REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
March 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 VanderKolk, supported by Fisher, to approve minutes of March 2, 2026.
Motion approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to approve the treasurer’s report of March 2, 2026, balance of $1,887,236.13, unavailable $1,320,715.87 and overall balance of $3,207,952.000.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Fisher, Lowery, VanderKolk, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Audience participation was held.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
ZA Bebee gave an update.
Bebee gave the board a renewable energy zoning ordinance and fee schedule for renewable energy projects. He would like board comments. The ordinance was written by Deerfield Township’s attorney.
RENTAL ORDINANCE
Bebee has been contacted by a resident of the township whose heat has been out for quite a while. Instead of having it repaired, her landlord gave her a space heater. Bebee checked with the health department and the prosecutor’s office and was told it would have to go to circuit court, which would mean she would have to get an attorney. He will put a letter together to send to the landlord stating state law.
Supervisor Lowery stated that last Thursday the Michigan State Police and Federal Agents shut down three large illegal marijuana growers in the township. The township needs to take steps for an ordinance to not be able to grow marijuana.
BRINE CONTRACT
Motion by Ash, supported by Lowery, to approve three applications of Michigan Chloride at 2000 gallons per mile & on 2nd & 3rd applications-2 miles on Baseline between Loomis and Chippewa for a cost of $34,263.30.
Roll call vote—Yes: Fisher, Lowery, Wetherbee, VanderKolk, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
GRAVEL CONTRACTS
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Ash, for two miles of gravel refresh for Leaton Rd from Deerfield to Broomfield and Leaton Rd from Millbrook to Deerfield for a cost of $13,467.02 per mile.
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, VanderKolk, Fisher, Wetherbee, Lowery; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Lowery, to apply for 2% tribal funds for $50,000 for Deerfield Rd and $144,170.41 for the E County Line Rd bridge replacement.
Roll call vote—Yes: VanderKolk, Lowery, Wetherbee, Fisher, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Fisher, supported by Ash, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: Lowery, Wetherbee, Ash, VanderKolk, Fisher; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR PROPERTY TAX
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Ash, to approve the 2026 Policy and Guidelines for Property Tax Poverty Exemptions for Chippewa Township Resolution 2026-03.
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, VanderKolk, Lowery, Fisher, Wetherbee; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
No comments.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Fisher stated he has talked to State Representative Jerry Neyer regarding road funding. Why can’t the Road Commission fund projects? Fisher will try to set up a meeting with Representative Neyer and Senator Hauck.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Lowery, supported by Fisher, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
