Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met November 10, 2025, and approved several routine and policy items, including the Consent Calendar, agenda, a new Water Service Ordinance amendment, and the 2026-2032 Capital Improvement Plan. The Board also approved a new streetlight contract and a marina mower purchase, while declining to pursue a fire department merger at this time.
Public Comments
No public comments were offered during the initial Public Comment period. During Extended Public Comment, Doug Roberts spoke, though the minutes do not record the content of his remarks. Regarding the fire merger discussion, Abbie VanRaalte (IAFF Local 5387 President) argued that if smaller departments can achieve Advanced Life Support (ALS) status, Elmwood should be able to as well. Resident and Department Lieutenant Robert Sokolnicki said the Board needed to first define its service goals before deciding on a merger.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine reported winter storage revenue with an expected net profit of $50,000, with potential for growth next year. He identified future park projects, including cleaning out retention ponds at Cherry Bend Park; Trustee Darga cautioned that a cone system may exist in the drainage pond and should be checked before work begins. Jenuwine also noted the marina crew will begin mowing Greilickville Harbor Park next year and requested a new zero-turn mower so equipment would not need to be shuttled between parks. The Board reviewed quotes and approved the purchase for $10,889.00 on a motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Clerk Preston; the vote passed 6-1, with Trustee D. Gallagher voting no.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board introduced Ordinance 2025-2, amending the Water Service and Use Ordinance's Cross Connection Control Program (last updated in 2015); the introduction motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee D. Gallagher, passed unanimously. Planner Sarah Clarren presented the 2026-2032 Capital Improvement Plan, previously recommended unanimously by the Planning Commission; the Board adopted it unanimously on a motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga. The Board also approved Resolution 11 of 2025, authorizing the Supervisor to execute a change order with Consumers Energy for new streetlights only (upgrades to existing lights removed); this passed 7-0 by roll call vote. Supervisor Shaw noted TART has requested Elmwood plow the TART trail from Carter Rd. to M-72, and that the Township may eventually be responsible for plowing new trails/sidewalks along M-22 once transferred from MDOT.
Other Business
Fire Chief Keith Tampa gave a department stats update. The Board discussed a possible merger with Cedar Area Fire & Rescue (CAFR), which has approved Standard Operating Procedures for adding entities to its intergovernmental agreement. Chief Tampa opposed ceding Board control and requested an independent consultant review if pursued. After discussion, the Board reached a consensus not to move forward with the merger at this time.
Financial Summary
- Marina winter storage projected net profit: $50,000, with expected growth next year.
- Zero-turn mower purchase approved: $10,889.00 (6-1 vote, Trustee D. Gallagher opposed).
- Invoices approved for payment: $210,356.50 (unanimous voice vote).
Action Items
- Supervisor Shaw to look further into plowing the TART trail from Carter Rd. to M-72.
- Budget Work Session scheduled for November 20 at 1:00 p.m.
- Budget Public Hearing scheduled for December 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- Fire Chief Tampa requested an independent consultant review before any further consideration of merging with Cedar Area Fire & Rescue; no action taken at this time.