Board Meeting Minutes – June 10, 2025
Meeting: Called to order at 7:00pm by Supervisor Jager
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Erma Erickson
Roll call by Clerk Murat: Supervisor Jager, Treasurer Halbower, Trustee Brant, Trustee Jager, Clerk Murat all present.
Motion 1-6-25 by Trustee Jager to approve May 13, 2025 meeting minutes, supported by Trustee Brant. Motion carries.
Motion 2-6-25 by Trustee Jager to approve May 13, 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 siting concerns it goes against state law. Stated it was never put out to the public.
Dean Alvesteffer, 5700 Crystal Lake Rd, addressed the board about his ongoing concern of the contamination from the digestate. He has been battling health issues he attributes to the contaminated ground water. He wants to know what can be done about testing and how to move forward in addressing the issue.
Steve Lankford, 7899 Lake Rd, addressed the board about Little Silver Lake and not having access to launch boats. He would also like the road to be fixed. He asked if residents were allowed to make changes to the launch to gain access. Supervisor Jager advised him to create a lake association with other residents as well as thinking about the need for a special assessment to pay for the improvements. The board all agreed that they have no issues with the residents making changes to gain boat access, as long as they abide by the law and follow the guidelines set forth by the appropriate authorities when dealing with the water.
Jace Crosby, 5415 Dalson Rd, asked the board to approve a plan to install a GaGa Ball Pit at the Syers Rd Park as part of a Scout project. A motion was made to approve with approval from the park board.
Motion 3-6-25 by Trustee Jager to allow Jace Crosby to make a GaGa Ball Pit, with approval from the park board, support by Clerk Murat. Motion carries.
Julee Peterson, 10337 Schow Rd, Holton Township Ordinance Enforcer addressed the new camping ordinance. She states that it is against state law to live in RVs year round in the state of Michigan. She feels most complaints are about RV “villages” dumping waste in yards, creating concern of the ground water.
Steve Stroven, 7589 S Maple Island, liaison for Clark Union Cemetery addressed concern on Holton Township withdrawing from the cemetery and that it started with handshake.
Tom Monette, 8420 Mikko Dr, vice-chair of the planning commission, stated the planning commission voted on the new ordinance and they were all in agreement on the update to it.
Josie Derby, 5740 Brunswick Rd., inquired as to why Holton Township is paying for a cemetery that is not in our township.
Rose Homister, 8860 Holton Duck Lake Rd, addressed the board about the camping ordinance as her daughter had an issue with her home and it took almost 3 years for the insurance company to settle up, leaving them in a camper to live while it was figured out. She also commented on the road work coming to a halt and people ignoring the detour.
Motion 4-6-25 by Trustee Jager to approve treasurer’s report as presented, supported by Clerk Murat. Motion carries.
Department reports:
Library- The chicks have hatched and have been given a new home. Summer Reading Program Begins Monday, June 16. June events include Author Visit, Garden Tour and Canning/Freezing Program.
Inspections- 13 New permits for $1,739.00
Fire Department- 57 calls, 38 Holton Township and 19 Cedar Creek Township with 5 Mutual Aids. Congratulation to Jeremy McAlinden on completing the Firefighter Training.
Ordinance- Please see attached report. As for the complaint at 4282 Holton Whitehall Rd, board feels this is a police matter.
Motion 5-6-25 by Trustee Jager to ask attorney to review current easement if needed at 8225 Holton Rd, support by Trustee Brant. Motion carries.
Motion 6-6-25 by Trustee Jager to withdraw from Clark Union Cemetery, support by Trustee Brant. Roll call vote: Supervisor Jager, no. Trustee Brant, yes. Clerk Murat, yes. Trustee Jager, no. Treasurer Halbower, no. Motion failed.
Motion 7-6-25 Clerk Murat to table the new camping ordinance, support by Trustee Jager. Roll call vote: Trustee Brant, yes. Supervisor Jager, no. Treasurer Halbower, yes. Clerk Murat, yes. Trustee Jager, yes. Motion carries.
Motion 8-6-25 by Supervisor Jager to adjourn at 8:36 pm, supported by Trustee Jager. Motion carries.
Treasurer Halbower added a thank you in recognition of the garden club planting flowers at the Syers Rd Park around the entrance sign.
Respectfully submitted by Clerk Candy Murat
ATTACHMENT:
ORDINANCE ENFORCER – APRIL/MAY 2025 STATUS REPORT
4282 Holton Whitehall Road: complaint received from owner of property that person on property is a “squatter,” living on owner’s property in a 5th wheel RV with a generator that runs continuously along with salvage vehicles on property. Notice to property owner that the 5th wheel on the premises has to be removed within 14 days. A review of the property after the 14 days timeframe to remove 5th wheel and salvage vehicles shows no progress to remove 5th wheel and salvage autos. 2nd notice to property owner to comply with ordinance to remove 5th wheel off of property and take down structure in process, as well as remove salvage autos. Update: owner has made no attempts to remove 5th wheel and is continuing to build structure. A third notice will be sent with a citation and fine.
7950 Brunswick Rd. Complaint that there is garbage piling up along outside of mobile home. A review of property shows some debris behind some limbs on property, barely visible.. A second review shows no new debris has been added and the debris is barely visible when driving by property.
E. Crystal Lake Rd (address unknown): new owner has a truck camper on property, and outhouse and appears to have electricity. Owner has old furniture and blight on property. Because owner is new, I will give owner a few weeks to remove blight. To date, owner has not removed blight and has a business sign on property.