Summary
The Kasson Township Board met on November 13, 2024, with Supervisor Julian presiding and all members present. The board approved the agenda as amended, approved October minutes, adopted the Winter Tax Resolution (#12-2024) by roll call vote, reappointed several Planning Commission (PC) and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) members, and discussed ongoing infrastructure and park issues, including a waterpoint repair, sidewalk ordinance revisions, and vandalism at the township park.
Public Comments
Don Drabik raised concerns about the Kasson Center/Newman Road intersection, describing a recent near-miss with an empty gravel truck and asking why it hasn't been made a four-way stop. The board later noted ongoing communication with the Road Commission and encouraged residents to also contact the Road Commission directly. Chase Pasicznyk shared information about upcoming Lake Ann holiday events, including a December 5 Christmas Cookie Competition at Almira Township Hall, and expressed interest in fire department discussions.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Planning Commission reported a scheduled public hearing on a rezoning request to allow employee housing on a lot in Maple City, alongside a gravel permit renewal.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Julian reported that Consumers Energy cut down a walnut tree at the park under three-phase lines, citing required trimming standards; the board expressed disappointment, and Noonan and Boomer said they are unlikely to approve future easement requests from Consumers. T. Carter relayed a report from Dan Hobbins that children were seen ripping shingles off the park pagoda; the Sheriff's Department indicated the township must file the complaint. Julian and Noonan will address this while working on the park gate, and Julian will arrange removal of the park's porta-john.
Infrastructure Projects
Olivia Drive Waterpoint: Boomer obtained written permission from the new property owner for waterpoint work, completed by Lanham Construction; the owner was asked to stop allowing concrete trucks to wash out there due to snow-removal hazards. Zoning issues related to the subdivision remain under Cypher's review. Sidewalk & Parking Ordinances: The board asked Grier and Kevin Krogulecki (Gosling Czubak) to review the draft sidewalk ordinance for updates and enforcement provisions; Cypher requested a copy to assess inclusion in his existing contract. Road striping in Maple City is ongoing with the Road Commission. Road Projects 2025/2026: No action pending finalization of the Road Commission's 2025 budget.
Other Business
PC/ZBA/BOR Appointments: Scott Mills reappointed to ZBA through November 2027; Roger Noonan reappointed as Board Representative to ZBA through November 2028; Mike Lanham and Gerry Roush reappointed to PC through November 2026; Tad Carter reappointed as Board Representative to PC through November 2028. Board of Review appointments were postponed to December. Planning Commission Bylaws discussion was tabled until December. Stipends for PC/ZBA meetings will be researched by Julian and T. Carter for a December discussion. A hall interior painting bid was received and will be circulated for December discussion. Landfill fee inquiries with MTA and Waste Management remain unresolved; J. Carter and Julian will pursue further contacts.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report: Receipts totaled $79,006.32; disbursements totaled $439,720.82; ending balance was $865,428.42. Bills were approved as presented (motion by Noonan, seconded by J. Carter). Winter Tax Resolution #12-2024 was adopted by roll call vote (J. Carter, T. Carter, Noonan, Boomer, Julian all voting yes), setting winter tax due December 1, 2024 through February 14, 2025 without penalty, with a 3% penalty applying February 15–28, 2025.
Action Items
- Grier and Kevin Krogulecki to review the draft sidewalk ordinance, including enforcement provisions.
- Cypher to review whether ordinance enforcement fits within his existing contract.
- J. Carter and Julian to continue pursuing landfill fee information.
- Julian and T. Carter to research comparable PC/ZBA stipends for December discussion.
- Board of Review appointments to be addressed in December.
- Planning Commission Bylaws discussion tabled to December.
- Julian and Noonan to address park pagoda vandalism complaint with the Sheriff's Department and continue gate repairs.
- Julian to arrange removal of park porta-john and follow up with electrician on parking lot lights.