Acrimony, gridlock raise concerns on NW Mich. Board of Health

Interlochen Public Radio | By Michael Livingston, Elizabeth Brewer | Traverse City Record-Eagle

June 2, 2023

Last month, a large crowd gathered at the board meeting for the Health Dept of NW Michigan. They wanted to voice opinions on a school nutrition grant after a subcommittee of the board recommended nixing its renewal.

But a stalemate vote over whether or not to approve a meeting agenda had board members and attendees leaving after less than 30 minutes.

It was the first time an agenda failed to pass in recent years. A 40-page agenda was left on the table with little action. As a result, the board had to set a special meeting on May 15 to handle administrative business, including monthly bills and payroll.

It’s been nearly a month since then but next week, the board will try again to complete another regularly scheduled meeting. On the agenda is a discussion about how the board will review and proceed with new grants – but long standing acrimony is still a concern for residents.