Bret Rietkerk

The Election Commission Meeting included a tabulator public test and a VAT public test, both of which had no issues and confirmed accurate results per test deck.

The Johnstown Township Regular Board Meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The Treasurer's Report was presented and approved, covering summer tax collections and payment methods. The Clerk reported on election preparations, computer upgrades, and storm damage insurance claims. The Assessor provided updates on office hours, the upcoming Board of Review meeting, and building permits. The Fire Chief reported on calls for service, training, personnel, and the upcoming Golf Outing. Old business included updates on the building roof, Mill Lake Aquatic Weed Special Assessment, Fine Lake Aquatic Weed Special Assessment renewal, and a decision to provide cell phones for the Clerk, Treasurer, and Assessor. New business addressed the Banfield Cemetery storm damage estimate and related insurance claims. The board also addressed concerns about the Spring Creek Solar project and its impact on wildlife.

The meeting included discussions on the proposed 2025 treatment plan for Fine Lake, concerns about the Spring Creek Solar project and its impact on bald eagle activity, and the status of the Fine Lake Weed Special Assessment. The Treasurer's Report covered Summer Taxes, detailing payment options and millage information. The Clerk Report included updates on elections, grants, and clarification on Earned Sick Time. The board also discussed replacing front doors and providing cell phones for staff. The Assessor's Report mentioned annual fieldwork and disabled veterans exemptions. The Fire Report provided statistics on calls for service and department activity. The County Commissioner discussed recent actions of the County Commissioners and the upcoming Rock the Country event. Old business included seeking additional vendor recommendations for the building roof and renewal of the Mill Lake Aquatic Weed Special Assessment. New business involved adopting the 2025 Poverty Exemption Income Guidelines. Public comments addressed concerns about the Spring Creek Solar project, including water testing, attorney conflict of interest, rate increases, and the Fire Department's preparedness.

The Election Commission Meeting included a motion to substitute Deborah Ringewold as representative for Supervisor Barbara Earl. A preliminary test of the tabulator was conducted with no issues. The Public Test of the Tabulator is scheduled. Election Inspector appointments were presented and approved for the August 5, 2025 Special Election. Notice of both the Preliminary and Public Test are posted and will be published.

The Election Commission discussed several key items, including a special election for Delton Kellogg Schools to renew the existing Operating Millage. A resolution was offered to consolidate Baltimore Township's Delton Kellogg School District voters to Johnstown Township for this election only. Absent Voter Ballots will be processed in Precinct 1 on Election Day. The Preliminary Test of the tabulator is scheduled and the Public Test of the Tabulator is scheduled as well. Notice of both tests are posted in the display case and on the web site, and the public test notice will be published by the County Clerk in The Hastings Banner.