 --> 00:03:38,640 um, now we know. So, that's where that's at. We are 33 00:03:36,159 --> 00:03:41,920 working on it. I'm getting ready to hopefully next week be able to send it 34 00:03:40,400 --> 00:03:49,680 to the state to Eagle and start the review. 35 00:03:47,120 --> 00:03:55,120 Other than that, um, planning and zoning, all the everything's boxed up. 36 00:03:52,799 --> 00:03:59,280 All the flash drives are ready. The town, all but 37 00:03:57,439 --> 00:04:03,920 three townships have picked up all their material. I think Eaton and Caramel and 38 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:08,319 Benton are the ones that haven't yet, but don't quote me on that. They have 39 00:04:06,159 --> 00:04:11,120 all been notified. Um if they haven't picked it up by the 40 00:04:09,920 --> 00:04:14,640 end of there's up by the end of the week, then I'll reach out to them again. 41 00:04:16,400 --> 00:04:24,400 um BSNA cloud right now the tenative dates 42 00:04:22,479 --> 00:04:29,759 it's in the report we're going to move in January like the third week of 43 00:04:26,160 --> 00:04:35,280 January and then the treasur's office and equalization will move in December I 44 00:04:33,280 --> 00:04:40,000 don't know what week in December yet but that is the goal 45 00:04:37,680 --> 00:04:46,320 when that happens my office will be shut down 46 00:04:42,479 --> 00:04:52,400 from taking permits for about 3 days, which January is a slower time for us. 47 00:04:49,280 --> 00:04:57,199 And I will send out I won't I'll have Tammy send out a a mass email to all of 48 00:04:55,040 --> 00:05:01,919 our contractors letting them know that we're going to be shut down on 2 o'clock 49 00:04:59,120 --> 00:05:06,080 on a Wednesday and then reopen up on Monday as far as being able to take in 50 00:05:05,199 --> 00:05:09,360 permits. >> So, just to be clear, you're not going 51 00:05:07,520 --> 00:05:13,039 to do permits by paper either. there will be no transactions at all. 52 00:05:11,360 --> 00:05:16,880 » Um, right now, no. But that doesn't mean 53 00:05:15,199 --> 00:05:21,520 that won't change. I've been talking with Kevin from Univate to see, 54 00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:27,120 you know, what what the standard procedure has been with other 55 00:05:23,520 --> 00:05:32,080 jurisdictions. Um, if we have a, you know, a hot permit, 56 00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:36,320 yes. But if it's just a, and most of our contractors once I send out that we send 57 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:41,199 out that email, they're going to pull everything they need. If it was going to 58 00:05:38,960 --> 00:05:46,240 be a week-l long shutdown, that'd be a different conversation that is actually 59 00:05:43,919 --> 00:05:50,080 now that you bring it up when equalization and treasur's office switch 60 00:05:48,320 --> 00:05:54,800 over I will be shut down again and that could be a longer period of time and if 61 00:05:52,400 --> 00:06:00,320 it is I will definitely we'll do it by paper and by phone and in office. Okay, 62 00:05:58,560 --> 00:06:05,280 let's work with Logan to maybe put something on the um face to put 63 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:08,400 something on Facebook, maybe put it on the website and additionally on your 64 00:06:07,199 --> 00:06:11,680 door like a month before. >> Yep. And I plan on putting it on our web 65 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:14,720 page on the website, too. >> Okay. 66 00:06:13,360 --> 00:06:17,720 » Anybody have any questions about the cloud? 67 00:06:19,039 --> 00:06:25,680 I think really that's all I have today unless you guys have some other 68 00:06:23,280 --> 00:06:32,160 questions. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. 69 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:35,960 All right, we move on to uh community development number eight. 70 00:06:36,639 --> 00:06:44,000 » Good morning everybody. This is my second day back to work after leave. Um 71 00:06:41,520 --> 00:06:48,479 in my absence, thankful to Claudine and Lisa, they were able to submit our 72 00:06:45,919 --> 00:06:52,400 veterans grant application to the state. Um that is the grant that primarily pays 73 00:06:50,479 --> 00:06:58,160 for the salaries for Tom and Michelle and um for Melissa that does a lot of 74 00:06:55,360 --> 00:07:05,440 our um financial oversight of that grant. Um before you we are requesting 75 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:10,400 um permissions to apply for a standown grant opportunity of up to $50,000. We 76 00:07:08,880 --> 00:07:15,199 would not be applying for this grant until January 1st, but there's five very 77 00:07:13,280 --> 00:07:20,080 specific criteria that we have to have in place with partners for health care, 78 00:07:17,599 --> 00:07:23,759 mental health, transportation, things of that nature in order to even apply for 79 00:07:22,319 --> 00:07:31,599 the grant. So, we actually have to have contracts in place with say U of M and 80 00:07:28,639 --> 00:07:35,599 RAN and whatever it might be for the two standown events before we can even make 81 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:40,599 application for that grant. That's why we're asking so far in advance. Any 82 00:07:40,639 --> 00:07:47,599 questions? >> So, if public works um wishes to move 83 00:07:45,680 --> 00:07:50,000 forward, this would need a motion to go to Ways and Means for application 84 00:07:49,199 --> 00:07:56,879 approval. >> Yeah. So, do I have a motion or no 85 00:07:54,000 --> 00:08:01,160 motion? >> I'll make that motion. 86 00:07:58,160 --> 00:08:01,160 » Okay. 87 00:08:01,280 --> 00:08:08,160 » Is there any further discussion? >> I mean, your second day back. We should 88 00:08:05,120 --> 00:08:14,160 have a little suspense, shouldn't we? Thank you. 89 00:08:09,919 --> 00:08:15,759 » Okay. No. Uh no discussion. All in favor signify with I. 90 00:08:15,120 --> 00:08:18,319 » I. >> Opposed. 91 00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:21,520 » All right. >> Thank you. 92 00:08:19,039 --> 00:08:29,000 » Yep. Moving on to 93 00:08:23,759 --> 00:08:29,000 uh number nine. Uh recycling. 94 00:08:37,919 --> 00:08:45,519 Good morning, commissioners. Morning. >> Uh just a short report today. Uh we do 95 00:08:43,360 --> 00:08:50,720 have updates with the solid waste ordinance license licensing and 96 00:08:47,600 --> 00:08:56,320 reporting. Uh we did receive DAG container service finally. So, our only 97 00:08:53,440 --> 00:09:03,760 non-compliant is with LeBron trashing and um he was finally responding to us 98 00:09:00,880 --> 00:09:08,320 uh with our last notification and so we have hopes uh that he will be in 99 00:09:05,760 --> 00:09:12,800 compliance by next month. Otherwise, uh we will be asking for a formal hearing 100 00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:20,399 in violation of the solid waste ordinance uh for next month. 101 00:09:16,320 --> 00:09:24,800 uh our recycling event. We are working through getting all the registrations 102 00:09:22,640 --> 00:09:30,240 together for our scrap tire cleanup in Charlotte. Um we have about 200 103 00:09:27,600 --> 00:09:34,880 registrations and about 1,800 tires registered. Uh so we're really looking 104 00:09:32,480 --> 00:09:41,120 forward to that event and it going well. And again, that's on September 19th. 105 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:45,360 And uh it the remaining space is filling up fast. So, if anybody wants to 106 00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:49,360 register, they should do so as soon as possible. 107 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:54,640 At Sunfield Recycling Center, we're going through a bit of a transition 108 00:09:51,920 --> 00:10:01,200 transition there. Um, we did lose another staff and so, uh, current staff, 109 00:09:58,480 --> 00:10:07,519 we are restructuring and reorganizing. Uh, in previous reports I stated that 110 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:13,040 Eagle is now looking at regulating and permitting facilities like we have in 111 00:10:10,160 --> 00:10:17,760 Sunfield, a material recovery facility. And so during that process of 112 00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:23,040 restructuring, we're looking at compliance with all of the updates to 113 00:10:20,320 --> 00:10:29,600 part 115 that Eagle wants to see implemented. So, um, in addition to 114 00:10:25,519 --> 00:10:34,320 that, our material broker has retired or left the company. So, um we are also 115 00:10:32,480 --> 00:10:38,720 looking at engaging in directly marketing and selling our materials over 116 00:10:36,399 --> 00:10:43,200 there. Um and due to staffing limitations, we are temporarily closed 117 00:10:41,279 --> 00:10:49,600 on Sundays and we're looking forward to reopening on Sundays or Saturdays, 118 00:10:45,839 --> 00:10:55,360 sorry. Um when we have the staff, our mobile recycling program is going really 119 00:10:51,600 --> 00:11:01,839 well. Um we'll be in Belleview Alvette today um for recycling and our mobile 120 00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:07,040 electronics program is going really well. We have one date left, October 121 00:11:04,079 --> 00:11:12,079 21st. It's a Wednesday at Sunfield Recycling Center. So it's a last chance 122 00:11:09,200 --> 00:11:19,200 for uh people in the community to get their electronics recycled with us. And 123 00:11:15,360 --> 00:11:25,040 also of note is Eagle has extended the grant. Um, we do have program costs that 124 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:31,360 are going to be running through the winter and Eagle was generous enough to 125 00:11:27,600 --> 00:11:38,480 grant um us an extension through May 28th of next year. So, we're we're very 126 00:11:34,720 --> 00:11:43,680 grateful for that. Um and finally of note, um the MMPC, our materials 127 00:11:41,600 --> 00:11:50,480 management planning committee did meet this month and we reviewed the surveys 128 00:11:46,560 --> 00:11:56,399 that went out uh about a month ago and we got incredible responses. about 400 129 00:11:53,200 --> 00:12:02,880 people um responded to our survey and the survey is remaining open um just to 130 00:11:59,440 --> 00:12:07,920 get more information from people and and these surveys will really help us make 131 00:12:04,640 --> 00:12:12,800 better decisions and develop the MMP to meet the needs needs of the community 132 00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:16,000 here in Eaten County. And that concludes my report. 133 00:12:14,160 --> 00:12:19,440 » All right. >> Yes, Commissioner. 134 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:23,920 » Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um thank you for that report. I did have a question. 135 00:12:21,440 --> 00:12:28,160 You'd mentioned the electronics um recycling event in Sunfield. Is that 136 00:12:26,079 --> 00:12:30,720 for Sunfield residents only or all Eaton County? 137 00:12:28,720 --> 00:12:35,920 » All of Eaton County residents are >> And what was the date on that one? 138 00:12:32,560 --> 00:12:39,720 » Uh that is I have glasses now. 139 00:12:40,399 --> 00:12:48,320 October 21st. So it's a Wednesday, October 21st from 2 to 6:00 p.m. 140 00:12:45,760 --> 00:12:53,040 » Okay. And I might have missed it, but can you 141 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:56,720 recap? How did your recycle pulooa thing in Charlotte go in August? Very 142 00:12:55,839 --> 00:13:03,040 receptive. >> Oh yeah, it went great. Um, we had over 143 00:13:00,560 --> 00:13:09,200 about 800 registrations and we do get some no shows. So about 600 came 144 00:13:05,360 --> 00:13:15,600 through. Um, it was very smooth. We had um our hazardous waste and our 145 00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:20,000 electronics and uh we are getting the invoices hopefully soon so we can 146 00:13:17,600 --> 00:13:25,920 actually see the data. But from what we saw on the ground and what we saw from 147 00:13:21,839 --> 00:13:31,760 our vendors um our our hazardous waste vendor, they almost ran out of boxes to 148 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:35,600 take hazardous waste. So, um, there's a really great turnout by the community 149 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:39,200 and we're really looking forward to to seeing those weights come in from from 150 00:13:37,519 --> 00:13:44,240 the event. So, >> good. Thank you for that. 151 00:13:41,519 --> 00:13:49,200 » Just one item to note on the MMP, Jared did have a resignation of one of the 152 00:13:46,320 --> 00:13:52,399 members. Their bylaws require the board uh receive notification of that in 153 00:13:50,959 --> 00:13:56,959 writing. So, that'll be a communication in the board packet for next week and 154 00:13:54,720 --> 00:14:01,360 Jared will work on finding somebody to apply uh for a replacement for that. 155 00:14:01,440 --> 00:14:10,399 Yes, Morgan uh resigned and the nonprofit seat for the committee is 156 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:16,560 currently open and so um my first choice I I would like to see the conservation 157 00:14:12,720 --> 00:14:20,480 district on our uh committee but if there's any suggestions uh I would 158 00:14:18,959 --> 00:14:26,399 welcome them. Thank you. >> So Claudine is that something that stays 159 00:14:23,839 --> 00:14:30,399 in our county or to the public? It's a board appointment and it's a specific 160 00:14:28,480 --> 00:14:34,480 board appointment. That's the nonprofit one or the one from another agency. 161 00:14:32,560 --> 00:14:38,480 » It's the nonprofit seat for the committee. Yep. 162 00:14:35,839 --> 00:14:42,000 » So, he's it has to be somebody from a nonprofit. We're going to talk about 163 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:44,480 committee appointments at the end. I would wrap it into the advertisement for 164 00:14:43,839 --> 00:14:48,160 that. >> Okay. I like I said, I wasn't sure if it 165 00:14:46,079 --> 00:14:51,760 went out on the county's website like it was open to the public or if it was 166 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:56,320 » It is, but it's specific for a nonprofit se. So, similar to the construction code 167 00:14:53,839 --> 00:15:02,320 appointments, they have to be uh they have to be a mechanical um person, a 168 00:15:00,399 --> 00:15:05,440 » certified mechanical inspector or not inspector but license holder. 169 00:15:04,639 --> 00:15:09,360 » Correct. Okay. >> Or they have to be a licensed builder. 170 00:15:07,360 --> 00:15:12,560 You have to be specific things to sit on that construction code board of appeals. 171 00:15:11,040 --> 00:15:17,920 So, this is similar to that. So, when we advertise it, we put that in there. Must 172 00:15:14,639 --> 00:15:21,440 be a member of a nonprofit. >> Thank you for clarifying that. 173 00:15:19,199 --> 00:15:25,440 » Mhm. All right. 174 00:15:22,399 --> 00:15:31,120 » Any other questions? All right. Seeing none. Thank you. 175 00:15:27,760 --> 00:15:38,399 » All right. Thank you. >> All right. Moving on to item 10, parks. 176 00:15:36,560 --> 00:15:43,279 » Good morning, commissioners. Short report today. Uh the new ADA accessible 177 00:15:41,519 --> 00:15:50,959 playground at Fox Memorial Park has been completed. Uh staff's currently working 178 00:15:45,360 --> 00:15:55,120 on um putting down grass seed for uh around the cemented areas. Um repairs 179 00:15:53,680 --> 00:16:00,639 are scheduled for the Fox Park Observatory and orders have been placed 180 00:15:57,360 --> 00:16:05,199 for the facility's rear beam. Um this is expected to be delivered within 10 to 12 181 00:16:02,639 --> 00:16:09,519 weeks. Uh project agreement has been finalized with the DNR for the Michigan 182 00:16:07,920 --> 00:16:13,680 Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to acquire the 50 acres adjacent to Lincoln 183 00:16:11,199 --> 00:16:17,360 Brick. Uh we're currently awaiting a response from the DNR regarding next 184 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:22,399 steps. And then all the required documentation has been submitted to the 185 00:16:18,800 --> 00:16:26,560 DNR for our out of cycle uh Michigan natural sources trust fund grant uh to 186 00:16:24,880 --> 00:16:35,040 acquire the Charlotte Southern Rail Line. And on August 25th, we met with 187 00:16:30,240 --> 00:16:43,839 Warren Trosper uh and HRC to for the 75% design review for the new entrance uh 188 00:16:38,079 --> 00:16:46,839 atrandle park. That's my report. Any questions? 189 00:16:49,839 --> 00:16:56,160 » That doesn't look like it. >> Okay. Looks like everybody's pretty 190 00:16:53,600 --> 00:17:01,040 somber like the weather, I guess, today. So, I guess we move on to the Fox Park 191 00:16:58,560 --> 00:17:05,199 Observatory Agreement. So, start. There's two items under this. First is 192 00:17:03,360 --> 00:17:09,679 the agreement, which is an action item. Uh and then there are some guest 193 00:17:06,559 --> 00:17:14,160 speakers um that are in the audience to kind of talk about the history the 194 00:17:11,280 --> 00:17:17,439 observatory. So for the agreement uh we worked with our legal council and with 195 00:17:15,919 --> 00:17:23,039 friends of the park and uh the observatory uh volunteers. We've got 196 00:17:20,559 --> 00:17:27,039 them all in the process of executing volunteer agreements which we've put in 197 00:17:25,039 --> 00:17:32,720 place a couple years ago just so that we formalize who's a designated volunteer 198 00:17:30,160 --> 00:17:36,559 for liability purposes. So, uh, members of those groups have started executing 199 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:41,200 those, um, agreements. So, then that way they can lead programming while out 200 00:17:38,160 --> 00:17:46,080 there on a temporary basis. What we currently have is the volunteers can 201 00:17:43,600 --> 00:17:50,240 still run programming and use like the side entrance for the main building. The 202 00:17:47,760 --> 00:17:54,080 roof cannot open. I do have a question to our insurance carrier to make sure 203 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:58,080 they're comfortable with that arrangement, but the engineering 204 00:17:55,760 --> 00:18:02,960 concerns were all with the roof coming out to that like landing strip 205 00:18:00,160 --> 00:18:06,960 essentially. Um, if for some reason our provider isn't comfortable with that, 206 00:18:04,640 --> 00:18:10,960 then we'll utilize a concession stand on a temporary basis and make sure the 207 00:18:09,039 --> 00:18:14,880 volunteers have access to that so they can still take their mobile telescopes 208 00:18:13,200 --> 00:18:20,480 and stuff in and out to do programming in the meantime. Um, but I'll follow up 209 00:18:17,600 --> 00:18:25,600 once I hear back from MMRA on that. Uh, so this agreement, if approved, would go 210 00:18:22,880 --> 00:18:30,000 right to the full board. Uh, we wrote it less as just an agreement for Fox Park 211 00:18:27,600 --> 00:18:34,000 and just an agreement overall. So, if Friends of the Parks comes up with 212 00:18:31,440 --> 00:18:39,120 another program, say with uh invasive species management or what have you, 213 00:18:36,960 --> 00:18:44,320 this would cover volunteers through them and they'll get a liability policy that 214 00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:48,320 covers them as well. Um so, yeah. Yeah, they were good with it. Um if we move 215 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:50,240 it, we can get it signed by the end of the month. 216 00:18:48,799 --> 00:18:54,799 » Move the MOU in agreement. >> Support. 217 00:18:51,679 --> 00:18:59,360 » Is there any discussion? >> Okay, seeing none. Uh we have a motion 218 00:18:57,280 --> 00:19:06,480 to support. All in favor signif I >> I opposed. Okay. 219 00:19:03,200 --> 00:19:10,080 All right. So that's that. And then uh I guess we have individual like to come 220 00:19:08,240 --> 00:19:15,000 speak. You come on up and introduce yourself. 221 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:15,000 And 222 00:19:15,200 --> 00:19:21,039 I have never been here before. So this is all new to me. But my name is Jason. 223 00:19:18,799 --> 00:19:25,039 I lead the v the Fox Park volunteer team. And um I did write a PowerPoint 224 00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:28,039 presentation. Can I plug into this? >> Yes. 225 00:19:29,360 --> 00:19:33,320 It might take one second. 226 00:20:12,960 --> 00:20:19,360 saying it's duplicating. I could send this to you afterwards 227 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:24,480 then. It's okay. 228 00:20:21,600 --> 00:20:26,880 So, anyhow, I just um I'll just use this as my guide because this is what I was 229 00:20:25,760 --> 00:20:31,520 going to talk about. But first of all, I've been doing the observatory since 230 00:20:28,559 --> 00:20:35,919 1997. I was on the team that built it. I actually built the observatory with the 231 00:20:33,360 --> 00:20:40,799 builder and um have been volunteering out there ever since in some capacity. 232 00:20:38,559 --> 00:20:44,799 Um just so you guys are aware, I work for Popeyes Corporation. I lead field 233 00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:50,080 technology for the US and Canada. So that's what pays for my ridiculous 234 00:20:46,400 --> 00:20:55,440 hobby. And um the observatory has been our home for my whole group since 97. 235 00:20:53,760 --> 00:21:00,960 Some of us have come out a little later, but um I want to give you a little 236 00:20:56,880 --> 00:21:05,440 history. So from 97 to 2005, we had what was called the Fox Park Observatory 237 00:21:02,559 --> 00:21:08,960 Board of Trustees. And so we managed the observatory. We had an agreement to 238 00:21:06,799 --> 00:21:12,720 lease the facility from Eden County. I don't know how all that worked. Um but I 239 00:21:11,120 --> 00:21:16,640 ran the observatory and did all the equipment, did all the programming and 240 00:21:14,480 --> 00:21:22,640 everything for that group from 1997 to 2005. In 2005, that group merged with 241 00:21:20,080 --> 00:21:26,720 the Capillary Astronomy Association. And then in in 2007, the association 242 00:21:24,960 --> 00:21:32,559 dissolved and the observatory was turned over to you or in county parks. Jackie 243 00:21:30,720 --> 00:21:35,440 was the naturalist back then. So she reached out to me and asked me if I 244 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:40,799 wanted to continue helping her with public nights. And so her and I worked 245 00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:45,200 repainted the inside of the observatory. We got everything up and running. I 246 00:21:42,960 --> 00:21:48,720 taught her how to use the telescopes. And you'll see in my presentation, my 247 00:21:47,120 --> 00:21:52,640 first group of volunteers were all my kids. I have five of them. So, they were 248 00:21:50,720 --> 00:21:57,360 helping me run all this stuff until we I brought on more volunteers. Um, since 249 00:21:55,280 --> 00:22:00,960 2007, I've been under the impression that I was just a volunteer for the 250 00:21:59,039 --> 00:22:05,360 parks department and I worked with Jackie and about 22 different directors 251 00:22:03,280 --> 00:22:11,120 or I don't know how many there were up until Ethan came on. And um we just we 252 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:15,760 open two weekends a month and we still do that today. Well, up until we 253 00:22:13,520 --> 00:22:20,799 couldn't open the roof anymore. And so we open on Friday and Saturday. every 254 00:22:18,640 --> 00:22:25,600 other weekend. I try to schedule them around first and third quarter moon for 255 00:22:22,559 --> 00:22:29,840 different reasons. And um we open on Saturdays regardless of weather. And so 256 00:22:28,240 --> 00:22:32,640 we want to make sure that we give people opportunities to come out to the 257 00:22:31,039 --> 00:22:38,640 observatory. If I could show you these pictures, you'd see I've had anywhere 258 00:22:34,320 --> 00:22:43,919 from 20 people show up to over 300 just depending on the event and on the night. 259 00:22:41,520 --> 00:22:48,159 Um, we are one of the largest public observatories in the country and I don't 260 00:22:46,480 --> 00:22:52,320 think you guys realize what you have in Fox Park Observatory. There the only 261 00:22:50,720 --> 00:22:57,360 observatory bigger than us that's actually just run by a county government 262 00:22:54,240 --> 00:23:01,120 is Sun River Nature Center in Oregon and um with my connections into the 263 00:22:59,120 --> 00:23:05,120 astronomy community. Fox Park Observatory is not just an eaten county 264 00:23:02,720 --> 00:23:10,799 facility. It is a national facility almost international. The website that I 265 00:23:07,840 --> 00:23:16,159 built in 1997 is the largest website for amateur astronomy in the world. We have 266 00:23:13,120 --> 00:23:20,240 over 600,000 members now and I have 80 volunteers around the world that 267 00:23:17,679 --> 00:23:26,559 maintain that website. And so we have quite the um presence in the in the 268 00:23:23,360 --> 00:23:30,880 community. In 200 I can't remember what year it was, but um in 2008 I started or 269 00:23:29,360 --> 00:23:35,679 2010 something like that, I started a group called Michigan Amateur Astronomy 270 00:23:32,880 --> 00:23:39,919 on Facebook. We have over 3,000 members now and Fox Park Observatory is kind of 271 00:23:37,679 --> 00:23:43,360 the center of that. They come out on astrophotography nights and join us at 272 00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:47,679 the observatory. They come out on public nights and visit and then we also 273 00:23:45,760 --> 00:23:53,440 contribute to different events around the state. My team right now is nine 274 00:23:50,640 --> 00:23:56,640 people. Um you've met Brian before. Um he's kind of my right hand. Him and I 275 00:23:55,039 --> 00:24:01,120 come up with all the programming and the schedule. Um Kevin and Chuck have been 276 00:23:58,799 --> 00:24:05,120 helping me since 2007. They came on shortly after Jackie and I started doing 277 00:24:02,799 --> 00:24:09,760 the public nights and have been with us ever since. Um Tim and Brandon are more 278 00:24:07,280 --> 00:24:14,000 recent. Um I want to highlight one member in particular that's Dustin. So 279 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:17,760 Dustin was a student at Michigan State um University studying in astrophysics 280 00:24:16,400 --> 00:24:21,200 and he came to me and wanted to learn astrophotography. 281 00:24:19,360 --> 00:24:25,279 And so he's he volunteers out at the observatory now. He left for a while. 282 00:24:22,960 --> 00:24:29,679 He's a doctor in nuclear physics at MSU at the FRIB facility and he is kind of 283 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:32,880 our coordinator for our future plans with MSU's um science department that 284 00:24:31,840 --> 00:24:38,559 we're going to help them with some projects. And then Jane and Christine 285 00:24:35,760 --> 00:24:43,679 are more recent um volunteers and we all kind of have our strengths and we all 286 00:24:40,159 --> 00:24:46,720 kind of have our different areas but um I think you can read in the public 287 00:24:45,200 --> 00:24:50,880 comments that I put in this um presentation that the volunteer team is 288 00:24:49,120 --> 00:24:56,880 what makes Fox Park Observatory what it is. The facility is fantastic. There's 289 00:24:53,600 --> 00:25:00,799 nothing wrong with it, but um we uh we work hard to make sure that we put on a 290 00:24:58,480 --> 00:25:05,279 good show for the public. Our main mission is public outreach. So, 291 00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:08,400 in addition to the two public nights every month that we do, the two 292 00:25:06,559 --> 00:25:12,559 weekends, so four public nights if it's clear, we also hold special events for 293 00:25:10,320 --> 00:25:16,799 eclipses. Um we've had for the solar eclipse in 2017, I had almost 400 people 294 00:25:15,120 --> 00:25:22,960 out there and it wasn't even a total eclipse. They just wanted to see what it 295 00:25:19,360 --> 00:25:26,559 was all about. um comets, comet Neoise, right at the end of COVID, which was 296 00:25:24,480 --> 00:25:31,840 kind of challenging. We had over 350 people show up just to view the comet 297 00:25:28,640 --> 00:25:35,840 through the telescope at your park. Um we open also for meteor showers if 298 00:25:34,000 --> 00:25:40,000 there's a northern lights um prediction. We'll open up the observatory. Um we 299 00:25:37,919 --> 00:25:44,240 also do, everyone's probably heard in the media about this planetary 300 00:25:41,520 --> 00:25:49,039 alignment. We've um we've opened up for those events and we anything that's big 301 00:25:46,799 --> 00:25:53,520 that happens in the sky, we open up for. And so it's um and that's something 302 00:25:51,120 --> 00:25:58,480 we've always done. Um we also host scout groups, school 303 00:25:56,480 --> 00:26:01,520 groups. Um Charlotte Elementary School came out last year. We did a 304 00:25:59,760 --> 00:26:04,400 presentation for them on them. I can't remember if it was a Wednesday or 305 00:26:02,559 --> 00:26:07,919 Thursday night, but they came out. We did a presentation for them. Um the 306 00:26:06,080 --> 00:26:11,200 local Cub Scout groups all over Eden County, Ingam County, Ionia County, all 307 00:26:09,840 --> 00:26:15,600 use the facility. We helped them get their astronomy badges. Um Chuck on my 308 00:26:13,679 --> 00:26:19,760 team is on Chief Okamist Council. I'm not really really sure what that means, 309 00:26:17,120 --> 00:26:23,919 but um he signs off on the badges for the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts. And 310 00:26:21,919 --> 00:26:30,000 then we also host college students. Um we've tutored a few. Um Emma from Emma 311 00:26:27,520 --> 00:26:33,440 Gorba from Potterville. She came out, worked two summers for me as a 312 00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:37,200 volunteer. I signed off so she could get credit for University of Michigan. And 313 00:26:35,520 --> 00:26:42,880 now she's a planetary scientist in Flagstaff, Arizona. And so and she still 314 00:26:40,480 --> 00:26:46,240 comes back and volunteers when she can. And if you ever listen to her talk about 315 00:26:44,559 --> 00:26:52,720 exoplanets, it'll blow your mind. Um, we also fam is 316 00:26:50,480 --> 00:26:55,760 a doctor in astrophysics from he started at MSU, finished at University of 317 00:26:54,320 --> 00:26:58,799 Rochester. He's back in the area. He comes out and hangs out with us. We 318 00:26:57,279 --> 00:27:02,640 taught him how to use a telescope and how to do astrophotography. 319 00:27:00,559 --> 00:27:06,000 And so, and then Dustin that I mentioned before. And any other group that wants 320 00:27:04,559 --> 00:27:10,080 to come out. We've had homeschoolers out. We've had something like a Girl 321 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:14,320 Scout group that I can't remember what it was called. um just various groups 322 00:27:12,240 --> 00:27:18,159 that we host at the observatory. We ask them for a dollar per kid donation to 323 00:27:16,159 --> 00:27:22,559 our donation box and make sure they have plenty of adults and then we we teach 324 00:27:20,000 --> 00:27:27,440 them the sky. Um astrophotography is another part of 325 00:27:25,279 --> 00:27:31,520 what we do and amateur astronomy. Um we have astrophotography nights that are 326 00:27:29,120 --> 00:27:34,559 very specific to astrophotography. Um the Michigan amateur astronomy group 327 00:27:32,960 --> 00:27:38,559 that I mentioned earlier, matter of fact, tomorrow we're going up to Great 328 00:27:36,320 --> 00:27:43,760 Lakes Stargaze. I'm presenting up there um for an astronomy um get together up 329 00:27:40,880 --> 00:27:46,880 by Meno City. And then we had our Fox Park star party. Unfortunately, we 330 00:27:45,120 --> 00:27:49,679 couldn't have it this year. It's the third largest star party in the states. 331 00:27:48,240 --> 00:27:53,200 It's the third longest running star party in the state. And that is our 332 00:27:50,960 --> 00:27:57,440 biggest fundraiser. Um on average, we contribute over $500 to $1,000 to the 333 00:27:55,600 --> 00:28:01,760 Friends of Eden County Parks Fund. And that's how they've helped us over the 334 00:27:58,799 --> 00:28:04,399 years u maintain the building. I just one thing I want to make sure you guys 335 00:28:02,880 --> 00:28:10,799 understand too is this building was all built by public money. Um, we had I 336 00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:14,240 don't some people loved him, some people hated him, but Rich Michaels was a DJ in 337 00:28:12,720 --> 00:28:18,640 the area. He reached out to me to build this building and um, so it was really 338 00:28:16,640 --> 00:28:24,000 his idea. We had there was a few of us from um, LCC and MSU that built the 339 00:28:21,520 --> 00:28:28,159 building and $254,000 later from public money, we built this 340 00:28:26,320 --> 00:28:33,679 facility. Over the 28 years that it's been open, 341 00:28:31,440 --> 00:28:37,520 I've never asked you guys for a penny. Um, the one beam that we did have to 342 00:28:35,520 --> 00:28:41,520 replace years ago, friends and county parks paid for it. And this one, 343 00:28:40,159 --> 00:28:46,720 honestly, I would have just fixed it myself, but I was told I wasn't allowed 344 00:28:43,120 --> 00:28:51,279 to do that anymore. And so, um, that's where this whole new beam thing came 345 00:28:48,799 --> 00:28:56,000 into play. And so, this facility has given more to the county than I think 346 00:28:52,720 --> 00:28:59,120 anybody realizes. Um, and, uh, we would really are appreciative of the fact that 347 00:28:57,760 --> 00:29:02,559 you're letting us continue once we get this repair done. Um, we signed this 348 00:29:00,960 --> 00:29:06,159 agreement already with seven of the nine of us have. Two of us are out of town. 349 00:29:04,559 --> 00:29:11,679 Um, so we'll have those to Ben at the end of the meeting here. And, um, we 350 00:29:09,360 --> 00:29:14,799 have future plans, too. Um, there's a dark sky resolution for the park. I 351 00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:18,880 don't know if you guys have ever, it's written on the website. Um, we do need 352 00:29:17,919 --> 00:29:21,600 to take care of the light in the bathroom, though. That kind of violates 353 00:29:20,080 --> 00:29:26,720 the whole point of the resolution, but we can talk about that some other time. 354 00:29:23,760 --> 00:29:30,960 But, um, we we want to continue that. One thing that makes Fox unique is being 355 00:29:28,960 --> 00:29:35,919 so close to major cities, it's still what is called a Bortal four site. So on 356 00:29:33,520 --> 00:29:40,159 a scale of zero to or one to nine with nine being the worst and one being the 357 00:29:37,520 --> 00:29:44,960 best, Fox is a Bortal 4. And being close to that um being close to the city, but 358 00:29:43,279 --> 00:29:48,720 also having dark skies like that gives us an opportunity to do a lot of stuff 359 00:29:46,720 --> 00:29:53,360 that no other public observatory in the Midwest can do. 360 00:29:51,120 --> 00:29:56,720 Um we are partnering with MSU astrophysics department. One of the 361 00:29:55,360 --> 00:30:01,520 problems they have is that they only have one telescope on campus and they 362 00:29:58,960 --> 00:30:04,799 have 131 kids in the astrophysics department and so they need some 363 00:30:03,600 --> 00:30:08,240 telescope time. So we're going to take some images for them that they can use 364 00:30:06,240 --> 00:30:11,120 for their research and stuff like that. And we're also going to teach them how 365 00:30:09,679 --> 00:30:14,799 to run a telescope because most of them can run a computer and have never seen a 366 00:30:12,720 --> 00:30:19,120 telescope. Um what we're going to do with that is we're going to confirm 367 00:30:16,480 --> 00:30:23,840 exoplanet discoveries. So has anyone heard of the Roman Grace telescope that 368 00:30:20,720 --> 00:30:26,880 was recently launched by NASA? So, this is going to be one of the most powerful 369 00:30:25,039 --> 00:30:31,440 space telescopes in the country or in the world, out of this world actually. 370 00:30:29,279 --> 00:30:34,720 And um we're going to partner with the NASA night sky network and when they 371 00:30:33,039 --> 00:30:38,640 discover an exoplanet candidate, they're going to send it to us and then and 372 00:30:37,120 --> 00:30:42,799 other observatories around the country and we can verify that data is real or 373 00:30:40,559 --> 00:30:47,840 not. And then if we get if they discover an exoplanet, Fox Park Observatory gets 374 00:30:45,120 --> 00:30:51,360 on the map for that too. And so, lots of stuff going on in the future there. I 375 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:55,360 also want to collaborate with Michigan Stormchasers. They do a lot of um 376 00:30:53,440 --> 00:30:59,600 YouTube stuff and they have a huge following and we are going to work with 377 00:30:57,840 --> 00:31:03,039 them on Northern Lights nights and meteor shower nights and I've got a 378 00:31:01,440 --> 00:31:06,080 connection with them and we're going to just keep building our programs and 379 00:31:04,399 --> 00:31:10,399 doing what we do. I think you'll find in the public comments that I included in 380 00:31:07,600 --> 00:31:15,760 this deck that uh we're very much appreciated. Uh my rating on Google is 381 00:31:12,960 --> 00:31:19,679 4.7 stars. The only non- fivestar comment is about the beach. Everything 382 00:31:17,919 --> 00:31:23,440 else is five stars about my volunteer team and the facility that we have. And 383 00:31:22,080 --> 00:31:27,279 so I think we've done a really good job of reaching out to the public. Our 384 00:31:24,799 --> 00:31:31,520 Facebook page has over 3,000 followers now that we created ourselves just to 385 00:31:29,279 --> 00:31:34,159 market the observatory. Our Instagram page is kind of getting started, but 386 00:31:33,039 --> 00:31:37,760 we're getting there. And then we also have a presence on Cloudy Nights, Miss 387 00:31:35,840 --> 00:31:43,279 Michigan Amateur Astronomy, and uh Astrobin. So the observatory is very 388 00:31:40,720 --> 00:31:46,240 well known around the country. And it shocks me the number of people that come 389 00:31:44,720 --> 00:31:50,159 out to Fox and say, "I didn't even know this was here." One guy lived half a 390 00:31:47,760 --> 00:31:53,919 mile down the road and he had never been there before. And if I had a dollar for 391 00:31:51,919 --> 00:31:56,720 every time someone said that, we wouldn't need to ask for money for a 392 00:31:55,120 --> 00:32:00,880 beam. Um, 393 00:31:59,360 --> 00:32:03,440 we've also had a lot of news and I brought them with, but I have an article 394 00:32:02,159 --> 00:32:07,279 from the state journal that was written about us. I did an interview with Studio 395 00:32:05,120 --> 00:32:10,559 10. Um, I included a link in this deck so you guys could watch it. Um, where we 396 00:32:09,039 --> 00:32:14,960 they came out to the observatory and I gave them a tour and the public night 397 00:32:12,720 --> 00:32:19,600 after that that show was almost 200 people. And so we're looking to do that 398 00:32:17,679 --> 00:32:25,039 again. I've had art we we got an award from M Parks um for community outreach 399 00:32:22,799 --> 00:32:29,120 and then our reviews are off the chart. And so I would encourage you to take a 400 00:32:26,799 --> 00:32:32,720 look at those when I send you this. And um the only thing I got to do is my son 401 00:32:31,039 --> 00:32:36,559 will get really mad if I send you a picture of my granddaughter. I don't 402 00:32:34,159 --> 00:32:39,279 know why he's so big about that, but so I have to take that out and then I'll 403 00:32:37,840 --> 00:32:42,640 send this to all of you if you just tell me where to send it. And the most 404 00:32:41,440 --> 00:32:46,880 important thing I want to say is thank you. We have worked really hard with 405 00:32:44,960 --> 00:32:50,799 Eaton County to make this facility what it is. And we've been through a lot of 406 00:32:49,519 --> 00:32:55,120 changes in the government. We've been through a lot of changes in directors. I 407 00:32:52,559 --> 00:32:58,159 can't even count how many. But the main thing is is this observatory stood 408 00:32:56,799 --> 00:33:03,360 through all of that. And I'm looking forward to working with you guys more to 409 00:33:00,159 --> 00:33:06,080 make this happen. So that's all I just want to say. Thanks. And if you have any 410 00:33:04,720 --> 00:33:10,080 questions for me, I can answer whatever you want to answer ask. 411 00:33:07,919 --> 00:33:15,360 » Commissioner uh Richardson, I mean Christensen, excuse me. 412 00:33:12,799 --> 00:33:21,120 Thank you, Mr. Chair. I actually do have a couple questions. Um, 413 00:33:18,799 --> 00:33:25,919 and they're probably kind of personal for your group, but are you going to 414 00:33:23,440 --> 00:33:30,880 reform a 501c3? >> We are going to work with the Friends of 415 00:33:27,840 --> 00:33:36,080 Eaton County Parks under their 501c3. >> Okay. And, um, I guess the personal 416 00:33:34,080 --> 00:33:42,240 question is you guys, you said you raise funds. Um, what do those funds go for? 417 00:33:39,679 --> 00:33:46,880 » Um, it varies. Um we we go we give them to friends of county parks and then um 418 00:33:45,039 --> 00:33:51,519 when we have like equipment that needs to be upgraded or equipment that just 419 00:33:49,760 --> 00:33:56,320 doesn't stand that like right now for example there are three main telescopes 420 00:33:53,840 --> 00:34:00,000 in the observatory only one is owned by Eaten County at this time because the 421 00:33:58,240 --> 00:34:03,440 other ones have fallen apart they've I mean they're 30 years old their their 422 00:34:01,919 --> 00:34:07,120 electronics have died so we've put our own equipment on those for now so that 423 00:34:05,679 --> 00:34:09,919 we have enough telescopes for public nights and then through our fundraising 424 00:34:08,800 --> 00:34:13,280 we'll go through friends of eating county parks. They'll help us buy that 425 00:34:11,679 --> 00:34:17,280 new equipment and that kind of stuff to replace the broken stuff. 426 00:34:15,119 --> 00:34:21,040 » So, I don't know about all this stuff. I 427 00:34:19,040 --> 00:34:25,040 apologize, but how what's the life expectancy of a telescope and what's the 428 00:34:23,839 --> 00:34:31,200 cost of one? >> Our main telescope costs $17,000. 429 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:34,960 Um, that was donated to us by EDS. Um, the mount on that one lasted like 10 to 430 00:34:33,359 --> 00:34:39,679 20 years, so that's about average. I mean, they're electronic. And let's be 431 00:34:37,200 --> 00:34:43,839 honest, over the many years, more and more stuff has been shipped offshore. 432 00:34:41,919 --> 00:34:48,560 That quality is not like it used to be. So, a telescope that lasts 5 to 10 years 433 00:34:45,839 --> 00:34:51,520 is a good one. Um, our main telescope's been there since the beginning. Um, we 434 00:34:50,000 --> 00:34:55,839 did have to change out the mount about 10 years ago, but for the most part, 5 435 00:34:53,679 --> 00:35:00,400 to 10 years typically for electronics if you maintain them. Luckily, I'm a tech 436 00:34:57,760 --> 00:35:03,359 guy, so that's easy for me. >> All right. Thank you for that. 437 00:35:01,599 --> 00:35:07,760 » Yeah. >> We have any other questions? 438 00:35:06,560 --> 00:35:10,560 Mr. Commissioner, >> thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, 439 00:35:08,960 --> 00:35:15,440 Jason, for your report. Very interesting. Um, you mentioned some of 440 00:35:13,280 --> 00:35:19,200 the outside agencies that benefit from this observatory. Um, and some are 441 00:35:17,680 --> 00:35:22,560 international. Is that correct? >> Yes, sir. 442 00:35:20,240 --> 00:35:28,560 » And can you list a few of those? >> Most notably, NASA, which is a a you 443 00:35:26,160 --> 00:35:33,440 know, federal agency. Um, they rely on amateur astronomers for auxiliary data, 444 00:35:31,760 --> 00:35:37,280 and we have the facility that we can contribute to that. Um, the 445 00:35:35,520 --> 00:35:41,839 International Dark Sky Association recognizes us as a dark sky preserve. 446 00:35:39,680 --> 00:35:45,520 So, and most of what we do is about awareness around astronomy. That's how 447 00:35:43,680 --> 00:35:50,160 they benefit is having facilities like us to send people to. 448 00:35:48,400 --> 00:35:54,320 » All right. Thank you. And you mentioned the cost of the initial construction to 449 00:35:52,160 --> 00:35:58,160 be what you said 240ome,000. >> 254,000. 450 00:35:55,520 --> 00:36:03,280 » 254,000. If someone were to try to duplicate the this facility today, what 451 00:36:01,359 --> 00:36:08,800 do you estimate that might be? it'd be over 700 grand. We just built one in uh 452 00:36:06,880 --> 00:36:13,320 near Fort Davis, Texas. I worked with a group that built one there and it was 453 00:36:10,320 --> 00:36:13,320 $740,000. 454 00:36:13,359 --> 00:36:18,240 » Very similar in size to us, but they're associated with McDonald Observatory. 455 00:36:16,320 --> 00:36:20,480 It's a research facility, not a public one. 456 00:36:18,720 --> 00:36:23,040 » Okay. So, it's in our best interest to maintain this one rather than try to 457 00:36:22,160 --> 00:36:25,920 reconstruct. >> Absolutely agree. There is nothing wrong 458 00:36:24,640 --> 00:36:27,760 with this building. We just need that rear beam fixed and we'll be ready to 459 00:36:27,280 --> 00:36:30,480 go. >> All right. Thank you. And one last 460 00:36:29,040 --> 00:36:34,160 question. and you and I spoke on the phone and I did not realize this, but 461 00:36:32,560 --> 00:36:38,320 can you give us a brief rundown of the struggle you've had to keep this area 462 00:36:36,079 --> 00:36:43,440 dark sky? Yeah. Um, number one, that Shellg gas 463 00:36:41,200 --> 00:36:47,040 station in Potterville, they they think they should light up the world. So, I 464 00:36:44,960 --> 00:36:53,599 met with them, got shields put on their lights. Then, General Motors built a new 465 00:36:49,599 --> 00:36:58,000 factory in Delta Township over off it's, you can see from I 69. If you notice, 466 00:36:55,920 --> 00:37:01,760 all their lights have shields. That's because of Fox Park Public Observatory. 467 00:37:00,320 --> 00:37:05,440 We reached out to them, worked with them, and got shields installed on all 468 00:37:03,280 --> 00:37:08,320 their lights. Um, we've also worked with other various people around the 469 00:37:06,880 --> 00:37:12,800 community to try and keep the lighting down. And so, it's a constant struggle, 470 00:37:10,880 --> 00:37:17,280 not just in Eaton County, it's it's a national, international thing with all 471 00:37:15,520 --> 00:37:19,280 the LED lights and all that kind of stuff. 472 00:37:17,839 --> 00:37:23,200 » So, when you mentioned the bathroom light, it's not just something that's 473 00:37:21,440 --> 00:37:27,839 very close to the observatory. It's miles and miles away that can affect all 474 00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:31,839 » Absolutely. Absolutely. That's one of the reason like when we when Crannle 475 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:36,880 Park was first brought into Eden County, I got asked if we were interested in 476 00:37:33,680 --> 00:37:41,119 relocating there and absolutely not. Number one, Meyer does not believe in 477 00:37:38,880 --> 00:37:44,880 light control. And two, the skies are darker at Fox than Crannle Park and so 478 00:37:43,200 --> 00:37:49,040 we want dark skies are the most important thing for amateur astronomy. 479 00:37:47,839 --> 00:37:54,079 » All right. Thank you, Jason. I appreciate it. 480 00:37:52,240 --> 00:37:57,800 » All right. See no other questions. Thank you. 481 00:37:54,560 --> 00:37:57,800 » Thank you. 482 00:37:59,359 --> 00:38:07,599 All right, moving on to 11 agency and she's not here. Uh, do you 483 00:38:06,079 --> 00:38:09,760 have >> no materials? Nothing. 484 00:38:09,040 --> 00:38:15,440 » Yep. >> Okay. All right. So, skipping over that, 485 00:38:12,240 --> 00:38:18,560 we moved the um number 12 committee appointments. 486 00:38:16,320 --> 00:38:22,000 » Yep. So, last month there was a list in your packet of those appointments that 487 00:38:20,079 --> 00:38:26,880 were expiring. They have all been reached out to a couple of them. um we 488 00:38:24,800 --> 00:38:30,800 could not make contact with. A majority of them had all said they would like to 489 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:34,160 seek reappoint. There's the few that we couldn't get a hold of. Obviously, I 490 00:38:32,720 --> 00:38:40,520 would recommend just putting an advertisement in the paper for any of 491 00:38:35,920 --> 00:38:40,520 them that have expiring appointments. 492 00:38:40,880 --> 00:38:47,520 » Does any commissioner have any comment on that? That I mean that's our standard 493 00:38:45,520 --> 00:38:51,079 practice is to advertise all. So, >> correct. 494 00:38:47,920 --> 00:38:51,079 » How many 495 00:38:51,599 --> 00:38:56,720 » that are expiring? If you don't know right off the top of 496 00:38:55,760 --> 00:39:02,680 your head, that's fine. I just >> I have it right here. One, two, three, 497 00:38:59,680 --> 00:39:02,680 four, 498 00:39:02,960 --> 00:39:06,359 five, six. 499 00:39:08,880 --> 00:39:12,320 » And the new one. >> Yeah. And the one that we just talked 500 00:39:11,920 --> 00:39:17,240 about. >> Yeah. 501 00:39:14,240 --> 00:39:17,240 » Yep. 502 00:39:17,839 --> 00:39:24,800 » And that and that list is in your >> It's in last month's packet. 503 00:39:22,880 --> 00:39:31,119 Yep. >> What paper does that go in, Claudine? 504 00:39:27,599 --> 00:39:32,240 » It'll go in the county journal and the flashes. 505 00:39:31,920 --> 00:39:35,920 » Okay. >> Over in Eaten Rapids because the county 506 00:39:33,839 --> 00:39:39,200 journal doesn't publish in Eaten Rapids. So, you have to do two different ones. 507 00:39:37,599 --> 00:39:42,400 » Okay. >> And it's also posted on the website. 508 00:39:41,680 --> 00:39:47,599 » Yes. >> Of a community I mean a citizen 509 00:39:46,480 --> 00:39:51,440 » citizen involvement application. >> Yeah. Citizen involvement application 510 00:39:49,280 --> 00:39:55,119 notification on their website. So, >> okay. 511 00:39:52,880 --> 00:39:59,599 » All right. Any any other uh questions about that? 512 00:39:56,880 --> 00:40:05,520 Okay. All right. That moves us on to 13. That' be our last um public comment 513 00:40:03,599 --> 00:40:11,839 section. If anybody has any public comments, please come up to the podium 514 00:40:07,920 --> 00:40:14,720 and keep it within three minutes. Thank you. 515 00:40:12,800 --> 00:40:20,800 » Good morning. Everybody knows why I'm here. I don't have to say. Uh, I've been 516 00:40:18,640 --> 00:40:25,599 to many meetings and I I'll bring it up anyway just so the public it goes on 517 00:40:22,640 --> 00:40:28,320 record to the public. Uh, I feel that I'm getting screwed and I feel like a 518 00:40:27,200 --> 00:40:33,119 bunch of other people were getting screwed by Eaton County, mainly the 519 00:40:30,800 --> 00:40:37,440 drain commission, but I feel that this group should have done something as 520 00:40:35,200 --> 00:40:41,839 these assessments went out. And I feel that if you were hold any one of you 521 00:40:38,960 --> 00:40:47,680 were holding the bag for $40,000 for Eaton County uh, infrastructure, you 522 00:40:45,200 --> 00:40:51,119 would feel the same way I do. Uh, I've been here many times. I feel like I'm 523 00:40:49,200 --> 00:40:55,599 talking to the walls. When I asked questions, I I uh I got the comment once 524 00:40:53,920 --> 00:40:59,599 that that person felt they were being attacked. 525 00:40:57,119 --> 00:41:03,839 Um, you people need to answer questions. You 526 00:41:01,280 --> 00:41:10,560 don't need to answer questions to me at at this um public time right now. I know 527 00:41:07,119 --> 00:41:15,760 you're not obligated to, but you need to be transparent about this. 528 00:41:13,040 --> 00:41:20,160 And uh as I said, there's I mentioned before, there's a farmer near me that 529 00:41:17,280 --> 00:41:24,079 owes $200,000 in Eaton County uh drain assessments, infrastructure assessments. 530 00:41:22,880 --> 00:41:29,040 What's he going to leave to his kids? He's a thirdyear farmer or a third 531 00:41:25,839 --> 00:41:35,680 generation farmer. Uh and each of my neighbors down less than a quarter mile 532 00:41:31,760 --> 00:41:40,960 from me each ow 30ome,000, $40,000. Um and I know I've talked to a hundred 533 00:41:38,160 --> 00:41:46,880 other people holding the bag for 10,000, 20,000, 30,000. and they were living 534 00:41:42,560 --> 00:41:51,680 right on the line already. And I I uh listened to your budget meeting this 535 00:41:48,480 --> 00:41:56,319 morning on the way here and u I heard that you're constantly in pursuit 536 00:41:54,000 --> 00:42:01,599 looking for grants and funding for things. Does any that of that include uh 537 00:41:59,839 --> 00:42:07,119 going back and make some reparations to these people that you're screwed? 538 00:42:05,680 --> 00:42:10,079 And by the way, has the Eaton County Drain Commissioner been here? I I 539 00:42:08,720 --> 00:42:16,319 haven't been here for a couple months. I've been taking care of my I got family 540 00:42:12,560 --> 00:42:22,480 family obligations that um that family, you know, that that uh you're taking 541 00:42:18,000 --> 00:42:26,560 $40,000 from uh obligations with them. Um 542 00:42:24,720 --> 00:42:30,720 has eaten county commissioner been here? Has he explained anything? Has he is he 543 00:42:29,040 --> 00:42:35,920 doing bigger projects to screw more people? What's what's the deal? 544 00:42:34,160 --> 00:42:42,720 I'd never heard of such a thing. and and you people are in place to represent us 545 00:42:38,560 --> 00:42:46,160 and to so so-called serve us and I'm feeling screwed 546 00:42:44,800 --> 00:42:52,480 and I talked to a lot of other people that are too and rightfully so. 547 00:42:50,240 --> 00:42:57,920 And I'm wondering why I get I'm talking to the walls here. Has anybody picked up 548 00:42:55,520 --> 00:43:02,560 a phone? Has anybody lifted a finger to do anything 549 00:43:00,160 --> 00:43:08,440 about this? talk to uh higher up politicians or 550 00:43:04,480 --> 00:43:08,440 people that can find this funding. 551 00:43:09,520 --> 00:43:13,480 I want the public to know 552 00:43:14,400 --> 00:43:21,280 and it's not it's not talked about here. I don't understand. I don't understand. 553 00:43:19,920 --> 00:43:25,839 Got all these people that are that are hurt and somehow have to find other uh 554 00:43:23,760 --> 00:43:29,440 other ways to get it's a home improvement that 555 00:43:27,839 --> 00:43:34,240 somebody couldn't make. It's a college fund that somebody was planning for 556 00:43:30,960 --> 00:43:38,960 their kid. It's a It's a new car that's welld deserved. It's a These are 557 00:43:36,720 --> 00:43:42,400 life-changing numbers. And I think if you were people were holding the bag, 558 00:43:40,400 --> 00:43:46,200 each any one of you, you would understand that $40,000. 559 00:43:47,040 --> 00:43:52,640 Why is that not sinking in? Why Why is that? It's like, oh, well, that's 560 00:43:50,560 --> 00:43:54,079 passed. That's done. They won't be noisy about it. 561 00:43:53,040 --> 00:43:56,880 » Your time is up. >> Yeah. Well, 562 00:43:54,880 --> 00:43:58,880 » yeah, your time is up, sir. Yeah. Thank you very much. 563 00:43:57,599 --> 00:44:02,640 » Yeah. Thanks for nothing. >> Yep. 564 00:43:59,920 --> 00:44:06,400 » I hope it gets better. Do we have any otherbody? Do we have 565 00:44:04,800 --> 00:44:11,200 anybody else that wants to make a public comment? 566 00:44:08,400 --> 00:44:17,400 All right. Seeing none, we'll go ahead and adjourn to 567 00:44:13,680 --> 00:44:17,400 uh what's the date? 568 00:44:17,680 --> 00:44:23,359 » Say >> the first Wednesday of October. 569 00:44:22,000 --> 00:44:26,079 » October 14th. >> Yeah. Huh. 570 00:44:24,800 --> 00:44:33,480 » October 14th. >> Okay. October 14th. Do I have a motion? 571 00:44:30,079 --> 00:44:33,480 » Motion. Yep.