Ann Ulrich, CMC is the Hartland Township Clerk and welcomes questions, concerns or complaints from Hartland residents. She can be reached at the Hartland Township Office by calling (810) 632-7498, extension 15 or by e-mail at clerkulrich@hartlandtwp.com

The Year in Review from Hartland Township Hall
Happy New Year 2003! Recently, I was asked by residents to state a few positive things I had accomplished since taking Office in November 2000. I was able to share information about the following key projects:

1. New Accu-Vote voting machines. I have held 4 different elections with our new machines this year alone. Residents like them because they are easy to use, assures that every vote will count, voting mistakes are easily corrected and at the end of the night results are quickly tabulated. Ann Ulrich, CMC, Clerk Hartland Schools will utilize the Township's Accu-vote equipment and thus be able to share election officials. With cooperation, duplicate voting equipment is not required, money is saved and voters benefit by voting on identical equipment during both Township and School elections.

2. Water System. This project, which was underway prior to my election in 2000, has frequently been reported incorrectly as $500,000 over budget. Actually, the Water System was successfully completed, prior legal issues mediated and resolved, and still the final project was least $320,000 under budget. This is another example of Board Teamwork.

3. Lazer-Fishe. Residents no longer need to rely on rumors, now that they can get true copies of Township Board minutes from 1998-to current, Resolutions, and Ordinances. This brand new document-imaging program allows residents the ability to search for records, using a computer located in the lobby of the Township Hall. It is easy to use and the Clerk's office will be happy to provide demonstrations.

4. Certified Municipal Clerks Certification. Since my election in 2000, I have been attending Michigan State University in order to attain my Municipal Clerk Certification. This certification demonstrates my commitment to the position of Hartland Township Clerk, and is usually not achieved by most Township Clerks. I am please to inform the residents that I have completed all of the necessary requirements and should receive confirmation of my Municipal Clerks Certification status in the next few weeks.

5. DEQ Fines for Sewer System. In June, new Sewer Water Committee members Don Wyland, Doug Kuhn, Ann Ulrich, CMC, DPW Director, Rolly Olney and new Attorney Mike Homier, were able to convince the DEQ we would get the Sewer systems sodium/chloride levels under control and into compliance. This proactive action saved the Township well over $150,000 in fines. As of this month, we are in compliance, thanks to the help of residents who disconnected their softeners and began to use potassium chloride rather than salt.

6. Sewer System Expansion. Clerk Ann Ulrich, CMC, Doug Kuhn, Don Wyland along with Attorney Mike Homier and new engineer Steve Williams of Williams and Works of Grand Rapids, should be prepared to share a solution to the Sewer limitation problem by March 2003. We have been diligently working toward solving this ongoing sewer fiasco and should soon know when it will be permanently corrected.

7. Leadership Training Retreats. While I put this Topic near the end, it is almost the most important event a Township Board can experience together. Don Hill, Doug Kuhn, Don Wyland, and I were the only Board members who consistently attended training retreats, designed to teach Board members how to work together as a team. Those retreats gave us the tools, which now help facilitate smooth meetings to conduct business, and keep the Township moving forward, even in the "harsh " political atmosphere of Hartland. I realize that many of my accomplishments mentioned in this column would not have been possible without the teamwork and continued support of Don Wyland, Doug Kuhn and Don Hill, and recently Treasurer Kathie Horning.

8. Township Office Expansion. Needed space was added to the rear of the Hall when GM sold the Township a modular office, complete with 8 rooms of office furniture, for $2,500. This economical facility has impressed many residents who were very surprised with the office improvements and pleased to be served effectively, without cramped conditions.

9. Cemetery Upgrades. Old cyclone fences have been replaced in Hartland & Parshallville Cemeteries with beautiful new wrought iron replacement fences. This summer, I was able to get the rusted white iron fence at Hodge Cemetery painted by a resident volunteer. The Township only paid for the black paint and now the fence not only looks brand new but also with new paint, should last for many additional years.

Election Update
A Special Election to elect a new Hartland Township Supervisor has been scheduled for January 14, 2003, at Ore Creek Middle School. Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. Absent Voter Ballots will be available. Clerk Ann Ulrich's Office in the Township Hall will be open on Saturday, January 11, 2003 from 8am-2pm for voters to receive and vote absent voter ballots. Don Rhodes, Republican Party candidate, will run uncontested. The Democratic Party did not select a supervisor candidate to be placed on the ballot.

Dear Ann,

Q: How can I get more information on the M-59 improvement timeline?

A: The best source for information about when M-59 improvements will begin is to call 800-336-0883 or visit the M-DOT website at mdot.state.mi.us/projects/m-59-livingston. Township Board members want to see M-59 improved, but our hands our tied because the entire project is the responsibility of the Michigan Department of Transportation (M-DOT).

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