[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6115047,"mediaKeyId","2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf","parentId",2740384,"title","Resident urges accountability in public housing and schools; proposes methane capture from wastewater","audioSeconds",313,"startMs",508000,"endMs",821000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf&start=508&end=821","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf/thumbnail_508000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115047/St-Clair-County/Michigan/Resident-urges-accountability-in-public-housing-and-schools-proposes-methane-capture-from-wastewater","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115047-20ac83d046bd519885cd3a0d10843d6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771018910&Signature=Zw9i25QKHpGmp5KINKzl~QzJv0XUf3HCAFajuL0Z4ZxvAKluFbyYdQfs-esunMTw56D-vqVUQ7q5k~csvV3~L1s70uwa3yBVblD1-x1HPGEYrqSQ-Jcl4KoPV3vdqBuF9xu3LNU-UntoAZ6u2ZfPevneCn-uaDNOeF5CORTiMD9pD~WPzn3hmR3AbQ69Fwf~OMyalFc~9vb0xtoqF8EeGsmIUpy0Nfw9XT4V5bF2PylZ7a5jD2YbIG9-RAJXTHlNXVFjifw~Obbylz1Olm4haoH6kZgMDtTB0hXzd3tWQqb8HM1SaoSFWUZpQx0l99dY8f-BcN65Pe1J7sylVKc84g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-21T11:20:59Z","article","Gary Lochers, who identified himself as a resident of Willow Canyon Drive, used his public-comment time to raise three concerns: accountability at public-housing sites, disciplinary practices in the Port Huron-area school district and opportunities to capture methane from county wastewater plants and convert waste to renewable fuels.

Lochers said a recent three-week involvement with a housing commission left him concerned about conditions and lack of community cleanup and leadership. ‘‘We’re basically babysitting adults,’’ he said, adding that he wants county action to avoid multi-generational reliance on welfare.

On school discipline, Lochers argued that students who defend themselves after prolonged bullying receive the same punishment as the aggressor, and he said the district’s disciplinary approach fails students with autism and others who need differentiated responses.

Turning to environmental opportunity, Lochers said he observed methane flaring at the Marysville wastewater plant and urged county staff to explore methane capture and biosolid conversion programs used elsewhere to run vehicles or produce bio-crude. ‘‘We can take waste. We can create jobs. We can create revenue,’’ he said, describing programs in other jurisdictions that capture methane to power buses and produce fuel from solids.

Why it matters: the comments touch three distinct county-related issues — housing management, school discipline (a district matter) and county wastewater operations — and call for county engagement or exploration of technical solutions.

The board received the comments during public comment; commissioners did not take immediate policy action on these remarks at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 20, 2025 St Clair County Board of Commissioners","oneSentenceSummary","A resident told the St. Clair County Board the county is \"funding poverty\" in public housing, criticized school disciplinary responses and recommended investing in methane capture at county wastewater plants to produce renewable energy and jobs.","taxTitle","St. Clair County, Michigan","taxId",4310,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6115051,"Public testimony and nominations spotlight Community Mental Health board reappointments; some ballots deferred",1314,1104000,2418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf&start=1104&end=2418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf/thumbnail_1104000.jpg","/articles/6115051/St-Clair-County/Michigan/Public-testimony-and-nominations-spotlight-Community-Mental-Health-board-reappointments-some-ballots-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115051-e9adaadbbe55eec181b67d6a35efb19f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771018910&Signature=P0xXo-~~OBUs7vIiWfVLc9hEdeCeDJ~Yst5vS6sM8woKXSEcZqEV1WQNl7UlGwXcPZ3tEA8hsU-le364cXEJkTMKQoge1Ke3yyjGS4lm3ag4g3iNa86qYmfyjTHGlwA57SbJ9nLXx6drZpy1j~O8jKjk~2UdDyHX6LzOdyyLgOWc60jFA70GD~tgBAOUG1MDc10DRmjv6bnilUb-yxiYA6Vi4T2VbxSw9Orh6Iz0w-E3amyYcelAxsvNc-SNetT-7dLdLldIfPR78QegfYImfhbJkz2wp71nTWbvtD~Nmnh0SmqvQscpTsTszYHcUHuwVqxZh9BRZwEaSiHHj3T7ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public-comment period and the nominations portion of the agenda, multiple speakers urged the board to reappoint current Community Mental Health (CMH) board members and described candidacy qualifications.

Dawn Davey, who identified herself as a board member for The Arc of St. Clair County and a Community Mental Health board member representing District 7, read letters of support for incumbents and highlighted lived experience and long-term advocacy as reasons to retain current members. Rosella Marabelli, an at-large CMH board member, summarized her service history and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and urged reappointment.

Vicky Blackburn, speaking as an informed citizen and meeting attendee, said continuity was important and noted the applicants’ service, training and committee participation. ‘‘If there’s no reason for them not to stay in their seats, then I support her wholeheartedly in having them stay,’’ Blackburn said, naming Laurie Ames, Anthony Essien, Rosella Mirabelli and Martha Perdapillo as incumbents she supported.

The board nominated Martha Partapillo and David Hoffman for District 2 representative, and nominated a slate of candidates for three at-large positions with three-year terms expiring March 31, 2028. During ballots the board selected Martha Partapillo by majority vote for District 2; subsequent at-large ballots produced divided results with several candidates receiving three votes and no candidate reaching a four-vote majority. The commissioners discussed whether to revote immediately or defer final selection to the April committee meeting when an absent commissioner could participate; the board decided to carry the item to committee for final action.

Why it matters: CMH board composition affects oversight of county mental-health programming and recipient-rights advocacy for people with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities.

What’s next: the board will reconvene the appointment decision at committee and expects to finalize the remaining at-large appointments at the next full board or committee meeting when all members can participate.","Several residents and advocates spoke in support of reappointing current members to the St. Clair County Community Mental Health (CMH) Board. Commissioners nominated candidates for District 2 and at-large positions; board ballots produced some majorities and some tied or plurality results that the board deferred to committee for final action.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6115057,"Residents urge public involvement as solar and battery projects move from review to permitting",146,808000,954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf&start=808&end=954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf/thumbnail_808000.jpg","/articles/6115057/St-Clair-County/Michigan/Residents-urge-public-involvement-as-solar-and-battery-projects-move-from-review-to-permitting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115057-9321f50ea27cc318c790cbf3c3d310d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771018910&Signature=RnHQBv5bvbC6UmGv6U-NAnF1Pjdx4XuNCJUt0AtRuour4WMF0zQiSwhGmdkRkGxK~RmxCamcpw6t63uVwQdxTfcNLC~8x1Pshk9Fz5qck-iFWbv9H9JpWeIKFZ-4P98EWCRolASMRDI0oQ6So9HEQ78eiW9skZKahtwhzSNzg4TBf2SYfH~poco3ECVUtD~eAX8pU23GArmsoteYerFLK9CaufOw6rD2cQ1DE6q8u-RjuscfA5~ZKxQhgd0siPUyVtRr1GP6yr9DqSeFRtltdwaCpTCHEZkSW0kzNsSN6Qf7IZsGeiaOjJ9t2~wZpGLrFCkwYD7cAra6SaMFV9W-rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents urged the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners to keep listening and to remain involved as solar and battery projects progress from hearings and workshops to active proposals.

Liz Masters, identified in the meeting as “EDA for Gratiot Ranger,” said public records obtained through FOIA show the EDA had dealings with Ranger Power of Fort Gratiot as recently as August 2023, short of two months before the company’s first public hearing. ‘‘If the public could find the time to give to our officials right now, their ears are open,’’ Masters said, urging continued public involvement as some projects move from workshops to permitting.

Sandra Richardson, who identified herself as a local resident, told commissioners she and other residents regularly encounter confusion and fear in neighborhoods near proposed projects. ‘‘They’re confused as to where we stand with this project, and they’re scared because of the health and safety of our residents,’’ she said, describing anxiety and loss of sleep among neighbors who can see proposed project sites from their homes.

Why it matters: speakers asked the county to preserve transparency and maintain oversight as projects transition from planning to construction, and they highlighted public-health and local-notice concerns.

The board acknowledged the public comments; commissioners and staff earlier referenced the health department’s engagement on related topics and encouraged residents to attend workshops and public hearings. No permitting or regulatory action was taken during the meeting; the remarks occurred during the public-comment segment.

What’s next: commissioners and staff said the public should monitor upcoming meetings and materials; public commenters encouraged neighbors to remain involved in township- and county-level processes.","Public commenters told the St. Clair County Board to stay engaged on solar, batteries and related health and safety questions and flagged prior EDA involvement with a private solar developer.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6115062,"St. Clair County commissioners approve $29.7 million in February disbursements and pass multiple contracts and resolutions",0,2142000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf&start=2142&end=2142","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740384-c5540acddb2115258f38a8ae14df1ebf/thumbnail_2142000.jpg","/articles/6115062/St-Clair-County/Michigan/St-Clair-County-commissioners-approve-297-million-in-February-disbursements-and-pass-multiple-contracts-and-resolutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115062-bf262efac232982e4245cf5b650db6af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771018910&Signature=Hg8fbmXx3IVy~Jn64JyeCdzhWfxkW2NKghwZoBPpWk3Ro6925PQmGNDHlZ2t-OCjf2xlmGtWkbg-XAOTR-dFDZ5HovXRrw-IWZnG7gDY6-Xn1TCs2NF3thQ-Oxh6T948X8oThtWaPBQHSQwpaOG5Skx-Tj8X70~gmDpT8zzm6t7KbmDvXnqwEQfllDbOZHhZ04yhqOLat3lDroXdjZs39RruisstVeZq-fo6gJ0LKEAYmPT895ooZv2ARBW0P9ZlFFkkzCObPxL8R9YsDEh9CJIgqhimafTu~Z4ThD65mpt0fbiyFbyybhY-Df~FwWOMF~bSe3gXDXbzzmhxZfcizw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve February county disbursements totaling $29,724,961.72 and adopted a package of contracts, grants and resolutions covering library services, park improvements, public defender pay and other county business.

The unanimous roll-call approval of the February disbursements came after the board considered a consent agenda and separate motions for several procurement and grant items. Administrator/Controller Carrie Hepting presented and the board approved the St. Clair County Library System maintenance agreement for copiers; a $77,500 increase to a library digital-media line item; a contract with OverDrive Inc. for digital-content access (term and not-to-exceed amount recorded in the meeting packet); and several park and courthouse contracts and amendments.

Why it matters: the actions set vendor arrangements and allocate county funds for services used across county departments, and the board also moved to accept grant applications that, if awarded, will expand county programs.

Major items approved included:
- Approval of February 2025 county disbursements, $29,724,961.72 (roll-call vote, carried).
- St. Clair County Library System copier maintenance agreement (approved).
- Increase of $77,500 for a library digital-media line item (approved).
- OverDrive Inc. contract for digital content, not-to-exceed $1,136,840 (approved).
- Contract with Genoa Contracting LLC for the Parks Operations Building at Columbus County Park, $294,500 (approved).
- Resolution 25-06 approving Phase 1 North Channel County Park improvements with Premier Group Associates, $1,007,447.55 (adopted).
- Amendment B to the Asphalt Trucks, Inc. contract for landfill materials, increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $520,427.85 (approved).
- A change order for City Elevator of $27,985 to complete refurbishment of the gray elevator at the courthouse (approved).
- Maintenance agreement with Thermalnetics for boiler service at the Intervention Center, $12,137 for April 1, 2025–March 30, 2026 (approved).

Other actions and approvals included the county’s membership payment to the I-69 Corridor/Next Michigan Development Corporation ($6,500), a $30,000 subrecipient agreement with Yale Schools to hire an architect for the Yale Adolescent Health Center renovation, and a motion crediting Gary Weiss with 20 years of service for benefit and pension calculations. The board also adopted a revision to paid time off policy 3-36 and updated authorized county signatures.

The board adopted Resolution 25-05 revising the indigent defense counsel rate of pay for the Public Defender’s Office and authorized the county to submit a Michigan Indigent Defense Council grant application (the application amount was recorded in the meeting packet). The board likewise approved a grant application for medications for opioid use disorder at the county jail in the amount of $25,000 (all roll-call votes, carried).

Several union collective bargaining agreements were ratified during the meeting, including the County’s agreements with the funded employees’ union (TPOAM), District Court Employees (AFSCME 1518), and the St. Clair County Bailiffs Association (TPOAM).

What’s next: several agenda items were administrative contract approvals and are effective subject to the vendors’ contract terms. The board discussed raising the question of whether to review county membership in regional economic-development interlocal agreements (I-69/Next Michigan) at a future committee meeting.

Votes at a glance
- February 2025 County Disbursements — Motion to approve $29,724,961.72 — outcome: approved (roll call unanimous).
- Library copier maintenance agreement — outcome: approved.
- Library digital-media increase $77,500 — outcome: approved.
- OverDrive Inc. contract — amount not to exceed $1,136,840 — outcome: approved.
- Genoa Contracting LLC — Parks Operations Building — $294,500 — outcome: approved.
- Premier Group Associates — Phase 1 North Channel County Park Improvements — $1,007,447.55 — outcome: approved.
- Asphalt Trucks, Inc. Amendment B — increase to $520,427.85 — outcome: approved.
- City Elevator change order — $27,985 — outcome: approved.
- Thermalnetics boiler maintenance — $12,137 — outcome: approved.
- I-69 Corridor membership fee — $6,500 — outcome: approved.
- Yale Schools architect agreement — $30,000 — outcome: approved.
- Grant applications: Michigan Indigent Defense Council (amount as written in packet) and opioid-medication grant $25,000 — outcomes: approved (motions carried).
- Resolution 25-05 (indigent defense counsel pay) — adopted.
- Collective bargaining ratifications (TPOAM, AFSCME 1518, Bailiffs Association) — adopted.

The meeting adjourned after the board received and filed its packets and completed routine business.","At its March meeting the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners approved $29,724,961.72 in county disbursements and voted to adopt several contracts, grant applications and resolutions, including a library digital-content contract, park improvement agreements and indigent defense pay-rate changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges accountability in public housing and schools; proposes methane capture from wastewater

Public testimony and nominations spotlight Community Mental Health board reappointments; some ballots deferred

Residents urge public involvement as solar and battery projects move from review to permitting

St. Clair County commissioners approve $29.7 million in February disbursements and pass multiple contracts and resolutions