REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
JuNE 1, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Supervisor Lowery called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Don Lowery, Fran Ash, Kathy VanderKolk, Bob Wetherbee, Kurt Fisher
MINUTES APPROVAL
Motion by Fisher, supported by VanderKolk, to approve minutes of May 4, 2026.
Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to approve the treasurer’s report of June 1, 2026, balance of $2,135,084.07 unavailable $1,337,647.00, and overall balance of $3,472,731.07.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Fisher, Lowery, VanderKolk, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Several residents spoke in opposition of a township enforcement officer.
Matt Mead, Tri-Twp Fire Chief, gave a report on the fire department.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
METRO ACT
Motion by Ash, supported by Lowery, to approve the Metro Act right of way extension agreement.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
ZA Bebee gave his report.
TOWNSHIP LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Michael Main, Isabella County Sheriff, stated Chippewa Township has the second highest number of calls of all the townships in the county. The county put two patrol units back on patrol and he hopes to put two more back on in the fall. A township patrol officer could accompany the zoning & code enforcers when they visit a threatening resident’s property. The Zoning Enforcer stated he had guns pulled on him before. would like to see the board do something for his and the Code Enforcer’s safety. Main stated the patrol car would have lifesaving equipment in the vehicle. Public relations is a huge part of having a township patrol officer. The county would assume all liability.
The board will put together a survey to send with the tax bills and put it on the township website.
CEMETERY DRIVEWAY REPAIR
The east driveway of the north cemetery is in bad shape due to tree roots.
Motion by Lowery, supported by VanderKolk, to pay Grim Enterprises $2800.00 to crush existing asphalt, repair the roots, put the crushed asphalt back down and grade.
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, Wetherbee, Fisher, Lowery, VanderKolk; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
ROAD CONTRACTS
The tribe awarded the township $144,170.41 for the East County Line Road bridge over Potter creek. The balance of the cost of $2,099,097.42 will be paid by a MDOT grant and the Isabella County Road Commission.
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to pay $144,170.41 for the East County Line Road bridge over Potter Creek.
Roll call vote—Yes: Lowery, Ash, Wetherbee, Fisher, VanderKolk; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
The tribe awarded the township $50,000.00 towards grind and pave, ditching and culverts, for Deerfield Road - Wise to Chippewa. The total estimated cost is $484,805.60. The Isabella County Road Commission’s share is $122,002.94.
Motion by Lowery, supported by Ash, to pay $362,802.66 for grind and pave, ditching and culverts, for Deerfield Road – Wise to Chippewa.
Roll call vote—Yes: Fisher, Ash, VanderKolk, Lowery, Wetherbee; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Lowery, supported by Fisher, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: VanderKolk, Wetherbee, Lowery, Ash, Fisher; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
A resident spoke in favor of the township patrol officer.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BOARD COMMENTS
Treasurer VanderKolk stated the county is converting from BS&A.Net to Cloud. Townships will also need to convert. BS&A.Net is being phased out. The township gets a group discount if five townships convert to Cloud at the same time. She will get cost and bring it back to the board.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Fisher, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
