14 Thursday, August 29, 2024 BATTLE CREEK SHOPPER NEWS http://www.thebattlecreekshopper.com
COUNTY
Continued from Page 11
the Washington Heights Summer
Youth Employment Group, led by
Commissioner Monique French.
Elected officials, department heads
and county administration gave tours
and overviews of what our various
roles and responsibilities are, and we
focused on the diverse set of employ-
ment opportunities within county
government.
Some of the youth attended
the Aug. 15 County Board of
Commissioners meeting to share their
appreciation for this event.
A big thanks to County Clerk/
Register of Deeds Kimberly Hinkley
for coordinating this visit and learn-
ing opportunity for the second year.
Board of Commissioners
In new business Aug. 15,
the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners approved the 2024
mid-year budget amendments and the
Fiscal Year 2025 Secondary Road
Patrol Grant for the Sheriff’s Office.
For the Special Order of Business,Nathan Balderman from Rehmann,
the county’s independent audit-
ing firm, presented highlights
from the 2023 audit and Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report.
On the consent agenda, commis-
sioners approved the following:- Acknowledgment of a resolu-
tion from another county opposing
Michigan Department of Health and
Human Service plans to implement
new conflict-free access and planning
strategies in Michigan. - July 2024 monthly financial
reports. - Appointments of Deborah
Davis and Elizabeth Rudolph to the
Community Mental Health Authority
(Summit Pointe) Board. - Municipal Employees’
Retirement System 2024 officer and
employee delegates.
Committee Highlights
The Calhoun County Planning
Commission held its monthly meet-
ing on July 29.
The commission approved a
Clarence Township zoning text
amendment regarding Solar Energy
Systems (SES), with staff recom-
mending a revision to the proposed
language to define “Large SES” as a
special/conditional use rather than a
permitted use.
Planning Commission member
Ryan Reincke was designated as
the Planning Commission’s liaison
to the County Parks and Recreation
Commission.
A monthly Calhoun County
Veterans Affairs Committee meeting
was held Aug. 14.
The committee approved $5,
for a new freezer and breakfast sup-
plies for Silver Star Apartments.
Director Aaron Edlefson provided
an update on the department’s year-
to-date budget and the ongoing reno-
vation of the Veterans Affairs office
space.
Additionally, the department has
collaborated with the Springfield-
based nonprofit Veterans Helping
Veterans to apply for a $17,637.
grant from the FireKeepers
Local Revenue Sharing Board
Discretionary Tier 4 Allocation.
If awarded, the funds would be
used to purchase furniture and home
goods to assist veterans and their
families as they transition into hous-
ing.
The Senior Millage Allocation
Committee (SMAC) met Aug. 2 at
the Marshall County Building.
Senior Services Manager Rod
Auton provided an update on the
Senior Millage contractual services,
specifically the remaining funds for
each program.
A mini-grant for $4,278 was
awarded to Kamly Living Center to
provide subflooring and tile in two
bathrooms.
The SMAC RFP Subcommittee
and the Joann Konkle Leadership
Award Subcommittee were formed.