LINCOLN CHARTER TOWNSHIP
BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Synopsis March 10, 2026
THE REGULAR MEETING of the Lincoln Charter Township Board of Trustees was called to order on March 10, 2026 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, Amy Pheifer and Deb Peterson.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Marc Florian
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: A resident addressed the board about the FY 2026-27 budget and asked that the board delay approval of the budget until later in March. The board addressed his concerns about the budget deficit and the budget approval timeline. A resident addressed the board in opposition to the proposed Community Growth Alliance in partnership with the Southwest Chamber. The resident also advocated for increased public safety services in the police and fire departments. The resident also advocated for the Treasurer to return to full time status with corresponding pay. The resident provided a document to the board on these positions. Attachment A
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION CARRIED Trustee Stauffer moved, seconded by Treasurer Smith, to approve the consent agenda. Unanimous roll call vote by present board members. Legal bills from Varnum were added to the consent agenda for $83,548.50.
1. Approval of minutes of the February 24, 2026 special board meeting.
2. Approve the 2/26/2026- 3/11/2026 bills totaling $732,306.99
LIBRARY REPORT: The library is planning on being Fine Free for patrons starting April 1, 2026. The passport program has seen significant increase with residents using this service in 2026.
SEWER AND WATER AUTHORITY: Treasurer Smith briefed the board on the upcoming authority budget. She requested approval from the board as Lincoln Township’s representative to approve the authority budget.
Supervisor Youngstedt moved, supported by Trustee Pheifer to grant Treasurer Smith approval to vote for the Sewer and Water Authority Budget. Motion Carried by unanimous voice vote.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Supervisor Youngstedt attended the Southwest Chamber awards breakfast, housing workshop with the manager, and police chief interviews. He reminded the public of the exit 23 clean up dates of April 11, July 11, and September 19th.
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Brown reported the book balances and revenue and expenditure reports ending February 28, 2026. Clerk Brown reminded the board of the deadlines for local ballot questions is early May for the August election. Any resolutions on millage proposals should be voted on at the April regular board meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Smith reported interest earned to date in this fiscal year is $456,292.88.
MANAGER’S REPORT: Ms. Dominguez previously reviewed the budget for the board and public. Ms. Dominguez reviewed the letter of support for the formation of Regional Transportation Authority.
Clerk Brown moved, supported by Trustee Pheifer to approve the letter to the Berrien County Commission Transit Committee. Motion Carried by unanimous voice vote. Attachment B
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING: Trustee Peterson moved supported by Trustee Pheifer to conduct a public hearing on the FY 2026-27 budget. Motion Carried by unanimous voice vote.
Manager Kacey Dominguez reviewed the budget with the public and board. Various projects were discussed as well as the decrease in general fund balance for the last two years. Board members and the manager commented the next fiscal year budget will be much lower.
REVIEW FY 2026-27 BUDGET RESOLUTION: Board members reviewed the budget resolution and recommended revenues and expenditures. Trustee Pheifer and Treasurer Smith requested an additional meeting to review and approve the budget. Supervisor Youngstedt scheduled the meeting on March 26, 2026.
APPROVAL OF TOWNSHIP OFFICER SALARY RESOLUTION #26-3: MOTION CARRIED Clerk Brown moved, supported by Trustee Peterson to approve the township officers’ salaries effective April 1, 2026. Attachment C.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Treasurer Smith, Clerk Brown, Supervisor Youngstedt, Trustees Pheifer, Peterson, and Stauffer. Nays: None
APPROVAL OF OPIOID SETTLEMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: MOTION CARRIED Treasurer Smith moved, supported by Trustee Peterson, to approve a MOU with Berrien County and Lincoln Charter Township transferring $47,621 to Berrien County for Opioid Settlement Fund Collaboration. Attachment D
Motion Carried by unanimous voice vote.
APPROVAL OF ANNUAL EXEMPTION PUBLIC ACT 152 RESOLUTION #26-2: MOTION CARRIED Supervisor Youngstedt moved, supported by Trustee Stauffer to adopt the annual exemption for Lincoln Charter Township for Public Act 152 requirements. Attachment E.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Treasurer Smith, Clerk Brown, Supervisor Youngstedt, Trustees Peterson, and Stauffer. Nays: Pheifer
APPROVAL OF SNOW PLOW PURCHASE: MOTION CARRIED Trustee Peterson moved, supported by Clerk Brown, to approve the purchase of a snow plow for DPW for the cost of $10,286.
Motion Carried by unanimous voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MODIFICATION OF SEWER BILL FOR 5388 RED ARROW HIGHWAY: Clerk Brown moved, supported by Trustee Stauffer to modify a sewer/water bill for the property owner. The bill was reduced to $2,103.25.
Motion Carried by unanimous voice vote.
APPROVAL OF HIRING RECOMMENDATION FOR POLICE CHIEF: Clerk Brown moved, supported by Treasurer Smith to approve the committee recommendation of Sgt. David Burrow as the new Lincoln Township Police Department Police Chief.
Motion Carried by unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: A resident commented that they didn’t think the township needed a full-time fire department and the calls for service are artificially inflated. They also said the current fire chief is causing problems with neighboring fire departments like Royalton Township and mutual aid agreements.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business Supervisor Youngstedt adjourned the meeting at 9:13 PM.