Summary
The Kasson Township Board, chaired by Supervisor Julian, met December 11, 2024, with Treasurer J. Carter absent. The board approved the November minutes, paid bills, approved updated Planning Commission bylaws, made Board of Review appointments, and adopted the 2025 meeting schedule via Resolution 13-2024. No public comments were made at either opportunity offered during the meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Sidewalk & Parking Ordinances: Clerk Boomer distributed a reviewed ordinance from Attorney Grier; an Appendix A on construction standards still needs development, with Grier recommending Gosling Czubak's involvement. Julian and Trustee T. Carter will arrange a meeting with Maple City property owners, the Road Commission, and Gosling Czubak. The ordinance was tabled until January.
Road Projects 2025/2026: The Road Commission has not finalized its 2025 budget; further township action awaits that.
Landfill Fees: Julian reported Waste Management currently pays 10 cents per yard, while the state maximum is 36 cents per ton (approx. 1,300–1,600 lbs/yd). The board discussed converting the agreement to a per-ton basis and will consult Attorney Grier on next steps.
Other Business
Cemeteries: 2024 sales and burials completed; further projects tabled until spring.
Fire Station Design: No major progress on a second station; the Finance Committee meets December 17 on operating costs, with an Interlocal Committee meeting also scheduled. The union contract (effective January 1, 2025) is nearly finalized. Elmwood Township, via Supervisor Jeff Shaw, expressed interest in joining CAFR; Trustee Noonan noted many details remain before any new partner joins.
Planning Commission Bylaws: Board approved the updated draft (Boomer moved, T. Carter seconded, motion carried).
BOR Appointments: Boomer moved to appoint Mike Shimek, Frank Sellgren, and Thrasos Eftaxiadis to the Board of Review through December 31, 2026; Noonan seconded, motion carried. An alternate still needs appointment before March.
PC/ZBA Stipends: T. Carter's county survey showed rates from $35 to $175 (average ~$90); Kasson's current $100/$125 rates will remain per Noonan's recommendation.
Hall Interior Painting: Board will walk through with Midwest Coatings before January, then approve a final quote.
2025 Meeting Schedule: Approved for the second Wednesday monthly at 7 p.m., except January 15 (third Wednesday), per Resolution 13-2024.
Reports: PC approved the Reith Riley renewal and the New Cass, LLC (Cherry Republic) rezoning, moving to County PC then the Township Board. ZA Cypher reported the new online permitting system is live. Clerk Boomer reported QuickBooks Enterprise pricing ($1,500–$3,000/year depending on use); board consensus favored the $1,500 single-user local option.
Board Comment: Julian noted the passing of community member Duane Newman and thanked Chuck Schaeffer for his service.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report: Receipts $60,513.12; Disbursements $78,950.92; Balance $846,990.62.
Budget Report: November report presented; first draft of the 2025/26 budget to be presented in January by Boomer and Nelson.
Bills: Approved as presented (Noonan moved, T. Carter seconded).
QuickBooks upgrade: Board consensus to proceed with the $1,500/year single-user local subscription.
Action Items
- Julian and T. Carter to arrange meeting with Maple City property owners, Road Commission, and Gosling Czubak.
- Appendix A on sidewalk/parking construction standards to be developed before January.
- Finance Committee to meet December 17 on fire station operating costs; Interlocal Committee meeting also scheduled.
- Union contract finalization for January 1, 2025 start.
- Julian/Grier to pursue landfill fee change to per-ton basis with Waste Management.
- Appoint at least one Board of Review alternate before March.
- T. Carter to complete board member pay study before February salary resolutions.
- Board to walk through hall painting project with Midwest Coatings before January meeting; approve final quote then.
- Boomer and Nelson to present first 2025/26 budget draft in January.
- New Cass, LLC rezoning expected on February Township Board agenda.