Macomb County Board of Commissioners meeting by: Lee Sorensen

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners is moving quickly in the direction of sponsoring the purchase of the trail. We’re not there yet but getting much closer. On November 16th, the board voted to study of the ramifications of the trail purchase. These include:

Negotiating with the railroad on a purchase price

Determining ownership of the property in response to opponents claims of reversionary rights

Responding to the concerns of citizens who spoke against the trail

It also authorized the formation of a five-member committee of the Board to assist the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Planning Commission, the Finance Director and the County Attorney in obtaining the necessary information. County officials have started working with the railroad on price and terms. The committee met for the first time and sent up a motion, which was passed by the full board on December 14 authorizing continued negotiation with the railroad, and negotiation with the Trust for Public Lands, a nonprofit conservancy group, to assist the county in the purchase. The board may meet again in special session, or else wait until the January meeting to take the next step. In addition, county officials wrote a grant request in record time and submitted it to MDOT ahead of the deadline for grants to be issued on April.

This would be a good time to write to your commissioners again, with a copy to Chairman Hertel, thanking them for supporting the trail. Only Commissioners Brandeburg, Sessa, DeSaele and Fraschetti voted against the December motion. They still need to be persuaded. Your letters and statements to the board have been clearly effective in gaining the overwhelming board approval shown so far. Keep up the good work.

My thanks to all the supporters of the trail for helping us get this far. At this joyous holiday season, I want to echo the word of the late Roy Rogers theme song in wishing, "Happy Trails To You."   (Return to top of page)

While the outcome of the referendum in Armada was disappointing, it showed that the trail has a lot of supporters there, too. Notwithstanding the significant support, the Township Board also voted to cease its participation in development of the Interlocal Agreement. Fortunately, their participation is less needed now that before the County Board became involved. Once purchased, the trail can probably be opened through Armada Township without their approval. Hopefully, they will see the light at a later date and rejoin the process, if only for the sake of having some control.  (Return to top of page)

Ever feel stumped by a question about the trail that you hadn’t heard before? Pick up a copy of our Frequently Asked Questions document when you attend our next meeting. These six pages cover almost everything you need to know. If it doesn’t, ask one of the officers to get you an answer. (Click here for an on-line copy of the FAQ's)  (Return to top of page)

We are communicating information on trail developments via e-mail to keep everyone up to date when things move too fast for the quarterly newsletter. If you have e-mail, but are not getting these messages, please call our phonemail line at (586) 997-7271 and give us your address. Then you’ll be in line to receive late breaking news and requests for support.  (Return to top of page)

Your membership will expire after the January meeting unless you joined since October. New memberships are acceptable at any time. An application/renewal form is included at the end of this newsletter. Become a member and participate in planning and developing the trail.

Members are receiving ballots for directors on a separate sheet. Current directors Chuck Mabley, Rich Platz, Dave Rumohr and Christine Hamilton are all running for reelection. If you want to be nominated, contact Dennis Tipsword 586-749-9153 tipsword@wwnet.net  (Return to top of page)

The Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail have T-shirts $12 and Sweatshirts for $20 available with the new logo & map and some with old logo in sizes from medium to XX-Large. Contact John Tarantino or Hamilton Bicycles, 69333 North Main in Richmond, MI or pick one up at Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail meetings.  (Return to top of page)

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Regular meetings on 2nd Tuesday of month at Rotary Activities Building, 20505 29 Mile Rd (east of Wolcott)

The Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. at Camp Rotary Activities Building, 20505 29 Mile Rd. (east of Wolcott)

Scheduled dates are:

January 9, 7:00 p.m. Election of Board

February 13, 7:00 p.m.

March 13, 7:00 p.m.

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The Interlocal Government Committee is representatives from local communities that are forming a management group for the proposed Macomb Orchard Trail

Action by the ad hoc committee that is drafting the Interlocal Agreement covering ownership, operation and development of the trail is expected to heat up soon. The County Board will want this in place because it is needed when applying for grants. To help intensify the action, the committee has obtained the services of attorney John Nitz to help finalize the agreement , whose firm is one of our sponsors, having prepared our federal tax exemption application. The committee meets twice a month on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30 at Camp Rotary (the same place as our meetings) and the public is invited to attend. Dates for meetings in January and beyond have not been set. See our website www.orchardtrail.org or call our answering machine at (586)997-7271 for dates and times.  (Return to top of page)

Looking for a year-end tax deduction? Contributions to Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail are tax deductible. This includes money that you give directly and also in-kind services. If you use your car to support the trail you deduct $0.12 per mile.

Driving to attend meetings doesn’t count unless you are a board member, but driving to Armada, Richmond or Romeo to work in the booth does. Any supplies that you buy and are not reimbursed for is also deductible at cost.  (Return to top of page)

If anyone has connections with a Chamber of Commerce or Trade Association in Macomb County, we would like to speak to them about supporting the trail.

Call Lee Sorensen 586-781-3756 - e-mail: swimbikerun@jamdata.net

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Need two volunteers with some accounting experience to audit the "Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail", books for end of year report. Contact a board member if you can help.  (Return to top of page)