MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - At the April 4 Township Board meeting, the Board revisited the idea of creating a Brownfield Authority for the Township.

"I think the only thing we haven't discussed on this item is who will make up the board," said Frank Walsh, Meridian Township Manager.

There is a wide range of possible candidates. In Delhi, the Downtown Development Authority also serves as the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA). Flint created their own board with new members for the BRA. In Lansing, the TIFA, EDC, and BRA comprise of all the same members who hold different meetings. Janette Miholic, who gave the brownfield presentation, said it can be whatever works best for the area in question.

"We need a wide range of views. Using the EDC or TIFA places restrictions and will tilt heavily toward the business side of things. I'm open to using the Planning Commission or creating a new board as we did with the Transportation Commission."

Other board members also weighed in with suggestions.

"I came up with the idea of having a seven member board," said Ronald Styka, Township Supervisor. "We should have some one with engineering experience, financial experience, legal experience, a Planning Commission member, Environmental Commission member, and some one from the Economic Development Authority."

Other Board members such as Trustee Kathy Ann Sundland, Trustee Patricia Herring-Jackson and Treasurer Julie Brixie thought that Styka's idea was great.

"I like that formula. I think that the cross pollination of the Boards and Commissions gets rid of silos, is good interaction and gets different perspectives," said Brixie.

The Board is expected to take action at their next meeting on April 18.