Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met May 19, 2026, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding; Trustee John DePuy was absent. The Board approved prior meeting minutes, routine bills and payroll, a $94,000 salary for the Assistant Fire Chief position effective May 1, 2026, and a $24,000 bonus for Asst. Chief Dykgraaf for covering Chief Ferguson's five-month absence. The Board also approved a website ADA compliance vendor and continued discussion on a potential property purchase, deferring further action to a future Special Meeting with the township attorney.
Public Comments
No public comments were offered during the initial comment period. Later in the meeting, regarding the proposed property purchase, one resident said the property should not be taken off the tax roll and should instead be developed by businesses; he urged the Board to follow the attorney's advice and warned that gaining public support would be a "heavy lift." A second resident objected to the price and said the Township should not become a landlord, though he agreed the purchase could give the Township room to grow; he suggested presenting voters with a strong "focal point" and visual, and proposed a central downtown area for public use. Both comments were resident suggestions, not Board decisions.
Parks and Recreation Matters
P. Laureto announced a Park workday scheduled for May 30th at 10:00 am.
Infrastructure Projects
Station 1 Renovation: Kyle Richter of RCI Construction reviewed the project scope; Wade Isner will serve as on-site construction manager. A pre-construction meeting is set for May 28th; permits and materials are secured. Work begins June 1st with temporary electrical work followed by demolition, with monthly progress meetings on the fourth Tuesday and completion expected before December. The Board voted (motion P. Laureto, support D. Lewis) to add RCI to the immediate pay list for the project's duration; motion carried unanimously. P. Laureto asked that neighbors be notified of the project. Phone System: new internet service is installed; new phones will be installed Friday, June 12th at 10:00 am.
Other Business
Potential Property Purchase: B. Ihme recapped prior points, including the need for ballot certification by August 11th, bond requirements, and seller conditions. P. Laureto clarified quorum rules and cited possible uses (parking, a winterized public restroom) and legal input (MCL 211.7M) suggesting leasing space may be restricted. B. Hawley and D. Lewis both called it a "once in a lifetime opportunity," with Lewis noting potential new job roles (e.g., property manager) and traffic pattern changes. P. Laureto will contact the township attorney and schedule a Special Meeting.
Zoning Administrator gave a verbal report; written reports will follow. Assessor's report was submitted in writing. Planning Commission report noted the meeting focused on introducing the new Zoning Administrator.
Financial Summary
- Cash on hand (4/30/2026): General Fund $1,123,368.31; Emergency Services Fund $2,591,759.73; GLFD Debt Service Fund $852.47; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $73,832.02; Tax Collection Fund $28,031.51.
- General Fund bills (4/22–5/19/2026): $65,276.79; April payroll: $32,010.27 — approved.
- Emergency Services bills (4/15–5/12/2026): $64,436.73; April payroll: $151,183.12 — approved.
- Assistant Fire Chief salary approved at $94,000.00, effective May 1, 2026.
- Bonus of $24,000.00 approved for Asst. Chief Dykgraaf.
Action Items
- P. Laureto to contact the township attorney and schedule a Special Meeting on the potential property purchase.
- Ballot language for the property purchase must be certified by August 11th.
- Station 1 Renovation to begin June 1st; progress meetings held every 4th Tuesday until completion (expected before December).
- New phone system installation scheduled for June 12th at 10:00 am.
- Park workday scheduled for May 30th at 10:00 am.
- Notification letter to be sent to Station 1 neighbors regarding renovation work.