Erica Ewers

The board reviewed reports from the Clerk, Assessor, Zoning Administrator, JPC, and public safety officials, including updates on tax tribunal appeals, zoning violations, and sheriff department goals. Key actions included the approval of an engagement letter regarding planning commission public hearings, the passage of a resolution to regulate energy storage facilities, and adjustments to cemetery weekend burial compensation. Additionally, the board signed the Principles of Governance and adopted the 2026/2027 fiscal budget. Discussion also covered an upcoming school bond proposal and participation in a local household hazardous waste event.

The meeting focused on the development of a blanket ordinance for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as part of the Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO). Key discussion topics included residential notification requirements for future projects, setting specific setback distances for wetlands and rivers, zoning considerations for Industrial districts, and increasing commercial liability insurance requirements for operators. Additionally, requirements for immediate incident reporting were established, and resolutions to recommend approval of the ordinance drafts for both the Township and the Village were passed to proceed to the Branch County Planning Commission for review.

The board reviewed police department statistics and approved financial expenditures. The treasurer presented updates on certificates of deposit and a proposed credit card payment program for property taxes. The assessor provided information on tax tribunal appeals, the upcoming board of review schedule, and data entry progress. The zoning administrator discussed ongoing work on battery storage ordinances and summarized a preliminary project planning meeting with EDF Power Solutions. The cemetery sexton reported on grave inquiries and maintenance. The board adopted a new poverty exemption policy and discussed potential columbarium installations for the cemetery. A presentation was held regarding a proposed battery storage project, covering safety protocols, regulatory preferences, and community impact.

The commission reviewed and discussed a draft Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance and a broader Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO). Key discussion points included site safety, environmental protection, containment and runoff management, emergency response planning, property value considerations, decommissioning costs, and the appropriate zoning districts for such systems. The commission also addressed public concerns regarding groundwater protection, visual screening, and infrastructure impact. The draft ordinance was tabled for further review to address outstanding technical and policy questions.

The key discussion topic involved reviewing annual events, specifically Kids Day in the Park, Quincy Daze, and Pints in the Park. The council agreed to combine Kids Day in the Park with Quincy Daze into a single event, as was successfully done the previous year. The council also discussed the future of the Pints in the Park event, agreeing to host the tenth-anniversary event this year before reassessing its continuation due to declining attendance and high volunteer requirements in recent years.