Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met on August 18, 2026, with Supervisor Tom Laureto, Clerk Pam Laureto, Treasurer Don Lewis, and Trustee Bob Hawley present; Trustee John DePuy was absent. The Board approved the agenda, prior minutes, and payment of General Fund and Emergency Services bills and payroll. Key actions included approving a $53,417.74 refund to Empire Township, increasing funding for a Garden Club plant purchase, and reviewing a proposed ordinance amendment now with the township attorney.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later in the meeting, a member of the public cautioned the Board against allowing lot splits to platted lots, urging that such splits be very tightly controlled. No formal Board response or vote was recorded on this matter.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Clerk Laureto presented a request from the Glen Lake Garden Club to increase the Township’s contribution for purchasing plants for pots located around town from $300.00 to $400.00. Motion by P. Laureto, supported by D. Lewis, to approve the increase to $400.00 carried unanimously.
Infrastructure Projects
Fire Chief Ferguson reported the Station 1 renovation is ongoing after a brief halt to address a fire wall rating change, with a meeting planned to discuss plumbing changes. The Ladder Truck and Empire station ambulance were out of service; a new ladder truck is under construction with delivery expected in November. The Empire station garage door was repaired and new doors ordered. Supervisor Laureto recapped ongoing flooding issues on Western Ave. during heavy rains and his efforts to secure a gas generator for the Pine Street pumping stations, noting Glen Arbor is now on the list to receive one.
Other Business
The GLFD FY28 draft budget was not presented; it will be circulated to Board members and later made public. A proposed amendment to Township Ordinance 1-1998 was reviewed and sent to the township attorney, with the issue to return on next month’s agenda. Supervisor Laureto presented a recap of capital improvements from FY23–FY26 and projected FY27–FY30 expenditures, asking the Board to suggest additional needed items for budgeting. Trustee Hawley reported the Planning Commission continues work on the Master Plan. Clerk Laureto noted the August election went smoothly. Treasurer Lewis raised concerns about the new zoning administrator and asked Supervisor Laureto to recap his meeting with the ZA. Supervisor Laureto stated no legislation on Short Term Rentals has passed yet.
Financial Summary
Cash on hand as of 7/31/2026: General Fund $1,240,851.15; Emergency Services Fund $2,154,413.59; GLFD Debt Service Fund $6,453.21; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $73,856.21; Tax Collection Fund $3,433,950.62. General Fund bills (7/22–8/18) totaled $23,836.76, with July payroll of $22,069.18, both approved unanimously. Emergency Services bills (7/15–8/11) totaled $70,766.02, with July payroll of $139,474.64, both approved unanimously. The Board approved a $53,417.74 refund to Empire Township due to reconciliation adjustments involving new equipment purchases.
Action Items
- GLFD FY28 draft budget to be sent to Board members and later released publicly.
- Proposed amendment to Ordinance 1-1998 to return to the Board’s agenda next month after attorney review.
- Board members to suggest additional capital improvement items for FY27–FY30 budgeting.
- Supervisor Laureto to recap his meeting with the new zoning administrator for Treasurer Lewis.
- Meeting planned to discuss plumbing changes for the Station 1 renovation project.
- GLFD Public Budget Hearing scheduled for 7:00 pm, September 9th, at the Township Hall.