Arbela Township

The regular monthly board meeting included several reports and new business items. The fire report mentioned ongoing consideration for replacing the tanker purchased in 1995 and scheduling a meeting with the insurance provider regarding renewal quotes. The police report addressed the mileage on the police car and complaints about township vehicle usage. The building and grounds update noted ongoing issues with the furnace and the need to update settled insulation. New business centered on approving several Junk Yard Licenses (Stadler Auto Parts, Morse & Son Used Cars & Parts, Bills Tire Acres, Schultz's Auto Salvage) and one Business License (Baja MX Inc). Discussions also covered the 2026 Brush Program, resulting in a motion to have the road commission spray half of the township up to a $15,000 budget limit. A motion passed to remove and not replace aging pedestrian and tractor signs on Barnes Road when the road is repaved. The planning commission's recommendation to approve a rezoning request from Amy Schiefer (agricultural to residential) was accepted. The board opted into Cyber Insurance Coverage for $917 for $100,000 of coverage and accepted the EMC Insurance Renewal quote of $28,756. Finally, a transfer of $65,208.66 from the fund balance was approved to cover outstanding attorney fees related to the solar review, with reimbursement expected from Ranger Power. A citizen comment was addressed regarding high drain charges.

The meeting addressed several key operational and financial items. Key discussions included the approval of bills and payroll, a report on recent fire department activities noting two major house fires, and a police report detailing traffic stops, citations issued, criminal investigations, arrests for outstanding warrants, and crash investigations, with an encouragement for increased winter driving caution. The road report confirmed that bidding for the Gunnel Road ditch project drainage design would occur on January 15, 2026. New business involved the approval to purchase and install four Carbon Monoxide detectors for $2,294.92. The board accepted an estimate of $7,745.21 from Advanced for insulation installation in the office and entrance areas to mitigate issues with the furnace and roof ice damming. Dates were set for the Road and Budget meeting (February 23, 2026) and the 2026 holiday closure schedule was approved (excluding Juneteenth). The 2026 gas mileage reimbursement rate was set to the new federal rate of $0.72 ½ per mile. The Guideline Resolution for Poverty Exemption was adopted, and the board voted to proceed with presenting disputed solar escrow charges totaling $4,732.50 to Ranger Power. Citizen comments included an inquiry regarding Ranger Power's application status.

The board discussed the fire and police reports, as well as road and building and grounds updates. They addressed old business, including the adoption of an amended cemetery ordinance. New business included participation in a brush spray program for 2026, hiring a gas and diesel distributor, raising the garbage rate, providing a Christmas bonus to maintenance workers, and retaining Linc's Lawncare for cemetery lawn care in 2026. The board also discussed a fee schedule for projects done without permits and an intergovernmental agreement with the Tuscola County Road Commission. A citizen thanked the board for hiring consultants to assist with the Ranger Power application.

The board meeting included a fire report noting increased accidents at the intersection of Birch Run Rd and M-15, a police report detailing road patrol activities, and a road report discussing new tube installation, roadside mowing, and drain and ditch clean-up. An update was given on building and grounds, including the completion of the parking lot seal. The Millington Community School Superintendent addressed the board about updates from the sinking fund and completed projects. The board discussed and approved hiring for snow removal, adopting an amendment to the Arbela Township Zoning Ordinance, adopting a resolution for an energy storage facility fee schedule, and renewing the Consumers Energy Franchise renewal request. Additional discussions covered gas and oil suppliers, hall bathroom renovations, brush spray for 2026, and budget amendments. The Cemetery Ordinance was discussed, with changes to be added and sent to the board for review. Citizen comments included inquiries about police welfare checks and bathroom renovations.

The meeting included the fire, police, and road reports. Jeff Yorke was appointed to the ZBA board as an alternate. The board decided against brush spraying for the year 2025. Garbage pickup will not be added until there is an occupancy permit. Chelsea Sebert was appointed as Deputy Clerk. The board elected for a 60-month contract with Spectrum to upgrade the internet.