2001Annual Report Executive Summary
Clare County Enterprise Community
Benchmark 1.1: Improved Quality of Life - Produce a coordinated land use plan. A county-wide plan and subsequent county-wide broad based zoning will help to prevent ineffective uses of valuable resources and help to preserve the rural atmosphere, preserve agricultural land, and reduce stress. The County reactivated Planning Commission and contracted with a part time secretary. Several participants received training and participated in the ‘Ultimate Farm Land Preservation Tour.’ The Planning Commission has met with various groups including MSU Extension, Wade Trim & Assoc., and Lapham and Assoc., to discuss components necessary for a comprehensive county-wide land use plan. The lack of GIS mapping continues to be a major challenge to planning which will need to be addressed by the county as a whole. Currently, Clare County Commissioners and department heads are meeting and working to come to a long-range solution. EC Investment: Staff time in researching options, building consensus, assisting participants to receive training. Amount leveraged: County paid the costs of half-time secretary for project. Target: 1 plan. To date: 0
Benchmark 2.1: Improved Quality of Life - Reduce/eliminate blight. The community supported a millage to build a new animal shelter; the animal shelter is now open and operating. Meetings occurred regarding scrap tires and resulted in the application of a DEQ scrap tire grant. The grant was approved at $250,000 to remove some tires from Redding Township to create fire lanes. Sheriff presentations at Townships regarding blight. Twelve of sixteen townships passed blight ordinances. EC Investment: Staff and Board Member time in investigating issue, pursuing funds, building consensus. Amount leveraged: $850,000 millage and $250,000 grant Target 50 clients. To date: 0 served
Benchmark 3.1 . Improved Quality of Life - Improve the physical environment. Make recycling more accessible, use scrap tires as a resource, and create jobs. A committee was established. Members of the committee, the EC Director, and the President of Middle Michigan Development Corporation met with scrap tire facility owners to discuss options for recycling the current stockpiles of scrap tires in Clare County. EC Investment: Staff and Board time investigating issue. Amount leveraged: 0 Target: 25 – amount of solid waste removed. To date: 0
Benchmark 4.1: Improved Quality of Life - Improve cultural sensitivity and change behavior through cultural sensitivity training and education provided to 1000 children and adults per year. A Character Counts Coalition was established. Fourteen persons have been trained as presenters in the Josephson Institute national model. The Coalition adopted a mission statement, developed goals and began seeking financial assistance to establish a local resource library. The Coalition meets on a monthly basis and is preparing a timeline of activities to ensure presence in the County. EC Investment: Staff and Board Member time investigating issue, pursuing funds, building consensus and coalition. Amount leveraged: $2,000 Target: 18 # of clients served. To date: 14
Benchmark 5.1: Improve Quality of Life - Preserve, maintain and improve recreational resources. The Clare County Planning Commission, with help of RC&D, prepared a county-wide recreation plan. The plan was approved by the County Commissioners and State of Michigan. The plan has been printed and disseminated to all stakeholders, townships, cities and villages. The County Board of Commissioners is appointing a study committee to review the recommendations put forth in the plan. EC Investment: Staff and Board Member time investigating issue, building consensus and presenting plan. Amount leveraged: 0 Target: 1 plan. To date: 1 county-wide recreation plan developed and approved. 100% completed.
Benchmark 6.1: Improved Quality of Life – Create an Arts Council. Coordinate, market and increase the number of arts and cultural activities by establishing an Arts Council. Arts Council completed a cultural survey, elected a roster of officers, and filed documents. A grant application was approved by the Clare County Community Foundation who awarded $375 toward legal document costs. The group sponsored a visit by the national ArtTrain during Labor Day 2001 attended by over 2,000 persons, hosted a reception for volunteers and financial supporters for over 100 persons, and recruited and utilized 50 volunteers. The group also recruited hand made ornaments for the Tree of Hope project in which artwork by local artisans was featured on the Washington D.C. tree. An art show of 10 local artists was a feature of Mid Michigan Community College’s annual fall barbecue reaching over 2,000 persons. The new Arts Council also cosponsored a Wildlife Art program in the area schools. EC Investment: $15,000 and Staff and Board Member time in providing support and pursuing funds. Amount leveraged: approximately $6,675 in grant, donations, discounted services and technical assistance. Target: 1 entity established. To date: 1 entity established.
Benchmark 10.1: Improved Quality of Life. Establish County Volunteer Center. The new Volunteer Center was established in 2000 by United Way of Clare County. During year 2001, the newly established Volunteer Center continued to advertise local volunteer opportunities by over 20 agencies, and coordinated Make A Difference Day activities during which 20 volunteers participated. The Volunteer Center established a new group called HOPE of Harrison area youth ages 12 and up who wished to gain volunteer experience. Additional grants were written to support the center. The Volunteer Center worked with Mid Michigan Community College to help make the placements for 50 students continue a new ‘Serving to Learn/Learning to Serve’ component to a social sciences course during which students selected volunteer projects. EC Investment: $10,000. Amount leveraged: $15,000 United Way, $25,000 Volunteer Investment Challenge Grant, $10,000 private dollars. Target: 100 participants. To date: 79 (2000) 109 (2001)
Benchmark 11.1: Improved Economic Development. Support economic development by expanding/developing industrial parks and infrastructure in Clare’s Developable Site. The Clare Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is in the planning stage for expanding the existing industrial park by securing adjacent land. Currently the IDC, with assistance from Middle Michigan Development Corporation who hosts the new county-wide economic development organization, have concentrated on selling remaining land in the existing Industrial Park, however, only 7 acres remain. The IDC has been successful in signing two purchase agreements and a third is pending; the sales are creating 105,000 square feet of manufacturing space and approximately 20 new jobs while retaining about 40 jobs. In addition, at a location in the city that is not part of the original industrial park, Middle Michigan has been assisting the IDC and the City of Clare in the over $5,000,000 expansion of Filcon/Stageright. The expansion will help to retain 200 jobs while creating 75 new jobs. Middle Michigan assisted by helping to produce a Brownfield Re-development plan for the old Mitchell building and surrounding areas, and securing a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant from the state with a local match of $75,000 by the IDC. EC Investment: $0 and Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: $750,000 Target: 1 improved system. To date: 0
Benchmark 11.2: Improved Economic Development Support economic development by expanding/developing industrial parks and infrastructure in Harrison Engineering and preparation took place for water and sewer expansion and construction funded by USDA loans and grants. Middle Michigan Development Corporation is assisting the City of Harrison to conduct a community assessment in the 48625 zip code area for retail and commercial development. EC staff continue to work with the City and HAEDCO to achieve economic development goals. EC Investment: $0 and Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: $4,373,000 USDA Sewer Grant, $2,000,000 USDA Sewer Loan (both awarded 2001), $1,759,000 USDA Water Loan, $2,376,000 USDA Water Grant (both awarded during 2000). Target: 1 new of industrial/business park built. To date: 0
Benchmark 11.3: Improved Economic Development. Support economic development by expanding, developing industrial parks and infrastructure in Farwell’s Developable Site. The Village of Farwell/LDFA is finishing construction of the new industrial Enterprise Park. This park is also a Renaissance Zone. The signage, landscaping, blacktop, water, sewer, gas, and electrical have been completed. Middle Michigan Development is completing the application for the park to be certified. Middle Michigan is also helping to market the new sites for light industrial or office based firms. EC Investment: $0, Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: During 2000: $665,000 EDA infrastructure grant, $436,350 MEDC/CDBG infrastructure grant, $99,900 USDA RBEG for infrastructure. No dollars rose during 2001. Target: 1 new system. To date: 100%
Benchmark 11.5: Improved Economic Development - Develop a county-wide economic organization. A partnership continues among municipalities, local economic development groups and the Enterprise Community utilizing Middle Michigan Development Corporation as the economic development organization as a two county organization. Middle Michigan continues to make retention calls to each manufacturer to assess barriers and overcome difficulties. Middle Michigan also continues to market Clare County’s manufacturing sites and possibilities for growth. As mentioned earlier, Middle Michigan Development Corporation continues to assist the Village of Farwell in developing the new Farwell Enterprise Park (also a Renaissance Zone). The county-wide Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Middle Michigan continue to provide leadership in addressing potentially contaminated sites that are appropriate for recovery and economic development. EC Investment: $53,000 and Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: $64,500 from local partners. Target: 1 new entity. To date: 1 new entity 100% completed.
Benchmark 12.2 Improved Economic Development - Establish a Clare County Community Farm Market During 2001, the start up board of the Gateway Farmers’ Market Co-op, Inc. filed initial legal documents, participated in education regarding operating a farmers market and cooperative, submitted several grants, and continued its partnership with Michigan Foods & Farming Systems. A grant to the Diocese of Saginaw yielded $2,000 toward the project and a grant to the Clare County Community Foundation yielded $800 toward legal filings. The feasibility study funded with a USDA RBEG grant was completed by Sparks, Inc. and reviewed for further action. Currently the start up board is exploring sites, organizational structures, and potential funders. MIFFS continues as a fiduciary partner and technical assistance provider; Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Assoc. (MASA) began as a new partner. EC Investment: $10,000 and Staff and Board Member Time. Amount leveraged: $2,800 in 2001, $95,000 during 2000, $23,175 during 1999. Target: 1 new entity. To date: 1
Benchmark 13.2: Improved Economic Development - Create an automotive business that provides training and work experience for low income people as well as vehicles. Mid Michigan Industries (MMI) and Hard Times Cafe (HTC) sought and received a $84,000 staffing and equipment grant from the Department of Career Development Rehabilitation Services (DCDRS) to make the Automotive program functional; the grant includes a 20% match by HTC. The automotive program will also be a teaching program to assist individuals who need a unique learning environment to be successful. HTC’s automotive program has received it's repair license and has recently received it's automobile sales license. The DCDRS grant has the potential to be renewed for two additional years at progressively lower amounts. The grant is being used to provide training to participants in automotive repair. MMI/HTC is still seeking other grants and donations to begin operation. EC Investment: $20,000. Amount leveraged: $85,000 during 2001. Target: 1 new entity. To date: 1
Benchmark 14.1: Improved Self Sufficiency, Strengthened Families & Human Services Develop local domestic violence shelter and related services. During 2001, to increase the number of emergency shelter bednights, prevent homelessness, and improve services for homeless persons including victims of domestic violence, a second county-wide Continuum of Care plan was completed. As a result, the plan brought in $37,500 during 2001 and will bring in $38,300 during 2002. Women’s Aid purchased and renovated a facility in Harrison for the first domestic violence shelter in Clare County through a capital campaign and private gifts totaling $61,000. The agency is currently raising $61,500 for staffing from the Continuum of Care, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Michigan Department of Community Health, the Women’s Foundation, Family Independence Agency and United Way of Clare County. The agency is also conducting a volunteer drive and providing training to shelter volunteers. EC Investment: $10,500 and Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: $125,500. Target: 1 new facility. To date: 1
Benchmark 18.1: Improved Self Sufficiency through improved home ownership opportunities; Establish a Tax/Insurance Very Low and No Interest Loan 1-5 year term program with escrow; Building new homes and replacing old home; no activity in 2001. EC Investment: Staff and Board Member time Amount leveraged: Target 1 new loan funds established. To date:
Benchmark 18.3: Improved Self Sufficiency, Strengthened Families & Human Services Prevent Homelessness among homeowners and renters who require barrier free conversions, septic, well, roof, emergency structure renovations, wiring, weatherization, electrical, shut-off, heat/furnace, and other health issues for which there is no funding source Hard Times Cafe provided case management and transportation to assist persons at risk of homelessness through their role in the Continuum of Care project for a total of $10,000 during 2001. A similar amount was requested for 2002. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency requested $16,000 from the Continuum of Care allocation for homelessness prevention such as preventing evictions due to past rents due, electrical shut-off, gas delivery, and foreclosure. EC Investment: Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: (See portion of Continuum of Care grant). Target: 100 families served. To date: 25
Benchmark 18.7: Improved Self Sufficiency, Strengthened Families & Human Services – Housing Education/Advocacy Two new housing educators began during December 2001. These are both new programs and new positions for the county. A relationship began during 2001 between MSU Extension, Habitat for Humanity and the EC. The partners combined funds to hire a new Housing Agent. She began in December 2001. The new Housing Agent is completing training and orientation. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency hired a Housing Program Manager during December 2001. She will promote home ownership through the (Links to Home Ownership – formerly HomeLinks) and the Individual Development Account program, a matched savings program for down payment assistance toward home ownership. The Housing Program Manager position is funded by Community Services Block Grant and HomeLinks/IDA administrative dollars. EC Investment: $21,100 and Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: $51,100. Target # of families served. To date: 0
Benchmark 18.8: Improved Self Sufficiency, Strengthened Families & Human Services – Emergency shelter bednights. A diverse group of stakeholders surveyed persons affected by homelessness in preparation of the Continuum of Care. As a result, the plan yielded $37,500 in additional revenues for homeless and homeless prevention providers during 2001, and is expected to yield $38,300 during 2002. Of this, approximately $7,000 will be used to provide bed-nights to victims/families of domestic violence served by Women’s Aid and $1,000 will be used for homeless young adults served by the Street Outreach Program. EC Investment: Staff and Board Member time. Amount leveraged: $8,000. Target: 250 clients served. To date: 250.
Benchmark 18.10: Improved Self Sufficiency, Strengthened Families & Human Services – Assisted Living for Seniors The Harrison Area Economic Development Corporation and Harrison Housing, Inc. continue to pursue funds to construct an Assisted Living Center in Harrison. The new Housing agent is working on this project. EC Investment: Staff and Board Member time Amount leveraged: 0. Target: # of families served. To date: 0
Benchmark 21: Coordinate efforts to improve quality of life, economic development and promote self sufficiency. The Clare County Board of Commissioners sought and received a $260,000 USDA loan to remodel MSU-Extension-Clare which made room for the new Housing Educator/Agent and the Enterprise Community offices. The renovation is complete. This administrative benchmark continues to support the Executive Director, contracted consultant, training costs to staff and board members, travel, and supplies. EC Investment: $58,975. Amount leveraged: 0. Target: # of families served. To date:
Home Ownership During 2001, USDA Rural Development has invested $1,464,570 in Clare County for single family housing projects of which $746,975 was spent in the EC area. Jackie Morgan Townships Surrey Township received a grant to the USDA Communities Facilities loan/grant program support for the purchase of a fire truck and the rehab of the township hall/firebarn. Arthur Township rehabilitated their township hall with $23,800 USDA Communities Facilities grant. The improvement included indoor plumbing and ADA compliance features. Hamilton Township received a $12,000 grant from USDA Communities Facilities grant toward the costs of rehabilitating the township hall for ADA compliance. Cities Harrison City filed a preapplication through USDA Communities Facilities for the construction for a new DPW building. The City also filed a preapplication for the construction of a new fire barn. The City of Clare received 3 grants to upgrade its airport including $20,000 FAA grant for engineering to refurbish the old airport runway, $75,000 USDA grant for airport terminal building, $75,000 State of Michigan grant for airport terminal building. Village Business representatives from Lake, Lake George and Farwell joined to form a new Farwell Area Chamber of Commerce. Harrison LDHA USDA Multi-Family Housing awarded $400,000 to Harrison LDHA for rehabilitation of Harrison Park and Harrison apartments due to EC designation.
(2001) Technology: A diverse group, with representatives from local government, education, libraries, economic development, Enterprise Community and others, was formed to assess ‘digital divide’ problems. Among the top difficulties 1) accessing information, 2) communicating across a large rural county, and 3) mapping for land use planning, economic development, emergency management, law enforcement, infrastructure, and to identify where community resource providers are located. The group is exploring the issues and making plans to identify funding sources. In October, the EC Board of Directors passed a resolution to develop a new benchmark focused on Technology. EC staffs have been meeting with representatives from multiple counties to prepare a LinkMichigan grant to fund broadband high speed Internet and technology infrastructure planning. Renaissance Zones Education and training was provided officials in the four Renaissance Zones regarding developing the zones and accessing USDA business loans.