Matt Woods

The board meeting covered several administrative and operational agenda items. Discussion topics included a review of the Treasurer's report highlighting online payment performance, departmental updates from Fire, Sheriff, Parks and Recreation, and Building departments. The board addressed budget amendments and the first draft of the 2026-2027 budget. Significant focus was placed on utility and infrastructure projects, specifically the Fraser Lift Pump, the Linwood Beach Project updates, and lawncare contracting. Additionally, the board approved updates to cemetery and columbarium pricing, maintenance for ball diamonds, and obtained a new warehouse membership for township operations. Assessing contract terms were also updated to ensure consistent property assessment cycles.

The board meeting included several significant discussions and actions. The agenda was amended to incorporate a request for a one-year data center moratorium and changes related to the Planning Commission appointment and the Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt budget. Old business involved tabling the stormwater station estimate pending discussions with Fraser regarding cost sharing. New business covered placing advertisements for ZBA and Board of Review appointments, approving an increased budget of $600 for the Easter Egg Hunt, and tabling the current budget amendment discussion until the next meeting to allow for necessary report updates and clarification on fund misapplications. The board passed resolutions allowing the Fire Chief to move from John Hancock to MERS. Estimates were authorized for several roads for the 2026 roads budget. Approval was granted for a PA116 land trust transfer for Michael Torka, and a resolution was passed to generate a data center moratorium resolution for the subsequent meeting. The board approved the purchase of up to $800 in new ballot bags for the upcoming election, and finally, approved and paid the bills totaling $12,514.

The meeting agenda was amended to include a resignation under Communications and an additional item under New Business regarding solution proposals. The Board accepted the financial report, noting that unexpected bills are being covered by budgeted funds from the previous year, and accounting assistance was provided for year-end reporting. The Fire Department reported on the arrival of ice rescue gear and a new ladder truck, and scheduling for upcoming training and events. The Sheriff's report was noted as absent for the second consecutive month. The Board failed to appoint a supervisor to the Planning Commission after a roll call vote. Discussions on the Jerry Putt invoice involved confirming its all-inclusive nature and ensuring labor costs previously covered by the Township are accounted for. In New Business, the Board approved bills totaling over $143,000. A motion to refund $4,100 to Pomeville regarding water line tapping charges was passed, contingent upon confirmation that the Township paid nothing. The Heiden proposal for essential management services was approved. Notice of contract termination was given to Grid4, followed by a motion to move forward with Crescendo for new communication services due to better pricing and features. The Board approved a 3-4 month trial contract with Lapham and Associates for Zoning Administrator services, over the objection of one member who preferred hiring an applicant. A motion passed to assemble a township hall task force of no more than seven citizens to develop improvement plans. A timeline was established for sending courtesy letters regarding blight concerns on two properties. Supervisor Brad Eddy was appointed as the Parks and Recreation Liaison. Communications included receiving the Board of Review schedule, discussing various needs and repair costs related to the Riverdawgs' use of athletic facilities, and accepting the resignation of Troy McCormick from the Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Review.

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the approval of current bills totaling $10,428.83, along with a supplementary $2,000 variance approval for unexpected bills. The Board selected the GFL contract over Republic for the trash assessment, avoiding an immediate increase in assessment for current taxes. Approval was granted for the Fire Department's radio purchase, which is scheduled for billing in the next budget year, and the authorization for the Fire Chief to use a credit card to purchase a CLIA Certificate of Waiver for blood glucose tests. The Board entered and exited a closed session to consult with the township attorney regarding litigation strategy in the Steve Dennis vs. Kawkawlin Township case, subsequently directing counsel on potential resolutions and authorizing settlement approval by the board. A previous motion from April 14, 2025, concerning SAMSA records was closed out. The Board debated and ultimately approved a motion for the attorney to attend the first meeting of every month for four months, with a preference expressed for utilizing Zoom capability to mitigate travel costs. Finally, the settlement amount provided by attorney Matt Turner regarding a Millage Settlement was accepted.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Treasurer's Report, where a motion was passed to approve the financial report and an overage request of $5,000 to ensure bills are paid currently. The Building Report was accepted. The Fire Department provided updates on grants, vehicle maintenance, pending repairs, and requested approval for an 800 Radio. The Planning Commission had no update. Old business involved approving costs related to Zack Kennedy at 835 S. Mackinaw. New business included tabling the hiring of a Zoning Administrator to utilize a third-party company, approving Kim Rouech for appointment to the Planning Commission, and a motion to deny the Parks and Recreation Committee a separate Facebook page. The board also approved motions to appoint a Trustee as FOIA Coordinator and to allow the Coordinator and one Trustee to meet with the Township lawyer regarding FOIA policy updates and current requests. An estimate from KCI was approved, and a motion was passed to table the curbside trash pickup contract review. The 2026 Poverty Exemption was accepted, and past due bills, including the $5,000 overage, were approved. An amendment allowing any trustee to sign a Code Enforcement Ordinance was passed. Finally, a motion to censure Supervisor Eddy passed, and a motion was approved for the supervisor to sign the Hold Harmless Agreement with Williams Township.