Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met on October 14, 2025, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding and all members present. The Board approved the consent calendar and agenda, adopted two resolutions (a revised Trust Fund grant resolution and a health insurance Hard Cap exemption resolution), renewed health insurance coverage, approved new streetlighting costs along M-22, and authorized payment of invoices totaling $225,776.97.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Shaw reported that 22 new street lights are designed along M-22 as part of a road project, at a cost of $5,060.00. The Township, not MDOT, is responsible for installation and electric costs. An additional 11 existing streetlight locations could be upgraded for $17,000.00, but a Consumer’s Energy representative advised upgrading was not required, and MDOT’s Lucas confirmed MDOT has no preference. The Board decided against the upgrade. Clerk Preston noted the Metro Fund could cover streetlighting costs. On a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee D. Gallagher, the Board approved $5,060.00 for the new streetlighting, funded by the Metro Fund, passing unanimously by voice vote.
Other Business
Supervisor Shaw noted the Board should review road funding priorities given new local road funding, and that fish effluent testing for PFAS and mercury showed lower-than-expected results. Clerk Preston relayed a memo from Planner Sarah Clarren regarding a comment period on updated MDOT rules for roadside parks, offered as an FYI. The Board discussed union negotiations with firefighters’ union Local 5387 and agreed to begin negotiations without the labor attorney present, contacting him only if questions arise.
Financial Summary
- Resolution 9 of 2025, supporting a 2025 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund supplemental grant application and match with donated (grant) funds, was adopted 7-0 by roll call vote (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga).
- Resolution 10 of 2025, adopting the annual exemption option under 2011 Public Act 152 (Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act), was adopted 7-0 by roll call vote (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Treasurer Mikowski), since the Township covers more than 80% of employee health costs.
- Health insurance was renewed using Priority Health Option A-1 with Group Medicare, a 1.9% increase over current costs and the lowest increase among options, approved unanimously by voice vote.
- $5,060.00 approved for new streetlighting, funded by the Metro Fund, passed unanimously.
- Invoices totaling $225,776.97 were approved for payment, passed unanimously (motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee D. Gallagher).
Action Items
- Board to review road funding priorities in light of new local road funding (Supervisor Shaw).
- Begin union negotiations with Local 5387 without the labor attorney present; contact attorney only if questions arise.
- No further action required on the MDOT roadside parks comment period unless the Board wishes to respond as a quorum.