Summary
The Kasson Township Board met September 11, 2024, with Supervisor Julian presiding and all members present. Major actions included approving a $179,650 contract with the Leelanau County Road Commission (LCRC) for Valley Road reconstruction, applying remaining ARPA funds to that project, sending a formal letter to the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) Board regarding the new fire station design process (passed 4-1, Julian opposed), appointing Frank Sellgren as Board of Review Alternate, and switching internet/phone service to Spectrum.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later in the meeting, Chris Hauke suggested a fire extinguisher be added to the large hall room. Chase Pasicznyk urged the board to move quickly on snowplowing bids since other townships are already doing so, and suggested repairing the men's room door. Mike Lanahm thanked the board for organizing a road improvement plan and for progress on the fire station design process. No formal board responses were recorded to these suggestions.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Julian reported the Township Park gate near the porta-john is malfunctioning and has had recurring issues; an estimate is pending from Dave Murphy, and Noonan will also inspect it. Julian is still awaiting explanation from Consumers Energy regarding additional tree removal during recent pole installation work at the park.
Infrastructure Projects
Craig Brown of the LCRC presented three options for repairing the first half-mile of Valley Road (Maple City Road to Tower Road): $151,950 (heavy wedging), $179,650 (chip seal and wedging), and $231,400 (wedging with overlay). The board approved Option 2, and applied remaining ARPA funds toward the project (Noonan/T. Carter motion carried; Noonan/J. Carter motion carried). Other 2025 priorities discussed include additional Valley Road sections, Tower Road, Fritz Road, and potential decommissioning of part of Hill Road. The board also discussed the Kasson Center/Newman intersection redesign, which will become a three-way stop to improve safety while still allowing truck access; the LCRC is surveying and will notify neighbors before work begins. Boomer continues to pursue written permission for driveway work related to the Olivia Drive Waterpoint from Tom Thomasma of By the Shore, noting the property may be sold to a new developer.
Other Business
The board approved appointing Frank Sellgren as Board of Review Alternate (Jan 2024–Dec 2026). Bids will be solicited for snowplowing services for the hall and fire department waterpoint. The board approved switching to Spectrum for internet/phone service, at $99.99/month for year one (up to $115/month by year three), replacing Brightspeed's $150/month cost.
Financial Summary
Treasurer J. Carter reported receipts of $429,785.29, disbursements of $375,397.75, and a balance of $1,214,876.03. The board approved bill payments as presented. Remaining ARPA funds were allocated to the Valley Road project ($179,650 contract).
Action Items
Boomer will continue pursuing written driveway permission from Tom Thomasma for the Olivia Drive Waterpoint. Julian will contact Ray Kendra regarding postponing the fire station design meeting. The board sent a letter to the CAFR Board requesting Chief Doornbos be allowed to work with architect Environment Architects on conceptual fire station design — this remains a point of ongoing tension between the Township Board and Fire Board over process and timing. Snowplowing bid requests will be distributed via the Enterprise. Boomer and J. Carter will report back on Quickbooks licensing options in coming months.