Summary
The Kasson Township Board met February 12, 2025, with Supervisor Julian presiding; Trustee Tad Carter was absent. The board approved January 15 minutes as amended, heard a detailed presentation from Craig Brown of the Leelanau County Road Commission on 2025-2029 road projects, reviewed financial and committee reports, and adopted four salary resolutions for elected officials, three of which passed over Supervisor Julian's dissent. Christopher Logan was appointed as Board of Review alternate.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later in the meeting, Steve Yoder reported on County Board of Commissioners actions, including the Drain Commissioner receiving an assigned office and a new truck, and relayed a citizen complaint about Consumers Energy upgrading lines on Tower Road without adequate communication (though working within its easement). Yoder also noted ongoing discussions with the snowmobile club and Road Commission regarding local trails. Don Drabik and Chase Pasicznyk both commented favorably on the hall's new paint job; Pasicznyk noted he would be moving between Honor Bank's Lake Ann and Honor branches.
Parks and Recreation Matters
During budget discussion, Noonan suggested adding a cement slab under the park's porta potty, and Julian suggested adding a three-sided fence around the slab. The park gate needs repair. The board noted sufficient funds exist in the 2025/26 budget for park maintenance. Beautification costs for Maple City, to follow road work, were discussed but deferred to the 2026/27 budget.
Infrastructure Projects
Craig Brown outlined 2025 road work including crack sealing and chip sealing of Tower, Valley, Bloswick, Baatz, Kasson Center, and Gilbert Roads, funded by the Road Commission. The township will fund undersealing of Valley Road (Maple City Road to Tower Road), currently estimated at $179,650, with the Road Commission covering approximately $22,000 for chip sealing. Final numbers and a draft agreement are forthcoming. For 2026, a Rural Task Force project on Maple City Road/Burdickville Road (Church Road to Western Street) is planned, possibly extending CR-667 to Mill Street; the township would be responsible for parking lane repaving, and Julian asked Brown for a cost estimate. A landscaped runoff area is planned near the gas station. Possible 2027 reconstruction of Fritz Road (M-72 to Baatz Road) and 2029 reconstruction of Burdickville Road (Mill Street to Sullivan Road) were also discussed. Abandonment of Mill Street past the church was raised, requiring further discussion with Mullane and Road Commission Board action.
Other Business
The Sidewalk & Parking Ordinance draft was sent to Gosling Czubak for development of Appendix A; a Maple City meeting with business owners/residents has been delayed by weather. Fire Station Design progressed, with Chief Doornbos meeting the architect February 18 and continued discussion of the Noonan family land donation, capital funding, and a future Interlocal Agreement update; a special meeting will be called when conceptual drawings are ready. Julian will contact Grier about revising the Waste Management landfill agreement to a per-ton basis. The Fire Board approved the new chief's contract (April 2025–March 2028). The Planning Commission approved banquet use for Jim Lively's property, with a special use permit hearing set for February. A procedural audit of the November 2024 election will occur the following Wednesday. Cemeteries business remains tabled until spring.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's report: receipts $485,936.07, disbursements $515,375.84, balance $1,049,027.55. Bills were approved as presented (moved by Noonan, seconded by J. Carter). Four salary resolutions were adopted: Trustee pay increased to $150/meeting (Resolution #02-2025, 3-1, Noonan opposed); Clerk salary maintained at $19,200 (Resolution #03-2025, 3-1, Julian opposed); Treasurer salary maintained at $19,200 (Resolution #04-2025, 3-1, Julian opposed); Supervisor salary maintained at $14,450 (Resolution #05-2025, 3-1, Julian opposed). Julian had proposed raises of $500 for Clerk and Treasurer and $400 for Supervisor, but Noonan and Boomer opposed further increases, citing raises in each of the prior two years.
Action Items
Brown to submit final Valley Road cost figures and a draft agreement to the township. Julian to obtain a parking-lane repaving estimate from Brown for the 2026 Maple City Road project. Brown to develop options/estimates for the 2027 Fritz Road reconstruction. Doornbos to meet with the fire station architect on February 18. Julian to contact Grier regarding revising the landfill agreement with Waste Management. Maple City business owner/resident meeting on the road plan to be rescheduled. Special meeting to be called once fire station conceptual drawings are available.