Summary
The Kasson Township Board met on November 12, 2025, under Supervisor Julian. The board approved the agenda, October 8 minutes, bill payments, and Resolution 11-2025 (Winter Tax Resolution) by roll call vote. Significant discussion centered on the recently failed fire station bond proposal, with extensive public comment both for and against. The board also made several appointments to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Review, and approved the 2026/27 Cedar Area Fire & Rescue budget.
Public Comments
Mike Lanham thanked the board for its efforts on the fire station bond proposal, which was defeated at election. He supported the project, arguing that western township residents deserve equal fire coverage and that a station would not harm rural character.
Ginger Newman criticized the board for not listening to voters concerned about taxes, noting her family pays significant property taxes and questioning the need for expanded fire/EMS services given the township's rural, largely gravel-pit land use.
Stella Otto thanked Trustee Roger Noonan for his efforts despite criticism, called a new station "inevitable," and expressed disappointment in bullying and unfair tactics used by opponents before the election.
David Noonan stated he voted no on the bond because $6 million was too much for one township, though he supports the fire department in principle and favors a multi-township funding approach.
Don Drabik noted this was the best-attended meeting he'd seen besides a prior Dollar Store proposal, and stressed the importance of resident engagement and support for the fire department.
Steve Yoder gave a County Commission update covering health insurance budgeting, a four-tiered Soil Erosion Permit program with the Conservation District (which is running a deficit), an AI policy approval, and the Point Broadband internet contract. He noted opposition to license-plate reading cameras due to future township funding obligations after an initial grant-funded year.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Noonan reported the porta-potty was removed from the park; no other park business was discussed.
Infrastructure Projects
Fire Station: The bond election for a new Kasson fire station failed. The Fire Board discussed reopening the Interlocal Agreement so all four townships (including Cleveland Township) could collaborate on capital projects, since Solon and Centerville are hiring an engineer to assess renovating or rebuilding the Cedar station. Boomer stressed that any jointly-funded station should be jointly owned. Noonan asked Julian to relay the board's discussion to the Fire Board.
Roads: Valley Road was completed for 2025 using ARPA funds for two sections; a bill is pending. Bids are still awaited for the Maple City project, remaining Valley Road work, and the Fritz Road project. T. Carter will contact the LCRC regarding the Burdickville Road speed limit issue.
Cemeteries: One plot was sold; a possible double-sale error from a previous clerk is being investigated. A damaged plaque at East Kasson Cemetery is being replaced; Deerings removed a downed tree at no cost.
Other Business
The board approved the 2026/27 Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Budget (Noonan moved, J. Carter seconded, all in favor). Appointments: Thrasos Eftaxiadis reappointed to Planning Commission through November 2027 (all in favor); Stella Otto appointed to Planning Commission through November 2027 (4-1, T. Carter opposed); Don Drabik reappointed to ZBA through November 2028 (all in favor); Garrett Guffey appointed as Board of Review alternate through December 2026 (all in favor). No vote was taken on Chris Logan for the second PC seat after Noonan raised a possible conflict of interest. The Zoning Administrator (Cypher) was directed to issue a cease-and-desist and investigate unpermitted aggregate removal on Tower Road within 48 hours, or Julian and Boomer would take over enforcement. A succession plan discussion was raised due to Cypher's health. Julian reported that state aggregate mining control legislation was defeated. Next meeting: December 10 at 7 pm.
Financial Summary
- Treasurer's Report: Receipts $50,128.79; Disbursements $687,548.25; Balance $936,394.50.
- Winter Tax Resolution 11-2025 approved by roll call (J. Carter, T. Carter, Noonan, Boomer, Julian all voting yes): taxes due December 1, 2025–February 17, 2026 with no penalty; 3% penalty from February 18–28, 2026; unpaid taxes after March 1, 2026 payable to Leelanau County Treasurer.
- 2026/27 Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Budget approved (no dollar figures given).
- Fire station bond proposal (approximately $6 million per David Noonan's comment) was rejected by voters.
Action Items
- Boomer to attend a cemetery meeting Friday to resolve a possible double-sold plot from a prior clerk's error.
- T. Carter to contact the LCRC regarding the Burdickville Road speed limit.
- Julian to relay board discussion on the Interlocal Agreement and joint fire station funding to the Fire Board.
- Cypher (Zoning Administrator) to issue a cease-and-desist and investigate unpermitted aggregate removal on Tower Road within 48 hours, or Julian and Boomer will take over enforcement.
- Julian to check with Cypher regarding a succession plan due to his health.
- Board awaiting bids for Maple City, remaining Valley Road, and Fritz Road projects.
- Boomer awaiting possible state audit of election procedures.