Meeting: Called to order at 7:01pm by Supervisor Jager

Pledge of Allegiance: Led by All

Roll call by Clerk Murat: Treasurer Halbower, Supervisor Jager, Trustee Jager, Clerk Murat and Trustee Brant, all present.

Motion 1-7-25 by Trustee Jager to approve June 10, 2025 meeting minutes, supported by Trustee Brant. Motion carries.

Motion 2-7-25 by Trustee Jager to approve June 10, 2025 payment of bills as presented, supported by Trustee Brant. Motion carries.

Business from the floor:

                Erma Erickson, 8620 Whitmire Rd- addressed the board about the camping ordinance stated that she would like the minutes from the last planning commission meeting, advised they should be on the Township website. Asked if the new ordinance had been published prior to it being voted on (by planning commission), advised that it has not and does not need to be until it is finalized.

                Jennifer Richards, 7343 Holton Duck Lake- addressed the board about her concerns with the new ordinance rules. Inquired about the current blight ordinance and the ability to address and collect on tickets handed out. Asked if current Michigan law concerning the same ordinance has been challenged.

                Crystal Murray – Asked, if we (the township) cannot enforce the current ordinance, what is the purpose of changing the current one. Also stated she feels that there are other concerns in the township that need addressed and the ordinance currently on the table is excessive.

                Tommy Monette, Miko Dr- addressed the board stating that he believes we should pass the ordinance. As a contractor he is bound by regulations and permits and feels this ordinance is just following suit.

                Ray Richards, 7343 Holton Duck Lake- Asked the board if it can be better written up to target the actual problems.

                Tom Monette, 8420 Miko Dr- Addressed the board as well as the community that he helped write the ordinance and feels it allows the Township to enforce what is written when necessary. He also stated he does not want to see property value go down and enforcing the ordinance can help.

Motion 3-7-25 by Trustee Jager to approve treasurer’s report as presented, support by Trustee Brant. Motion carries.

Department reports:

                Library- Summer Reading “Color Our World” is doing well. Book Club Met at Dogwood for a movie, which was well attended. Grow Little Readers is also well attended. They had a successful garden tour with over 100 people visiting local gardens. Author Erin Bartels visit was well received. REMINDER: Library Millage is up for vote a Vote on August 5th

                Inspections- 19 New permits for $3,696.00

                Fire Department- 31 calls, 24 Holton Township and 7 Cedar Creek Township with 9 Mutual Aids. Chief Hawk encourages community members to stop by the Township Hall and grab the Community Connects info in the lobby. You can scan the code on your phone and fill it out online to help the Fire Department better serve you in the case of an emergency.

                Ordinance- Please see attached report.

Correspondence: 8225 Holton Rd- Board addressed the ongoing issue with the owner of said property. Township will continue to move forward in court although owner is looking to move forward with rebuilding.

Motion 4-7-25 by Trustee Jager to table the vote on the current ordinance until the planning commission meets with a public hearing, support by Supervisor Jager. Motion carries.

Motion 5-7-25 by Trustee Jager to allow the Fire Department to enter into a 3 year contract (see attached), support by Trustee Brant. Motion carries.

Clerk Murat, with the help of Treasurer Halbower, will address the ongoing pension issue in the coming weeks.

Motion 6-7-25 by Treasurer Halbower to approve the purchase of $1100.00 in paint supplies to finish the new pickle ball/basketball courts at the Syers Rd Park, support by Trustee Jager. Motion carries.

Motion 7-6-25 by Supervisor Jager to adjourn at 8:08 pm, supported by Trustee Brant. Motion carries.

Respectfully submitted by Clerk Candy Murat

Attachment

JUNE 2025 ORDINANCE ENFORCER STATUS REPORT

4282 Holton Whitehall Rd: Homeowner of property complained that the RV 5th Wheel occupants are “squatters.” Deep digging revealed that the RV occupant, Jessica Semelbauer had the electricity turned on, but 4230, Roger Chastain is the legal owner of the property and that’s how it’s listed on the order to turn on electric; Jessica Semelbauer paid to have it turned on. Homeowner needs to take proper steps to resolve this issue since we cannot legally require Semelbauer to move, eviction has to take place and that is on the homeowner.

7932 E. Lake Rd: This is a reoccurring complaint, from 2024 that the property owner (Medema) has not addressed, “junk and stuff” is piled outside of the garage, the only structure on the property, and the property is unkept.

7925 E. Lake Rd: Another reoccurring complaint, regarding vehicles up on blocks, and alleged salvage vehicles on the property. The complainant of this address and the 7932 East Lake Rd., is upset because this has been going on for a couple of years. I first sent each homeowner a letter regarding the situation, and neither have resolved it as of today I will issue citations and fines for each homeowner.

6822 Crocker Rd: in October 2024 I sent the homeowner a letter regarding the voluminous salvage vehicles, RVs, and blight on the property. I gave home owner until June 30 to resolve the matter, upon my last review, drive-by, last week nothing has been done to resolve this issue. Pleqse note, even more salvage vehicles and RVs have been added since October

The property will take months to clean up at best. I will send another letter to homeowner with a citation and fine, and informed the homeowner that we will continue to issue citations and fines until the property is cleaned up, and if not done so, a court order may be obtained.

I would like to address the fine structure with the board as it is too soft, the initial $35, in my opinion, should be $50.