The new library had its Grand Opening on June 9, 2007 which was met with a great deal of anticipation and excitement. Built using private contributions only, the library will be a positive influence for years to come. I wish to extend my and the Rutland Township Board’s appreciation to all that had a hand in making this community’s dream a reality for the future of Barry County and its residents.
Rutland Charter Township has entered into a cooperative inter-governmental agreement with the City of Hastings, Hastings Charter Township and Barry County. With this type of agreement any of the member jurisdictions can use this as a tool for growth management as well as a resource for your planning commissioner's edification. Additionally it provides us a means with which to track not only ourselves, but also our neighbor’s growth patterns. This allows an honest evaluation of existing infrastructure and the demands being put upon it. It will also be advantageous to the township for future infrastructure improvements and or additional capitol improvements that pertain to providing services to those that wish to have them. It is quite possible to offer and provide services to portions of our township, services that are unheard of in a township with limited population such as ours. The benefits for the community as a whole includes the ability to now work with our local surrounding governmental representation to make sound decisions that are resource and financially proactive and progressive. The need to prepare for the future is a never-ending task that is faced by everyone regardless of his or her present status.
The Joint Planning Committee has had their initial meetings to set policy and procedures for their meetings and decision-making processes. The JPC holds their meetings at the Rutland Charter Township Hall on the 3rd Monday of the month and they begin at 6:00 PM. These meetings are open to the public and are subject to the rules as established by the Open Meetings Act. The meetings will be posted on the township web site as well as at the township hall for your convenience.
The process of change affects the community as a whole and is generally viewed as a slippery slope of degradation. Managed properly the development that is needed to support our community can be done in such a way as to encourage this growth near the urban center of Barry County, while encouraging preservation in the remainder of the area outlying in Rutland Township. This preservation should encompass not only the agricultural and open spaces in our township, but also a concerted effort to work with local organizations in preserving and protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams. This is paramount in maintaining the attractive resources that make our township a desirable area to reside and do business in.
Rutland Township will be the destination of choice for both commercial and residential developers and speculators. We as a township must be prepared for the inevitable, doing our best to promote the growth while at the same time discouraging inappropriate decisions based on discriminatory practices.
Jim Carr, Supervisor
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