Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met on September 15, 2026, approving the GLFD FY28 budget, an amendment to Ordinance 1-1998 regarding platted-lot-splits and boundary adjustments, and proposed millage rates for winter tax bills. The board also addressed disposal of fire department equipment and a sidewalk trip hazard reported by a visitor.
Public Comments
No public comments were made at either the start or end of the meeting. One member of the public was present. A letter was received from a visitor to Glen Arbor regarding a sidewalk trip hazard; the Board discussed the letter and agreed to paint the hazard area with orange/yellow paint and contract with a local vendor for repair, while seeking advice on a Sidewalk Ordinance.
Infrastructure Projects
Station 1 renovations are progressing, with windows installed, drywall underway, and duct work started. The department will need to rent a trailer for showers during an upcoming phase of the renovation. The garage doors at Station 1 were serviced, and a roof leak at Station 1 was reported. Both ambulances required repairs in August, and Cedar Area Fire and Rescue loaned an ambulance during repairs. Clerk Laureto noted the GLFD's new county-wide radio match contribution contributed to the FY28 budget increase.
Other Business
- ESAC met September 9, reviewing the monthly checklist and payroll, and recommended the Board pay unpaid checks/payroll, approve the proposed budget, and approve disposal of the Turnout Gear Dryer.
- Fire Chief Ferguson reported 91 calls in August. P. Cevallos celebrated 15 years with the department and A. Heiselman 3 years. The department passed its State EMS inspection. The 9-11 Memorial Service was well attended, and a Memorial Service for Firefighter Tim Nichols is scheduled for October 10th, 2:00–4:00 pm.
- The GLFD's old Cissel Turnout Gear Cabinet Dryer was deemed to have no market value; motion by J. DePuy, support B. Hawley, approved disposal to Cedar Area Fire and Rescue contingent on a Hold Harmless Agreement. Motion carried unanimously.
- Planning Commission (B. Hawley) continued work on the Master Plan.
- D. Lewis discussed summer tax collection; P. Laureto noted Absent Voter ballots should go out around September 24th.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (as of 8/31/2026): General Fund $1,028,841.41; Emergency Services Fund $2,077,974.23; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $73,864.36; Tax Collection Fund $2,055,525.65; GLFD Debt Service Fund $6,453.92.
General Fund bills (8/19–9/15) totaled $15,828.23; August payroll was $26,571.23 — approved unanimously (motion B. Hawley, support J. DePuy).
Emergency Services bills (8/12–9/6) totaled $203,893.45; August payroll was $128,474.64 — approved unanimously (motion P. Laureto, support B. Hawley).
The GLFD FY28 budget reflects an overall 8.16% increase over FY27, driven by personnel costs and increased county-wide radio match contributions; this will not cause a millage rate increase for Empire or Glen Arbor Townships. Motion to approve (P. Laureto, support D. Lewis) carried unanimously.
Motion to authorize the Supervisor to submit proposed millage rates to the County for winter tax billing carried unanimously (motion P. Laureto, support B. Hawley).
Action Items
- Board to seek advice on a Sidewalk Ordinance following the visitor's letter about a trip hazard.
- Arrange painting of the sidewalk hazard area and contract with a local vendor for repair.
- Chief Ferguson to continue gathering estimates for sale of the old Engine once new trucks arrive.
- Synopsis of the Ordinance 1-1998 amendment to be published in next week's Enterprise.
- Absent Voter ballots expected to be mailed around September 24th.