John C. Helphenstine

This document is the 2011 Update and Supplement to the Three Oaks Township Master Plan, designed to serve as a roadmap for the community's future development and conservation efforts over approximately a ten-year period. The plan is built upon six strategic goals: fostering a tourism industry rooted in rural character and recreation, balancing economic development with the preservation of rural character, ensuring productive and economically viable farmland, conserving vast open spaces and natural features, enhancing the unique community identity, and nurturing cooperative communication and collaboration. It also outlines a future land use and zoning plan to guide physical development, improvements, and open space preservation.

The meeting included discussions on the Spring Creek School Restoration Phase II, insurance for the Library, and the receipt of the second ARPA Funds check. The Village and Township hosted the Berrien County Commissioners meeting. The board approved an amendment to the Mileage Resolution to reflect the IRS increase in the mileage rate. An application for expenses from the Pokagon LRSB was received, and the Clerk was tasked with emailing Planning Commission members about the MTA Planning & Zoning Seminar. The Supervisor and Clerk are scheduled to meet with a Comcast representative to discuss internet services for the Township. A guest inquired about fundraising for the Spring Creek School Restoration.

The meeting included discussions on security measures for the Spring Creek Schoolhouse, including alarms and additional outdoor lighting, and rules governing the use of the building. The board considered a resolution request from the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) regarding shared clerks compensation. A revised Berrien County 2024 Road Project Estimate for Three Oaks Twp was presented, focusing on Basswood Road. The board also discussed extending the 2023 Winter Tax Deadline and a Pokagon Fund/MSU Extension Partnership for an "Attainable Housing Training Program". An offer was presented to purchase and take down a Walnut Tree in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The MTA's 2024 Educational Conference & Expo dates were shared. River Valley School District Superintendent David Campbell presented on the Operating Millage Renewal and Sinking Fund Millage Renewal.

The meeting included updates on the Spring Creek School, the MTA conference and expo, the budget for 25-26, internet installation progress, and fire expansion and a new truck. The board discussed and approved the renewal of the ambulance contract, continued membership with the Michigan Association of Municipal Cemeteries, and a one-year contract with Lawnscape Services LLC for cemetery and school house maintenance. They also accepted the salary reports with a review at the end of 1 year and approved administrative resolutions related to various township operations.

The meeting included discussion of a noise complaint against Deer Creek Hunt Club. The board discussed committee reports including those from Inspectors, Cemetery, Fire, Ambulance, Parks & Recreation, Planning, and Police. The board also discussed the Spring Creek School House, bookkeeping assistance, the Economic Development Collaborative, the Cemetery conference, and computer updates. New business included weed control, a new contract with Comcast, a nomination letter for Steve Graziano, and attendance at the Bureau of Elections Conference and Professional Development retreat.