Summary
The Elmwood Township Board, meeting October 13, 2026, approved the consent calendar and agenda unanimously, renewed health insurance with Priority Health, adopted a budget amendment for Fire Department lockers, authorized the cell tower lease with APC Towers IV, LLC, re-appointed Jeff Aprill to the Planning Commission, and approved payment of invoices totaling $289,689.09. A split vote advanced a zoning moratorium ordinance for further consideration in November.
Public Comments
Tim Lodge offered public comment; the minutes do not specify the content of his remarks or any board response.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine presented a proposal for a "Celebrate Elmwood" community initiative tied to America's 250th anniversary celebration, including potential events, branding, and sponsorship opportunities. On a motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga, the Board voted unanimously to support continued development of the initiative and authorize further planning for a 2027 Family Patriotic Celebration, with individual events, budgets, and expenditures to return to the Board for approval as appropriate.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Shaw explained that APC Towers requested more precise contract authorization for the previously approved cell tower agreement. On a motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Supervisor Shaw to sign the Option and Ground Lease Agreement between Charter Township of Elmwood and APC Towers IV, LLC.
Other Business
The Board renewed health insurance with Priority Health (Option A) after discussing Medicare supplement alternatives; it was noted that opting employees 65 and older out for equal treatment would eliminate significant savings. Planner Sarah Clarren introduced a zoning ordinance text amendment allowing the Board to establish moratoriums by resolution, intended as a tool for addressing major planning issues while the Planning Commission drafts permanent text. Several trustees expressed concern it could block legitimate property development. The motion to accept introduction and publish ZO 2017-04-24 for consideration at the November meeting passed 4-3, with Preston, Darga, Shaw, and Mikowski voting yes and J. Gallagher, D. Gallagher, and Lautner voting no. Jeff Aprill was re-appointed to the Planning Commission for a three-year term (June 7, 2026–June 6, 2029).
Financial Summary
Resolution 12 of 2026, a Fire Department budget amendment, was adopted 7-0 by roll call to increase the buildings/additions/improvements line item, funded by private donations received over several years, to purchase lockers. The Board also approved payment of invoices totaling $289,689.09.
Action Items
Legal counsel is to review proposed funding mechanisms for the Celebrate Elmwood initiative. Individual events, budgets, and expenditures under that initiative must return to the Board for approval. The zoning moratorium ordinance amendment (ZO 2017-04-24) will be considered at the November Township Board meeting.