Summary
The Kasson Township Board met September 9, 2026 with Supervisor Julian, Clerk Boomer, and Trustee T. Carter present (Treasurer J. Carter and Trustee Noonan absent). Key actions included adoption of Ordinance 2026-02, a one-year moratorium on data centers, approval of the August 12 minutes and bills, and tabling the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue (CAFR) 2027/28 budget until October.
Public Comments
Dr. William Lee previously submitted a written communication regarding his property and Hill Street in Maple City, asking the board to request that the Road Commission provide an estimate for repair and upgrade of the street between the church and Bellinger Road. Julian reported that Craig Brown of the LCRC agreed to assess the needs for this upgrade, and the board agreed Julian would continue discussions with Brown on options.
Lanham raised that the township will need to renew its snow plowing contract; the board agreed to seek bids for next winter, to be an agenda item next month.
Steve Yoder gave a county-level update, including a drainage district issue in Solon Township, a new commercial credit card system for the county, hiring of DZ Strategy Management for a strategic plan, an opioid-spending committee, an October 9 public hearing on state housing funds, and a required materials management/recycling plan being developed with Benzie and Grand Traverse counties.
David Noonan asked whether an EMS station had been considered instead of a new fire station; Lanham said he would raise this at the next Fire Board meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Julian reported that Noonan inspected the park gate and found it needs hardware repairs. Julian contacted Apple Fence for a possible quote, and T. Carter will look into parts to fix and re-hang the gate.
Infrastructure Projects
Road Projects 2026/2027: Julian reported the county side of the Maple City road project has begun, with Elmers to follow. Regarding Dr. Lee's request, Craig Brown (LCRC) agreed to evaluate repair/upgrade needs for Hill Street; the board reached consensus for Julian to continue discussions on options for the road/driveway combination.
Data Center Moratorium: The board adopted Ordinance 2026-02, imposing a one-year moratorium (until September 9, 2027, or until zoning amendments take effect) on accepting/processing data center applications, effective September 18. Motion by Boomer, seconded by T. Carter; roll call vote: T. Carter (yes), Boomer (yes), Julian (yes); motion carried. This coincides with the Planning Commission's September public hearing on a related Zoning Ordinance amendment.
Other Business
CAFR 2027/28 Budget: The Fire Board forwarded its budget for review, requesting approval before December 31; the board tabled the item until October so the full board could be present.
Planning Commission: A citizen requested the PC hire a professional planner; Boomer wants PC input on need and cost, noting renewable energy zoning language should be prioritized since current ordinance doesn't meet state law standards. An amendment to a special use permit for AW & Sons (old M-37 Motors property) was approved, and a gravel use zoning amendment was sent to the LCPC.
Fire Board: Held a public hearing on the 2027/28 budget (no public comment); workers comp costs rose due to premium increases; discussions continue on a possible new western station and Interlocal Agreement amendments.
Clerk/Elections: Boomer is preparing for the November election; an election commission meeting will be needed after October's board meeting.
T. Carter reported ongoing efforts to restore Maple City entrance signs. Julian noted the Tim Cypher memorial on September 19. The next regular meeting is October 14 at 7 pm.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report: Receipts totaled $683,436.95; disbursements totaled $561,414.99; balance $1,573,167.56.
Budget Report: Boomer noted new election equipment will likely be required before 2028, estimated at approximately $15,000, potentially nearly doubling if an AV counting board is also required; no state or federal funding source has yet been identified.
Bill Approval: The board approved payment of bills as presented (motion by T. Carter, seconded by Julian).
Action Items
- Julian to continue discussions with Craig Brown (LCRC) regarding Hill Street repair/upgrade options.
- T. Carter to look for parts to fix and re-hang the park gate; Apple Fence to provide a quote.
- Board to table and revisit the CAFR 2027/28 budget in October.
- Board to seek bids for snow plowing for next winter as an October agenda item.
- Boomer to follow up with the Planning Commission regarding need for a professional planner and associated costs.
- Lanham to raise the EMS station question at the next Fire Board meeting.
- Election commission meeting to be scheduled after the October board meeting to appoint election workers.