REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
February 2, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Supervisor Lowery called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Don Lowery, Fran Ash, Kathy VanderKolk, Kurt Fisher, Bob Wetherbee
MINUTES APPROVAL
Motion by Lowery, supported by VanderKolk, to approve minutes of February 2, 2026.
Motion approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to approve the treasurer’s report of Feb. 2, 2026, balance of $1,829,124.93, unavailable $1,313,594.27 and overall balance of $3,142,719.20.
Roll call vote—Yes: VanderKolk, Ash, Lowery, Fisher, Wetherbee; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
Motion by Ash, supported by Lowery, to roll over CDs from Mercantile Bank and Isabella Bank for 6 months unless the treasurer can get a better rate for one year or longer.
Roll call vote—Yes: Lowery, Wetherbee, Fisher, Ash, VanderKolk; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Many residents commented on the special use for the proposed campground near the corner of Broomfield Rd and Wise Rd.
Some concerns: Noise, speed and increase of traffic, smoke from campfires, moved to the country for peace and quiet, natural wildlife would be affected, safety, water quality, trespassing, property values.
No comments in favor of the campground and no representative in attendance.
Motion by Fisher, supported by Ash, to deny the special use for a campground near the corner of Broomfield Rd and Wise Rd based on health and welfare, water quality, air quality, noise, wetlands, land values, trespassing and increased traffic.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Fisher, Lowery, VanderKolk, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCES
The Planning Commission is working on large-scale wind and solar installations.
ZBA ALTERNATE VACANCY
Motion by Lowery, supported by Wetherbee, to appoint Nikki Lowery an alternate to the ZBA to fulfill the term expiring January 1, 2028.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
ZA Bebee gave an update.
BUDGET MEETING
Motion by Ash, supported by Lowery, to approve the public budget hearing to be held on March 2, 2026, immediately following the regular board meeting.
Motion carried.
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to have a budget work session on February 10th at 4:30 pm.
Motion carried.
ASSESSOR RESIGNATION
Central MI Assessing has resigned as the property tax assessor for the township. So far, the supervisor has received two resumes. An ad for the position will run in the Morning Sun. The board will have a special meeting on February 19th at 7 pm regarding the position.
FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE
The Shepherd Tri-Twp Fire Department fire board approved making an offer to purchase a fire truck from the City of Mt Pleasant.
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: VanderKolk, Ash, Lowery, Wetherbee, Fisher; No: None.
Motion unanimously carried.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Public comment was held.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BOARD COMMENTS
Clerk Ash stated she received notice that the Planning Commission is working on the Master Plan. The notice was also sent to neighboring local governments.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ash, supported by Lowery, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
