Some Accomplishments of Denise since being Elected Township Supervisor in 2004:
Strong Financial Management
I believe that government should live within its means. With continuing cuts in revenue sharing, the Township had to tighten its belt so it did not go into reserves to pay for operation, which, if done, would be the equivalent of cashing in one's 401K to pay a Consumers bill. We made cuts where we could and revamped the health care coverage, including reducing coverage for the elected officials.
Each year I have been your Supervisor, we have recorded a budget surplus without cutting Township services.
The Township’s Standard and Poors bond rating was increased from a B+
to an A- in 2006 largely in part because of the budget surpluses and
the Board’s pledge to live within its means and only spend surpluses
for capital improvements, not operation.
I evaluate the Township’s financial policies with the Auditor each
year. I have continuously brought written financial policies and
procedures to the Township Board that include checks and balances to protect Taxpayer
dollars.
I serve on the Grass Lake and Napoleon Township Common Fund to oversee financial decision for the Wolf Lake Sewer System.
Involved and Informed Napoleon Citizens for Community Solutions
Created the Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee
Surveyed residents with issues concerning recreation, road paving, and areas/topics of concern to residents
Held informational and informal meetings with taxpayers with specific
matters such as, the Pasadena Beach Assessor’s Plat, Township Mining
Ordinance, Olcott Lake Weed Control residents, and Kitty Lane road concerns.
Newsletters to residents three times per year
Assisted in the organization of the Heart of the Lakes Recreation
Commission. I serve on this Commission along with two appointed
Napoleon residents
Worked on committee with Township Police and Fire Chiefs for design and
location of outdoor warning sirens promised to the public in 1999.
The Township Hall is now a site for senior meals three days per week
Continued Involvement with organizations and local governments in our area to plan for the future and save taxpayer dollars.
Participate in the Jackson County Strategic Plan and serve on the Economic Development Committee
Chaired the Jackson County Intergovernmental Committee
Joint paving of Orban Road with Grass Lake Township
Joint installation of outdoor warning siren with Grass Lake Township for Wolf Lake area.
Utilized 50-percent grant match and partnered with Road Commission to pave rural roads.
Joined the Upper Grand River Watershed Council and participated in the Phase 2 committee.
Attended several emergency management trainings—County and National trainings.
Met with Senator Mark Schauer and Michigan Department of Transportation
representative to discuss traffic concerns at the intersection of
Napoleon Road and M-50. As a result, we received a Federal Grant for
the construction of a left-turn lane on M-50, which is 100 percent
funded (no cost to Township taxpayers). The project will commence in
2010.
Staying connected and meeting with local
organizations/businesses such as YMCA Camp Storer, Napoleon Chamber,
and Michigan International Speedway
Reorganized Building and Zoning Departments
My goal is to make building and zoning issues easy to access and understandable for residents. Here are some things I have done to date to accomplish this for you:
Building
New Permit forms segregate to specific need, shortened, and accessible online
Meetings with inspectors quarterly to discuss matters
Zoning
Quarterly meetings with Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Chairman
Mandated attendance of Zoning Administrator at ZBA Hearings
Ordinance violation complaints online
Longer Township Hours
From March of 2005 to March of 2006, the Township was open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. Treasurer Sherrill Stetler and I were available for those late hours. After evaluation of the number of residents utilizing the late-evening hours for a 12-month period, we determined that it was not being used enough to warrant staying open.
The Township extended its hours in June of 2007. It currently opens to
the public at 7 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Feedback with these hours from the public is positive.