Summary
The Kasson Township Board, meeting October 9, 2024 under Supervisor Julian, approved routine business including minutes, bills, a debit account transfer, and the FYE 2024 Audit. Discussion focused on the Maple City sidewalk project, the Olivia Drive waterpoint dispute, road project funding formulas, fire station design conflicts with the Fire Board, and landfill dump fee concerns. A snowplowing bid from Lanham Construction was approved.
Public Comments
Gerry Konczal asked why Michigan serves as a dumping ground for other states; the board explained that Michigan's state-mandated maximum dumping fees are lower than other states, and there is a current effort to raise those fees at the state level. Ted Nelson, representing the Kasson Township Neighborhood Association, expressed continued interest in attending meetings, thanked the board for its stance on the Enduro racetrack, and confirmed he had been added to the township's email distribution list by Boomer.
Infrastructure Projects
Sidewalk work in downtown Maple City was completed; Julian noted complaints from business owners about lack of notice and use of a non-local contractor, but stated no local contractors submitted timely bids. The Road Commission indicated possible downtown Maple City work as early as 2026. A draft sidewalk ordinance previously reviewed by Grier will be revisited in November, and a parking ordinance will require input from local businesses and the Road Commission.
On the Olivia Drive waterpoint, Boomer reported the property had been sold prior to September's meeting, so the prior verbal authorization was invalid. A letter was sent to the new LLC owner's address with no response; J. Carter will try to obtain contact information.
Regarding 2025/2026 road projects, the Road Commission proposed a possible 10% township contribution, though the board is unclear whether this means 10% of project cost or 10% of available funds. The Newman Road/Kasson Center Road intersection work is planned this month.
Other Business
The Fire Board declined to allow Chief Doornbos to work with the township's architect on fire station design; committees will be formed to study costs, location, and partnerships, with a 2-6 month timeline per Julian. The board approved the Lanham Construction snowplow bid: $47.50/$20 (township hall/waterpoint) for 4-11 inches, $95/$40 for 12+ inches, sanding at $100 plus materials, and $150/hr for tractor use. No other bids were received. The FYE 2024 Audit was approved (J. Carter moved, Noonan seconded, all in favor).
Financial Summary
Treasurer's report: receipts $1,564,540.52, disbursements $1,553,273.63, balance $1,226,142.52. The Jensen Concrete sidewalk bill ran about $5,000 higher than expected due to additional work, confirmed appropriate by a memo from Gosling Czubak's Kevin Krogulecki. The board approved a $5,000 transfer from the operating account to the debit card account.
Action Items
J. Carter to seek contact information for the new Olivia Drive property owner. Noonan to contact MTA regarding landfill dump fee concerns; Boomer and J. Carter to continue attempting to obtain reporting data from Waste Management. T. Carter to discuss Planning Commission stipends at the next meeting. Board to revisit the draft sidewalk ordinance in November.