Summary
The Kasson Township Board met September 9, 2025, with Supervisor Julian presiding and all members present. The board approved the agenda, the August 13, 2025 minutes, and the bills as presented. Major actions included approving an additional $300 vegetation removal quote from Complete Outdoor for cemetery maintenance, updating the Zoning Administrator contract with Tim Cypher effective September 9, and continuing progress on the Valley Road project, the new fire station design, and hall roof repairs.
Public Comments
Jerry Roush reported a large pine branch down in the East Kasson Cemetery; Julian confirmed Deerings would remove it for free. Roush also asked whether Kate Road was in Kasson or Solon Township; the board clarified it is in Solon Township. David Noonan asked why insurance declined to cover hall roof repairs and questioned the status of Fritz Road between Baatz Road and M-72. Boomer explained the insurer cited the roof's age despite a roofer's estimate of 2-3 years remaining life, and that Fritz Road is next in priority after Valley Road and the downtown Maple City project, though the Road Commission has been slow to provide reliable figures. Steve Yoder noted the Road Commission is chip sealing new roads, which research shows extends road life by 10 years, and said other townships face similar delays in getting cost and timeline data.
Infrastructure Projects
Julian is working with Craig Brown to extend the Valley Road project to fully use the $130,000 in dedicated ARPA funding; final numbers are pending. Brown is also preparing estimates for the 2026 Maple City and Fritz Road projects. Two open houses were held for the new fire station design at the township hall, both well received. The Interlocal Agreement among the four participating townships has been signed by all parties, filed with the County Clerk, and is being processed with the state; Julian noted shared costs make the fire department affordable compared to individual township operation. Hall roof and interior work, including mold remediation, is complete; insurance declined to cover the cost, so the township will bear the expense. Noonan asked that snow be cleared from the roof in heavy winters to prevent recurrence of water damage.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's report: receipts $582,857.57; disbursements $430,432.52; balance $1,356,147.95. Bills were approved as presented (J. Carter moved, T. Carter seconded). Complete Outdoor's additional cemetery vegetation removal quote of $300 was approved; a full 2026 quote was requested instead of multiple seasonal quotes. The Valley Road project uses $130,000 in ARPA funding. Cypher's new Zoning Administrator contract includes increased monthly pay and added compensation for permits exceeding 40 annually, approved effective September 9.
Other Business
The Planning Commission continues reviewing the Zoning Ordinance and is examining storage container use for storage buildings; Mike Lanham was praised as Chair. The Clerk reported absentee ballots sent for the November election and a new election computer now in service. A new ambulance for the Fire Department is expected by November. A hall use event is scheduled for the coming weekend.
Action Items
Julian to finalize cemetery shed removal and coordinate with Complete Outdoor for a full 2026 cleanup quote. Craig Brown to provide final cost figures for Valley Road, Maple City, and Fritz Road projects. Cypher's revised contract takes effect September 9. Next regular meeting set for Wednesday, October 8 at 7 pm.