Summary
The Kasson Township Board met March 12, 2026, with Supervisor Julian, Clerk Boomer, Treasurer J. Carter, and Trustees Noonan and T. Carter present. Key actions included adoption of a fire/EMS millage renewal resolution for the August ballot, adoption of a zoning interpretation resolution on aggregate movement between commonly-owned parcels, appointment of new Fire Board representatives, approval of a Zoning Administrator job description for new hire Scott Sheehan, and a budget amendment shifting funds from road capital to township hall repairs.
Public Comments
Mike Lanham thanked the board for his appointment as Fire Board representative and suggested the position be advertised in six years so citizens know it is open. David Noonan apologized for earlier remarks made during the Fire Board discussion, stating he let personal feelings interfere, and called for more board transparency, citing insufficient explanation of the millage renewal's purpose. Tom Grier (Township Attorney) recommended the board direct Sheehan to send Mr. Kasben a letter formalizing the Zoning Administrator's interpretation on aggregate movement; Boomer moved and T. Carter seconded this, motion carried. Andy Miller objected to restrictions on hiring companies to move gravel between properties, arguing the township was regulating everyone due to one property owner; Grier explained the history, noting Sheehan's decision could be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. James Schettek argued the aggregate resolution conflicts with affordable housing goals by making it harder to transport fill, and characterized the township's removal of a fallen "Welcome to Maple City" sign (located on private property) as improper.
Infrastructure Projects
Julian reported ongoing work with the Road Commission; Brendan Mullane will present the annual report and details on Maple City and Valley Road projects at the April meeting. T. Carter raised concerns about poor road conditions in the village, suggesting the intersection be returned to gravel until full upgrades occur. T. Carter also presented a draft resolution for a speed study on Burdickville Road (CR-616, from CR-669 to the 25 mph sign in Maple City); the board agreed to wait until April to discuss specifics with Mullane. Boomer reported a water line break at the fire station requiring floor removal for repair; the line has since been fixed.
Parks and Recreation Matters
In reviewing the 2026/2027 draft budget, Noonan asked that parks and recreation budget lines be rounded up to the nearest thousand. Complete Outdoor's quote for spring cleanup and mowing/trimming services at Maple City Park, the township hall, and cemeteries was approved (Noonan moved, Boomer seconded, motion carried), including bush trimming at Maple City Park for $225 x 2 and mowing at $125/time.
Other Business
Scott Sheehan was introduced as the new Zoning Administrator (township employee, not contractor); his job description was approved. Sheehan proposed increasing land split fees from $75 to $450 and setting property line adjustment fees at $250, based on rates charged by Jen Cramer of Beckett & Rader. Kathy Fordyce was appointed Fire Board member-at-large, replacing John DePuy. After extended discussion, Mike Lanham was appointed to a six-year term as Kasson Township's Fire Board representative (3-2 vote: for - T. Carter, Noonan, J. Carter; opposed - Boomer, Julian), replacing Julian. Julian was then appointed alternate representative (motion by T. Carter, seconded by J. Carter, carried unanimously).
Financial Summary
Treasurer's report: receipts $490,573.34, disbursements $318,456.79, balance $1,199,118.41; tax fund fully dispersed and county settlement completed. A budget amendment moved $20,000 from Capital Outlay-Roads (101-101-970.1) to Capital Outlay (101-265-970) for township hall repairs, approved unanimously. The Fire/EMS millage renewal (Resolution 06-2026) seeks up to 2.5 mills for two years (2026-2027), estimated to raise $429,000 in year one; approved by roll call, all yes (J. Carter, T. Carter, Noonan, Boomer, Julian).
Action Items
Sheehan is to send Mr. Kasben a letter formalizing the Zoning Administrator's interpretation on aggregate movement, per motion by Boomer/T. Carter. Sheehan will consult with Jen Cramer on whether high-volume land splits warrant a different fee structure. Boomer will forward the millage resolution to Crocker's office. Julian will schedule a hall cleaning before the annual meeting (March 21, 10 am). Next regular meeting: April 8, 7 pm.