Summary
The Kasson Township Board met April 8, 2026, with Supervisor Julian presiding and all members present. Key actions included approval of a speed study resolution for CR-616, a shift of township banking from Huntington Bank to Honor Bank, approval of the Polka Fest road closure, and a raise in pay for boards and commissions. The board also heard a lengthy presentation from the Leelanau County Road Commission and discussed a TIF request from developer Bob Sutherland for affordable housing tied to Cherry Republic employment needs, without reaching a final decision.
Public Comments
Ralph Worick asked about a potential speed limit change on CR-616 and thanked Road Commission representative Brendan Mullane for his help; this was addressed later via Resolution 10-2026. Don Drabik commented on the Sutherland TIF request, stating he does not believe Kasson Township should be in the business of subsidizing affordable housing, comparing it to the earlier Habitat for Humanity request.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Bob Sutherland and Susan Wenzlick (Fishbeck) presented a TIF request for a Maple City project demolishing five old buildings to build two quadplexes—one for Cherry Republic employees, one for other local workers—citing housing shortages from retiree influx and short-term rentals. The pro-forma showed roughly $16/year profit if the TIF (approximately 24-year term) is approved. Trustees T. Carter, Noonan, and J. Carter expressed reluctance, citing the township's earlier denial of a similar Habitat for Humanity request and concerns about subsidizing a private business's workforce. Clerk Boomer reiterated concerns about precedent for other village land and the need for tax increases to fund services, though she supports redevelopment of the site. No vote was taken; Sutherland and Wenzlick may return with revised figures.
Parks and Recreation Matters
During road discussions, Julian noted past efforts by the parks and recreation commission to replant roadside trees, which faced landownership and survival issues. A future speed study near Myles Kimmerly Park was mentioned as a possible follow-up depending on results of the CR-616 study.
Infrastructure Projects
Mullane and Greg Mikowski (LCRC) presented the 2025 annual report and 2026 plans, including major reconstruction in downtown Maple City (starting around August) plus work on Fritz, Valley, and Pettengill Roads, and new cold-storage buildings in Suttons Bay and eventually Maple City. Boomer raised the possible abandonment of Hill Street; Mullane said the township, not the Road Commission, would need to initiate this and will send information to Boomer. The board approved Resolution 10-2026, requesting an LCRC speed study on CR-616 from Shimek Road to the 25 mph zone; roll call vote: J. Carter, T. Carter, Noonan, Boomer, Julian all yes, motion carried.
Other Business
The board approved the Polka Fest road closure (moved by Noonan, seconded by J. Carter). The May meeting date may shift from May 13 to May 11 pending Julian's medical procedure. The Fire Board report noted a rotating meeting schedule among the four townships, with Kasson hosting in July and November, and a 2026–2030 strategic plan to be reviewed by township boards in May.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's report: receipts $153,602.30; disbursements $186,632.26; balance $1,166,088.45. Bills were approved as presented (Noonan/J. Carter). The board voted (roll call: Noonan, T. Carter, J. Carter, Julian, Boomer all yes) to move township banking from Huntington Bank to Honor Bank, opening three main accounts and six CD accounts, with Julia Carter, Dana Boomer, Beth Noonan, and Sheree Nelson as signers. Boards/commissions pay was increased from $100/$125 to $110 (members) and $135 (chairs) per meeting; vote: J. Carter, T. Carter, Noonan, Julian yes, Boomer no.
Action Items
Mullane to forward Hill Street abandonment information to Boomer. Planning Commission to draft specific language on aggregate/gravel movement per Noonan's request. Sutherland and Wenzlick may resubmit the TIF proposal with revised numbers. Julia Carter and Dana Boomer to begin immediate transfer of township funds to Honor Bank. Fire Board's strategic plan (2026–2030) to be reviewed and decided upon by township boards in May.