The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners convened on July 11, 2024, addressing several key issues during their meeting, including a proclamation honoring a local police officer and ongoing concerns regarding the Libby Perill landfill.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call of commissioners, followed by the approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings. A significant highlight was the unanimous approval of a proclamation recognizing Timothy Django for his years of service with the Clay Township Police Department.
Commissioner Georgia raised a point regarding her upcoming departure from the AAA 1B board, now known as Ageways, encouraging fellow commissioners to consider taking on her role. She noted that the board meets only six times a year, emphasizing the importance of continuity in leadership.
The meeting also featured public comments focused on the Libby Perill landfill, where residents expressed serious concerns about health risks associated with its operations. One resident criticized Commissioner Jeff Bohm for his previous statements downplaying the landfill's impact on public health, citing multiple violations reported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The resident highlighted issues such as elevated methane and hydrogen sulfide levels, which pose significant health risks, and called for accountability from public officials.
Another public speaker, Robert Felix, a candidate for the St. Clair County Commissioner position, criticized the current administration's handling of development projects and urged voters to consider the implications of reelecting Bohm. He positioned himself as a candidate focused on quality of life rather than mere infrastructure development.
Julian Ruck, a community activist, shared updates on his initiatives to promote free food gardens and community upliftment, expressing his commitment to improving Port Huron's image and quality of life.
The meeting concluded with a call for increased public engagement and accountability from elected officials, particularly regarding environmental and health concerns tied to local projects. The board's next steps will be closely watched as the community prepares for upcoming elections.