LINCOLN CHARTER TOWNSHIP
BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Synopsis October 14, 2025
THE REGULAR MEETING of the Lincoln Charter Township Board of Trustees was called to order on October 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Glenn Youngstedt at the Municipal Building, 2055 W. John Beers Rd, Stevensville, MI 49127.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Glenn Youngstedt, Treasurer Terrie Smith, Clerk Michael Brown, Trustees; Dick Stauffer, Marc Florian, and Deb Peterson.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Trustee Pheifer
CORRESPONDENCE: The board received numerous email correspondence from residents opposed to road paving in the Grand Meere region of homes. They were all compiled in one document for review by the Board of Trustees.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: A resident presented to the board that property owners compromising 53.6% of the road frontage were opposed to paving the roads in the Grand Mere region. The resident stated there was significant sentiment for the roads to remain in their current state which enhanced their community. A resident of the Grand Mere region of 42 years stated his neighbors do not want paved roads and the current roads made their neighborhood unique. The resident informed the board that the Road Department was doing an excellent job keeping the roads graded and dust free.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION CARRIED Trustee Stauffer moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson, to approve the consent agenda. Unanimous voice vote by present board members.
- Approval of minutes of the September 9th, 12th, 24th regular and special board meetings.
- Approve the 9/11//25 and 10/15/25 bills totaling $825,568.50
PRESENTATION:
Mr. Kenley Penner CPA from Plante & Moran presented the FY24-25 Audit Report.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Supervisor Youngstedt and Treasurer attended the fire chief’s graduation from Staff and Command School with the Treasurer. He has started screening candidates for the manager position. Several neighboring communities will be participating in a feasibility study for a non-motorized path along Hickory Creek. He encouraged Lincoln Township’s participation.
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Brown reported the book balances ending September 30, 2025. The revenue and expenditure reports for September were submitted to the board. Approximately 3,400 absentee ballots were mailed to residents for the special election.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Smith reported that summer tax collection was 96% completed. The Deputy Treasurer’s position is vacant with the recent resignation of the employee.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Trustee Florian advised the Planning Commission has approved the Solar Ordinance and it was referred to the County Planning Commission.
MASTER PLAN RESOLUTION: MOTION CARRIED Trustee Florian moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson to adopt the Lincoln Township Master Plan. Attachment A
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Treasurer Smith, Clerk Brown, Supervisor Youngstedt, Trustees Florian, Peterson, and Stauffer. Nays: None
FIRE REPORT: Distributed to board with 258 calls in 2025. During September the Department responded to four structure fires and six vehicle accidents. The Fire Chief was recognized for completing Staff and Command School at Eastern Michigan University.
ENGINEER REPORT: Brandon Mieras provided updates on active projects. Construction is continuing on lift station 14 with underground drilling taking place. A culvert needs to be placed under John Beers Road to prevent flooding with the new sidewalk. The Lincoln Township Beach grant should be processed with the state budget approval.
INTERIM MANAGER’S REPORT Planning underway for Brownfield Committee review of Red Arrow Bluffs application. Met with engineer and finance officer on projects and financial obligations for the next budget year. Completed a staff meeting for upcoming coverage of vacancies and project planning. Currently seeking part time administrative assistance for scheduling and assistance on projects. DPW completed painting of monument signs outside township facilities. Health care cost projections for 2026 are increasing by 13%.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
Trustee Florian requested permission to work with Township Attorney and Interim Manager on ensuring AEP fulfilled the terms of their franchise agreement removing unused utility poles. Board members agreed with consulting with the Township Attorney on the best course of action.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business Supervisor Youngstedt adjourned the meeting at 8:13 PM.