Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met on September 15, 2026, with Supervisor Tom Laureto, Clerk Pam Laureto, Treasurer Don Lewis, and Trustees John DePuy and Bob Hawley present. The Board approved the GLFD FY28 budget, adopted an amendment to Ordinance 1-1998 regarding platted-lot-splits and boundary adjustments, authorized submission of proposed millage rates to the County, approved disposal of an old Turnout Gear Cabinet Dryer, and addressed a sidewalk trip hazard reported by a visitor.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period at this meeting. One member of the public was present. The Board did discuss a written letter received from a visitor to Glen Arbor regarding a sidewalk trip hazard; in response, the Board agreed to paint the hazard area with orange/yellow paint, contract with a local vendor for repair, and seek advice on a Sidewalk Ordinance.
Infrastructure Projects
Station 1 renovations are progressing: all windows are installed, drywall work is progressing, and duct work has begun. The Fire Department will need to rent a trailer for showers during an upcoming phase of the renovation. The garage doors at Station 1 were serviced, but the roof has developed a leak. Regarding the sidewalk trip hazard reported by a visitor, the Board agreed to paint the area with orange/yellow paint, contract with a local vendor for repair, and seek advice on establishing a Sidewalk Ordinance.
Other Business
- Minutes of the 8/18/26 Regular Board Meeting were approved with one abstention.
- Minutes of the 9/9/26 GLFD Public Budget Hearing were approved unanimously.
- ESAC met September 9, reviewing the monthly checklist and payroll, and recommended payment of unpaid checks/payroll, approval of the proposed budget, and disposal of the Turnout Gear Dryer.
- Fire Chief Ferguson reported 91 calls in August; P. Cevallos celebrated 15 years and A. Heiselman 3 years with the department. Both ambulances needed repairs; Cedar Area Fire and Rescue loaned an ambulance. The Department passed its State EMS inspection. Chief Ferguson is gathering estimates to sell the old Engine once new trucks arrive. A Memorial Service for Firefighter Tim Nichols is scheduled for October 10th, 2:00–4:00 pm.
- Planning Commission (via Hawley) continues work on the Master Plan.
- D. Lewis discussed summer tax collection; P. Laureto noted Absent Voter ballots should be mailed around September 24th.
Financial Summary
Cash on Hand as of 8/31/2026: General Fund $1,028,841.41; Emergency Services Fund $2,077,974.23; GLFD Debt Service Fund $6,453.92; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $73,864.36; Tax Collection Fund $2,055,525.65. General Fund bills (8/19–9/15) totaled $15,828.23, with August payroll of $26,571.23, both approved unanimously. Emergency Services bills (8/12–9/6) totaled $203,893.45, with August payroll of $128,474.64, both approved unanimously. The GLFD FY28 budget reflects an 8.16% increase over FY27 due to personnel costs and increased match contributions for new County-wide Radios; this will not cause a millage rate increase for Empire or Glen Arbor Townships. The Board approved the FY28 budget and authorized submission of proposed millage rates for the winter tax bill.
Action Items
- Publish a synopsis of the Ordinance 1-1998 amendment in the Enterprise.
- Seek advice on establishing a Sidewalk Ordinance following the visitor's letter about a trip hazard.
- Paint the sidewalk hazard area and contract with a local vendor for repair.
- Chief Ferguson to continue gathering estimates for sale of the old Engine.
- Coordinate disposal of the Turnout Gear Cabinet Dryer to Cedar Area Fire and Rescue, contingent on a Hold Harmless Agreement.