Proposed Policy

Local Resolutions

Local Government

Whereas we support the concept of "government by the people for the people";

Whereas we consider the local government unit to be Township Government, and we feel people are better served by local government;

Whereas we believe it should be a local Township Government decision as to which government services can be administered most cost effectively and efficiently by Township governments or by a combined multi-jurisdiction entity;

Therefore we support Michigan's current Township Government system. We do not feel it should be mandatory for Townships to combine government services they now provide, (e.g. elections, property tax collections, etc.), with multiple jurisdictions, unless a township chooses to and determines that the Township's residents would be better served by the multiple jurisdiction system for certain services.

Purchase of Development Rights

Whereas, a Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR) can be an important and useful land management option,

Whereas, the State of Michigan has developed a Purchase of Development Rights Program,

Whereas, in order for landowners in Charlevoix County to be able to apply for funds from the State of Michigan's PDR program, there must be a local PDR Ordinance in place.

Therefore, the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau supports the goal of its Land Use Committee to pursue the passage of a Charlevoix County Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance. We are asking both the Charlevoix County Planning Commission and the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners to support this effort and to work towards the passage of a county PDR Ordinance

with the help of the County Farm Bureau's Land Use Committee.

MENTORING PROGRAM

A resolution that the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau will work to increase the awareness of the MFB Farm Link to its' members.

IMPROPER USE OF SLOW MOVING VEHICLE SIGNS

Whereas safe travel of farm equipment on public roads is always a concern as farmers are injured or killed each year while transporting farm equipment on public roads.

Whereas the Slow Moving Vehicle Sign (SMV) has been developed and approved by law to designate Implements of Husbandry and warn drivers of the danger and slow speed of the vehicle which bears the sign.

Whereas Michigan law already clearly states that a SMV can only be used on certain Implements of Husbandry and shall not be used as markers for stationary objects such as driveways and mailboxes.

Whereas we feel this law is not properly enforced as the

SMV's are often being misused throughout the state for markers on stationary objects, driveways, mailboxes and etc.

Whereas several years ago the Promotion and Education Committee of the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau worked with our local sheriff's department on this issue and as a result the sheriff's department sent letters to resident's that were misusing the SMV sign. The letter explained the issue to them and requested them to remove the misused SMV sign. We believe this significantly lowered the misuse of the SMV signs in our county.

Therefore, the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau encourages the Michigan Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee through the Promotion and Education Committeess of the County Farm Bureau's to make it a priority to work with their local law enforcement officials on enforcing the existing law to reduce the misuse of the SMV sign on stationary objects, driveways, mailboxes and etc.


	About Us :: Board of Directors :: Newsletter :: Annual Meeting :: Office Info :: Contact Us :: How Do I Join? News Programs Member Services Proposed Policy Proposed Policy Local Resolutions Local Government Whereas we support the concept of "government by the people for the people"; Whereas we consider the local government unit to be Township Government, and we feel people are better served by local government; Whereas we believe it should be a local Township Government decision as to which government services can be administered most cost effectively and efficiently by Township governments or by a combined multi-jurisdiction entity; Therefore we support Michigan's current Township Government system. We do not feel it should be mandatory for Townships to combine government services they now provide, (e.g. elections, property tax collections, etc.), with multiple jurisdictions, unless a township chooses to and determines that the Township's residents would be better served by the multiple jurisdiction system for certain services. Purchase of Development Rights Whereas, a Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR) can be an important and useful land management option, Whereas, the State of Michigan has developed a Purchase of Development Rights Program, Whereas, in order for landowners in Charlevoix County to be able to apply for funds from the State of Michigan's PDR program, there must be a local PDR Ordinance in place. Therefore, the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau supports the goal of its Land Use Committee to pursue the passage of a Charlevoix County Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance. We are asking both the Charlevoix County Planning Commission and the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners to support this effort and to work towards the passage of a county PDR Ordinance with the help of the County Farm Bureau's Land Use Committee. MENTORING PROGRAM A resolution that the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau will work to increase the awareness of the MFB Farm Link to its' members. IMPROPER USE OF SLOW MOVING VEHICLE SIGNS Whereas safe travel of farm equipment on public roads is always a concern as farmers are injured or killed each year while transporting farm equipment on public roads. Whereas the Slow Moving Vehicle Sign (SMV) has been developed and approved by law to designate Implements of Husbandry and warn drivers of the danger and slow speed of the vehicle which bears the sign. Whereas Michigan law already clearly states that a SMV can only be used on certain Implements of Husbandry and shall not be used as markers for stationary objects such as driveways and mailboxes. Whereas we feel this law is not properly enforced as the SMV's are often being misused throughout the state for markers on stationary objects, driveways, mailboxes and etc. Whereas several years ago the Promotion and Education Committee of the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau worked with our local sheriff's department on this issue and as a result the sheriff's department sent letters to resident's that were misusing the SMV sign. The letter explained the issue to them and requested them to remove the misused SMV sign. We believe this significantly lowered the misuse of the SMV signs in our county. Therefore, the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau encourages the Michigan Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee through the Promotion and Education Committeess of the County Farm Bureau's to make it a priority to work with their local law enforcement officials on enforcing the existing law to reduce the misuse of the SMV sign on stationary objects, driveways, mailboxes and etc. Copyrights, Disclosures & Disclaimers