“See something say something” program also in the works
By Barb Pert Templeton
A recent meeting to establish an active volunteer committee in Marine City seemed fruitful with around a dozen people turning out to discuss plans and proposals.
“The first meeting was a very productive sharing of ideas,” City Manager Scott Adkins said.
The idea to launch a volunteer program in Marine City was first introduced by resident Heather Haas Warner who suggested getting volunteers together to pick up around town and hosting fundraisers to bring money into the city.
Marine City Manager Scott Adkins.
At a June 4th commission meeting Warner spoke during public comments offering several suggestions to officials including reactivating the Adopt-A-Park Program and having police cadets do bike patrols in the city to keep an eye on the e-bikers speeding through town.
In a recent email Adkins said in addition to the new volunteer committee, the city’s also looking to promote the program, “See Something, Say Something Marine City” that encourages residents and visitors to report concerns about various city issues. Those issues could be things such as blight, damage property, dangerous property, or facilities by reporting them via the city website, email or by calling city hall.
“More eyes and ears in the community are always helpful in us addressing concerns/issues,” Adkins said.
To find out more about the new volunteer committee with the city Blue Water Healthy Living sent some questions via email to Adkins.
Here they are with his responses:
Blue Water Healthy Living: Who was in charge of the July 9 volunteer meeting?
Marine City Manager Scott Adkins: I coordinated the meeting and served as the meeting moderator. I was joined by the Mayor (Jennifer Vandenbossche), Commissioner (Lisa) Hendrick, Police Chief (James) Heaslip and Sgt (Scott) Baldwin on the “informal” panel.
BWHL: Was there a formal agenda in place or was it a more casual approach?
Marine City resident Heather Haas Warner brought the idea for getting volunteers together to help in the city at a June 4 meeting of the Marine City Commission.
Adkins: It was more of an informal introductory process with open discussion on several items
BWHL: How many people turned out for the first volunteer meeting on July 9?
Adkins: We had 10 people attend the first meeting
BWHL: Where did this idea for volunteers come from and is it a new approach in Marine City?
Adkins: It was my idea to host a meeting to identify some volunteer opportunities, hear input from residents on what they thought some needs are and to take the first steps to develop a “volunteer corps” to assist in addressing some needs. Resident Heather Haas Warner was also very helpful in encouraging residents to consider volunteering to assist the city as well.
“The group will be overseen by the city but it is our hope that we will have one or more volunteer team leaders to guide the various activities. The leaders will serve in a liaison capacity between the city and volunteer corps members.”
Marine City Manager Scott Adkins, on how the new volunteer committee will work in the city.
BWHL: Will this Volunteer Committee be run by the city or will it appoint or elect a board or?
Adkins: The group will be overseen by the city but it is our hope that we will have one or more volunteer team leaders to guide the various activities. The leaders will serve in a liaison capacity between the city and volunteer corps members.
BWHL: Can the city share a few examples of what might be an appropriate way to volunteer in the city?
Adkins: Some identified volunteer areas are beautification (trash pick-up in parks), weeding and gardening, beach volunteers (open/closing restrooms, beach assistant duties) and supportive fundraising for specific needs like park/beach improvements.
BWHL: Will there be age limits and residency rules for the volunteers who step forward?
Adkins: The programs are mostly aimed at adults; however, adults can bring their children (12 and above) as long as supervised to assist on some activities. There is no residency requirement. We are also seeking partnership with local civic and other groups like scouts, National Honor Society, and the like. All volunteers will need to sign liability waivers, and permission slips for those under age 18 will also be required.
BWHL: If cleaning up parks and public areas becomes a volunteer task will the city provide any equipment needed such as gloves or trash bags?
Adkins: The city will provide garbage cans, bags, gloves, and some other items as well as pick up of items.
BWHL: Does the plan include having an organized calendar for volunteers who are assigned tasks and dates or does the city envision something more flexible?
Adkins: Although it will be very flexible, there will be a list of tasks and those assigned available. We are working to build the framework as we move ahead.57 minutes East 1131.02 feet; thence South 0 degrees 03 minutes East 701.79 feet; thence South 88 degrees 49 minutes West 1121.13 feet to beginning. Tax Parcel Nos. 74-02-002-4000-000 and 74-02-300-0036-000. WHEREAS, the City’s ownership of the Property is subject to the condition that the Property be used for school and recreational purposes.
