Goodrich – Newly-appointed village councilpersons allowed public comment at last week’s meeting, but emphasized they’ll carry on ‘business as usual.?
Following the Feb. 22 election in which all five council members were recalled, the Genesee County Elections Commission appointed three residents to serve until long-term councilpersons are elected May 3.
Joyce Welch-Baker, Bob Chlebnik, and Jay Clothier were appointed by the commission March 9, just enough for a quorum, or to allow a majority vote. The appointed council had the option to then appoint enough residents to temporarily fill all five council seats, said Rob Coffman, Genesee County elections director.
Appointed council members were sworn in prior to the March 14 village council meeting.
The first order of business for the interim council was appointing Goodrich residents Nathan (Doug) McAbee and Steve Keehn, who were sworn in by village clerk Patricia Schierup before taking their places at the council table.
Although the required 30 days haven’t passed for the council to approve submitting to the state a proposed charter amendment’which outlines steps for village dissolution’the issue was foremost on the minds of several in attendance, who implored the council to follow ‘democratic process?.
‘I request (the council) let it set on the table. You may not have to legally, but in my heart I believe morally and ethically that’s what’s right,? said former recall promotor Patti Wartella, who is seeking a council position in the May election. ‘We don’t want a charter amendment that will put the odds against (village dissolution).?
Clothier volunteered to serve on the village finance committee, an entity recently established by former councilpersons Angela Adamec and Jayme Simmonds to bring oversight and recommendations to village budget matters.
Through meeting announcements, news articles, and the village newsletter, the council has sought residents to submit applications to serve as at-large finance committee members, as well as to apply for positions on the zoning board of appeals (ZBA) and planning commission.
At residents? request, the council agreed to extend finance committee applications until March 21.
With business held up until appointments are made, the council authorized appointments to the village ZBA and planning commission, which had vacancies due to the recall of council members as well as through attrition, said village administrator Jakki Sidge.
Along with McAbee, whose ZBA term will expire after the May election, the council appointed two ‘experienced? village residents to serve until January 2008, Keith Walworth and Judy Tanner.
Baker was temporarily appointed to the planning commission, along with resident Adam Kline, whose terms expires October 2007.
Some in attendance protested the appointments of former council members, arguing the positions should not be filled until after the election.
‘It’s unfortunate it has to come up like this but we have to continue with business,? said Keehn. ‘We can’t put everything on hold.?
Hostility broke out in full-force momentarily, when an anonymous audience member asked the chairman to take control of meeting interruptions.
‘You’re not part of that council, so keep your mouth shut until you are,? said the man to speakers from the audience.
‘We granted questions from the audience and allowed that,? said Keehn. ‘Now show the proper respect and let us conduct business.?
‘It seems to be the consensus that everything’s dissolved and you’re not going to operate,? said local builder Ed Bohlen. ‘I’m sure I’m going to need the planning commission, and I can’t wait two or three years til it’s dissolved.
‘Until that time comes we need to go on as if (the village will continue) to exist, so let’s fill the things and get on with it.?
Following the meeting, audience members applauded the council for allowing comments.
Regardless of feedback, Chlebnik’s not taking it personally, he said, citing his old school board motto:
‘We agreed to disagree for the sake of discussion and then did what was right for the kids. I always go by that.?
Interim Village of Goodrich council members serving until long-term councilpersons are elected in the May 3 election. None of the interim council is seeking a long-term council position.