Elected & Appointed Officials
City Commission
What Does the City Commission Do?
A city commission is a group of individuals elected to oversee various aspects of local government and make important decisions on behalf of the city. The specific responsibilities and duties of a city commission can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but some common functions include:
1. Policy Making: City commissions are responsible for formulating and implementing policies and regulations that impact the city. They establish guidelines and principles that govern various aspects of local governance, such as land use, zoning, public safety, transportation, and economic development.
2. Budgeting and Finance: City commissions play a key role in the development and approval of the city's budget. They review financial proposals, allocate funds to different departments and projects, and ensure that the city's financial resources are managed effectively and responsibly.
3. Oversight and Accountability: City commissions provide oversight by monitoring the performance of city departments, agencies, and employees. They review reports, evaluate progress, and take necessary actions to address any issues or concerns that arise. Commissioners also serve as a point of contact for the public, addressing complaints or inquiries and ensuring transparency and accountability in city operations.
4. Legislation and Ordinance Creation: City commissions often have the authority to create, amend, or repeal local laws, ordinances, and regulations. They review proposed legislation, conduct public hearings, gather feedback from stakeholders, and make decisions that align with the best interests of the city and its residents.
5. Public Engagement: City commissions serve as a platform for public participation and engagement. They conduct public meetings, hearings, and workshops to gather input from community members, allowing them to voice their concerns, suggestions, and opinions on various city issues.
6. Representation and Advocacy: City commissions represent the city's interests and advocate for its needs at the regional, state, and federal levels. They work with other government entities, organizations, and stakeholders to secure resources, influence policy decisions, and promote the overall welfare and progress of the city.
Overall, the city commission plays a vital role in the governance, decision-making, and development of the city, ensuring its effective functioning and addressing the needs and concerns of its residents.
A city commission is a group of individuals elected to oversee various aspects of local government and make important decisions on behalf of the city. The specific responsibilities and duties of a city commission can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but some common functions include:
1. Policy Making: City commissions are responsible for formulating and implementing policies and regulations that impact the city. They establish guidelines and principles that govern various aspects of local governance, such as land use, zoning, public safety, transportation, and economic development.
2. Budgeting and Finance: City commissions play a key role in the development and approval of the city's budget. They review financial proposals, allocate funds to different departments and projects, and ensure that the city's financial resources are managed effectively and responsibly.
3. Oversight and Accountability: City commissions provide oversight by monitoring the performance of city departments, agencies, and employees. They review reports, evaluate progress, and take necessary actions to address any issues or concerns that arise. Commissioners also serve as a point of contact for the public, addressing complaints or inquiries and ensuring transparency and accountability in city operations.
4. Legislation and Ordinance Creation: City commissions often have the authority to create, amend, or repeal local laws, ordinances, and regulations. They review proposed legislation, conduct public hearings, gather feedback from stakeholders, and make decisions that align with the best interests of the city and its residents.
5. Public Engagement: City commissions serve as a platform for public participation and engagement. They conduct public meetings, hearings, and workshops to gather input from community members, allowing them to voice their concerns, suggestions, and opinions on various city issues.
6. Representation and Advocacy: City commissions represent the city's interests and advocate for its needs at the regional, state, and federal levels. They work with other government entities, organizations, and stakeholders to secure resources, influence policy decisions, and promote the overall welfare and progress of the city.
Overall, the city commission plays a vital role in the governance, decision-making, and development of the city, ensuring its effective functioning and addressing the needs and concerns of its residents.
What Do Appointed Boards Do?
Appointed boards in municipalities in Michigan have various responsibilities and play a crucial role in the functioning of local government. Members of these boards are appointed by the City Commission and work in an advisory capacity to provide information about special topics to the City Commission. Thank you to the below board members for volunteering to help keep their community great!
DDA
What Does the DDA do?
In Michigan, a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an entity created by a city or village government to support and promote economic development in a specific downtown area. The primary goal of a DDA is to enhance and revitalize the downtown district, attract businesses, and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
Here are some key responsibilities and functions of a Downtown Development Authority in Michigan:
1. Economic Development: DDAs work to attract new businesses, encourage the retention of existing businesses, and facilitate job creation within the downtown area. They may provide support and incentives for businesses, such as grants, loans, or tax abatements.
2. Infrastructure Improvement: DDAs invest in infrastructure projects and improvements within the downtown district. This can include upgrading public spaces, streetscapes, sidewalks, lighting, parking facilities, and public amenities to enhance the overall look and appeal of the downtown area.
3. Planning and Zoning: DDAs develop comprehensive plans and zoning regulations specifically tailored to their downtown districts. These plans help guide development, land use, and design standards, ensuring a cohesive and attractive downtown environment.
4. Marketing and Promotion: DDAs are responsible for marketing and promoting the downtown area as a vibrant and desirable destination for residents, visitors, and businesses. They may organize events, festivals, and campaigns to attract people, provide advertising and branding support, and create a positive image for the downtown district.
5. Public Space Management: DDAs often oversee the management and maintenance of public spaces within the downtown area, such as parks, plazas, and public facilities. They may coordinate beautification efforts, manage contracts for maintenance services, and collaborate with local government agencies to ensure a clean and welcoming environment.
6. Public Financing: DDAs have the authority to collect taxes or capture a portion of existing taxes within the downtown district. The funds generated are then reinvested into downtown development projects and activities.
Overall, a Downtown Development Authority in Michigan acts as a catalyst for economic growth, revitalization, and community development within the designated downtown area.
Here are some key responsibilities and functions of a Downtown Development Authority in Michigan:
1. Economic Development: DDAs work to attract new businesses, encourage the retention of existing businesses, and facilitate job creation within the downtown area. They may provide support and incentives for businesses, such as grants, loans, or tax abatements.
2. Infrastructure Improvement: DDAs invest in infrastructure projects and improvements within the downtown district. This can include upgrading public spaces, streetscapes, sidewalks, lighting, parking facilities, and public amenities to enhance the overall look and appeal of the downtown area.
3. Planning and Zoning: DDAs develop comprehensive plans and zoning regulations specifically tailored to their downtown districts. These plans help guide development, land use, and design standards, ensuring a cohesive and attractive downtown environment.
4. Marketing and Promotion: DDAs are responsible for marketing and promoting the downtown area as a vibrant and desirable destination for residents, visitors, and businesses. They may organize events, festivals, and campaigns to attract people, provide advertising and branding support, and create a positive image for the downtown district.
5. Public Space Management: DDAs often oversee the management and maintenance of public spaces within the downtown area, such as parks, plazas, and public facilities. They may coordinate beautification efforts, manage contracts for maintenance services, and collaborate with local government agencies to ensure a clean and welcoming environment.
6. Public Financing: DDAs have the authority to collect taxes or capture a portion of existing taxes within the downtown district. The funds generated are then reinvested into downtown development projects and activities.
Overall, a Downtown Development Authority in Michigan acts as a catalyst for economic growth, revitalization, and community development within the designated downtown area.
Planning Commission
What does the Planning Commission Do?
The Planning Commission is a government entity responsible for land-use planning and development in a specific jurisdiction such as a city, county, or region. Its primary role is to guide and regulate the physical and economic development of the community.
Here are some key functions and responsibilities of a Planning Commission:
1. Comprehensive Planning: The commission works on developing a comprehensive plan that outlines long-term goals and objectives for the community's growth and development. This plan may consider factors such as infrastructure, transportation, housing, economic development, environmental preservation, and social equity.
2. Zoning and Land Use Regulations: The commission establishes zoning regulations, land use policies, and development guidelines based on the comprehensive plan. Zoning controls determine how land can be used, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use, and can also specify building height, setback requirements, and other development parameters.
3. Development Review: The commission reviews proposed development projects, ensuring they comply with applicable zoning codes, land use policies, and environmental regulations. They evaluate the project's impact on the surrounding area, infrastructure, and community character before granting necessary permits or approvals.
4. Public Engagement: Planning Commissions engage with the public and stakeholders to gather input, address concerns, and promote transparency in the decision-making process. They hold public meetings, workshops, and hearings to provide opportunities for community members to voice their opinions on proposed developments, zoning changes, or updates to the comprehensive plan.
5. Economic Development: The commission plays a role in fostering economic growth by identifying areas for business expansion, encouraging new investment, and supporting sustainable economic development initiatives. They may collaborate with other agencies, businesses, and organizations to attract new industries, create job opportunities, and enhance the local economy.
6. Environmental Preservation: Planning Commissions consider environmental factors in land-use decisions to minimize ecological impact and promote sustainable development practices. They may develop policies that prioritize green spaces, protect natural resources, and encourage energy-efficient design in new developments.
7. Collaboration and Coordination: Planning Commissions work closely with other government departments, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure coordination and consistency in land-use planning efforts. This may involve collaborating with transportation departments, environmental agencies, parks and recreation departments, or neighborhood associations.
In summary, the Planning Commission plays a crucial role in shaping the physical and economic development of a community. By developing comprehensive plans, establishing zoning regulations, reviewing development projects, and engaging the public, they aim to create a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive community that meets the needs and aspirations of its residents.
Here are some key functions and responsibilities of a Planning Commission:
1. Comprehensive Planning: The commission works on developing a comprehensive plan that outlines long-term goals and objectives for the community's growth and development. This plan may consider factors such as infrastructure, transportation, housing, economic development, environmental preservation, and social equity.
2. Zoning and Land Use Regulations: The commission establishes zoning regulations, land use policies, and development guidelines based on the comprehensive plan. Zoning controls determine how land can be used, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use, and can also specify building height, setback requirements, and other development parameters.
3. Development Review: The commission reviews proposed development projects, ensuring they comply with applicable zoning codes, land use policies, and environmental regulations. They evaluate the project's impact on the surrounding area, infrastructure, and community character before granting necessary permits or approvals.
4. Public Engagement: Planning Commissions engage with the public and stakeholders to gather input, address concerns, and promote transparency in the decision-making process. They hold public meetings, workshops, and hearings to provide opportunities for community members to voice their opinions on proposed developments, zoning changes, or updates to the comprehensive plan.
5. Economic Development: The commission plays a role in fostering economic growth by identifying areas for business expansion, encouraging new investment, and supporting sustainable economic development initiatives. They may collaborate with other agencies, businesses, and organizations to attract new industries, create job opportunities, and enhance the local economy.
6. Environmental Preservation: Planning Commissions consider environmental factors in land-use decisions to minimize ecological impact and promote sustainable development practices. They may develop policies that prioritize green spaces, protect natural resources, and encourage energy-efficient design in new developments.
7. Collaboration and Coordination: Planning Commissions work closely with other government departments, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure coordination and consistency in land-use planning efforts. This may involve collaborating with transportation departments, environmental agencies, parks and recreation departments, or neighborhood associations.
In summary, the Planning Commission plays a crucial role in shaping the physical and economic development of a community. By developing comprehensive plans, establishing zoning regulations, reviewing development projects, and engaging the public, they aim to create a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive community that meets the needs and aspirations of its residents.
Board of Review
What does the Board of Review Do?
In Michigan, the Board of Review is an essential part of the property tax assessment process. Its primary responsibility is to review and address property owner appeals regarding their property assessments. The Board's main objective is to ensure fair and accurate property valuations for tax purposes.
Here is a more detailed explanation of what the Board of Review does in Michigan:
1. Property Assessment Appeals: The Board of Review provides property owners with an opportunity to appeal their property assessments if they believe it is inaccurate or unfair. Property owners can present evidence and arguments to support their case, and the Board will review the information presented to make a determination.
2. Property Assessment Corrections: If the Board of Review finds that a property assessment is incorrect or inconsistent with the market value, they have the authority to correct it. This correction may result in a decrease or increase in the assessed value of the property, which can directly impact the property owner's tax liability.
3. Review and Adjustment of Exemptions: The Board of Review also reviews and assesses applications for various property tax exemptions such as homestead exemptions, agricultural exemptions, or exemptions for disabled veterans. They verify the eligibility of the property owners and make decisions on granting or denying these exemptions.
4. Hearings and Evidence: The Board of Review conducts formal hearings where property owners can present evidence to support their case. This evidence may include recent property sales data, appraisals, or any other relevant information that can assist the Board in evaluating the accuracy of the assessment.
5. Property Record Review: The Board of Review examines property records, sales data, and other relevant information to ensure the accuracy of assessments. They consider factors such as property condition, recent improvements or damages, and market value trends to make informed decisions.
6. Taxpayer Assistance: The Board of Review provides guidance and assistance to property owners regarding their assessments, tax exemptions, and the appeal process. They help property owners understand their rights and responsibilities, answer questions, and provide information on the available options.
It's important to note that the Board of Review operates independently from the local assessor's office and acts as a neutral party in assessing property values. Their aim is to ensure fairness and equity in property tax assessments by providing a transparent review process for property owners.
Here is a more detailed explanation of what the Board of Review does in Michigan:
1. Property Assessment Appeals: The Board of Review provides property owners with an opportunity to appeal their property assessments if they believe it is inaccurate or unfair. Property owners can present evidence and arguments to support their case, and the Board will review the information presented to make a determination.
2. Property Assessment Corrections: If the Board of Review finds that a property assessment is incorrect or inconsistent with the market value, they have the authority to correct it. This correction may result in a decrease or increase in the assessed value of the property, which can directly impact the property owner's tax liability.
3. Review and Adjustment of Exemptions: The Board of Review also reviews and assesses applications for various property tax exemptions such as homestead exemptions, agricultural exemptions, or exemptions for disabled veterans. They verify the eligibility of the property owners and make decisions on granting or denying these exemptions.
4. Hearings and Evidence: The Board of Review conducts formal hearings where property owners can present evidence to support their case. This evidence may include recent property sales data, appraisals, or any other relevant information that can assist the Board in evaluating the accuracy of the assessment.
5. Property Record Review: The Board of Review examines property records, sales data, and other relevant information to ensure the accuracy of assessments. They consider factors such as property condition, recent improvements or damages, and market value trends to make informed decisions.
6. Taxpayer Assistance: The Board of Review provides guidance and assistance to property owners regarding their assessments, tax exemptions, and the appeal process. They help property owners understand their rights and responsibilities, answer questions, and provide information on the available options.
It's important to note that the Board of Review operates independently from the local assessor's office and acts as a neutral party in assessing property values. Their aim is to ensure fairness and equity in property tax assessments by providing a transparent review process for property owners.
Zoning Board of Appeals
What does the ZBA do?
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), also known as the Board of Adjustment or Variance Board in some places, is a local government body responsible for making decisions regarding zoning and land use regulations. This is a judicial function of local government. Here are some details about what the ZBA does:
1. Granting Variances: One of the primary functions of the ZBA is to grant variances from zoning regulations. If a property owner or developer believes that strict adherence to zoning regulations would create undue hardship or prevent reasonable use of their property, they can apply to the ZBA for a variance. The ZBA reviews these applications and decides whether to grant variances, allowing exceptions to the regulations.
2. Interpreting Zoning Ordinances: The ZBA is responsible for interpreting the specific provisions of the zoning ordinance and determining how they apply to particular properties or situations. This involves resolving ambiguities, clarifying language, and providing guidance on the intent and scope of the zoning regulations.
3. Hearing Appeals: The ZBA also hears appeals from property owners or developers who believe that the zoning enforcement officer or planning department has incorrectly applied or interpreted zoning regulations. If someone feels aggrieved by a decision or interpretation, they can request a hearing before the ZBA to present their case and seek a reversal or modification of the decision.
4. Determining Special Exceptions or Permits: In some cases, certain land uses or developments may be allowed in a zoning district if specific conditions or criteria are met. The ZBA reviews applications for these special exceptions or permits, examines the proposed use against the prescribed standards, and renders decisions on whether to grant them.
5. Public Hearings: The ZBA holds public hearings where property owners, developers, neighbors, and other interested parties can present their viewpoints, concerns, or objections regarding proposed variances or appeals. These hearings provide an opportunity for dialogue and ensure that decisions are made with consideration for public input.
6. Balancing Interests: The ZBA plays a crucial role in balancing the rights of property owners with the overall welfare and interests of the community. They weigh the impact of variances or appeals on neighboring properties, the character of the area, public health and safety, and the general spirit and intent of the zoning regulations.
Overall, the Zoning Board of Appeals plays an important role in the land use and development process, providing flexibility and fairness in the administration of zoning regulations.
Under the Zoning Enabling Act of Michigan, the legislative body can act as the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is what the City of Fennville does.
1. Granting Variances: One of the primary functions of the ZBA is to grant variances from zoning regulations. If a property owner or developer believes that strict adherence to zoning regulations would create undue hardship or prevent reasonable use of their property, they can apply to the ZBA for a variance. The ZBA reviews these applications and decides whether to grant variances, allowing exceptions to the regulations.
2. Interpreting Zoning Ordinances: The ZBA is responsible for interpreting the specific provisions of the zoning ordinance and determining how they apply to particular properties or situations. This involves resolving ambiguities, clarifying language, and providing guidance on the intent and scope of the zoning regulations.
3. Hearing Appeals: The ZBA also hears appeals from property owners or developers who believe that the zoning enforcement officer or planning department has incorrectly applied or interpreted zoning regulations. If someone feels aggrieved by a decision or interpretation, they can request a hearing before the ZBA to present their case and seek a reversal or modification of the decision.
4. Determining Special Exceptions or Permits: In some cases, certain land uses or developments may be allowed in a zoning district if specific conditions or criteria are met. The ZBA reviews applications for these special exceptions or permits, examines the proposed use against the prescribed standards, and renders decisions on whether to grant them.
5. Public Hearings: The ZBA holds public hearings where property owners, developers, neighbors, and other interested parties can present their viewpoints, concerns, or objections regarding proposed variances or appeals. These hearings provide an opportunity for dialogue and ensure that decisions are made with consideration for public input.
6. Balancing Interests: The ZBA plays a crucial role in balancing the rights of property owners with the overall welfare and interests of the community. They weigh the impact of variances or appeals on neighboring properties, the character of the area, public health and safety, and the general spirit and intent of the zoning regulations.
Overall, the Zoning Board of Appeals plays an important role in the land use and development process, providing flexibility and fairness in the administration of zoning regulations.
Under the Zoning Enabling Act of Michigan, the legislative body can act as the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is what the City of Fennville does.
Emergency Services Committee
The Emergency Services Committee is made up of one member from each of the participating municipalities in the Fennville Area Ambulance interlocal agreement. Together, they supervise the contract with Life EMS and make suggestions on improving emergency medicine within the City of Fennville, Saugatuck Township, Manlius Township, Lee Township, Clyde Township, and Ganges Township.
Fire Board
The Fire Board is made up of three members who supervise the Fennville Area Fire Department, a collaborative effort between the City of Fennville and Manlius Township. Each municipality has a representative on the board, and in odd years Manlius Township provides the third representative, and in even years the City provides the third representative. The Fire Board approves purchases of fire equipment and supervises the firefighters and Fire Chief.