Editor,

Regarding Michael Hartwell’s article in the Feb. 2 Lakes Region Suburban Weekly, “St. Joseph’s attempting to expand,” it appears Mr. Yauch of St. Joseph College did not get the message the Standish Appeals Board gave him when they last met. Mr. Yauch seems to believe there will be another vote on the proposed addition to their dormitories unless he is talking about bringing it forward again in another year.

The Appeals Board meeting held on Jan. 22, had four of the board’s five members present, which is beyond the requirement of a majority to conduct the meeting. There was a good discussion from the public as well as the board. If you were there or have watched the meeting on tape you will observe the chair, one other member and the code enforcement officer were trying very hard to give the college their approval, at least this is how it appeared to me.

The vote was taken after the discussion and there were two votes for approval and two votes against bringing about a tie vote. Our government is based on the principals of a majority vote rule and in the case of a tie the motion fails. It is unfortunate St. Joseph’s is unable to accept the decision of the board and move on to other things.

Mr. Yauch states in Mr. Hartwell’s article because a fifth person has been added to the board this will bring about a new vote. This should not be the case. If the Appeals Board did not have the necessary majority to cast a legitimate vote, the proposal should never have been discussed. In fact, there should have been no meeting. St. Joseph’s is used to having its way with all the special exceptions granted. They probably never gave a thought this proposal would not slide right though.

It seems odd there was a special Council Meeting to get another Appeals Board member appointed on Jan. 30. A special Appeals Board training session is scheduled for Feb. 12. Mr. Yauch seems to be thinking there is going to be a re-vote at the Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Appeals Board meeting. Sounds fishy to me.

Could it be that the Standish taxpayer is getting weary of paying for all the college needs? Property listed under Trustees St. Joseph College in Standish tax records show more than $30 million of value for buildings and about 400 acres of land. The only tax bill I could find is for $3,805.41. Standish taxpayers pay a mil rate of $9.77 per thousand of valuation. If my calculations are correct, St. Joseph’s mil rate would be about 13 cents per thousand. Would you like to swap mil rates?

William Orr

Standish

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