Committee rebukes policy barring recent former trustees from immediate committee service; vacancy remains unfilled

The Grosse Ile Greenways Open Space Committee debated a township policy that prevents people who did not run for reelection from immediately serving on committees or commissions, and the committee did not fill an existing vacancy.

Committee members discussed a previously tabled motion to appoint former trustee Carl Bleacher to a citizen seat on the committee. The chair explained the policy: "people who did not run for reelection cannot serve on a committee or commission," and said Bleacher had removed his application after the board policy was raised.

Trustee Bartlett confirmed the board policy was not unanimous at the board level and described the board's intent: "they wanted to get some new people on the commissions... I think it might be a little cooling off period." Bartlett said she had not supported the restriction and would convey committee concerns to the board.

Committee member Mandy (first name as transcribed) and others expressed frustration that the policy excludes experienced volunteers. "It seems to me a bit incredibly shortsighted and foolish," one committee member said during debate. The committee formally moved and voted to take the previously tabled vacancy issue off the table; once taken from the table members considered whether to proceed with appointment but ultimately no motion to appoint Bleacher was passed and the vacancy remained unfilled.

Committee members discussed options for recruiting volunteers and were reminded that township applications can be filed online or in person. Several members asked Trustee Bartlett to relay the committee's objection to the board; Bartlett said she would report the committee's concerns during her trustee report but noted the board likely would not reverse the policy without further discussion.

No formal appointment occurred; the committee recorded that the vacancy persists and encouraged outreach to identify qualified volunteers.