Michael Cousins

The board approved various personnel hires for the fire and police departments and authorized the purchase of digital meeting management software. Key business items included approving the final plat for the Thomas Ridge Subdivision, establishing local limits for non-domestic sewer users, waiving the right of first refusal for specific property acquisitions, adopting the International Fire Code, and approving contracts for sewer lining, a new copier, and siding for the Parks Department pole building. Additionally, the board discussed updates on ballot preparation, road improvements, traffic counter installation, a schedule change for a future board meeting, and departmental reports covering fire safety training, pool maintenance, and park activities.

The board approved various personnel actions including the hiring of a police secretary, the resignation of a police department employee, and a wage increase. Key legislative and administrative actions included granting a twelve-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption for Saginaw Control & Engineering, amending the zoning ordinance regarding data centers, and updating the township general ordinance regarding tax exemptions. The board also authorized an agreement with Swan Valley Schools for soccer field use, the distribution of an updated Master Plan, the purchase of a shade structure for Community Park, and the renewal of an assessing contract. Citizen comments addressed the keeping of domestic animals on residential property and local restaurant restroom requirements. Additionally, departmental reports were provided by staff, including updates on election preparations, public works projects, and various park and safety department activities.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda as amended. Under the consent agenda, the Board approved expenditures totaling $8,453,212.51 across various funds, approved the 2026 Wage Scale for Parks & Recreation Seasonal Employees, and accepted the resignation of Sharon Karl as Parks & Recreation Secretary. A public hearing regarding the proposed 2026/2027 fiscal year budget received no public comment. New business involved the approval of Resolution 26-02, the annual Appropriations Resolution for 2026/2027; approval of an amended Appropriations Resolution to balance the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year Budget; approval of Resolution 26-03 to implement 2026/2027 Fees; approval of an administrative review process for displaying fireworks at Swan Valley Banquet Center; approval for the rental of a pump for pump station #1; and approval of Resolution 26-04 authorizing the Fire Department to apply for a Risk Reduction Grant. Department reports were received and filed, noting that the HSC project was selected as Project of the Year and the Police Department will be short three spots on the force.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, followed by the approval of the Consent Agenda items. These actions covered the approval of the January 5, 2026, meeting minutes, various expenditures totaling over $6.1 million across multiple funds, approval of the 2025 Annual Planning Commission Report, and changes/approvals for several Administrative Assessing Policies. Promotions for personnel within the Medical Responder, Fire Fighter, and Police Detective roles were also approved, along with wage adjustments for paid-on-call Fire Department members. New Business involved approving Resolution 26-01 concerning the Intent to Expand the Downtown Development District. Contracts were approved with Spicer Engineering for Water System Improvements ($115,000) and GIS/Asset Management updates ($20,000). The Board also approved the Road Improvement Plan and denied approval for Cooperative Agreements with the NRDA Board regarding the Nature Preserve. Reports were received and filed from various departments, noting the final installment of a FEMA check for flood relief.

The special budget workshop meeting focused on the presentation of proposed budgets for the 2026/2027 fiscal year by each Department Head.