Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
P.J. Glisson/Daily Globe PRESIDING OVER his final meeting of the Marenisco Township Board of Trustees on Monday evening is Supervisor Richard Bouvette, right, who has served in the role for nearly a quarter of a century. To his left is Trustee Dave Hagen.
MARENISCO - The Marenisco Township Board of Trustees addressed a list of agenda items at its Monday evening meeting, but the biggest news was that it was the final occasion for Supervisor Richard Bouvette to lead the charge.
After nearly a quarter of a century leading the township, Bouvette - who will be 75 in January - wrote in his November newsletter column that he is "ready to transition from a position of some influence to obscurity as a cranky old man."
After serving as the superintendent of Marenisco's now closed school district, Bouvette was the township supervisor from 1984-1996 and again from 2009 to Friday of this week.
At Monday's meeting, Clerk Donna Kenney expressed appreciation to him for his long service and for always being helpful to her.
"It's been - I don't want to say fun - but it's been enjoyable," said Bouvette as the meeting closed.
Bruce Mahler, who just retired as the township's police chief on Aug. 31, will become the new supervisor. "He will do a great job as supervisor," noted Bouvette in his column.
"I have been blessed to work with great people to work with on our various township boards and committees and have had great people to maintain this place," Bouvette's column continued.
"I live here because of these people and our township residents," he noted. "Our people in the U.P. are the best people in the world. I found that out when I moved here over 50 years ago, and it's why I stayed."
Bouvette added of the township's progress in recent times, "I think we have made great strides forward in many areas. I only wish we had our school district and our prison (both of which we lost during my tenure). It was a helpless feeling when both losses occurred, and I'll never forget that as long as I live."
During the meeting, Bouvette assured that he expects no issues with a pending report on a routine audit of township finances. He added that the general fund and tax fund are "okay for now," but said there is still uncertainty about the status of state revenue sharing after the recent completion of a 10-year census.
The board also:
-Heard from Bouvette that he had sent a letter of appreciation to the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners, as well as to the townships of Bessemer, Wakefield and Watersmeet for their financial support in relation to Marenisco Township's lawsuit regarding the 2018 state closure of Ojibway Correctional Facility. "They donated, amongst the four of them, $40,000 toward expenses," said Bouvette.
-Voted to hire Joan Dalman of Wakefield to train Kathy Leonard in her new role as Marenisco Township's new treasurer. Dalman just retired as the treasurer of Wakefield Township.
-Heard from Leonard and Trustee Kelly Dunbar that new Christmas decorations are continuing to arrive and will be installed soon in Donald McKenzie Memorial Park, near the newer pavilion between Fair Avenue and Hall Street. Dean Hand, who leads township maintenance, said he will help with utility set ups.
-Voted to accept the resignation of Marge Rayner from the Planning Commission and to post that opening.
-Voted to table zoning action relating to tiny houses.
-Voted to approve bylaws of the Marenisco Township Fire Department.
The board's next regular meeting will be on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Marenisco Township Hall. Due to pandemic restrictions, call the hall first at 906-787-2463 to ask about access.
