Summary
The Kasson Township Board met January 15, 2025, with Supervisor Julian presiding; Treasurer Julia Carter was absent. The board approved the agenda and December 11, 2024 minutes (with a typo correction), approved bills as presented, adopted Resolution #01-2025 setting the 2025 Annual Meeting for March 22 at 10:00 a.m., and approved a $12,800 painting bid from Midwest Coatings for the hall interior.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later in the meeting, Amede DeCruydt asked whether the state or county provides funding to the township for roads. Mike Lanham raised a maintenance issue - a tree growing around a street light at Mill and Bellinger - and commented on fire department progress, saying the board is "moving forward and being thorough" though perhaps not as quickly as some residents would like. Lanham also commented on salary resolutions, noting some residents compare board raises to their Social Security increases and expect the board to spend wisely. In response to salary comments, Trustee T. Carter clarified that citizens, not the board, increased the clerk and treasurer salaries last year.
Infrastructure Projects
The Sidewalk & Parking Ordinance draft was sent to Gosling Czubak to develop a new Appendix A; on January 23, Julian, T. Carter, and township staff will meet with Gosling Czubak representatives (Craig Brown, Tim Cypher, Kevin Krogulecki) and Maple City business owners/residents to discuss a preliminary road plan. The Road Commission's 2025/26 budget was approved, with Tower and Bloswick Roads slated for 2025 maintenance, the township-funded Valley Road project also planned for 2025, and the Maple City re-build set for 2026. Fire Station Design discussions continue; a committee met with Glen Lake Fire on possible partnerships, and financial documents on operating a second station were distributed. Trustee Noonan expressed frustration over delays, citing a news article that Cleveland Township now supports a new station. Regarding Landfill Fees, Julian will contact Grier about revising the Waste Management agreement to a per-ton basis to maximize income.
Other Business
Cemeteries business was tabled until spring. The Planning Commission reported Jim Lively is seeking to expand restaurant and back-yard uses on his property. The Fire Board approved a new union contract at a December special meeting, now posted on the township website; fire board meetings will begin being posted as such. Clerk Boomer reported successful QuickBooks software transfer and office organization efforts, and is arranging repair of a fireproof cabinet lock with Northwest Lock. No hall use occurred in the prior month.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's Report showed receipts of $275,561.27, disbursements of $44,084.57, and a balance of $1,078,467.32. Clerk Boomer presented the December budget report and the first draft of the 2025/26 budget, discussed with no changes made; salary resolutions will be addressed next month. The board approved bills as presented and the $12,800 Midwest Coatings painting bid, scheduled January 21–February 12.
Action Items
Julian to contact Grier regarding revising the Waste Management landfill agreement. Boomer to coordinate cabinet lock repair with Northwest Lock. Salary resolutions to be discussed at the February meeting. January 23 meeting planned with Gosling Czubak and Maple City stakeholders on the road plan. Next regular meeting set for February 12 at 7 pm.