Tag: Treasurer

Summary of Minutes from the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 22, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 22, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 8, 2023.

7) Appointed Employee Delegate and Officer Delegate to MERS annual meeting.

8) Confirmed appointment of Christine Witmer as City Treasurer and Christopher Saladine, Assistant Finance Director as Deputy Treasurer.

9) Amended contract for bond counsel and municipal financial advising services with Dickinson Wright and a revised contract with Bendzinski & Co.

10) Contract with Pro Surfaces of Harrison, MI as well as a budget amendment for the conversion of the existing tennis courts at Horizon Park to four pickleball courts.

11) Contract with Grand River Construction of Hudsonville, MI for the replacement of the M-20 Pedestrian Bridge.

12) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and adopted a Resolution for inclusion in the DWSRF program.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1088, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 39: Human Rights of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to match compliance with changes in State law regarding gender expression and religious freedoms.

Held a public hearing on the proposed 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). No action required at this time.

Held a work session discussion on sidewalk snow removal.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m.

Mary Ann Kornexl Retiring After More Than 31 Years of Service to the City

Mary Ann Kornexl, Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Mt. Pleasant, is set to retire on June 15, 2023 after almost 32 years of service. Before joining city staff, Mary Ann was the city’s External Auditor in Charge. Mary Ann’s esteemed career as a city employee began in 1991 when she filled the role of Deputy City Clerk. Five years later, Mary Ann was promoted to Treasurer. She advanced to her current position in 2015.

During her tenure, Mary Ann’s work brought fruitful economic development initiatives, and a strong municipal balance sheet. As early as 1991, Mary Ann was tasked with handling the financial aspect of Project 2000, a residential and business development initiative. She assisted many developers throughout this project, resulting in the formation of Eastpointe subdivision, residential condominiums, offices, Horizon Park, retail offerings and a church in the surrounding area.

Mary Ann’s accomplishments also extended beyond the city limits and onto the statewide stage. She was elected by her financial peers across Michigan to serve on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association (MMTA), on which she served proudly for 11 years. Her dedication to this professional association led to functioning as President from 2013 – 2014, and resulted in her being awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2016. “I have made wonderful connections and friendships from my MMTA affiliation,” Mary Ann said. “Serving on various committees and being a guest speaker at our numerous conferences was always very rewarding.”

Mary Ann’s accolades did not end with MMTA. During her external audit assignment, and in her following internal leadership role, the City has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the past 35 years. This certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. As Mary Ann stated, “It has been fulfilling to work together as a team, qualifying the city to receive this important accolade.”

Looking back on her city career, Mary Ann reflected, “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with colleagues who believed anything could be conquered if we were willing to assist, learn and communicate with each other. I look forward to seeing what is next for our community.”