LINCOLN CHARTER TOWNSHIP
BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Synopsis March 11, 2025
THE REGULAR MEETING of the Lincoln Charter Township Board of Trustees was called to order on March 11, 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; Marc Florian, Deb Peterson, Amy Pheifer, and Dick Stauffer.
PUBLIC HEARING: Trustee Peterson moved supported by Trustee Stauffer to go into a public hearing to discuss and present the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. Manager Ralph Bansen presented the budget highlights and significant projects the Township will be undertaking. The board exited the Public Hearing and resumed the meeting agenda.
BUDGET RESOLUTION #25-5 MOTION CARRIED Clerk Brown moved, seconded by Trustee Stauffer, a Resolution to Adopt the Annual Budget and to set 2025 Millage Rates Pursuant to the General Appropriations Act. Attachment A
TOWNSHIP OFFICER SALARY RESOLUTION #25-8 MOTION CARRIED Trustee Florian, seconded by Trustee Pheifer, a Resolution to Establish Township Officers Salary. The resolution increased the salary for Trustees and the Treasurer. Attachment B
LIBRARY REPORT: The Library Director, Joelle Wake, reported upcoming events at the library and circulation. She reported they are working on their 2025-26 budget and there were various upcoming spring garden activities at the library.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Supervisor Youngstedt provided information on the Hickory Creek Trails resolution; the township trash passes available March 24, 2025 for four Saturdays in April. He also viewed a slag road material for potential use on roads. Exit 23 clean up dates are April 12, July 12, and September 20th. The supervisor would like to start a property beautification recognition program and start painting the fire hydrants in May.
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT HICKORY CREEK TRAILS: #25-7 MOTION CARRIED Supervisor Youngstedt, seconded by Trustee Stauffer, a Resolution to support the development of water and hiking trails where there is landowner cooperation and consent. Attachment C
CLERK’S REPORT:
1. Approval of minutes for the February 11, 2025 regular meeting, February 19, 2025 special meeting, February 25, 2025 special meeting, and February 19, 2025 closed meeting minutes.
2. Approve the 02/13/25 and 3/12/25 bills from the following funds. A $38,045.51 bill from the City of St. Joseph was added to the Sewer Operating account. Total Bills $1,319,616.69
Clerk Brown reported the balances for February across the township funds. Totaling $26,085,405.55
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Smith submitted a report to the board of the total interest earned on investments across the township funds through February 2025. To date earnings were $457,756.32. The Treasurer’s office is finalizing the 2024 tax collections and disbursements.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Trustee Florian advised the Planning Commission would be conducting a public hearing on April 7, 2025 for the re-zoning of two properties from Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) to High Density Residential (HD) made by applicant Great Lakes Capital, LLC.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT: Distributed to the Board by email. Forty-Six veterans have filed for the exemption of property taxes. One hardship exemption application for 2025 was received.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT REPORT: In 2025, total construction permits for Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural and Residential districts estimated total values are at $732,665. In 2024, total construction values were $1,056,135.
FIRE REPORT: Distributed to board along with the policy drafted by the Fire Chief on physical fitness re-imbursement.
PARKS REPORT: Several projects were funded in the 2025-26 budget to improve fields and facilities in the various parks. The restrooms are open at the Community Center Park.
ENGINEER REPORT: Brandon Mieras provided updates on projects including: lining the sewer pipes, John Beers sidewalk project, Roosevelt non-motorized path, Lincoln Township Beach, and applying for a DNR grant for restrooms at Lincoln Township Beach.
WATER/SEWER AUTHORITY: Treasurer Smith reported that the combined Water Services Joint Operating Board Authority denied the meter upgrade for this year. A possible water increase is being considered with the improvements being made by the City of St. Joseph.
MANAGER’S REPORT: He updated the board on a sewer back up issue on Red Arrow Highway at the All-Eyes business. He previously presented the budget highlights and was working with staff to have budget amendments ready for a late March special meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: A resident inquired on the amount of legal fees paid on the litigation with St. Joseph Township over the Maiden Lane Sewer. The Township Manager informed the resident the information was available and to contact him.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS: Trustee Pheifer inquired why the fire vehicle driven by the Chief had no official markings or logo.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business Supervisor Youngstedt adjourned the meeting at 8:37 pm.
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