Emilly Hickmott

The board discussed the Real-Time Monitoring service contract and the planning for the upcoming annual meeting. Key agenda items included evaluating maintenance options for the district's property on Red Arrow Highway, reviewing and passing a resolution for the millage renewal proposal, and appointing a board member to the Soil and Water Conservation District Foundation. Additionally, the board received reports from management, staff, and state agencies, and reviewed several environmental notices.

This document outlines the Materials Management Plan for Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties, replacing previous Solid Waste Plans as mandated by Michigan's Part 115 amendments. The plan defines materials management as the handling of materials no longer serving their original purpose, focusing on recycling, organics programs, waste diversion, and hazardous waste management to promote reuse and recovery. It aims to treat waste as a resource to foster economic vitality, improve quality of life, and enhance sustainability. The plan requires collective efforts from county and municipal governments for implementation, with progress to be demonstrated every five years to secure funding and ensure local input.

The board meeting included the approval of the agenda and the financial statements for September, October, and November 2025, as well as the payment of bills for December 2025 and the Payroll & Paid Time Off Accumulation Report for November 2025. Key discussions involved approving the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act Amendments. Under Old Business, the adoption of the Flexible Work and Remote Work Policy 2025.01 was postponed pending attorney review, and the board approved seeking approval for a renewal of the VBCD Programs Millage. New Business included scheduling the 2026 Organizational Meeting, postponing a decision on the Real-Time Monitoring service contract with OneEdge, review of the Draft FY 25 Annual Report, selection of a preferred design for Board of Directors' business cards, and an update on the Forestry Assistance Program. The board also accepted grant funds from Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) Harvest Grant and approved a Letter of Support for the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum's grant application. Finally, the board regretfully approved a notice of resignation from a staff member.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, which cover routine items such as the minutes from the January 2026 Board Meeting and various financial reports, including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, expenditures for January 2026, and account reconciliations. Unfinished business focused on the Real-Time Monitoring (RTM) Service Contract with OneEdge and preparations for the 2026 Annual Meeting. New business involved Red Arrow Property Maintenance, the Resolution 2026-01 for the Millage Renewal Proposal, and a request from the Van Buren County Soil & Water Conservation District Foundation for an additional Board Director. Reports were scheduled from VBCD Management, Staff, and the MDARD Conservation Programs Unit.

The board meeting focused on the organization of the district, including the election of officers and the designation of financial depositories, authorized signatories, and professional service providers. Board members established the 2026 meeting schedule and set director per diem rates. Significant business included the adoption of a flexible and remote work policy, review of quarterly financial and business plans, and the approval of fiscal year budget amendments. Furthermore, the board accepted multiple grants for environmental education, watershed technical support, invasive species detection, and recycling infrastructure, and authorized several memorandums of understanding related to recycling programs. The meeting also addressed personnel matters, including the approval of a seasonal job posting and a resignation.