REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
August 3, 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
Absent: Kurt Fisher
MINUTES APPROVAL
Motion by Lowery, supported by VanderKolk, to approve minutes of July 6, 2026.
Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to approve the treasurer’s report of Aug. 3, 2026, balance of $2,124,346.60 unavailable $1,343,053.00, and overall balance of $3,467,399.60.
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, Wetherbee, Lowery, VanderKolk; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Audience participation was held.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ENERGY ZONING
ZA Bebee was absent. The Planning Commission is having a public hearing at their Aug. 10th meeting regarding wind energy systems, solar energy systems and for the establishment of an ordinance to allow moratoriums to be placed by the township board.
TOWNSHIP LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The survey that was sent with the tax bills was not much help because there were attempts to manipulate the results by making multiple copies of the survey by people against the idea of a township law enforcement officer. Taking those out of the equation brought the results to around 50/50. Online replies also were duplicated. After last month’s meeting, there were nine negative replies in ten seconds from the same IP address.
The board has planned on using the money from interest earned on investments to pay for the township law enforcement officer.
VanderKolk stated that 75% of public safety revenue sharing we received from the State must go towards law enforcement.
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Wetherbee, to postpone further decision until the September meeting regarding the law enforcement, get the attorney’s input, a revised contract and consult with the township’s insurance company.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, VanderKolk, Ash, Lowery; No: None.
Motion unanimously carried.
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
ZA Bebee was absent.
2% REQUEST
The board discussed the possibility of bringing in some garbage trucks and roll off dumpsters to the township hall for a couple of days for township residents to bring items for disposal. Perhaps a day in the fall and a day in the spring.
Supervisor Lowery will check on some costs and bring them back to the September meeting.
AUDIT MD&A FINAL PARAGRAPHS
Last year the board had listed Deerfield Road for the final paragraphs of the audit MD&A. For this year we could list the law enforcement, spring clean up and the Potter Creek bridge.
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: Lowery, Ash, Wetherbee, VanderKolk; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Audience participation was held.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BOARD COMMENTS
Lowery stated that Deerfield Rd is on the schedule to be done this year.
VanderKolk stated Box is up for renewal.
Motion by Lowery, supported by Wetherbee, to cancel Box as long as we can have our data saved with no penalty. Supervisor will check with iWorQ for a better price.
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, VanderKolk, Lowery, Wetherbee; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
July 6, 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 Fisher, to approve minutes of June 1, 2026.
Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to approve the treasurer’s report of July 6, 2026, balance of $2,154,014.65 unavailable $1,340,389.67, and overall balance of $3,494,404.32.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Lowery, VanderKolk, Ash, Fisher; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Audience participation was held.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ENERGY ZONING
The board had a zoom meeting with the township attorney, Michael Homier, regarding the proper procedure for placing a moratorium on land uses. A moratorium would give the Planning Commission time to work on an ordinance.
TOWNSHIP LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
A survey regarding having a township law enforcement officer has been posted on the township website and was sent with the tax bills with a deadline of July 10th to respond. Since some residents haven’t received the bills that were sent out on the first, it might be best to extend the deadline.
Motion by Fisher, supported by Wetherbee, to extend the survey deadline another 10 days to July 20th.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
ZA Bebee gave his report.
BS&A SOFTWARE
BS&A is converting from BS&A.Net to Cloud. The treasurer, clerk and assessor all use BS&A. The township will get a discount if it converts with four other townships.
Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, VanderKolk, Wetherbee, Fisher, Lowery; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
ELECTION WORKERS
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to hire two chairpersons at $20/hour and twelve election inspectors at $18/hour for the August primary and six election inspectors at $18/hour for one day of the nine-day early voting.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Lowery, Ash, VanderKolk, Fisher; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Fisher, supported by Lowery, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: VanderKolk, Wetherbee, Ash, Fisher, Lowery; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Audience participation was held.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Fisher stated he attended an MDOT meeting. MDOT is putting a roundabout in at the intersection of M-20 and Summerton Rd. MDOT asked if the township would pay for lighting and landscaping for the project. The township is not interested in contributing to their project.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Fisher, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:48 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
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
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
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
April 6, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Supervisor Lowery called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Don Lowery, Fran Ash, Kurt Fisher, Bob Wetherbee
Absent: Kathy VanderKolk
MINUTES APPROVAL
Motion by by Lowery, supported by Fisher, to approve regular meeting minutes and budget meeting of March 2, 2026, and special meeting of March 3, 2026.
Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion by Ash, supported by Lowery, to approve the treasurer’s report of April 6, 2026, balance of $1,897,526.38, unavailable $1,323,190.12, and overall balance of $3,220,716.50.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Lowery, Fisher, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Audience participation was held.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TIM BEBEE
ZA Bebee was absent.
BUDGET AMENDMENTS
The Chippewa Township General Appropriations Act states that the Supervisor has the authority to make transfers among various cost centers without prior board approval and then approved at the next board meeting. The Supervisor had requested line items to be amended to wrap up the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Motion by Ash, supported by Fisher, to decrease 101-446-819.000 Road Expense by $2100.00, and increases to 101-257-710.000 FICA $100.00, 101-265-704.000 Wages $56.38, 01-265-920.000 Electric $1488.26, 101-265-930.000 Repair & Maintenance $455.36
Roll call vote—Yes: Lowery, Ash, Wetherbee, Fisher; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
2026 AUDIT
Motion by Lowery, supported by Ash, to pay Smith & Klaczkiewicz, PC $6500.00 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year audit and $500.00 for filing the F-65.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Lowery, Ash, Fisher; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
PAY THE BILLS
Motion by Lowery, supported by Fisher, to pay the bills.
Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Lowery, Fisher, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Public comment was held.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/BOARD COMMENTS
Supervisor Lowery stated the Tri-Township Fire Department was able to purchase a truck from the City of Mt Pleasant. He asked the board if the truck that it is replacing should be kept or sold. Board comments were that it might be best to sell it and use the proceeds to purchase air packs.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Lowery, supported by Fisher, to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
March 3, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Supervisor Lowery called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
Present: Don Lowery, Fran Ash, Kathy VanderKolk
Absent: Bob Wetherbee, Kurt Fisher
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
No comments
BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, to amend the following 2025-2026 budget line items:
- Decrease 101-446-819-000 Road expense $35,000
- Increase 101-211-965-000 Liability insurance $3000
- Increase 101-265-818-000 Township offices contracted services $9000
- Increase 101-266-818-000 Attorney $20,000
- Increase 101-257-702-000 Assessor wages $3000
Roll call vote—Yes: Lowery, VanderKolk, Ash; No: None.
Motion unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ash, supported by Lowery, to adjourn.
Motion approved
Meeting adjourned at 6:46 pm.
Fran Ash
Chippewa Township Clerk
