Summary
The Kasson Township Board met February 11, 2026, under Supervisor Julian. The board approved the agenda and January 14 minutes, approved bills, and adopted five resolutions addressing township officer salaries. Road funding for 2026/27 was set, a new ambulance was delivered to the Fire Board, and the board authorized a search for a replacement Zoning Administrator due to Tim Cypher's declining health. Jerry Konczel was appointed to the ZBA.
Public Comments
Chase Pasicznyk announced that Honor Bank will begin a courier service for clients as of April 30 and offered to discuss pricing with interested parties. Stella Otto asked that her full written comment be entered into the minutes regarding her appointment to the Planning Commission; she described being pressured into accepting the nomination by Supervisor Julian on short notice, stated she never wanted to serve again, and expressed regret that the situation questioned her character. Later in the meeting, Steve Yoder (County Commissioners) reported the county received a grant for Veronica Valley trails and will apply for another for Myles Kimmerly Park, along with law-enforcement equipment and CPR-training grants; he noted no progress on the Poor Farm Barn rule changes or the Old Settlers property sale. Ginger Newman reiterated her disappointment that a new fire station is still being discussed after voters rejected funding it, and raised concern that a required new traffic light on M-72 could affect the proposed station site.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Steve Yoder reported the County Commissioners received a substantial grant for trail improvements at Veronica Valley and will seek an additional grant for improvements at Myles Kimmerly Park.
Infrastructure Projects
Julian reported the County will likely cover maintenance of Fritz Road (M-72 to Baatz) from its own budget. Craig Brown submitted a $111,000 quote for a Valley Road upgrade, and the township's share of the Maple City project increased to $60,000. The board set $200,000 in the 2026/27 budget for road work, including Valley Road and Maple City, plus $10,000 for Maple City lighting. Julian will invite Brown to a future meeting to discuss plans. On the fire station, an assessment from Cunningham Limp is still pending for Solon and Centerville; Julian and Chief Doornbos plan to visit Peninsula's new station for comparison.
Other Business
The board authorized Julian and Boomer to search for a replacement Zoning Administrator and to handle zoning issues Cypher's office cannot address. Jerry Konczel was appointed to the ZBA through November 2027 (Noonan moved, Boomer seconded, motion carried). The Fire Board contracted with Tobin & Co. for a three-year audit term; the new ambulance was delivered with a power-loading cot and remountable box. Member-at-large John DePuy is stepping down; a replacement recommendation is expected in March. New water-flow sensors were installed in the township hall basement. Lanham Construction cleared snow from the parking lot.
Financial Summary
Treasurer J. Carter reported receipts of $469,173.31, disbursements of $347,603.66, and a balance of $1,027,001.86; the tax payment deadline is February 17. Bills were approved as presented (J. Carter moved, Noonan seconded, motion carried). Resolution #02-2026 raised Trustee pay to $2,000/year (unanimous roll call). After extended debate, motions to raise Clerk/Treasurer/Supervisor pay by 3% and to keep salaries flat both passed by roll call; the board ultimately adopted Resolution #03-2026 maintaining Clerk pay at $19,800/year, Resolution #04-2026 maintaining Treasurer pay at $19,800/year, and Resolution #05-2026 maintaining Supervisor pay at $14,900/year (T. Carter voting no). A new 2026/27 budget draft is expected in March.
Action Items
- Julian to invite Craig Brown to a Township Board meeting to discuss road project plans.
- Julian and Boomer to search for a replacement Zoning Administrator and address zoning matters Cypher cannot handle; a special meeting may be called before March if needed.
- Boomer to recommend a PC/ZBA recording secretary applicant at the March meeting, pending continued interest.
- Fire Board to recommend a replacement for John DePuy at its March meeting, to be brought to townships.
- Fire department operating millage renewal to be approved by the Township Board in March or April.
- New 2026/27 budget draft to be presented in March.
- Note: Stella Otto's public comment highlights unresolved tension over her Planning Commission appointment and prior conflict referenced with Scott Mills.