Meeting Minutes

The Public Hearing of the Board of Public Works of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, July 7, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. in their office building located at 13300 Fifteen Mile Road , Marshall Michigan.

Present: Commissioner David D. Veramay, Chairperson

Commissioner Chester E. Travis, Vice-Chairperson

Carole S. Tabiadon, Deputy Managing Director – Clerk

Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director

Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer

Annette Chapman, Parks and Recreation Director

Also Present: Tom Frank, Albion Township Supervisor

Joseph Bramble, Convis Township Resident

Clarence Millard, Newton Township Resident

Kathy Eftekhari, City of Marshall

PUBLIC HEARING

Chairperson Veramay called the Public Hearing to order at 10:00 a.m.

Kathy Eftekhari, Director of Economic Development, City of Marshall , gave a final progress report on the LinkMichigan Project that she has been coordinating. She mentioned that this was a multi-county application (Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee).

The LinkMichigan Project began 2 years ago. At that time, it was assumed that broadband was not readily available to residents.

A consultant was hired and residential and business surveys were sent out. The results of those surveys showed the reasons usage was so low were:

• Affordability

• Lack of clarity regarding affordability

• Lack of clarity regarding benefits

The recommendations resulting from the project are:

• Increase free access sites

• Encourage providers to bring clarity to the marketplace

• Educate users on the benefits of hi-speed connectivity

• Give people a reason to use the internet

• Address legal and regulatory issues

• Lobby for support of education and training programs

Annette Chapman asked how the counties were determined. Ms. Eftekhari stated that happened strictly at random. Several counties started talking and these five decided to work together.

Chairperson Veramay announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, July 21, 2004 . There being no additional business before the Board, the Public Hearing was adjourned at 10:20 a.m.