Tim Anderson

The board discussed fire and police department reports, including recent traffic citations and investigations. Road report updates addressed seasonal weight restrictions and plans for upcoming public hearings regarding the Road Commission Board. Building and grounds updates covered maintenance for cemetery equipment and tree removal. The board reviewed and adopted the 2026/2027 budget resolution, handled budget amendments related to solar project escrow funds, and declined to reconsider a Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals decision regarding a solar project settlement.

The board reviewed reports from the fire, police, road, and building and grounds departments. Key discussions included the Millington Arbela Fire Department budget, a county commissioner's report regarding disagreements with the Road Commission and a potential ballot proposal to disband it, and a decision not to participate in the Arthur Latham Park cooperative. The board approved contracts for dust control and IT network services, accepted a design bid for the Gunnel Road ditch project, and authorized several budget amendments to cover legal and cemetery contractor expenses.

The meeting addressed road infrastructure and township budget planning. Key discussions involved prioritizing road projects such as pavement marking, dust control, and paving, while evaluating funding through tax revenue and county allowances. During the budget session, the board deliberated on salary adjustments for various positions, decided to remove the administrative assistant role, and approved increases for rezoning and permit hearing rates to offset rising administrative costs.

The regular monthly board meeting included several reports and new business items. The fire report mentioned ongoing consideration for replacing the tanker purchased in 1995 and scheduling a meeting with the insurance provider regarding renewal quotes. The police report addressed the mileage on the police car and complaints about township vehicle usage. The building and grounds update noted ongoing issues with the furnace and the need to update settled insulation. New business centered on approving several Junk Yard Licenses (Stadler Auto Parts, Morse & Son Used Cars & Parts, Bills Tire Acres, Schultz's Auto Salvage) and one Business License (Baja MX Inc). Discussions also covered the 2026 Brush Program, resulting in a motion to have the road commission spray half of the township up to a $15,000 budget limit. A motion passed to remove and not replace aging pedestrian and tractor signs on Barnes Road when the road is repaved. The planning commission's recommendation to approve a rezoning request from Amy Schiefer (agricultural to residential) was accepted. The board opted into Cyber Insurance Coverage for $917 for $100,000 of coverage and accepted the EMC Insurance Renewal quote of $28,756. Finally, a transfer of $65,208.66 from the fund balance was approved to cover outstanding attorney fees related to the solar review, with reimbursement expected from Ranger Power. A citizen comment was addressed regarding high drain charges.

The meeting addressed several key operational and financial items. Key discussions included the approval of bills and payroll, a report on recent fire department activities noting two major house fires, and a police report detailing traffic stops, citations issued, criminal investigations, arrests for outstanding warrants, and crash investigations, with an encouragement for increased winter driving caution. The road report confirmed that bidding for the Gunnel Road ditch project drainage design would occur on January 15, 2026. New business involved the approval to purchase and install four Carbon Monoxide detectors for $2,294.92. The board accepted an estimate of $7,745.21 from Advanced for insulation installation in the office and entrance areas to mitigate issues with the furnace and roof ice damming. Dates were set for the Road and Budget meeting (February 23, 2026) and the 2026 holiday closure schedule was approved (excluding Juneteenth). The 2026 gas mileage reimbursement rate was set to the new federal rate of $0.72 ½ per mile. The Guideline Resolution for Poverty Exemption was adopted, and the board voted to proceed with presenting disputed solar escrow charges totaling $4,732.50 to Ranger Power. Citizen comments included an inquiry regarding Ranger Power's application status.