August 18, 2004 Meeting Notes

I. Introductions and Updates on US-131 Activities

The meeting came to order at 7:07 p.m. The meeting began with introductions of those in attendance. A list of attendees is attached following as Appendix I.

After introductions, we discussed a number of news items related to the groups' activities and/or to the members of the groups. Those are as follows:

On 8 September 2004, the US-131 Area Development Association will meet at Brewster's in Three Rivers (located at the corner of US-131 and Hoffman Road). Social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7:00. Those planning to attend should make reservations with Linda at MSU Extension; the number is 467-5522. We discussed the 4 August US-131 ADA meeting that was held in Kalamazoo, and which was poorly attended. Bruce Snook was in attendance, and distributed copies of the material he presented there, which indicate the potential positive impacts of a bypass on communities so bypassed. Furthermore, the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce indicated the likelihood of their supporting a resolution in support of a bypass.

MDOT plans to hold a public hearing regarding US-131 on 4 November. In other MDOT news, Darrell Harden reported that he will be leaving his position with the Village of Schoolcraft on 17 September, and taking a position with MDOT's Southwest Region office in Kalamazoo.

Bruce Snook spoke with Senator Cameron Brown's office regarding the senator's ability to attend this meeting. Bruce asked that the Senator consider attending the 8 September 2004 US-131 ADA meeting.

II. Status of Joint Resolution

We next discussed the status of the joint resolution being circulated amongst the member jurisdictions of SAUPC and US-131 CMPC. The facilitators for the committees will contact the jurisdictions which have not yet submitted approved resolutions, so as to determine the status of the resolutions in their communities. Once the majority of resolutions have been collected, we will then examine to what other agencies and/or jurisdictions we wish to turn for support. Amongst those being considered are northern Indiana communities that might benefit, as well as the City of Grand Rapids and the Grand Valley Metro Council.

III. Next Steps

We concluded the meeting by discussing the next steps we should be undertaking. Rep. Rick Shaffer updated the group on legislation that would restrict MDOT's use of funding. Tim Brown suggested that the group meet with Rep. Fred Upton to discuss the project and provide an update. Ron Carpenter, Eric Shafer, and Rick Shaffer volunteered to team with Tim. We also discussed the impact of access management along US-131, and whether that would discourage MDOT from actually working to develop a limited-access freeway, and whether the need for safety is sufficient to move forward with that regardless of the impact to the goal of developing a freeway. Darrell Harden also suggested consulting with Canadian National railroad, as they are significantly impacted by US-131 within the Village of Schoolcraft. Newell Dean discussed a draft letter prepared by Tom Swiat, Prairie Ronde Township clerk, regarding the most recent correspondence received from MDOT.

IV. Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. The next meeting is to be held on 15 September 2004 at 7:00 p.m., in the meeting room at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce.

Respectfully submitted,

Darrell Harden

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Attachment 1
List of Attendees

SAUPC

Tim Brown - Village of Schoolcraft
Newell Dean - Prairie Ronde Township
Darrell Harden - Village of Schoolcraft
Ann Nieuwenhuis - MSU Extension, Kalamazoo County
Ronald E. Reid - Kalamazoo County Road Commission
John Sych - Kalamazoo County Planning and Community Development
Don Ulsh - Schoolcraft Township

US-131 CMPC

Robin Baker - St. Joseph County Commission
Marty Barth - Lockport Township
Bill Beppler - Mottville Township
Dan Carey - St. Joseph County
Ron Carpenter - Park Township
Sally Carpenter - MSU Extension, St. Joseph County
Eric Shafer - St. Joseph County Commission
Hon. Rick Shaffer - Michigan House of Representatives, 59th District
Bruce Snook - Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce