Welcome -
**The DEXTER Forum is moderated by Karl Fink and Guest moderator(s) ... Check the Forum Minutes for Name of Co-moderators at recent Meetings..
If you wish to be added to the Forum Mailing List just send a request to KarlVFink@gmail.com -You will get meeting reminders, meeting notes and nothing else.- -Meeting Dates- The next meeting of the Dexter Forum is - April, 06 2024 ***Future meeting Dates**** When- Every 2 weeks from 8:30am to 9:30am on Saturday (BUT only 2 Saturdays a month) - ***************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- <<< The "Stump">> ---- "Stump Activity" is back. ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------ *************************************************** One can check the Forum Notes from previous meetings on the "forum previous notes" pages.. (Up to "14 notes" pages now) *************************************************** |
Founders of The Dexter Forum: John Hansen and Karl Fink..
Who We Are- |
The Dexter Forum is supported by the Dexter Wellness Coalition as part of the 5 Healthy Towns initiative to "help connect with others in healthy ways". The purpose of the Forum is to create an opportunity for interested women and men to gather to discuss important issues facing our community. All are welcome. The group meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month at the Dexter Wellness Center.
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The Forum in action-
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*** "We make the agenda at the meeting so you never know what's on peoples' minds until you ask." ****
======================================================== Season 10, Episode 04, Mar 16, 2024 THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY Karl Fink 1. Many Hands: The Sloan-Kingsley property is in the process of development. Kerry Kafafian reported on the process. The primary purpose of the development would be for intellectually challenged individuals. Employees who assist in the care of these individuals could also live on the property. The housing would be affordable for both groups. Visitation by others would be encouraged due to the trails and other amenities included in the development. The land is under contract and Scio Twp. is reviewing the plans with approval as a PUD by the end of 2024. Brio is the developer. Funding the development is in process. Negotiations are in progress for annexation of the property by the City of Dexter. 2. Solar Array by Dan Hoey Rd: It is a donor and grant supported project based on an idea proposed by DHS high school students. A walking path with shelters is to be added. The shelters will be heated by the solar array while the students wait for school buses. The power will most likely go to the Wylie school. It is projected that the money returned by the solar array will be returned to DCS by the time today’s kindergarten students graduate from high school. 3. Senior Center Program: The letter of intent to purchase the Wellness Center by the DCS as fiduciary has been finalized. The purchase also includes the release of the A.R. Brower owned property on the Wellness Center property for the building of the 9000 sq. ft. Senior Center. The space vacated by ATI (end of March) will become the temporary Senior Center space with Bates School being the space for senior designated exercise programs. The purchasing/development budget is $9.2 million. The DCS will own both buildings. There will be separate lease arrangements for both buildings. Both buildings will have separate operational responsibilities. 4. History of Dexter Websites: There are several you may want to peruse. A few are listed below: a) michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu/dexter b) dextermi.gov c) Michigan.org/city/dexter d) dexterhistory.org e) Michigan.org/property/dexter-area-historical-museum 5. Elections 2024: As we know, there are elections in 2024. A few areas may have elections in May for local issues. However, the primary elections will be in August and the general election will be in November, It has been the practice at the Dexter Forum to have candidates do a ‘stump speech’ should they wish to do so. If you are a candidate for office or have an issue to be voted on you are welcome to contact Karl Fink to schedule your presentation. Please contact Karl by phone or email. His information is as follows: Phone: 734-478-0450 or email: karlvfink@gmail.com 6. Events: a) Hudson Mills Metropark Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 th . For more information, please reference the website: www.metroparent.com/events/easter-egg-scramble-hudson-mills- metropark-dexter b) The old restaurant on Zeeb Road is still in play. The sign for MIA’s has been up for some time. There have been delays but it intends to open some time this year. Respectfully submitted, Lois Beerbaum ======================================================== Season 10, Episode 03, Mar 02, 2024 THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY Karl Fink 1. Dexter High School: It has been reported that the graduation rate is 94%. Between 50 – 60% of graduates continue on to college. Students who are at risk of not graduating are identified and assisted. 2. Citizens for Local Choice: Wendy Albers and Tom Charis presented information and explanation for the ballot initiative to amend the energy bill passed by the Michigan legislature in the Fall of 2023. This bill specifically addresses the solar and windmill industry. The concern is the minimization and possible elimination of local municipalities and townships to use their planning and zoning prerogatives. This would place the decision for establishment of windmill and solar farms in the hands of the Michigan Public Services Commission which regulates utilities in Michigan. The MPSC is an appointed group, not elected. 3. Paul Cousins Memorial/Honorarium: This process is now in the hands of the City of Dexter Parks and Recreation Department. Several ideas are under consideration and there is also a desire to include Paul’s wife as well. 4. The February 27 th Presidential Nomination Election: The major question was over the multi-ballot system. A plethora of discussion but no specific recommendation. There seemed to be a desire to return to a one ballot system with both parties listed. 5. Dexter Forum Formation: Karl was asked to review how the Dexter Forum started as other communities may be interested in a similar discussion group. The concept started in Ypsilanti which Karl observed and participated in. John Hansen and Karl Fink, several years later, discussed doing a similar thing in Dexter and thus it began. We are now in our 9 th or 10 th year. There are ~ 430 people on the Forum’s email list. The basic format is no arguments and a one-hour limit. 6. Dexter Jeopardy: During the Bicentennial, Dexter Jeopardy will take place. Tom Morris announced this and requested that individuals generate questions and submit them to Tom by email at tmorris@morrisPLLC.com. Ben Goldstein, a Dexter resident, was a contestant on JEOPARDY and will participate in this fun activity. 7. Events: See regularly scheduled events in the 02/03/2024 notes. Other events are listed below: a) K of C Fish Fry at Columbus Hall, 4:30 – 7:30PM on through March 22 nd .1 b) Outdoor Gear Sale at Huron River Methodist Church on March 16 th in the Gym from 10AM – 1PM. c) Debbie Dingell will see us in two weeks. d) The Dairy Queen is now OPEN! Respectfully submitted, Lois Beerbaum ========================================== Season 10, Episode 02, Feb 17, 2024 DEXTER FORUM NOTES February 17, 2024 THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY Congressperson Debbie Dingell 1. Faith in Action Update: Sarah Shagart reminded the group that FIA-Dexter assists people in an area of 200 sq. miles. Needs are met for items such as housing, rent, food, utilities, and auto repair. The Truckload of Hope at LaFontaine Chevrolet will occur soon as a fund-raising event. Donations can be made at the Chelsea and Dan Hoey Road sites. Service is for persons up to 200% of poverty. 2. Road Closures and Repairs: Tree removal has begun on N. Territorial for the flattening of the hill near Dexter-Townhall. The same is true at Miller Road and Dexter-Ann Arbor Road in preparation for the ‘roundabout work’. See REFERENCES below for URLs that provide more information from the WCRC. 3. Stump Speech by Derrick Jackson: (Mr. Jackson is running for Sheriff in Washtenaw County) Mr. Jackson presented information to the group on accomplishments and improvements in the Washtenaw Sheriff’s Department and his role in these activities. He described the relationship between mental health and policing. Washtenaw County now has a specific phone number for mental health emergencies. See REFERENCES below. 4. Comments on the Michigan Primary: The conversation centered on using the ‘uncommitted’ option on the ballot vs. a write in comment to express frustration with the presidential primary process. Congressperson Dingell suggested issues relevant to the November election should be the focus of the candidates. Uncommitted votes may be able to harvest delegates for the nominating conventions. 5. Dexter Bicentennial: Cherly Willoughby reported that bicentennial pins are being sold for $5 each. They will be available after this meeting. 6. Events: NOTE: Repeating events will not appear in every edition of the notes. They were reported in the February 3 rd notes and can be referenced there. a) The Dexter Concert Band will perform at DHS on February 25 th at 3 PM. b) Sue Shink will have a coffee hour at the Dexter Senior Center on February 23 rd at 9:30 AM. The focus will be on senior concerns. c) If you know of a charity in need, notify the Kiwanis as they donate to worthy causes. d) The 2024 Calendar of Events is available for the Dexter Area Historical Society. 7. References: a) The number for mental health services in Washtenaw County is 734-544-5030. b) The URLs for WCRC work on N. Territorial and the Miller Road/Dexter-Ann Arbor Road roundabout are as follows: https://www.wcroads.org/wcrc-project/n-territorial-rd-dexter- townhall-rd-safety-improvements/ https://www.wcroads.org/project-update-3-miller-rd-at-zeeb-rd- roundabout-scio-twp/ Respectfully submitted, Lois Beerbaum ======================================================== Season 10, Episode 01, Feb 03, 2024 DEXTER FORUM NOTES February 3, 2024 THE MEETING WAS MODERATED BY KARL FINK +++ If you are willing to serve at a meeting as moderator or co-moderator please contact Karl at karlvfink@gmail.com. +++ 1. Dexter City Council Updates: a) The Charter amendment for the fire station parcel will be on the November 2024 ballot. If it passes, the parcel will be defined as park into perpetuity. b) The Sheriff’s office has been unbundled from the Fire Station and will be housed in the City of Dexter office building. 2. NCAA Updates: Given the current ‘pay to play’ environment, there is concern that the NCAA has lost its way. Questions regarding sports for men and women, staying as college sports and sufferings for academic programs were expressed. 3. Policing in Scio Twp. Update: Any concern regarding police engagement that appears irregular should be brought to the attention or the sheriff’s department via a complaint. 3. Swatting (an intimidation technique): This happens when someone, perhaps an individual who does not like another person, calls 911 and states that there is a police situation at an address such as a domestic violence incident. The police respond but there is no such incident when they arrive. This is a ‘false report’ and is unlawful. 4. Comments from Congressperson Dingell: a) On February 29th the Gelman Plume issue goes into the Federal Register. EPA will take over the issue by the end of 2024 or early 2025. b) The budget discussion has been postponed. c) Response to the Palestine/Israeli conflict is not complete. The two-state solution is in discussion. Expansion should only be permitted if it comes to Congress for a vote. 5. Events: a) Dexter Forum: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, at 8:30A-9:30A. b) Dexter Winter Farmers Market: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9:00 A-1:00P at the Huron River Methodist Church. c) Dexter Friends of the Library Book Sale: 1st of the month from 9A – 3P. d) St. Andrews Thrift Shop: Wednesdays, Noon – 4P and Saturdays, 9A – 3P. e) Styrofoam and Film Plastic Recycling: The Dexter Mill from Noon – 2 PM on Sundays. f) Kiwanis is open, and all proceeds go to local charities. Respectfully submitted, Lois Beerbaum ======================================================== Season 09, Episode 24, Jan 20, 2024 DEXTER FORUM NOTES January 20, 2024 THE MEETING WAS MODERATED BY KARL FINK Reminder: Karl will not be available for the meeting on February 17th. If someone is available and willing to act as chairperson in Karl’s absence, please let him know. 1. Around Town: The Fillmore has closed. However, it has been sold according to some. Also closed for now is the Hotel Hickman. There is an investigation of its future. It does point to an improved process for marketing ourselves as a city. Perhaps the marketing needs to be more aggressive. 2. Policing in Scio Township: There was quite a bit of discussion around the process of stopping a citizen for an infraction. The end suggestion circled around discussion with the sheriff’s office and being aware of priorities for officers. 3. Elections: A reminder to everyone that our election law now mandates nine days of voting. Eight of the days will precede THE election day. Hence, the presidential primary will begin Sunday, February 17, 2024, and go on through February 25, 2024, with THE election day being February 27th. Pre-election day voting will be 9A to 5P at most election sites. February 27th will be the usual 7A – 8P. Individuals not on the ‘permanent absentee ballot’ list will receive an application to select any or all the election dates in 2024 to request an absentee ballot. This form will also allow you to request to be placed on the your jurisdiction will be supplied to you by your city, township, or village clerk. Further questions or concerns should be directed to your jurisdiction clerk’s office. 4. Michigan Township Association (MTA):A report was given on a Zoom presentation by MTA on January 17th. The Zoom presentation reviewed the 2023 laws passed by the legislature and effects on municipalities, townships, and villages. Because this presentation is property of MTA, one does not have access to it unless a fee is paid. Two handouts are available. If you are interested, contact Lois at norfolk2010@comcast.net and they can be forwarded by email to you. There is also a website you can visit entitled micitizenschoice.org. That is the website for the organization attempting to place an item on the November 2024 ballot that will modify the current law. The ballot language has been approved. 5. Events: a) Dexter Forum:1st and 3rd Saturdays, at 8:30A-9:30A. b) Dexter Winter Farmers Market: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9:00 A-1:00P at the Huron River Methodist Church. c) Dexter Friends of the Library Book Sale: 1st of the month from 9A – 3P. d)St. Andrews Thrift Shop: Wednesdays, Noon – 4P and Saturdays, 9A – 3P. e) Styrofoam and Film Plastic Recycling: The Dexter Mill from Noon – 2 PM on Sundays. Peek at our new Facebook page titled “Recycling Solutions”. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555790038209. GO LIONS! Respectfully submitted, Lois Beerbaum KarlVFink@gmail.com To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://www.simplelists.com/confirm/?u=pc7UuZ8YL3Jx6avRAXRbncFLbAuIB8lK ======================================================== Season 09, Episode 23, Jan 06, 2024 DEXTER FORUM NOTEs January 6, 2024 Karl Fink and Mara Greatorex Co-Chaired the Session 1.What is meant by the term democracy? From a political point of view there does not seem to be a real understanding of the word. Should it be removed from general political discussion? It can be a threat for different reasons. The perception and understanding at a local level approaches correctness. As one goes up the governmental chain, the understanding appears to deteriorate. We need to find a way to get along because the danger is that differences grow into me vs. you. Hence, there is a constant struggle, and we need to be always vigilant and aware. 2. Dexter Senior Center News. Jim Carson did a presentation for the Lions. It is a multigenerational effort with the Wellness Center at focus. There are public input sessions scheduled. One has occurred. However, there will be a session at the current Senior Center on January 10th, another session at Middle Creek school that evening and a Zoom session on January 17th from 7:00 PM to 8:30PM. Please register on the Dexter Board of Education website. 3. Presidential Primary. A reminder that there is a presidential primary scheduled for February 27th. This will be Michigan’s first extended days to vote given passage of the nine-day voting law in 2022. You should have received an absentee voter application from your municipal, village or township clerk. If not, please contact your clerk’s office to obtain one. Absentee ballots should be mailed to you circa January 18th. Voting will occur February 17th through February 25th at a specified location which may not be where you usually vote. Your clerk will notify you of that location. February 26th is a return day for clerks to set up voting on Tuesday, February 27th at the usual precinct locations. If there are any questions, PLEASE contact your city, village, or township clerk’s office. 4. Michigan Township Association. MTA has scheduled a Zoom presentation on the new state energy law authorization that could modify local zoning ordinance methodology. If you are interested in this information, you can contact MTA and register for the Zoom session. It’s possible that your township will pay the $25 registration fee. If not, it will be your responsibility to pay the fee. The presentation is Wednesday, January 17th from Noon to 1:00 PM. 5. Redistricting. There is a challenge to the last redistricting in some Michigan areas. Currently that does not affect Washtenaw County representation. 6. Energy Law. There is a challenge to this law that was recently passed in Michigan. 7. Announcements. a) Watch for updates on the Dexter Bicentennial Year! Lots of events are planned. There will be a presentation at the Dexter Library on Tuesday, January 16th at 7 PM. Another celebration item will be the Dexter Ice Fest with 100 sculptures on Saturday, January 20th at Monument Park. b) New businesses include ‘The Fox & Feather’, ‘Cass and Co. Thrift and Gift’. The A & W re-opens Monday, January 8th. The Fillmore Bar/Restaurant has closed permanently. c) Keep these activities in mind. Openings vary: Dexter Forum, Friends of the Dexter Library Book Sale, Winter Farmers Market and the St. Andrews Thrift Shop as well as Styrofoam Recycling at the Dexter Mill from Noon to 2:00 PM on Sunday. Respectfully submitted, Lois Beerbaum ======================================================== Season 09, Episode 22, Dec 16, 2023 DEXTER FORUM NOTES December 16, 2023 Karl Fink Chaired the Session 1. Is the Dexter City Council Dysfunctional? This question was discussed with comments circling around more consternation, slowness, financing, increased public engagement, today’s world methods of communication and consideration as well as teamwork. The consensus was that this is democracy at work. It is messy and can result in one step forward and two steps backward. 2. Sue Shink, MI Senator, gave a review of some important bills that were passed during the 2023 15term. There is the energy bill that projects clean energy by 2040. It includes significant milestones toward this effort and will bring Federal investment of ~ $15 billion which will include retrofits for older buildings especially for about 160000 low-income persons/families by 2050 and result in dollar savings in medical costs especially for lung pollution deaths. The Earned Income Credit now 6% will rise to 30% and be retroactive to 2022. The retro dollars should go out in February 2024. The cost is ~ $9.75 billion. There will be a pension tax reduction that will be phased in from 2023 until 2025. Then in 2036, all pension amounts will be non-taxed. Finally, in the Child Protection Package, child marriage was abolished. It will be 18 years of age. Finally, debt was erased from school districts which required mergers. This was to allow the use of millage for instruction of children rather than reduction of debt. 3. Jennifer Conlin, MI Representative, gave a review of some important bills. These included amendments for the solar/climate bills, free breakfast and lunch for school kids, distracted driving with cell phones, health policy issues to deal with restrictions, national guard tuition benefits for family members and allowing continued 100% property tax exclusion for a spouse of a disabled deceased veteran regardless of home unless remarriage occurs. 4. Other comments by the legislators. Before laws are passed, there is a fiscal evaluation regarding cost and that the contents of the bill can fit the monies available. Factors influencing the intent of the energy bills are considered such as power generator cleaning, carbon gas lessening, biomass, solar, windmills that are expected to lower prices for households eventually. Due to recent elections the Michigan House levels are at 54/54 for Republicans and Democrats. The result is to look at more bi-partisan methodology for future laws. 5. School to prison pipeline. There is a movement to look at mental health screening for juveniles before judges decide on a punishment. More diversion programs will be available to help kids succeed rather than punish them. This includes doing preventive work before the child becomes a juvenile. 6. Events for consideration. a) new businesses in town – Fox and Feathers, Cass and Company: Upscale Thrift Shop b) Christmas at Gordon Hall, December 16th and 27th from 6-8 PM. c) Christmas at Webster Township Historical Village d) Multigenerational Center, An Input Session, is scheduled for December 20th at the Bates School beginning at 7PM. There will be additional sessions yet to be announced. Respectfully submitted, Lois Beerbaum =========================================================== =================================================================== Dexter Forum Notes- and more- are on "Previous Forum Notes... back to the start of the Dexter "Previous Forum Notes Page 1 to 16--- Enjoy... =========================================== . 416 |