REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
May 4, 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 Lowery, supported by VanderKolk, to approve minutes of May 4 [April 6], 2026.
Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion by Lowery, supported by Ash, to approve the treasurer’s report of May 4, 2026, balance of $1,952,550,33, unavailable $1,335,852.42, and overall balance of $3,288,402.75.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Fisher, Lowery, VanderKolk, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
The CD at ICCU is maturing.
Motion by Fisher, supported by Ash, to close the CD at ICCU and put it into the Mercantile Money Market unless we can get at least 3.7% at ICCU.
Roll call vote—Yes: VanderKolk, Lowery, Wetherbee, Fisher, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Public comment was held.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
ZA Bebee gave his report. He has had only two requests for permits in the last two months.
A notice has been published for the public hearing for the proposed master plan update at the Planning Commission meeting on May 11th. No changes have been proposed other than the census data.
METRO ACT
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Ash, to table the Metro Act renewal until the June meeting for the Supervisor to research the possibility of payment to the township.
FIREFIGHTERS CONTRACT AGREEMENT
The firefighters’ contract expired 10/31/24, but the current board just became updated regarding negotiations a couple of months ago. The largest sticking point involves wages, but the contract/agreement covers more than simply wages (various insurances, attendance, drills, duties etc.). The $50 increase per quarter in bonus was already agreed upon by the previous board. Coe and the Village of Shepherd aren’t sure if they can handle much, if any, increase in labor costs.
Motion by Lowery, supported by Ash, for the township’s fireboard members, Lowery, VanderKolk and Fisher, to proceed with an increase offer of 10% the first year, with distribution of back pay, and 9% for the second and third years and an additional $50 quarterly
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, Wetherbee, Lowery, Fisher, VanderKolk; No: None.
Motion unanimously carried.
ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT BODY CAMERAS
Supervisor Lowery attended the MTA conference, and the township attorney suggested body cameras. Body cameras may help avoid lawsuits, but they also make it easier to defend us if there is one. One for the assessor, one for the code enforcement officer and one for township officials to share.
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Wetherbee, to purchase three body cameras up to $1000 for township officials’ on-site visits.
Roll call vote—Yes: Fisher, Ash, VanderKolk, Lowery, Wetherbee; No: None.
Motion unanimously carried.
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: Fisher, Wetherbee, Lowery, Ash, VanderKolk; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
No comments.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BOARD COMMENTS
Clerk Ash gave the board copies of the Board of County Road Commissioners ACT 50 report that has been filed with MDOT for fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Fisher, supported by Ash, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
