PRESQUE ISLE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
held July 8, 2010

Supervisor Patrick Pokorski called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Members Present: Supervisor Patrick Pokorski, Treasurer Bette Tadajewski, Trustee Cynthia Paavola, and Trustee Lynn Morrison were present. Absent was Clerk Karen Fournier.

Audience: Office Staff Erika Comerford, Jim Florip, Karen Pettalia, and Debbie Trelfa.

Resignation of Township Clerk: P. Pokorski read the letter of resignation submitted by Clerk, Karen Fournier:

July 2, 2010

It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce my resignation from the Presque Isle Township Board. Sixteen years ago, I moved to this area and fell in love with the community. I have served as an EMT on the East Grand Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. for 15 years, and as a member of the Planning Commission for 14, six of those years as Chair. I remember the phone call I made to the Supervisor at that time asking how to get a bike path in the township as I had three young children. The answer was to join the Planning Commission and work on getting a grant to fund a bike path. I did just that, and now everyday I ride, walk, or drive along side the pathway I helped put in place. When I started on the Planning Commission, we met for twenty minutes a month with no agenda or path. Now, the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission is, by far, one of the most accomplished boards in the region. I then ran for Trustee, and later was appointed Clerk, and was then elected for another term. All of this has been one of the most important accomplishments of my life, but having a family has always been the first. I have realized, over the past several months, with becoming a grandmother, losing a parent, and planning a wedding, that I don't have the time or focus to devote what I need to them, thus, I have decided it is time to give my family all of my attention and devotion. I want to thank my family for their support during my years of service with the township. As an adult, I have always believed in giving back and serving; Presque Isle Township is how I chose to do so.

My final thoughts are to thank you for letting me serve my community, to thank all of you that do that same, and to thank all of you who attend various meetings. Please take a long breath and remember, we all love where we live, we all want what we believe is the best, and if we all had the same opinion, we would never grow. You all need to appreciate your time in caring about your community, and I hope you all continue to care. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Presque Isle Township.

Sincerely,

Karen Fournier, ClerkM
Presque Isle Township

The Board discussed options to determine what could be accomplished in the absence of a Clerk. It was confirmed that K. Fournier's resignation would not take effect until the Board votes to accept the resignation. It was also clarified that the Board cannot determine the date or time of the resignation; it takes affect as soon as the motion is made and approved. Due to the responsibilities requiring immediate attention such as the election, P. Pokorski was advised by Cindy Davis and Sue Rhode of Presque Isle County that the vacancy could not be open for much longer due to required training and deadlines for election related matters. MTA rules and recommendations were also discussed, and J. Florip clarified what was allowed under statute. P. Pokorski stated that C. Paavola had expressed an interest in taking over the Clerk's position. B. Tadajewski felt that the position needed to be advertised in order to be fair to the public as most of them aren't even aware of the vacancy yet. She did not feel comfortable with just appointing someone without public knowledge. Concerns regarding deadlines were addressed. K. Pettalia asked if the Board would consider advertising tomorrow and throughout the weekend. She added that they could review the responses on Monday or Tuesday and still be within time to fill the vacancy. The Board discussed her point. C. Paavola added that when Judy Cameron resigned, K. Fournier was appointed as Clerk to fill the vacancy. No one was required to fill out an application, nor was the vacancy advertised. L. Morrison asked C. Paavola personally if she was, in fact, interested in taking over the responsibility, and she responded that she was. P. Pokorski suggested appointing C. Paavola as Clerk and then advertising for the Trustee vacancy. B. Tadajewski stated that she understood the urgency, however, still did not feel comfortable with appointing without advertising due to the public not being able to have a say. C. Paavola stated the she did not feel the residents would consider the action convoluted in any way since she is already a Trustee. K. Pettalia asked whether the position could be advertised prior to accepting K. Fournier's resignation. It was decided that it could not due the ability to rescind her resignation. D. Trelfa asked about the Deputy Clerk, and it was clarified that when the Clerk resigns, her deputy goes with her. Following further discussion, B. Tadajewski made a motion to accept the resignation of K. Fournier as Clerk at 9:30 am. L. Morrison seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All ayes; motion carried.
P. Pokorski suggested the Board hand write a letter of gratitude to K. Fournier for her years served. It was also decided to honor her as a Presque Isle Township Honoree. In regards to the appointment of a new Clerk, B. Tadajewski clarified that she was not questioning the capability of C. Paavola, she was just uncomfortable with the process. J. Florip added that the only consolation would be the fact that it had been done the same way in the past. Following further discussion, L. Morrison made a motion to appoint C. Paavola as Presque Isle Township Clerk. He added that he regrets that the public has not had time to digest what has happened, but as a Board, they unfortunately don't have the time to allow for that. He also added that he was concerned about the conflicting information received from the County and the MTA. B. Tadajewski, "against her better judgment", seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All ayes; motion carried.

P. Pokorski read a letter of resignation from C. Paavola;

July 8, 2010

To the Board of Trustees; I wish to resign as a Trustee on the Township Board of Trustees of Presque Isle Township effective July 8, 2010.

Cordially,
Cynthia J. Paavola
Board of Trustees-Presque Isle Township

L. Morrison made a motion to accept the resignation of C. Paavola as Trustee. B. Tadajewski seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All ayes; motion carried.

C. Paavola was sworn in as Clerk by P. Pokorski at 9:47 am.

B. Tadajewski made motion to run the ad for the vacancy of the Trustee position from Friday to Friday. C. Paavola seconded. A roll call vote was taken. All ayes; motion carried. It was agreed that the deadline for submissions be July 19th at 2:00 pm. E. Comerford is to copy all letters of interested, and submit packets to the Board for review. Candidates will be selected prior to the August Board meeting. The term of the newly appointed member will expire on November 20, 2012.

Adjournment: With no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 am. The next regular Township Board meeting is scheduled for July 12th at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes submitted by: Erika M. Comerford, Presque Isle Township Office Staff