Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met February 18, 2025, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding and all board members present. The Board approved routine financial reports, adopted a new ordinance repealing the township's septic and well ordinance, approved FY2025 budget amendments, approved use of uncommitted General Fund monies for unbudgeted purchases, set FY26 elected official salaries, and appointed a new member to the Emergency Services Advisory Commission.
Public Comments
No public comments were made at either opportunity during the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Clerk Laureto presented a quote from Eclipse Communications to fix ongoing Park camera issues; the fix would also allow the Township to add cameras at the boat launch. The Board discussed the usefulness of boat launch cameras for the Fire Department and security, and the 2025 Par Plan Risk Reduction Grant. Motion by D. Lewis, support J. DePuy, to proceed with the Eclipse quote for the Park camera correction, with work to occur in FY2026 (April 1); motion carried unanimously. The Clerk will obtain quotes for boat launch cameras and apply for the Risk Reduction Grant. Resolution #7-2025 also authorized uncommitted General Fund money to cover a previously approved tennis court replacement project.
Infrastructure Projects
The Township's American Tower lease (related to non-functional public wi-fi and cameras) expires February 28. To terminate it, equipment must be removed by a certified vendor; a Traverse City vendor was located and will assess the job soon. The Board also adopted Ordinance No. 1-2025, repealing the township's septic and well ordinance (Ordinance No. 2-2014), since the County's well and septic ordinance is now enforced by the Health Department. Roll call vote: Ayes D. Lewis, B. Hawley, P. Laureto, J. DePuy, T. Laureto; Nay: none.
Other Business
Motion approved (P. Laureto/D. Lewis) to hire Elmers for the Township Hall parking lot and driveway redo, following discussion of finances and timing. Peter Van Nort resigned from ESAC; Sue Church was appointed to fill his term (unanimous roll call). The Board discussed reviving a Memorial Day "Trash Day," possibly using dumpsters or hired garbage trucks (as done in Almira Township); the Clerk will gather quotes. An old NEC phone system will lose support, but since it still works, no action was taken. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing March 6 at 7:00 pm.
Financial Summary
As of 1/31/25: General Fund $992,999.20; Park Debt Service Fund $20,595.76; Emergency Services Fund $3,330,904.90; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $40,744.38; GLFD Debt Service Fund $46,535.29; Tax Collection Fund $1,053,802.56. A deposit error moved funds incorrectly into Park Debt Service instead of GLFD Debt Service; this was corrected. General Fund bills totaled $33,751.08 and January payroll was $19,415.64 (approved unanimously). Emergency Services bills totaled $102,332.92 and payroll was $110,403.82 (approved unanimously). The Empire fire engine was sold for $10,000, to be shipped to Chile. Resolution #1-2025 (FY2025 Budget Amendments) and Resolution #7-2025 (uncommitted funds for cameras, server, and tennis court) were both adopted unanimously by roll call. FY26 salary resolutions (2.5% COLA increase) were adopted: Supervisor $31,012.06; Treasurer $43,050.00; Clerk $63,550.00; Trustee DePuy $4,250.22; Trustee Hawley $4,250.22 (each officer abstained from their own vote).
Action Items
- Clerk Laureto to obtain quotes for boat launch cameras and apply for the 2025 Par Plan Risk Reduction Grant.
- Traverse City vendor to inspect American Tower equipment removal job.
- Chief Ferguson to complete 2024 Annual Report and building remodel quotes for next meeting.
- Clerk to contact Almira Township Clerk regarding Trash Day logistics and gather quotes for dumpster vs. garbage truck options.
- FY26 budget public hearing scheduled for March 18 at 7:00 pm, followed by regular meeting; Special Meeting to adopt FY26 budget set for March 31 at 10:00 am.
- Planning Commission public hearing set for March 6 at 7:00 pm.