Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met September 17, 2024, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding. The Board approved the FY26 GLFD budget, accepted a $435,881 ambulance bid from Road Rescue, set FY25 millage rates, and approved an $18,007.78 refund to Empire Township. The meeting opened with a swearing-in ceremony for new full-time firefighter Anna Heiselman.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later, a member of the public described an incident where a vehicle parked in the boat ramp area while the owner dined at Blu; police were called, and the vehicle was eventually removed by a wrecker after the owner refused to move it. No board action was taken on this report.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Treasurer Don Lewis reported the tennis court project is nearly complete, pending a bolt to connect the net to the court surface, expected to be installed the following Thursday. Clerk Pam Laureto noted the cabinet holding the life ring at the boat ramp has been destroyed and she is seeking a replacement.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Laureto reported on his meeting with LCRC Engineer Craig Brown regarding Lake Street: yellow/white hatch marks, custom signage, and exclusive boat-trailer parking are not permitted, but official county signage and dusk-to-dawn no-parking (as in Leland) are options; fire lane markings remain under the Fire Chief's authority. The Board voted (motion D. Lewis, support B. Hawley) to commission a survey of Lake Street between M-22 and the water; motion carried unanimously. Security camera installation (TKS) is complete except for a line-of-sight issue at the Township Park; the new server (Netlink) is being configured with no install date yet set. Supervisor Laureto noted strong revenue from the American Tower cell tower, with several lessees upgrading equipment.
Other Business
Chief Ferguson reported 79 fire department calls in August, completed state ambulance inspections, two trainings, and a well-attended 9/11 memorial service. The Planning Commission (reported by B. Hawley) continued work on fence and setback regulations, to conclude next month, with accessory buildings to be discussed afterward. Supervisor Laureto distributed a Station 1 renovation quote from Richter Construction; Treasurer Lewis volunteered to oversee the project given his construction background, and the Board agreed.
Financial Summary
Cash on hand (as of 8/30/24): General Fund $942,909.14; Park Debt Service $102,485.35; Emergency Services $3,070,492.28; Fisher Lake SAD $25,428.23; GLFD Debt Service $8,669.73; Tax Collection Fund $2,501,599.60. General Fund bills totaled $27,036.52 plus a $4,725.00 bond interest payment; August payroll was $27,223.58. Emergency Services bills totaled $86,809.90 with payroll of $98,435.22 — both approved unanimously. The Board approved paying Empire Township a $18,007.78 refund (roll call, unanimous). FY25 millage rates were approved: Township allocation 0.4514, Public Safety Bond 0.1800 (three years remaining), Emergency Services operating 2.4500; the Park Bond will be paid off in November 2024. The GLFD FY26 budget and a $435,881 ambulance purchase from Road Rescue were both approved by unanimous roll call vote.
Action Items
- Complete tennis net bolt installation (expected Thursday).
- Schedule server install with Netlink; resolve camera line-of-sight issue at Township Park (TKS).
- Conduct survey of Lake Street between M-22 and the water.
- P. Laureto to arrange repair of Township Hall double doors (Allan Supply) and replace destroyed boat ramp life ring cabinet.
- Treasurer Lewis to lead Station 1 renovation project with Richter Construction.