IDLEWILD CENTENNIAL COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, ARTS, AND LIBRARIES
WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the Governor;
WHEREAS, 2,700 acres of land in Lake County, Michigan filled with white pine trees, wild flowers, and four lakes became the Idlewild resort community in 1912;
WHEREAS, Idlewild holds a special place in the history of the United States, as a summer attraction for African-Americans who were barred from other resorts due to official and unofficial segregation;
WHEREAS, the Idlewild resort community has been described as a "Black Eden";
WHEREAS, the community of Idlewild, Michigan possesses a unique cultural legacy, natural assets, and regional economic development potential as recognized by its designation as a historic district by the National Park Service;
WHEREAS, given the cultural legacy of Idlewild, it is appropriate that the State of Michigan formally recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the resort community;
WHEREAS, recognizing the Idlewild Centennial will increase awareness of Michigan's cultural heritage and aid cultural economic development opportunities in this state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:
I. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Order:
A. "Commission" means the Idlewild Centennial Commission created within the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries under Section II of this Order.
B. "Commission of Natural Resources" means the commission created as the head of the Department of Natural Resources under Chapter 11 of the Executive Organization Act of 1965, 1965 PA 380, MCL 16.350 to 16.358, and Section 501 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.501, as modified by Executive Order 1995-18, MCL 324.99903.
C. "Department of History, Arts, and Libraries" or "Department" means the principal department of state government created by Section 3 of the History, Arts, and Libraries Act, 2001 PA 63, MCL 399.703.
D. "Department of Natural Resources" means the principal department of state government created under Section 250 of the Executive Organization Act of 1965, 1965 PA 380, MCL 16.350, and Section 501 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.501, as modified by Executive Order 1995-18, MCL 324.99903.
E. "Idlewild Centennial" means the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Idlewild community in Lake County, Michigan in 1912.
F. "Travel Michigan" means the program created as the Michigan Travel Bureau under Section 2a of the Michigan Tourism Policy Act, 1945 PA 106, MCL 2.102a, renamed Travel Michigan by Executive Order 1997-1, MCL 2.111, transferred to the Michigan Strategic Fund by Executive Order 1999-1, MCL 408.40, and transferred to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation under the interlocal agreement effective April 5, 1999, and subsequently amended, between local participating economic development corporations formed under the economic development corporations act, 1974 PA 338, MCL 125.1601 to 125.1636, and the Michigan Strategic Fund.
II. CREATION OF THE IDLEWILD CENTENNIAL COMMISSION
A. The Idlewild Centennial Commission is created as an advisory body within the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries.
B. The Commission shall consist of 21 members, including all of the following:
1. The Director of the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries, or his or her designee from within the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries.
2. The Director of the Department of Natural Resources, or his or her designee from within the Department of Natural Resources or the Commission for Natural Resources.
3. The head of Travel Michigan, as designated by the President of the Michigan Strategic Fund.
4. Eighteen residents of this state appointed by the Governor, including not less than 7 individuals representing the Idlewild community, such as residents of Idlewild, residents of Yates Township, or members of the Idlewild Owners' Association.
C. Of the members of the Commission appointed under Section II.B.4, 5 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on December 31, 2008, 5 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on December 31, 2009, 4 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on December 31, 2010, and 4 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on December 31, 2011. After the initial appointments, members shall be appointed for a term of 4 years.
D. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
E. The Director of the Department shall serve as the Chairperson of the Commission. The Commission shall elect a member of the Commission to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Commission.
III. CHARGE TO THE COMMISSION
A. The Commission shall act in an advisory capacity and shall do all of the following:
1. Advise the Department and the Governor on matters relating to fostering the revitalization and preservation of Idlewild and recognition of the Idlewild Centennial.
2. Assist and support the creation of a "centennial vision" for Idlewild through the development of a comprehensive cultural economic development strategic plan.
3. Monitor and measure implementation and performance of the strategic plan.
4. Encourage, plan, and develop activities, events, programs, and services appropriate to commemorate the Idlewild Centennial.
5. Enlist the support of private citizens, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities in the planning and promotion of the Idlewild Centennial.
6. Encourage private citizens, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities to organize and participate in Idlewild Centennial activities.
7. Encourage schools and cultural institutions in Michigan to participate in activities recognizing the Idlewild Centennial.
8. Serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about Idlewild Centennial plans, events, programs, and services.
9. Identify and leverage resources to ensure the future viability of public amenities at Idlewild.
10. Research and promote the development of cultural, historical, and economic development opportunities at Idlewild, including in connection with the Idlewild Centennial.
B. The Commission shall complete its work by December 31, 2012.
IV. OPERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION
A. The Commission shall be staffed and assisted by personnel from the Department, subject to available funding. Any budgeting, procurement, or related management functions of the Commission shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the Director of the Department.
B. The Commission shall adopt procedures consistent with Michigan law and this Order governing its organization and operations.
C. A majority of the members of the Commission serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the Commission's business. The Commission shall act by a majority vote of its serving members.
D. The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson and as may be provided in procedures adopted by the Commission.
E. The Commission may establish advisory workgroups composed of members of the public who are not members of the Commission. The Commission may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendations proposed by an advisory workgroup.
F. The Commission may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Commission may also consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including, but not limited to, experts in the private sector, organized labor, government agencies, and at institutions of higher education.
G. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. Members of the Commission may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses consistent with relevant statutes and the rules and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget, subject to available funding.
H. The Commission may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Commission and the performance of its duties, as the Director of the Department deems advisable and necessary, in accordance with this Order and the relevant statutes, rules, and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget.
I. The Commission may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person.
J. Members of the Commission shall refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Department.
V. MISCELLANEOUS
A. All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state, or of any political subdivision of this state, shall give to the Commission or to any member or representative of the Commission, any necessary assistance required by the Commission or any member or representative of the Commission, in the performance of the duties of the Commission so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties. Free access shall also be given to any books, records, or documents in its, his, or her custody, relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Commission.
B. This Order shall not abate any suit, action, or other proceeding lawfully commenced by, against, or before any entity affected under this Order. Any suit, action, or other proceeding may be maintained by, against, or before the appropriate successor of any entity affected under this Order.
C. The invalidity of any portion of this Order shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Order, which may be given effect without any invalid portion. Any portion of this Order found invalid by a court or other entity with proper jurisdiction shall be severable from the remaining portions of this Order.
D. This Order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 27th day of December, in the year of our Lord, two thousand seven.
__________________________________________
JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR
BY THE GOVERNOR:
__________________________________________
Secretary of State
