By Sterling McGinn
A clerk has been found after a longtime search by the Columbus Township Board.
Margaret Nelson was appointed and sworn in to succeed Jeff Anderson on May 15, after announcing his intent to resign months ago due to ongoing health problems.
The appointment took place at the April 14 meeting of the board.
Anderson and his deputy, Don Leech, stayed on to handle the township’s statutory duties long past Anderson’s initial departure date.
Last month, resident Terry Nelson was appointed and sworn in, but announced his plan to resign just days later. Nelson’s wife, Margaret decided she could take on the work.
“She had been in training and orientation,” said Supervisor Roger Auble. “The position will officially take effect on May 15.”
Treasurer Dan Schultz submitted a letter of resignation, Auble said, via email the following morning after the meeting. His resignation will take effect on May 1. The board is searching for a replacement treasurer.
In other news, the Columbus Township Board has approved the signing of the Eastern U.P. Mutual Aid agreement, which will allow the township’s fire department to request backup when needed without receiving a bill later.
Emergency Manager Bryce Tracy presenting information about the agreement, which most fire departments in the Eastern Upper Peninsula are part of.
Columbus Township Fire has been without any mutual aid agreements since the board did not renew the Columbus/Newberry agreement a couple of years ago when the previous township board questioned language in the document.
The fire department services Columbus and Lakefield townships.
