LINCOLN CHARTER TOWNSHIP
BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Synopsis May 13, 2025
THE REGULAR MEETING of the Lincoln Charter Township Board of Trustees was called to order on May 13, 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, and Amy Pheifer.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Trustee Dick Stauffer
CORRESPONDENCE: Email from a township property owner regarding elimination of their ADA parking with John Beers sidewalk construction. Owner requesting township provide replacement parking to satisfy ADA requirements and loss of parking by sidewalk construction. Property location is at 2240 W. John Beers Road. Attachment A
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: A resident requested the township monitor and enforce the requirement for non-motorized transportation on the Roosevelt Path. They stated they had witnessed golf carts, electric scooters, and bicycles travelling on the path. A township resident asked if the lawsuit with St. Joseph Charter Township on the sewer system was closer to getting resolved. Board members commented that the township had just received the data regarding water and sewer usage for the region and were in the process of reviewing the water and sewer data.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION CARRIED Clerk Brown moved, seconded by Trustee Pheifer, to approve the consent agenda. Unanimous voice vote by present board members.
1. Approval of minutes April 8, 2025 regular meeting.
2. Approve the 4/28/25 and 5/14/25 bills totaling $405,810.78.
LIBRARY REPORT: The Library Director, Joelle Wake, reported circulation of 13,748 and the library received a $10,000 grant to improve services to children with disabilities and older adults.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Supervisor Youngstedt reported the John Beers sidewalk project is on schedule. AT&T will be working to cleanup/remove old copper line boxes on the right of way and fire hydrant painting is starting. On May 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM a dedication of the improved Veterans Section at the Lincoln Township Cemetery will occur. The township hosted with the Chief Executive Officer luncheon on May 9, 2025. Supervisor Youngstedt advised the County Planning Commission approved the township planning commission request to re-zone a 10.59-acre property from Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) to High Density Residential (HD) made by applicant Great Lakes Capital, LLC.
Trustee Florian moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson, a motion to conduct a public hearing on the request for a zoning ordinance change for Great Lakes Capital LLC at the regularly scheduled board meeting on June 10, 2025
Voice Vote: Unanimous voice vote by all present board members.
RIDGE ROAD SPEED STUDY RESOLUTION #25-10 MOTION CARRIED Trustee Pheifer moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson, a Resolution authorizing the Berrien County Road Department and the Michigan State Police to conduct a speed study on Ridge Road. Attachment B
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Treasure Smith, Clerk Brown, Supervisor Youngstedt, Trustees Florian, Peterson, and Pheifer. Nays: None.
WASHINGTON ROAD SPEED STUDY RESOLUTION #25-11 MOTION CARRIED Trustee Pheifer moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson, a Resolution authorizing the Berrien County Road Department and the Michigan State Police to conduct a speed study on Washington Road. Attachment C
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Treasure Smith, Clerk Brown, Supervisor Youngstedt, Trustees Florian, Peterson, and Pheifer. Nays: None.
GLENLORD ROAD SPEED STUDY RESOLUTION #25-12 MOTION CARRIED Trustee Pheifer moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson, a Resolution authorizing the Berrien County Road Department and the Michigan State Police to conduct a speed study on Glenlord Road. Attachment
D
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Treasure Smith, Clerk Brown, Supervisor Youngstedt, Trustees Florian, Peterson, and Pheifer. Nays: None.
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Brown reported the book balances will be reported at the June board meeting as the financial officer is uploading the new budget.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Smith reported that the township can take credit card or debit payments for all township business. The interest report will be submitted at the June 10th board meeting and the audit will be starting June 2, 2025.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Trustee Florian advised the Planning Commission will be having a public hearing on June 2, 2025 on the master plan and the solar ordinance is under review by the township attorney.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT REPORT: In 2025, total construction (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) permits for Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural and Residential districts estimated total values are at $10,974,725.
FIRE REPORT: Distributed to board with 86 calls in 2025. The Fire Chief reviewed the major assets and fire engine replacement time frames and finances with the board. Fire Chief Chiarello completed this at the Fire Staff and Command course. The Fire Chief also discussed the dispatch protocol fire departments and was pushing for changes to ensure prompt dispatch. Attachment E
PARKS REPORT: The fence at the soccer complex is fixed. The Splash Pad will be open closer to Memorial Day, a lacrosse tournament just concluded with 1,000 visitors. Family Fun Day will be held this year on September 13, 2025.
ENGINEER REPORT: The John Beers Road sidewalk project is on schedule for completion the end of May, bids for the Lincoln Township Beach project will be in the MDOT July 11, 2025 bid package. All permits have been received for lift station 14.
WATER/SEWER AUTHORITY REPORT: Treasurer Smith provided the board the proposed budget for the Sewer and Water Authority. No action taken until the board could review the budget and address at the June meeting.
MANAGER’S REPORT: Manager Bansen provided updates on the John Beers sidewalk project, Memorial Day Parade, and was working on obtaining a traffic control order for illegal parking at exit 22. He participated in the meeting with EGLE, residents and the Drain Commission on North Lake water levels.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: A township resident presented their email that was sent to township officials requesting replacement parking to satisfy ADA requirements. The parking loss was the result of sidewalk construction on John Beers Road public road right of way. The resident stated in a previous re-model he was required by the building department to be ADA compliant. With the sidewalk construction his parking is no longer compliant. The board directed the township manager to review the request with the township engineer, and building department for a recommendation.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS: Trustee Pheifer requested the board sign thank you cards for a resident who improved the landscaping at the Police Department. Trustee Florian requested the executive committee complete objectives for the Township Manager and conduct a six month and twelve-month review. Trustee Florian commented that AEP has not removed old utility poles contrary to the franchise agreement. He requested follow up with AEP with the locations of poles that no longer are being used and advocate for their quick removal.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business Supervisor Youngstedt adjourned the meeting at 8:22 pm.
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Michael A. Brown, Clerk
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Glenn Youngstedt, Supervisor
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