Terry Kizer

The Board addressed various administrative, financial, and operational matters. Discussions included reports from the Clerk, Treasurer, Building Official, and Planning Commission, as well as an update on fire department activity and a request for a radio grant. The Board approved the installation of lighting at the Township Hall, adopted a new State Code Ordinance, and granted fireworks and road closure permits for upcoming community events. Additionally, the Board initiated the renewal of the solar and wind energy moratorium and tabled discussions regarding bank account balances and the General Fund Policy.

The meeting focused on the review of proposed Section 8.16 regarding Solar Energy Systems. Discussion included recommendations to strike specific terminology from the draft, defining removal timelines, and addressing escrow and abandonment verbiage based on attorney feedback. The commission directed that the updated document be prepared for final review in a future session. Additionally, commissioners received notifications regarding ongoing Master Plan reviews in neighboring townships.

The meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the approval of the General Appropriations Act and the Salary Resolution, with a 4-to-1 vote for the latter. Contract renewals were approved for Appraisals Plus and Wilson Mowing and Snowplowing LLC for three years. The Board agreed to approve the retention schedule for services, excluding Civic Assure pending a future contract, and authorized staff to prepare a contract for new municipal software (Civic Assure) for the April meeting. Under unfinished business, the Board approved funding for improvements to specified RCKC roads and authorized the repair of the exit gate at Rector Community Park, to be paid by the Kalamazoo Fund. The Board also accepted the Principles of Governance document from the MTA. In new business, arrangements were made for portable toilets at Rector Community Park for the summer. A separate special meeting was planned to address separating the Fire assessment and budget.

The New Business section focused on the discussion of the Budget for 2026-2027, which included a review of each line item and minor detail changes. A significant point of discussion was the fire assessment tax, necessitating separate budgets for the fire department. The Treasurer was tasked with preparing two fire department budget breakdowns prior to the April meeting. General Ledger numbers were also adjusted.

The Township Board Meeting agenda was approved. Guests presented information regarding township road repairs scheduled for the year, including the use of leftover funds from the 8th St. project. The Board enacted Ordinance 26-01, establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Solar Energy Facilities, which was moved up in the agenda due to the Treasurer's early departure. The Planning Commission meeting for February was cancelled. The Fire Department reported 94 calls in January, and acknowledged the retirement of Firefighter Josh Eichler after 11 years of service. Supervisor Scott raised concerns regarding the difficulty in enforcing laws against abandoned campers at the Park and Ride and rest area due to insufficient laws. Discussion on Principles of Governance was deferred until the March meeting.