Summary
The Kasson Township Board, chaired by Supervisor Julian, met January 14, 2026 with Boomer, J. Carter, and Noonan present (T. Carter absent). The board approved the December 10 minutes, appointed Scott Mills to the Planning Commission and Amede DeCruydt as the Board of Review alternate, set the Annual Meeting for March 21, 2026, and adopted a resolution (Resolution #01-2026) establishing that date. The board also reached consensus on a 2.5 mill fire renewal request for the August ballot and on contracting with Tobin for the township's biennial audit.
Public Comments
Andria Bufka, recording secretary for the Planning Commission, thanked the boards and asked them to reconsider removing David Noonan from the Planning Commission, noting his focus on protecting the agricultural district. Sandy Noonan disputed the accuracy of the minutes regarding Julian's report on discussions with Cleveland Supervisor Tim Stein about a new fire station. Joshua Spencer raised concern about data centers being built statewide due to water access, and asked the board to look into ways to avoid data centers in Kasson Township due to energy cost impacts. Bob Sutherland, a Maple City property owner, proposed working with the board on a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project to develop middle-income rental housing (targeting $1,000/month or less) in southwest Leelanau; this was a proposal from Sutherland, not a board decision. Later in the meeting, David Noonan asked why he was not reappointed to the Planning Commission and questioned the circumstances of Stella Otto's brief appointment and resignation.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Bob Sutherland proposed a TIF-based rental housing project on his Maple City parcel aimed at middle-income renters at $1,000/month or less. No board action was taken; he requested further discussion with the board.
Infrastructure Projects
Julian reported ongoing Road Commission work on Fritz Road and the remainder of Valley Road, with numbers not yet received. $10,000 was added to the 2026/27 budget for lighting upgrades in Maple City tied to the roads project. The board agreed to place a notice about the road project on the summer tax bill if construction doesn't begin earlier. On the fire station, Cleveland Township proposed a smaller EMS-only station rather than the previously designed facility; Solon and Centerville have contracted with Cunningham Limp for a building assessment. The Fire Board is developing a 2027/28 budget, with proposed Kasson millage rates of 2.57 (December 2026) and 2.66 (December 2027); the board decided not to increase above the current 2.5 renewal rate, with a resolution to be prepared for the April agenda for the August ballot.
Other Business
Boomer reported two applicants for the PC/ZBA Recording Secretary position, with a replacement needed before the March PC meeting. Stella Otto's Planning Commission resignation was noted; Scott Mills was appointed to fill her seat, requiring a new ZBA appointment on the February agenda. Assessor Board of Review dates were set for March 3, 9, and 11, 2026. Chris Logan's appointment to the Leelanau County Planning Commission was noted, with Julian checking for potential conflicts.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's report: receipts totaled $290,567.01, disbursements $305,070.82, balance $905,432.21. Bills were approved as presented (motion by J. Carter, seconded by Noonan). The 2026/27 draft budget was discussed, including $10,000 added for Maple City lighting upgrades.
Action Items
- Boomer to finalize hiring of a new PC/ZBA Recording Secretary before the March PC meeting.
- Boomer to prepare the millage renewal resolution for the April agenda.
- February agenda to include ZBA appointment following Scott Mills' move to the Planning Commission.
- Julian to follow up on the Kasben gravel issue update, per Boomer's request.
- Julian to determine if a conflict exists between Chris Logan's county and township roles.
- Ongoing tension noted regarding Planning Commission appointments/resignations (David Noonan's removal, Stella Otto's quick resignation, and Scott Mills' appointment).