Summary
The Kasson Township Board met July 8, 2026, under Supervisor Julian, with all members present. The board approved the agenda and June 10 minutes, reviewed financial reports, approved a $44,922.00 road paving bid, allocated public safety revenue sharing funds, and received updates from the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Fire Board, and other township officials.
Infrastructure Projects
Road Projects 2026/2027: The Maple City project is out to bid with MDOT, with a bid opening July 10, 2026. The awarded contractor will have 42 days to complete work, which cannot begin before August 17, 2026, and must finish by October 23, 2026; traffic will be maintained except for a detour during culvert replacement on Mill St. For Valley Road, project limits changed due to excessive road crown and width west of Kasben Rd. Two bids were received for repaving from Novak/Kasben Road northeast to the 2025 paving endpoint: Molon Asphalt Inc. ($44,922.00) and Elmer's ($56,170.00). Craig Brown recommended Molon's bid. Noonan moved, J. Carter seconded, to approve the Molon Asphalt Inc. bid for $44,922.00; motion carried unanimously.
Fire Station: Julian and Boomer summarized Fire Board and Solon Township minutes regarding a shared fire station. Solon's minutes addressed cost-sharing for the current station and a motion to open the interlocal agreement. Stein (fire board attorney contact) will not pursue discussion with the department attorney until Solon and Centerville Townships document discussion of proposed amendments for four-township ownership of the current and an auxiliary station. Noonan expressed a desire for clearer direction and progress from the Fire Board. Yoder noted informal discussion of a second station at the Solon June meeting, though not reflected in their minutes.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period at this meeting.
Other Business
Public Safety Revenue Sharing: The township received $3,311 from the state. Noonan moved, T. Carter seconded, to transfer $827.75 (25%) to the Fire/EMS Fund and send $2,483.25 to the county for public safety functions; motion carried unanimously.
Noonan relayed a resident's request, via a family funeral at East Kasson Cemetery, to have the LCRC fill in roadside ditches to create parking; Julian will pursue this with the LCRC.
Zoning Board of Appeals denied an appeal in the Kasben matter (meeting held June 29); the Planning Commission was recommended to develop language addressing issues raised. Another meeting is planned in July to approve those minutes.
Julian reported citizen concerns about speed on CR669 south of Burdickville; he requested the Sheriff's Department place a speed trailer there. He also noted a FLOCK camera installation in Peshawbestown, though Yoder stated the County Board had previously declined FLOCK camera requests for Leelanau County.
Board of Review will meet July 21 at 9 am; one tax tribunal appeal is pending. Fire Board reported likely significant increases in workers' comp premiums and appointment of a new department attorney. Clerk's office reported over 400 absentee ballots distributed, with a public accuracy test scheduled for late July and an election commission meeting following this session. Noonan requested the county run two mowers to address tall grass visibility issues.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report: Receipts totaled $42,600.71; disbursements totaled $18,256.09; balance stands at $1,085,953.74. CDs are being transferred to Honor Bank as they mature, with some operational funds remaining in Huntington to cover bills during the transition.
Bill Approval: J. Carter moved, Noonan seconded, to pay bills as presented; motion carried.
Debit Account Transfer: Julian moved, Noonan seconded, to transfer $5,000 from the general account to the debit card account; motion carried.
Public Safety Revenue Sharing: $3,311 received from the state, split as $827.75 to Fire/EMS and $2,483.25 to the county.
Valley Road paving bid approved for $44,922.00 (Molon Asphalt Inc.), versus a competing bid of $56,170.00 (Elmer's).
Action Items
- Julian to contact the LCRC regarding filling ditches at East Kasson Cemetery to create parking.
- Boomer to forward Fire Board and Solon Township minutes to the board.
- Fire Board expected to provide clearer direction on interlocal agreement and station ownership actions; Noonan flagged lack of progress as an ongoing concern.
- Planning Commission to continue work on land splits, lot sizes, and language addressing issues raised in the Kasben zoning appeal.
- Another Zoning Board of Appeals meeting planned in July to approve minutes from the June 29 meeting.
- Draft audit expected to be available for the August meeting.