• The 2012 MDOT Southwest Region road and bridge program is roughly $7 million more than 2011′s program.
• The Southwest Region maintains 593 bridges and 1,567 miles of roadway under state jurisdiction.
• In 2012, 162 miles of pavement and 33 bridges will be upgraded in the Southwest Region.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be investing $84.7 million to improve 162 miles of roadway and 33 bridges in the MDOT Southwest Region in 2012. The Southwest Region is composed of nine counties – Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

The Southwest Region 2012 program will provide approximately $66.7 million for pavement repair and roughly $18 million to repair bridges.

“Improving transportation infrastructure benefits motorists and communities, making roadways safer and more reliable, as well as encouraging economic growth and development,” said Southwest Region Engineer Bobbi Welke. “Our 2012 program reflects the use of proven asset management strategies to ensure we continue to provide the greatest return on our limited funding.”

The following high-impact projects are scheduled for 2012 in the Southwest Region.

Allegan County

- M-89: An $11 million investment to rebuild more than 2 miles of M-89 from 12th Street to Hicks Avenue in Plainwell, including rebuilding and repairing bridges over the Kalamazoo River mill race and US-131.

- I-196: A $13 million investment to rebuild more than 9 miles of northbound I-196 from 130th Avenue to US-31 near Saugatuck and Holland.

Barry County

- M-43 and M-37: A $5 million investment to repave and rebuild almost 2 miles of M-43 and M-37 from Hanover Street to the north city limits in Hastings, including repairing the bridge over the Thornapple River.

Berrien County

- M-63: A $1 million investment to repair the M-63 bridge over I-94 in St. Joseph Township.

Branch County

- I-69: An $882,000 investment to repair the Jonesville Road bridge over I-69 in Coldwater.

Kalamazoo County

- M-331: A $1.3 million investment to replace the M-331 (Park Street) bridge over Axtel Creek in Kalamazoo.

Source:  News release from Michigan Department of Transportation

Appointment of the committee came Tuesday (February 21st) during the ‘Chairman’s Report’ portion of the Board of Commissioners meeting.

Commissioner John Dobberteen will serve as the chairman of the new group.  Also appointed to the committee were Commissioners Jerry Loudenslager and Robin Baker.

Shaffer said the three commissioners will work with a discussion group from the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, Community Mental Health and local hospitals “over the next few months.”  He added, “Nothing is going to be decided anytime real soon,” but said this “core group” will work to bring back to commissioners “a study and findings about where we might go collectively for health care in St. Joseph County.”

Tuesday’s appointments followed a motion during the board’s February 7th meeting in which commissioners voted to ask the CMH Board to research consolidation with the Community Health Agency.

Dobberteen chairs the Community Mental Health Board and Baker is a member of the Health Agency Board.

In other business during Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved a request to fill a vacant prosecuting attorney position.  The vacancy comes from the impending retirement of Jeanette Jackson after 31 years, effective March 30th.  In a letter regarding the vacancy, Prosecuting Attorney John McDonough said, “I am happy for Jeanette and wish her the best in retirement.  I am asking for authorization to replace Jeanette with Joshua Robare who would begin working April 18, 2012, and based upon his experience as a law clerk and experience as an intern in our office would respectfully request he be hired as an APA 1 at level 2 of the step scale.”

The board also:

• Heard the Friend of the Court’s Annual Report from William Thistlewaite
• Approved bank authorizations sought by Century Bank and Trust
• Appointed Connie Stoppenbach to the Transportation Authority Board, Donald Eaton, Robin Baker, John Dobberteen and Betty Massey to the Community Mental Health Board, and Tim Peterson, Henry Miller and Donald Eaton to the County Agricultural Preservation Board.

Both Commissioner-at-Large Daryl Griffith and Mayor Tom Lowry objected to ZBA approval of a variance to provide relief from the city’s ‘Big Box Ordinance’ requirement to put ten-foot-wide concrete walkways between every third row of parking spaces.  They also noted a problem with the variance to allow a larger and taller pylon sign at the store entrance to address concerns about the sign’s visibility from M-60 and US-131 because it was approved on a 3-to-1 vote, thus falling short of providing affirmative votes from a majority of the seated members of the ZBA.  The variance was for a sign with 201 square feet versus 150 square feet, 35 feet high instead of 25 feet, plus a setback of 25 feet, rather than 35 feet.

Mayor Tom Lowry joined Commissioner Daryl Griffith in criticizing zoning board of appeals action regarding a variance sought by Menards for relief from a 'Big Box' ordinance requirement regarding concrete walkways in the parking lot of the company's proposed store in Three Rivers.

Consideration of the matter led to protracted discussion about the relative roles of the city commission, planning commission and ZBA and drew criticism of the ZBA, particularly in regard to the variance about the parking lot walkways.

Griffith said, “I am very much in favor of Menards moving into this community and granting this Special Exception.  However, there was a particular issue that was in the variances that went to the zoning board of appeals that I take issue with.”  He then explained his objections to ZBA action to allow Menards to omit the walkways, a requirement he pushed for when the ‘Big Box Ordinance’ was developed and put in place several years ago.  Griffith cited concern for pedestrian and driver safety in the parking lot, said he didn’t see the question of a hardship being raised, and said, “I don’t see justification for having granted the variance in the first place.”

Griffith also used an example of ‘activist judges’ in objecting to the ZBA’s decision on the walkways issue.  He said, ““This body (city commission) passed a law that they wanted to have acted on – ‘Big Box’ stores.  This body (ZBA), now acting without any repeal, is ignoring that law entirely and I have a problem with that from the standpoint of it was the citizens who elected us up here to represent them and now the laws that we’re putting in place are being disregarded.  But also, this is completely unfair to Walmart who did comply to this ordinance.  You can’t have a law and then selectively enforce here but not there, pick and choose.”

Lowry indicated agreement with Griffith and said, “My objection is fundamental.  We passed an ordinance that it goes to the planning commission and it goes to the city commission.  Nowhere in that ordinance did it say the housing/zoning board of appeals could subvert the whole process by granting a variance.”  Addressing City Attorney Pat O’Malley and City Manager Joe Bippus, Lowry said, “So my question to you Pat and Joe, what’s changed in the last couple years that we have an employee that can give input to the zoning board of appeals that can then override our ordinances?  I don’t think it’s legal.  I don’t think the zoning board of appeals has the legality to overturn an ordinance.”

Lowry added, “Let me make one thing straight.  This is going to pass.  Menards is coming to this community, but the process has been subverted and this has been happening several times over the last couple years that the housing/zoning board of appeals was used as a process to sidestep around the planning commission and their objections.  I think it’s illegal and I really want to get to the basis of that.”

In their comments during the discussion, O’Malley and Bippus noted the efforts by city staff to accommodate business development and move projects along.  Regarding the ZBA, O’Malley said he understood the concerns, “But the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act is very clear that, once the zoning board of appeals makes a decision, it’s final.  The appeal is to the circuit court if there is a challenge to what they do.”

City Attorney Pat O'Malley suggested tabling action on a Special Exception Use Permit for the Menards project in view of concerns about ZBA action to approve a variance regarding concrete walkways in the parking lot.

In view of the objections from Griffith and Lowry, O’Malley suggested that the commission go on with other business and allow him to “speak to some of the staff and maybe the representative from Menards.”  By consent, the commission allowed him to do so and – after a 23-minute period – O’Malley returned and said, “I’d like to recommend to the city commission that the request for the Special Use Permit be tabled and that, as far as the site plan, that it be sent back to the planning commission with regard to the sign variance which was, in fact, not adopted because of the failure to have the required number of votes.  It’s anticipated that the planning commission would then make a recommendation – and this will also give us a little time to explain some of the issues that were raised tonight about the relationship between the city commission, planning commission and the zoning board of appeals and also an opportunity for me anyway to take another look at that ordinance that I drafted, Mayor.”

No formal action was taken, but – by consent – the commission agreed to O’Malley’s suggestion for addressing the Special Exception Use Permit and the site plan.  Regarding the timeline for such action, Lowry said, “Hopefully, we can do it again in two weeks so that we don’t delay them too much.”

Indications are the planning commission will deal with the matter during its next regular meeting on March 5th.  The next city commission meeting will take place the following evening (March 6th).

For additional insights regarding the issues at the heart of this story, click on the following link to hear the initial comments by Commissioner Daryl Griffith and Mayor Tom Lowry regarding their objections to variances granted by the ZBA:  Daryl Griffith-Tom Lowry comments (5:07 – 4.69 MB).

Toward the end of the meeting – at the urging of Griffith – the commission agreed to direct city staff to draft a letter to the zoning board of appeals to “adhere to the law and be consistent.”  Griffith said, “I’m hoping we can clear this up with that.  I don’t want to take any drastic measures if we don’t have to.”

Reed noted that, “This is a joint effort by both local hospitals, Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency, and Riverside Clinic.  The results will be utilized to design the future of health care services in St. Joseph County.”

Reed asked, “Have you personally utilized the convenience of one of our local ER’s?  Have you been frustrated about the limitations of a service?  Have you gone out of county to receive a service instead of getting the care here at home?  These are just a few of the possible questions I could pose.  My challenge, if you have answered yes to any of the above then you certainly should complete the survey!  It is your chance to voice your opinion and make a difference in the future of services.”

Reed indicated the goal of the assessment is 3,000 surveys and said, “It can be done with your help.  Send an email, post on a website, send out a Tweet, or post on Facebook.  There are so many ways to help spread the word.”

Reed pointed to a variety of ways to link to the online survey:  “ You can find it on both Sturgis Hospital and Three Rivers Health websites along with Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, BHSJCHA, and of course the HSC website; www.stjosephhsc.org.”  And she said, “If you would like paper copies, contact Lisa Loker at CMHSAS” – (269) 467-1000.

We have been inundated with TV advertisements and that will only heat up as we close in on the 28th.

There are 2 ballots available to all voters in this election.  A Republican  Ballot and a Democrat Ballot.  On the Republican Ballot there are 11 candidates along with a choice to vote “uncommitted” and “write-in.”  However, no candidates filed to run as a write-in so no write-in votes will be counted.  Even though we know that several of the 11 candidates have dropped out of the race, they did not do so until after the deadline to get their names off the ballot. The Democrat Ballot has only 1 name on it along with “uncommitted” and “write-in.”  And, again, no one filed to run as a write-in.

When you enter the polls you will be asked for picture identification and you will have to fill out an application to vote specifying which ballot you would like to vote, Republican or Democrat.  Unlike voting 4 years ago in this election your ballot choice will immediately be a matter of public record.

In some jurisdictions in the State there is a 3rd ballot that is being offered to voters and that is for local candidates or proposals.  This choice is listed on the application that you will fill out.  Again there is NO THIRD ballot choice in St. Joseph County.

You will vote in your home polling place and if you are eligible you may vote absentee by contacting your township or city clerk.

If you have any questions please call the County Clerk’s Office at (269) 467-5603.

Source:  News release from St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie Bender

Authorization of the new rates – recommended by Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering – came during the council meeting Monday evening (February 20th).  However, as noted by Village Manager Mark Honeysett in an interview with the River Country Journal, Village Clerk Ruth Strawser did some research and determined that “it really hasn’t been approved appropriately yet.”  He said, “We have to hold a public hearing and it has to be passed by resolution.”

Honeysett said he anticipates the public hearing will happen during the council’s meeting on March 19th with action that night.  He said, “If it does happen that way, then the first bill people receive after April 1st – and that would come around the 10th or 11th – would reflect an increase and, again, of roughly 20 percent.”  (Mark Honeysett audio clip – 1:05)

The rate increase is aimed at addressing an estimated additional $30,000 monthly tab the village is paying for its sewer bill as the result of a 55 percent increase from the City of Three Rivers which processes the village’s wastewater at its Clean Water Plant.

To view the table showing the impact of new sewer rates on selected customers, click here.

So, you get it – you have to market your business. However, just marketing isn’t going to do the trick. You have to use the right type of marketing, the right message, and send it to the right people. Wow. That makes it harder, doesn’t it. How are you supposed to know all that? A lot of it is trial and error. You try, and it works or it fails. Then you either move on or do the same thing over again. Then, it’s also important that you work with those who have better understanding of what good marketing is all about. Mentors, programs that teach you, groups that work together to collaborate and to share ideas: these are all methods that will help you learn what is better versus bad marketing. But the most important thing to remember in any marketing effort: NEVER stop learning what your customers and/or potential customers want.

Find your target niche (who it is that wants what you have to offer) and then market to them where they are. Two types of marketing are the niche market and then there’s also shotgun marketing. Shotgun marketing, like it sounds, is when you shoot and the message lands who knows where. This is actually a waste of money as you never know if the person reached has need of your product or service.

It’s also important to create a series of marketing programs using both online and offline techniques. According, again, to Success, approximately 46 million people check their social media sites several times a day. This is a great way to quickly, inexpensively and effectively touch bases with your market. However, it is also a known fact that it takes more than seeing your name, phone, email, ads, in order to get someone to choose you over the competition. It is also more effective to use a variety of techniques such as email, direct mail, social media, telephone and more. You need to find what works the best for your market.

The most effective marketing however is when you build relationships with your customers. It is much easier to get someone to want what you offer when they understand it, like you (your brand) and feel that they can trust you. This is great news: you just have to make your customer your friend, and they’ll buy from you. Not as easy as it sounds. It takes time (and we’re all in a hurry to get that sale), and it takes effort. You need to pay more attention to what you can do for them, than what they can do for you. If you give what your customer wants, then you become successful as well, but not overnight.

In the end, if you provide great marketing support, a super product at a good price break and run your business with knowledge and understanding, you are going to be one of the lucky ones! You’ll have a successful business.

Nancy Becher works with small business owners that want to get more clients NOW, make lots more money, and enjoy their success.

House Bills 5125 and 5126, sponsored by state Reps. Jon Switalski and Dale Zorn, respectively, allow county boards of commissioners to dissolve appointed road commissions, or to ask voters for dissolution of elected road commissions. The method of dissolution depends on whether the road commission originally was created by a resolution or a public vote. The boards of commissioners then would assume the road agency duties.

It is a measure Snyder proposed in his October special message on infrastructure.

Michigan is the only state that has county road commissions. Created more than 100 years ago, when the state’s roads were unpaved and automobiles were in their infancy, the commission system has outlived its usefulness.

Michigan has 81 county road commissions and nearly half of them are not accountable to the rest of county government. Currently, only the largest counties are allowed to incorporate their county road commissions into their general government. Macomb and Wayne counties already have done so.

The bills now are Public Acts 14 and 15 of 2012.

Detailed information on the bills is available at www.legislature.mi.gov.

Source:  News release from Governor Rick Snyder

The theme for this year’s event is “Ahoy, TR!”  with Parades, Pirates and “Piratechniques” in store! With that in mind, the Water Festival Committee encourages participants to incorporate a “pirate” theme in their events.

The Water Festival will feature many returning favorites, including entertainment, a grand pyrotechnics fireworks show, the popular Lions Club Ox Roast, the Women’s Club Pie Booth, KidsZone, Senior Day Bingo, the Midway Carnival by Schmidt’s Family Amusements, the Arts and Crafts Show in Scidmore Park, the Commercial Vendor Marketplace (also in Scidmore Park), the Water Festival Parade, the popular Car Show, and many more crowd pleasers and SURPRISES.

This year’s Water Festival Parade will kick off the festival celebration on Thursday evening, June 14, with the “rain date” on Friday evening, should the need arise.  Parade participants are encouraged to consider the “Ahoy, TR!” theme in planning their entries, which could center on the world of pirates or, if pirates are not their choice, perhaps boating or lake life!

Area residents are encouraged to watch for more details about this annual event as the Festival approaches.

Source:  News release from Three Rivers Water Festival

Pastor Shayne Looper (left) and state Senator Bruce Caswell

Looper, pastor at Lockwood Community Church in Coldwater, delivered the invocation before the Senate session on Tuesday.

Source:  News release and photo from state Senator Bruce Caswell