Monday, March 12, 2012


The house at 1552 Gilbert St. Is No More!

Another House Down March 6th 2012


19 1720 00000SAGINAW COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY
ADDRESS:1552 GILBERT ST111 S MICHIGAN AVE SAGINAW, MI 48602
CLASS:Residential

Photos & Sketches

Saginaw County Animal Care Poll: Pit bull adoptions


Poll: Should Saginaw County Animal Care Center lift its ban on pit bull adoptions?

Published: Monday, March 12, 2012, 12:00 PM Updated: Monday, March 12, 2012, 2:37 PM

Pit bulls at Saginaw County Animal Care CenterView full sizeAn 18-week-old pit bull waits for it's owner to claim them from the Saginaw County Animal Care Center on Friday morning. The animal control center has an unwritten policy to euthanize any pit bull that is not recovered by it's owner.
SAGINAW — Pit bulls made headlines in the Great Lakes Bay Region and spurred several discussions about the breed last week.
Saginaw County taxpayers are set to reimburse a farmer $1,150 for the value of two calves he lost during a pit bull attack in October and the Saginaw County Animal Advisory Committee next week plans to review its automatic kill policy for pit bull and pit bull-mix dogs that enter the facility and are not recovered by their owners.
Public comment is welcome at the session at 4 p.m. March 21 in the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners offices on the second floor of the Saginaw County Governmental Building, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw.
Genesee County until January held a similar policy to Saginaw County, which it's commissioners at that time voted to lift. The shelter, prior to changing its policies to allow pit bull adoptions, did allow transfers of pit bulls to rescue shelters, which the Saginaw facility does not permit.
Employees at the Genesee County animal control facility said they have adopted about five pit bulls, four puppies, to residents in the county since lifting the adoption ban.
The employees said they "temperament test" the pit bulls through observation and interaction to determine if they seem conducive to adoption.
Saginaw County Valerie McCullough said a dog's temperament is difficult to gauge while they are in the foreign setting of a shelter.
She estimates Saginaw County animal control employees only see about20 percent of a dog's personality while it is caged at the shelter and said they could be "totally different" when they get home, which presents a danger.

Do you think Saginaw should allow animal control employees to adopt pit bulls to residents? Please answer poll question and comment below.



Thank you for voting!
Total Votes: 21

SAGINAW RECYCLE PROGRAM


Saginaw recycle program bsin demand exceeds initial expectations at a distribution event Satruday

Published: Monday, March 12, 2012, 11:30 AM Updated: Monday, March 12, 2012, 1:51 PM

Recycling bins distrubution event kicks off curbside recycling in Saginaw
EnlargeSaginaw residents line up to pick up recycling bins at a distribution event at 1435 S. Washington in Saginaw. Curbside recycling will begin on the week of April 2, with pickups occurring every other week.Recycling bins distrubution event kicks off curbside recycling in Saginaw gallery (6 photos)
SAGINAW — The Saginaw recycle bin distribution event Saturday surpassed Public Services Director Phillip Karwat's expectations.

A line 20-people deep extended from the stacks orange of bins as soon as the event began at 10 a.m., Karwat said.

He said employees are still trying to confirm the final number issued, but Karwat has heard estimates that as many as 785 bins were issued Saturday between 10 a.m. and2 p.m. to residents wishing to participate in the recycling program.
Of those, about 165 bins were sold to residents at a price of $8.
They receive the first bin free and must pay for additional bins.
"It's pretty exciting," said Karwat. "I was thinking 4-500 bins" would be distributed
The city purchased about 6,700 bins initially at a cost of $40,000, about $5.97 per bin.
The recycling program will be bi-weekly and full information about the service that begins April 2 is available through this link.
The next distribution even for recycling bins is Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
In addition to the distribution events, bins are available in the Treasurer's Office at City Hall, room 105, 1315 S. Washington. See a chart with distribution dates and times below:
RecyclePickup.jpgView full sizeRecycle bin distribution dates and times




POLICE:


Police: Woman involved in Tuesday afternoon fights on Saginaw's West Side tried to stab officer

Published: Friday, March 09, 2012, 8:45 AM
Patrick.Donyell.Latoya.jpgDonyell L. Patrick
SAGINAW — A Saginaw woman believed to be involved in at least one Tuesday afternoon fight on the city's West Side tried to stab a police officer as he tried to arrest her, police say.
Donyell L. Patrick, 28, of 3215 Grant is charged with felonious assault (or assault with a dangerous weapon), carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and resisting and obstructing a police officer.
Saginaw Police Detective Sgt. Joseph Dutoi said Patrick was one of many individuals involved in a fight in the streets near North Mason. Officer David Rocha went to the scene three times to break up the fights, and Patrick was “angry” and “didn't want to leave,” Dutoi said.
Rocha cleared the scene for a third time but was dispatched to the area again about 6 p.m., Dutoi said. When he arrived, Rocha saw Patrick standing near a curb near North Mason and Hayes, yelling and cursing at him, Dutoi said.
Because Rocha already had issued a warning to Patrick, he approached her to arrest her, Dutoi said. As he closed in on her, he saw a “large silver knife” in one of her hands, Dutoi said. Rocha grabbed Patrick's other wrist and told her to drop the knife, but she refused and “raised the knife” at him, Dutoi said.
Rocha struggled with Patrick before another woman grabbed the knife from Patrick, Dutoi said. Rocha eventually placed Patrick in his patrol car, Dutoi said.
Police believe the fights in the North Mason area preceded and are related to a fight near Davenport and North Bond that ended with a quadruple stabbing.
In arraigning Patrick on Wednesday, Saginaw County Chief District Judge M. Randall Jurrens entered a not guilty plea on her behalf and held her on a $25,000 or 10 percent bond. Patrick posted the bond Wednesday and remained free today.
Felonious assault carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison; the weapon charge carries a five-year maximum sentence.
Patrick is scheduled for a March 16 preliminary hearing before District Judge M.T. Thompson.
Follow Andy Hoag on Twitter @SNAndyHoag



 SOUTHWEST SAGINAW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

BY-LAWS

  ARTICLE I

NAME AND BOUNDRIES:

S.W.S.N.A. SOUTHWEST SAGINAW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

BOUNDRIES: City Limit at Superior & Gratiot South to Tittabawassee River, and Southside of Gratiot and City Limit of Superior east to Saginaw River.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE:

`           To preserve and improve our neighborhood in accordance with the Laws & Ordinances of the City Of Saginaw and the State of Michigan in co-operation with the Saginaw Police, Scenic, and our Community Police Officer.

ARTICLE III

S.W.S.N.A. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:

A. MEMBER:  Must be a business owner, property owner or renter at least 18 years of age who reside in a home or apartment with-in the S.W.S.N.A. boundaries.

B. VOTING MEMBER: (FOR OFFICERS) shall be a member who has attended at least four (4) general memberships meeting in the preceding twelve (12) months.

            C. Signing in his/her name at the general membership meetings to be counted for voting purposes.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS:

The Executive Board Committee shall consist of a President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Event coordinator.

THE TERMS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS:

Terms for all Executive Board Committee seat are to be on an alternating system so you have some of the Board members still in office for the changeover of new officers coming in. Any board member can run after their term has been completed for as many times that they desire.





1.      THE PRESIDENT:         (2 YEAR TERM) “or until (the officers) successor is elected.”

A.     Shall preside at all general membership and Executive Committee meetings.

B.      Shall have the power to appoint special committees as directed by the needs of S.W.S.N.A.

C.      Shall represent S.W.S.N.A. in all extra-curricular events except when this is not possible.  In such cases he or she may appoint another member to represent him or her.

2.      VICE PRESIDENT:          (2 YEAR TERM) “or until (the officers) successor is elected.”

A.     Shall perform the duties of the President when the President shall be absent.

3.      RECORDING SECRETARY:          (2 YEAR TERM) “or until (the officers) successor is elected.”

A.     Shall take minutes at every general membership meeting and be responsible for the care of said minutes.

B.      Shall handle all necessary correspondence at the direction of the Executive Committee.

C.      Shall maintain custody of the S.W.S.N.A. By-Laws.

4.      TREASURER:          (2 YEAR TERM) “or until (the officers) successor is elected.”   

A.     Shall keep account of and be responsible for the Treasury of S.W.S.N.A. during the terms of office.

B.      Shall have charge of any and all monetary transactions of S.W.S.N.A.

C.      Shall sign all check drawn upon funds of the S.W.S.N.A.  Organization.  All checks shall also require the signature of either the President or Vice President, and must be approved by the Executive Board Committee.

D.     Shall give financial report at the general membership and Executive Committee meetings and prepare an annual report of the finances of S.W.S.N.A. showing the receipts and disbursement during the current year.  The annual report shall be submitted by the retiring Treasurer when his or her term is completed to the Incoming Treasurer.

 5.    EVENT COORDINATOR:          (2 YEAR TERM) “or until (the officers) successor is elected.”

A.      Shall coordinate, schedule and plan for upcoming special events.



ARTICLE V

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

A.     Final Nomination and election of officers shall take place during a general membership meeting.

B.      Method Of Elections:

1.      Election shall be by secret ballot with one vote per eligible member of those present at a general membership meeting. (SEE ARTICLE III SECTION B) or if one (1) has been nominated for an office, the chair simply declares the nominee elected (which is referred to as an election by acclamation)

2.      A simple majority vote of those eligible members present is required.

3.      An individual may hold only one (1) elected position at a time and may not be on any other Executive Boards with-in the S.W.S.N.A. boundaries.









C.      Nomination Committee:

1. PURPOSE:

A. the selection and nomination of candidates to fill the elective officer of S.W.S.N.A.

 2. DUTIES:

A.   Shall be formed at the January meeting to poll the members on their desire to fill an elective post and /or nominate a member to fill a post. 

B.    Shall meet as needed to prepare a slate of prospective officers for election which will be presented at the February meeting.  Nominations for any office may also be presented from the floor.  After requests for additional nominations for any office, nominations shall be closed for that office. 

C.    Shall contact the nominated member to determine if the member is willing to fill the position for the term.  If the member is willing to run for the office, the nominating committee will place his/her name on the slate of prospective officer.  In the event that the nominating committee identifies more than one candidate for an office, all names for that office will be printed on the slate of prospective officers.

D.     Shall be responsible for preparing and publishing a slate of candidates to all members at the February meeting to be voted on at the March general membership meeting.  This slate will be published on the S.W.S.N.A. website if available, no later than two weeks prior to the March meeting.

E.     Shall prepare the ballot, tally all votes, and present the results of the election following the voting at March meeting.



Any S.W.S.N.A. member may volunteer to fill a position or may nominate another member for a position.  All nominated candidates shall meet the requirements of having attended at least four (4) meeting in the preceding twelve (12) months.  The nominating committee will contact the nominated member to determine if the member is willing to fill the position. 



Resignation from Office:

 In event of a Board members resignation from office, a special election to fill the vacancy shall be held at the next general membership meeting in which the resignation is accepted and a temporary member fills the vacant seat until the term has been completed. Then an election will be held to fill the position for the 2 year term.

ARTICLE VI  

MEETINGS:    

1.      Shall be held on the third Tuesday of each month with the exception of December due to holiday.

2.      Meetings will be held at the West Michigan United Methodist Church at 1802 W. Michigan Ave. or noted elsewhere.





ARTICLE VII

 EXECUTIVE BOARD:

A.     There shall be an Executive Board Committee consisting of a President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Event Coordinator.

B.      It shall be the duty of each Executive Board Member to attend all meeting of the Executive Board if possible.

C.      The vacancy of any office of the Executive Board shall be filled by a simple majority vote of eligible member in attendance at the next general membership meeting, to fill the remaining term.

D.     The President has the power to spend up to fifty ($50.00) dollars for organizational purposes without the consent of regular membership.  All other disbursement shall be submitted to the general membership at the next general membership meeting for approval.

E.      The Executive Board shall meet monthly as decided at the January Executive Board meeting, or at the request of the President, or upon the request of any two (2) Executive Board Committee members.

ARTICLE VIII

REGULATION AND PROCEDURES:    

1.      Any project using the name, signage or materials or anything resembling it of S.W.S.N.A. must have prior approval of the Executive Board using it will result in loss of membership.

2.      Political candidates may be introduced at the meeting and the membership be informed that the candidates will be available for question after the meeting.  Speeches by the candidates will not be allowed.

3.       All volunteers serve at the direction and discretion of the Executive Board of the S.W.S.N.A.   The board reserves the right to discontinue the services of any volunteer whose attitude or behavior does not serve the best interest of S.W.S.N.A.

4.      S.W.S.N.A. reserves the right to discontinue the membership of any person or group using foul or offensive language or disruptive behavior during the meetings.

5.      No firearms to be carried by any member will be allowed at S.W.S.N.A. general membership meeting.

6.      Any member in violation of the regulation and procedures is subject to immediate removal from S.W.S.N.A.

ARTICLE IX

RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENTS:

1.      These by-laws shall be reviewed periodically and may be altered, amended, or changed by vote of sixty (60) percent of the members at a scheduled general membership meeting.  Proposed alterations, amendments, or changes will be available on the S.W.S.N.A. website if available for membership review prior to the meeting that the alterations, amendments, or changes are voted upon.

2.      These by-laws were agreed by S.W.S.N.A. members with reference info from Roberts Rules guideline.                                                   (February 21, 2012)


Sunday, March 11, 2012

Getting Started

The blog is starting to come to life.  Thanks guys.

SOUTHWEST SAGINAW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES February 21, 2012

PRESIDENT: José Barajas opened the meeting at 6:30 PM.

OPENING PRAYER: Our opening prayer was given by Rev. Tucker Gunneman.

ATTENDANCE: We had 30 people in attendance.

MOTION: A motion was made to except the minutes from the January 17th meeting of 2012.  Motion was seconded and carried.

Paul Virciglio brought us up to date in regards to Hoyt Park. They are hosting a sled event on Saturday, February 25that Hoyt Park, providing we have snow. Other events will have the Castle Museum bus on-site.  The children's zoo will be open and free that day, they will be having hot chocolate. Mr. Virciglio was told whatever money the Hoyt Park Committee could raise, Mr. Garber would match. They raised 100 plus thousand dollars. Mr. Garber matched it. The warming house had repairs, it's been all repainted the bathrooms have been repaired the vets office is heated. Hopefully by next winter we should be able to put ice down to ice skate weather permitting. The baseball fields have all been refurbished.

RECYCLING SCHEDULE: April 2, 2012 is when the recycling is scheduled to start. There will be one bin per household. If you wish a second bin, there will be an additional charge of eight dollars. To make it easier for residents to start recycling with the new curbside program, the city will distribute recycling bins and how to program information prior to enacting the program at three separate events, Saturday, March 10 and Tuesday's, March 13 and March 20.

Saturday: March 10TH 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM one location. Department of public works convenience station (1435 S. Washington)

Tuesday's: March 13TH and March 20TH 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM for locations

Saginaw High School (3100 Weber St.)

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE CONTINUED:

Arthur Hill High School (3115 Mackinaw St.)

First Ward Community Center (1410 N. 12th St.)

Department of Public Works (1435 S. Washington)

The new Saginaw recyclables is a two-step program.

Step one, place glass, metals, and plastics together in one bin.

Step two, paper materials, cardboard and box board can be mixed in another bin or placed in paper bags next to the container or recycling bin.

Starting June 2 through September 8, 2012 there will be a special waste program where you can take products such as paint cans and other items that you can't put out to the curb and dispose of them. The telephone number is area code 989-758-3686.

Treasurer’s Report:  Balance on hand January 1st 2010                      $330.21

Donations from Members                                                                          $204.00

Proceeds from Signs                                                                                         18.00

Total Receipts $222.00+ $330.21=                                                             $552.21

DISBURSEMENTS:

Ink Cartridges  $130.41

Check Charge                             13.00

Maps and Ink Cartridges         63.99

Parts for Lawn Mower             33.53

Nails for Board Up                    43.45

Arson Watch                              25.00

Pride Parade                              25.00

Total Disbursements:          $334.38

Balance on Hand December 31st 2011    $217.83

January 17th2012 showed balance of $217.83 with a five dollar donation,  Bringing the total to date to $222.83.

VICE PRESIDENT: Deanna said “don't forget to vote on February 28th.

 Chief Cliff's meeting is Wednesday, February 22 at 5:30 PM at the YMCA. The first half of the meeting will be conducted at the YMCA, the second half of the meeting we will be walking across the street to the RAPTOR CENTER.

Deanna announced that the board has been tweaking our By-Laws.  Deanna, José, and Cathy read the by-laws: We put it to a vote after each section and each was passed.  There were some suggestions to change a couple of items.

Deanna announced she would be retiring from Southwest Saginaw Neighborhood Association as Vice President effective immediately due to health problems and stress.  Don McCloskey nominated Rick Russell as vice president.  Rick accepted the nomination, no one ran opposing him, and Deanna declared Rick Vice President by an election of acclamation.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM

PRESIDENT: José Barajas

VICE PRESIDENT: Deanna Virciglio

RECORDING SECRETARY: Cathy Wagner

TRESURER: Pat McCloy