06/16/2026
Heres's your Township Board Meeting Recap
đPublic Comment
Joni Wieland requested that the Womenâs Club (formerly the Lioness Club) be allowed to meet at the Township Hall free of charge, noting the groupâs contributions to the community and local nonprofits.
Don King commented on dark skies, zoning setbacks, and propane tank regulations.
Dave Rasmussen discussed the removal of reports from the agenda and advocated for reinstating verbal reports, requesting reconsideration.
Donna Heeres shared her opinion that Two-Family Dwellings should be permitted in all zoning districts, not just Agricultural zones. She also supported allowing the Womenâs Club to use the Hall and voiced support for Dave Rasmussen.
Wes Fogle spoke regarding the removal of Dave Rasmussen from the Planning Commission and questioned the reasoning behind it.
Julie Waterman requested the rationale for Rasmussenâs removal, while understanding term limits, she emphasizes the importance of continuity when a member is not seeking to leave.
Jesse Anderson commented on Womenâs Club hall rental fees.
Hall Rental Fee Discussion: Clerk Julie Chellis moved to release an attorney email regarding hall rental rates. The motion was supported. Chellis read the attorneyâs email, which stated that free or reduced rental rates cannot be offered exclusively, as any reduced fee would need to be available to all renters. The email further noted that rental fees were established by the Township Board and that a cleaning deposit must be collected. If the facility is left clean, the cleaning deposit is refunded. Further discussion between the Womenâs Club and the Board will occur at a future meeting.
Paul Michanowicz commented on propane tank regulations and expressed concern regarding the annual budget and legal expenses. He questioned whether the level of attorney involvement is necessary and commented on attorney-client privilege. He also voiced support for Trustee Marv Rubingh attending Planning Commission meetings.
đApproval of Minutes
đReports
Jarris Rubingh provided an update on Hemlock tree treatment efforts and discussed activities at the Bergmann Center. He also discussed a grant for a mental health cross-trained deputy.
Treasurer Katy Postmus asked about tire disposal opportunities in Antrim County. Jarris confirmed the county accepts tires but not farm tires. Marv Rubingh confirmed he had recently disposed of tires through the program and notes they don't take farm tires.
Upcoming collection dates:
* July 25, Bellaire High School, 9:00 a.m.â12:00 p.m.
* September 26
Participants must be county residents.
A report from the Sheriffâs Department was also provided.
đBills approved. Notable expenses included:
* Elevator motor replacement
* Clean-Up Day costs totaling approximately $16,000, $4,200 attributed to tire disposal, plus labor costs
Soil sampling near the Fire Hall is scheduled for Thursday.
The Board discussed retaining wall repairs and ongoing road projects. It was noted that no county assistance is currently planned for C-48.
đMarv Rubingh stated he had spoken with Representative Damoose and that efforts are underway to have Essex Road included as a top state budget recommendation.
Postmus argued that Essex Road should be addressed by the Township because residents previously voted to support repairs. She noted the estimated cost was approximately $220,000 and that funding was available. She further pointed out that Essex Road is not included in the Countyâs current five-year road plan.
Friske advocated waiting another year in hopes of receiving state funding. Rubingh agreed, stating the Township could save petroleum fund dollars by waiting. He also stated that contributing local funds toward Essex Road could jeopardize future state funding, though no documentation was provided to support that claim. Rubingh moved to complete work on Doctor Road for approximately $72,000. The motion passed 4-1, with Postmus opposed. Postmus then moved to begin repairs on Essex Road. Supported by Chellis, the motion failed.
đHall Rental Policy
The Board reviewed and amended language regarding alcohol use at Township Hall events. Rubingh and Friske found portions of the policy confusing. The revised language clarifies that if alcohol is present, renters must obtain event insurance. It was noted that such policies typically cost a few hundred dollars while providing significant liability coverage and protecting the Township from responsibility. The amended policy passed unanimously.
đAccessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The Board approved ADUs as a permitted use. Postmus expressed confusion as to why ADUs were being allowed across zoning districts while Two-Family Dwelling proposals remained limited. She stated the issue should be addressed alongside the Two-Family Dwelling discussion. Motion passed 5-0.
đPublic Hearing Discussion
Rubingh moved to hold a second public hearing on setbacks and Two-Family Dwellings because neither item had been posted on the Township website, although copies had been available at the meeting. Busman amended the motion, directing the Township to first consult with the attorney before repeating the hearing. The amended motion passed unanimously.
đRubingh's Agenda
Rubingh moved to require Planning Commission packets be provided to the Township Board for review. Motion passed unanimously. Postmus then moved to make Planning Commission packets available online for the public, excluding any material protected by attorney-client privilege. Motion passed unanimously.
Rubingh moved to have Clerk Chellis draft ordinance amendments rather than the Township planners, Beckett & Raeder. Chellis noted any amendments would still require attorney review. Rubingh subsequently withdrew the motion. Chellis stated she would assist Planning Commission Secretary Patty with preparing Planning Commission packets.
đPlanning Commission Appointments
Two Planning Commission seats expire this month. Busman stated he had made it clear he was seeking a resident to represent waterfront property owners and announced that Dave Rasmussen would be replaced by Dr. Marc Lame.
Postmus questioned why Rasmussen was being replaced while the second seat remained unchanged. Busman responded that Rasmussenâs ownership of lakefront property was not sufficient representation of those interests. Rubingh reassured that appointments are ultimately the Supervisorâs prerogative.
Postmus argued that Rasmussen represented progressive viewpoints within the community and stated the decision felt retaliatory. Busman disagreed, stating it was not retaliation. Busman formally moved to appoint Dr. Marc Lame in Rasmussenâs place. Motion passed 4-1, with Postmus opposed.
For the second seat, Busman nominated Tyler Strange, stating that Strange and Rasmussen would effectively represent the same perspective. The motion passed unanimously to keep Strange on the PC. Busman added that all appointment expiration dates will be posted online moving forward.
đFinal Public Comment
Joni Wieland revisited concerns regarding hall rental fees.
Don King questioned a resolution that had been adopted without a public hearing. A motion to repeal the resolution #3 was made and supported.
Jarris Rubingh encouraged residents to contact officials and complain about road conditions.
Donna Heeres stated that if the Womenâs Club cannot afford rental fees, community events such as Breakfast with Santa, Paddle Antrim activities, the Memorial Day meal for veterans, and Pig Roast Committee events could also be impacted. Speaking as a former Lioness, she stated, âWe serve, too,â and urged the Board not to put the group out of business.
Dave Rasmussen commented on the Townshipâs road maintenance practices.
đ Was the only positive thing the two hour meeting?
