Susan M. Connolly

The meeting commenced with the election of officers for 2026, nominating a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary. The agenda for January 26, 2026, was approved, and public comments and reports from previous months were addressed. Under new business, the commission voted to recommend approval of a Zoning Map Amendment for Sheridan Township concerning a parcel requested to be rezoned from Light Industrial to Medium Density Residential. Furthermore, the commission recommended approval of a Zoning Text Amendment for Pennfield Charter Township concerning Nonconformities, specifically addressing thresholds for site modifications and the removal of a financial cap on structure repairs. Department reports mentioned that the 2025 annual report is in process and noted proposals for battery storage facilities in several townships. Member comments included a discussion about Calhoun County establishing a county-wide Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and updates regarding township Master Plan reviews and moratoriums on Data Centers.

The Organizational Session included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous regular meeting. During Citizens' Time, residents expressed concerns regarding local law enforcement and ICE operations, and updates were provided on road funding legislation and property tax reform, as well as senior affordable housing issues. A key special order of business was the re-election of Commissioner Matt Saxton as the Vice Chairperson for 2026. A Public Hearing was opened and subsequently closed to consider a Countywide Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA), where it was noted that the County's Economic Development Corporation will serve as the BRA board, and that the BRA will not levy taxes. The Consent Agenda was approved, and New Business included the approval of the CCRD MDOT Contract #25-5560 for road work in several townships, the award of a five-year contract for Medical Examiner Services, and the approval of Financial Policy Updates. Finally, the listing of claims payable for the period spanning December 11, 2025, through January 7, 2026, was approved.

This document outlines the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) policy for Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, detailing procedures for the development and approval of a seven-year plan for capital improvements. The plan aims to forecast long-term capital needs, establish funding, and manage capital assets through purchasing, accounting, and inventory. Key aspects include annual updates, identification of funding sources, a review process by a CIP Advisory Committee, and integration into the annual budget.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the September 22, 2025, session. Key new business items included the approval of the 2026 Calhoun County Planning Commission Meeting schedule and a recommendation to reappoint Jerry Johnson and John Sackrider. The commission extensively discussed a Zoning Text Amendment from Fredonia Township regarding Short Term Rentals (STRs), ultimately recommending denial due to inadequate regulations and enforcement concerns, despite opposition from the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors. The commission also recommended approval, with a specific reconsideration for 'Home Occupation, Class A,' for Fredonia Township's proposal to establish a new Lake Residential District. Furthermore, approval was recommended for a PA 116 application from Edmond Groholski in Burlington Township. Department reports covered recent updates on PA116 rule reinterpretation, progress on the Calhoun County Master Plan, and scheduled public hearings for proposed battery storage facilities.

The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened for a regular session, addressing various topics including concerns related to Calhoun County Jail Policies and the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agreement(s), as well as comments regarding the proposed new data center in the Industrial Park. The board approved the consent agenda, which included financial statements, board reappointments, a senior millage allocation committee appointment, planning commission reappointments, a parks and recreation commission reappointment, a survey and remonumentation grant application, and BCBSM renewal documents. The board also discussed the expansion of internet services within the County from the federally funded Broadband Equity and Access Deployment (BEAD) program, budget amendments, senior millage contract awards, software renewal agreement, and collective bargaining agreements.