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Camp Frances board approves donor-funded pollinator planting project, schedules bylaws review
Summary
At its May 12 meeting, the Camp Frances Board unanimously approved a donor-funded pollinator planting project and reviewed progress on a bylaws revision that will be considered with the city attorney on May 13. The board also discussed a resubmitted Meijer grant, bench installation, and DPW street repairs.
The Camp Frances Board of Directors approved a donor-funded pollinator planting (bee-shares) project at its May 12 meeting and reviewed ongoing bylaws revisions ahead of a city‑attorney meeting scheduled for May 13.
Anne Watson moved to proceed with the pollinator planting project and Margaret Bales seconded; all members present agreed and the board asked Susie DeBack to contact the donor, William SaintAmour, to coordinate the project. The proposal includes placement of educational signage and relies on a city-provided planting space identified by Stephanie (contact noted by the donor).
Susie DeBack, speaking about governance matters, reviewed comments received from the city attorney on the proposed bylaws changes and said the board will meet May 13 at City Hall to consider the attorney’s edits. Topics identified for revision include procedures for email approval of urgent matters, disclosure of board members’ conflicts of interest, expanding board membership, removing the annual meeting requirement, eliminating a required finance committee, and adjusting the meeting schedule. DeBack said she will circulate the revised draft to board members.
On facilities and funding, Cathy Bogner reported that a Meijer grant application was canceled because Meijer is limiting individual grants to $1,000 or less; Bogner said she will resubmit a request for $1,000 to cover a concrete pad for a bench. The Brenda K. Bly bench placement at the fire pit had been previously approved by the board; DPW staff (Brandon) will install the concrete pad and place the bench once funding and scheduling are confirmed.
The treasurer reported an account balance of $19,000 that does not yet reflect a pending $3,800 payment for the basement floor. The board recorded no renter or rental checkout concerns.
City Councilman Brian Neumann updated the board that the Camp Frances bylaws review is in progress, described a zoning commission plan that had been rejected in part over parking concerns, and noted that a number of grant opportunities are active. Anissa Buiskool, DPW representative, reported that street repairs and resurfacing will begin this week, that the city has started a tree nursery at the DPW location, new spring banners have been installed downtown, and that MDOT-proposed changes to Lawrence and Cochran streets may occur as early as 2027. Buiskool also said the city has been discussing replacement of infrastructure that dates back to the 1880s.
Logistics and upcoming events recorded in the minutes include a Spring Campfire on May 17 at 3:00 p.m., a reminder of a science fair in June, a Meijer grant resubmission by Bogner, and the next board meeting on June 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
