Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met May 19, 2026, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding; Trustee John DePuy was absent. The Board approved prior meeting minutes, routine bills and payroll, a website ADA compliance vendor, an Assistant Fire Chief employment contract, and a bonus for Asst. Chief Dykgraaf. Extensive discussion continued on a potential property purchase, with a Special Meeting to be scheduled after consulting the township attorney.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later, during discussion of the proposed property purchase, one resident said the property should not be removed from the tax roll and should instead be developed by businesses; he urged the Board to follow the attorney's advice and warned that gaining public support would be a "heavy lift." A second resident objected to the price and said the Township should not act as a landlord, though he agreed the purchase could give the Township room to grow and suggested the Board present voters with a strong visual focal point, such as a central downtown public area. No formal responses from the Board to these comments were recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
P. Laureto announced a Park workday scheduled for May 30th at 10:00 am.
Infrastructure Projects
Station 1 Renovation: Kyle Richter of RCI Construction (on-site manager Wade Isner) reported permits are in place, materials sourced, and work begins June 1st with temporary electrical work followed by demolition. Progress meetings will occur the 4th Tuesday of each month, with completion expected before December. The Board voted (motion P. Laureto, support D. Lewis) to add RCI to the immediate pay list for the renovation's duration; motion carried unanimously. P. Laureto requested a notice be sent to Station 1 neighbors about the project.
Potential Property Purchase: Discussion continued on purchasing property, including ballot certification by August 11th, bond requirements, and seller willingness. P. Laureto raised ideas of demolishing a neighboring building for parking and a winterized public restroom; B. Hawley called it a "once in a lifetime opportunity" and wants a land appraisal excluding the building; D. Lewis agreed it was a unique opportunity and noted possible new job descriptions and altered traffic patterns. T. Laureto cited MCL 211.7M concerns about leasing space in a purchased building. P. Laureto will contact the township attorney and schedule a Special Meeting for further input.
Phone System: New internet service is installed; new phones install Friday, June 12th at 10:00 am.
Other Business
Fire Chief Ferguson reported the loss of 42-year veteran Tim Nichols, with a memorial service planned for October. A pre-construction meeting for the new mini-pumper truck was held in Grayling, with completion expected in October. Asst. Chief Dykgraaf reported 29 calls in April (127 year-to-date), 260 vehicle responses, and 245 training hours. FF/EMT Chalup marked 7 years of service. A new garage door maintenance contractor was engaged. The new zoning administrator gave a verbal report and will submit written reports going forward. The Planning Commission report noted the meeting focused on introducing the new Zoning Administrator.
Financial Summary
Cash on hand (as of 4/30/26): General Fund $1,123,368.31; Emergency Services Fund $2,591,759.73; GLFD Debt Service Fund $852.47; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $73,832.02; Tax Collection Fund $28,031.51. General Fund bills (4/22–5/19) totaled $65,276.79; April payroll was $32,010.27, both approved unanimously. Emergency Services bills (4/15–5/12) totaled $64,436.73; April payroll was $151,183.12, both approved unanimously. The Board approved an Assistant Fire Chief salary of $94,000.00 effective May 1, 2026, and a $24,000.00 bonus for Asst. Chief Dykgraaf for covering as Fire Chief during a 5-month absence.
Action Items
- P. Laureto to contact the township attorney and schedule a Special Meeting regarding the potential property purchase.
- Notice to be sent to Station 1 neighbors regarding the renovation project.
- New phone system installation scheduled for Friday, June 12th at 10:00 am.
- Park workday scheduled for May 30th at 10:00 am.