The Docket · Government Meeting · DKT-2026-001123

On the agenda: Newberry 7-14-2026 Regular Meeting Board Packet — license plate reader (Jul 14)

Past ⚠ Agenda Watch Newberry, Michigan · Tuesday, July 14, 2026 — 4 months ago

About this record

The published agenda for the July 14, 2026 meeting contains: "license plate reader". The meeting has passed. The agenda stays here as a permanent public record.

WhenTuesday, July 14, 2026
Check the agenda document for the meeting time.

WhereNewberry, Michigan

Body7-14-2026 Regular Meeting Board Packet

Money$39,089.25 was at stake

On the record“license plate reader”

The agenda, word for word

Government public record — the full text of the published document, archived September 20, 2026. Gold highlighting of key terms is ours, not the original’s. Read the original document ↗

29 pages · scroll to read

Page 1 of 29

PENTLAND TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
JULY 14, 2026
Tonight’s meeting will begin after the Township’s Election Commission (Supervisor, Treasurer, and Clerk) has
a very brief meeting about next month’s election as required by law.

Call to Order and Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Changes to the Agenda
Brief Public Comment
Approval of Minutes
Approval of Bills
Treasurer’s Report
New Business:
• Our new insurance rep Dustin will be here Monday, 8/10 at 1pm.
o Does anyone want to meet with him beside me? (Checking in case we have to post
a special meeting).
o Nope, he can’t make our Board meeting Tuesday night, 8/11 – already booked.
• Anything else?
Old Business:
• Hall roof – Jon & Shaun
• Wastewater update
• Future Hall Bookings
• Liquor Inspection Reports
• Water and Sewer Updates
• Open for Other Reports
• Communications
Extended Public Comment
Next Regular Meeting – Tuesday, August 11, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Adjournment
Page 1 of 1

Version 7/13/2026 4:41:00 PM

Page 2 of 29

PENTLAND TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
June 9, 2026
Tonight’s meeting was held at the Pentland Township Hall: 15474 M-28, Newberry, MI 49868.
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Supervisor Janet Maki.
Board members present: Treasurer Jon Brown, Trustee Jeff Dunbar, Supervisor Janet Maki,
Clerk Greg Rathje, and Trustee Roxanna Transit. Absent: none.
Also present: Utilities Superintendent Shaun Reed, Luce County Sheriff Eric Gravelle, Mike
McTiver from the Luce County Road Commission, Jack Thomas, and Sterling McGinn from the
Newberry News.
Under changes to tonight’s agenda, the Board added one item to new business: the Public Safety
Revenue Sharing funds.
Under brief public comment, Sheriff Gravelle provided several updates about the department,
including an upcoming renewal of a millage for the department, additional millages that might
happen in the next few years, and good news that Tahquamenon Area Schools was able to renew
its grant for funding the School Resource Officer position in the school.
The Board thanked Sheriff Gravelle for his time and his department’s service to our community.
Mike McTiver, head of the Luce County Road Commission, was put on the agenda to continue a
discussion from last November about road funding and possible projects in our township.
He gave an extensive review of the Road Commission’s current and future funding. The bottom
line is that there should be money available for road work in Pentland next year. If the township
could contribute any funds, that would increase the amount of work that could be done here.
The Board discussed funding and possible projects. Because many funding items are not yet
settled, everyone agreed to continue this conversation further in the fall. The deadline for
picking projects and what, if any, funding the township could share is roughly December or
January.
The Board thanked Mr. McTiver for coming and his services to our community.
Clerk Rathje presented the minutes of the May 8 special meeting and May 12 regular meeting.
Motion by Brown, seconded by Transit, to approve these minutes. Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The bills were presented by Clerk Rathje.
Motion by Transit, seconded by Dunbar, to approve the following five routine items in one
motion:

Page 1 of 5

June 9, 2026

Page 3 of 29

1. General Fund check numbers 6610 through 6611, per Pentland Township’s “Post
Audit” policy. (This policy explains how bills are paid between meetings)
2. General Fund check numbers 6612 and 6641 for payment today.
3. Sewer Fund check numbers 3122 through 3123 for payments approved today.
4. Water Fund check number 6206 for payments approved today.
5. Transfer $39,089.25 from First National Bank of St. Ignace’s Municipal Account to the
Checking Account.
The vote on all of the above items - Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Treasurer Brown.
In addition to his written report, Treasurer Brown discussed how things are going for the summer
tax bills.
Motion by Rathje, seconded by Transit, to receive the Treasurer’s Report. Ayes: all.
Motion carried.
The Board then moved to New Business.
The first item was about money the township received from the state’s Public Safety Revenue
Sharing fund.
This is a new line item in the state budget, and the township received $2,365.00.
Because of how the law is written, there is nothing the township can use it for. Three-quarters of
the money must be spent on a law enforcement agency, which the township does not have. The
remaining quarter may be spent on another public safety agency, like an ambulance service or
fire department.
Motion by Rathje, seconded by Transit, to distribute 75% of the funds the township received to
the Luce County Sheriff, and the remaining 25% to the Newberry Fire Department.
There was unanimous consent that the money going to the fire department was a gift, and not a
pre-payment for the township’s share of operating the fire department.
Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The township then moved to a proposed easement for one of the township’s sewer lift stations –
in this case, the lift station in the Industrial Park on the southwest corner of County Road 428
and County Road 392.
Last month the Board asked the township attorney, Craig Rolfe, to prepare an easement that
protects the township’s interest in the lift station. The parcel is owned by Luce County. It is the
hope that this parcel will be eventually sold to a business coming to the area and help our local
economy. This easement protects the township’s interest in the lift station, regardless of who the
future owner might be.
Page 2 of 5

June 9, 2026

Page 4 of 29

The proposed easement was reviewed by Supervisor Maki, Utilities Superintendent Reed, and
Clerk Rathje.
Motion by Maki, seconded by Brown, to approve the easement. Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The easement now goes to the Luce County Board of Commissioners for their consideration.
The Board then heard a brief update from Clerk Rathje about several technological items,
including moving the township’s phone lines to “VoIP”, and the purchase of new computers.
There was no action taken on this item.
The township then held a thoughtful discussion about last week’s meeting of the Fire Committee.
The fire department is owned and operated by the Village of Newberry. There is an agreement
in place between the Village, McMillan Township and Pentland Township, where each entity
pays one-third of the cost of operating the department. A committee of representatives from all
three entities meets at least once a year to discuss the budget. Last week there was a special
meeting of this group to discuss a proposed new fire engine. Trustee Transit and Clerk Rathje
attended this meeting.
The meeting was a presentation by a company that would like to sell a fire truck to the fire
department. It would cost about $835,000, with a $550,000 down payment due now.
The group discussed the pros and cons of this engine, and the challenges of finding the money at
this time. The Village would have to take out a loan, and it was uncertain if McMillan Township
would be able to find the money too.
There was unanimous consent for Trustee Transit and Treasurer Brown to contact the Village
Manager and discuss options for grant writing and working with the state and federal
governments for a line item to be included in the state budget.
There was no further action taken on this issue.
The Board then moved on to Old Business, starting with the township hall’s roof.
Treasurer Brown and Superintendent Reed reported that a request for proposals has been
prepared for construction and engineering firms to consider. That will be going out shortly.
Trustee Transit asked Clerk Rathje to contact our insurance company about submitting an
insurance claim for ice damage to the roof this winter. Clerk Rathje said he will do so.
The Board then moved on to the next item of old business.
Clerk Rathje reported on several items regarding wastewater since the Board’s last meeting.

Page 3 of 5

June 9, 2026

Page 5 of 29

Our attorney sent an email to the Village’s attorney, letting them know that we cannot proceed
with our wastewater project. That notice was announced at the Village council meeting on
Tuesday, May 19.
The Newberry News ran a story about the Village’s announcement. That article with our
attorneys and engineer.
The newspaper article reported that Village attorney will reach out to ours to talk about the rate
study the Village is already working on. So, we are waiting to hear from the Village attorney. As
of this morning – no word yet.
This process is laid out in the consent order both sides signed in 2024, which discussed what
happens if the township could not proceed with a wastewater facility.
The board reviewed several upcoming hall bookings.
Clerk Rathje reported the township received liquor inspection reports from the Sheriff’s
Department last month. All of the establishments inspected were scored “good”.
Our new Utilities Superintendent Shaun Reed gave a thorough report on the township’s water
and wastewater systems. The Board appreciated Mr. Reed’s efforts in keeping the township’s
utility systems working well.
Clerk Rathje shared several items of correspondence for the Board tonight.
Recently there was a craft show that rented the township hall. The event’s organizer contacted
Clerk Rathje if it was ok to have a food truck in the parking lot to serve attendees.
Clerk Rathje said he wasn’t aware of any issues with this, and that he’d share this with the Board
at their June meeting to discuss before another event asks to have a food truck present.
After discussion, there was unanimous consent that having a food truck in the hall’s parking lot
when events are held at the hall is fine.
The Board then went into closed session to consider a written legal opinion from Township
Attorney Craig Rolfe.
Motion by Rathje, second by Transit, for the Township Board to meet in closed session to
consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute - in this case, a
written legal opinion from attorney Craig Rolfe, per MCL 15.268(h).
As part of this motion, Utilities Superintendent Shaun Reed was invited to join the Board during
this closed session.
Per state law, there was a roll call vote on this motion:
Brown – Yes, Dunbar – Yes, Maki – Yes, Rathje – Yes, and Transit – Yes.

Page 4 of 5

June 9, 2026

Page 6 of 29

The vote was five in the affirmative, and none opposed. The motion was passed.
At approximately 8:14 pm the township board entered closed session.
At approximately 8:28 pm, it was moved by Rathje, seconded by Brown, for the Township
Board to end its closed session and resume the open session. Ayes: All. Motion carried.
After the closed session, the Board proceeded to consider a single motion.
Motion by Rathje, seconded by Brown, to authorize Township Engineer Jamie Burton to contact
the Village of Newberry to discuss the rate the study the Village already had underway, and for
both attorneys Craig Rolfe and Joe Colaianne to be available to help Mr. Burton in his efforts.
It is also the sense of the Board that it will revisit this topic in the near future.
Ayes: All. Motion carried.
There was no extended public comment.
The next regular meeting of the township board is Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the
Pentland Township Hall.
Motion by Brown, seconded by Dunbar, to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 pm.

____________________________
Gregory Rathje
Pentland Township Clerk

Page 5 of 5

____________________________
Janet Maki
Pentland Township Supervisor

June 9, 2026

Page 7 of 29

JULY 2026 MONTHLY BILLS
CHECK # PAYEE

AMOUNT

Last updated July 12, 2026
DESCRIPTION

Gen. Fund

Sewer Fund

Water Fund

General Fund checks paid ahead of time: (legally known as "post audit" payments)
6642
6643
6644
6645
6646
6647

Burbach Sales & Service
Clark Hill
Luce County Sheriff
Ace Hardware
Village of Newberry
Visa
Total

$ 1,878.58 6/18 Truck repairs
$ 2,908.60 6/18 Wastewater legal help
$ 1,773.75 6/18 Public Safety Revenue Sharing - 75%
$
73.95 6/18 Parts for sewer and water funds
$
591.25 6/18 Public Safety Revenue Sharing - 25%
$ 2,778.81 6/18 Fuel, office supplies, tools, and more
$ 10,004.94

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

626.20
1,773.75
591.25
396.74
3,387.94

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

626.19
2,908.60
36.98
1,177.26
4,749.03

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

626.19
36.97
1,204.81
1,867.97

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

1,136.47
114.66
276.08
3,232.62
22.73
5.80
1,322.86
813.32
668.70
243.85
7,837.09

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
.
$
$
$
$
$

25.62
701.48
107.32
813.32
668.70
2,316.44

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

222.13
701.48
101.73
2,439.97
668.70
4,134.01

$
$
$
$

2,159.47
178.50
471.60
2,809.57

$
$
$
$

648.79
116.11
764.90

$
$
$
$

1,093.20
182.51
1,275.71

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

199.86
37.13
2,407.28
263.79
282.05
821.05
643.98
100.00
731.08
100.00
61.50
-

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

310.48
37.12
263.79
712.00
295.00
30.75
110.22

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

310.48
37.12
263.79
1,059.74
60.00
295.00
30.75
110.22

15.00 $

3,900.00 $

240.42 $

$
$
$
$
$

100.00
80.00
2.90
-

604.00
20.30
6,600.00

$
$
$
$
$

20.30
-

618.37 $

191.19 $

191.20

10,589.41 $

9,189.85 $

2,378.60

21,236.07 $

12,271.19 $

7,788.32

General Fund checks to be paid today:
Payroll:
6648 Jonathan Brown
$ 1,136.47 Treasurer and 2.0 hours non-stat duties
6649 Deborah Burbach
$
114.66 Deputy Treasurer - 0 mtg & 0.75 hrs
6650 AJ Downey
$
247.75 Outgoing utilities superintendent - 8.5 hours
6651 Jeff Dunbar
$
276.08 Trustee and 2.0 hours non-stat duties
6652 Janet Maki
$ 3,232.62 Supervisor & Assessor
6653 Christie Overland
$
22.73 Hall custodian - 1.33 hrs
6654 Jerry Overland
$ 1,402.96 Labor - Utilities - 81.0 hrs
6655 Christine Rathje
$
5.80 Deputy Clerk - 0 mtg and 0 hrs
6656 Gregory Rathje
$ 1,531.91 Clerk 0.40 hrs wastewater & 11.98 hrs non-stat. duties
6657 Shaun Reed
$ 4,066.62 Utilities Superintendent w/health ins. payment
6658 Terrie Slack
$ 2,006.10 Admin Assistant - 112.8 hours
6659 Roxanna Transit
$
243.85 Trustee
Total Payroll
$ 14,287.55
Remittances:
EFT148 US Government
$ 3,901.46 Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Fed.Tax/FICA/SocSec
6660 Michigan State Disbursement $
178.50 Child support
6661 Michigan Dept. of Treasury $
770.22 State Withholding
Total Remittances
$ 4,850.18
Accounts Payable:
6662 AT&T
$
820.82 Phone bill
6663 AT&T Mobility
$
111.37 Broadband for utility office
6664 Blue Cross/Blue Shield
$ 2,407.28 Healthcare premium
6665 Burbach Sales & Service
$
791.37 U-joint and oil change on truck
6666 Choice Propane
$
282.05 Hall heating
6667 Cloverland Electric
$ 2,592.79 Electric bill
6668 Election Source
$
643.98 AV supplies (two invoices)
6669 Hanson, Valerie
$
100.00 Hall refund
6670 KCI
$
731.08 Summer tax bills
6671 LMAS
$
60.00 Water testing
6672 Michigan Rural Water Assoc. $
590.00 Annual dues
6673 Michigan Township Assoc.
$
100.00 Election webinar for the clerk
6674 National Office Products
$
123.00 Case of paper for hall
6675 Newberry Ace
$
220.44 Parts for sewer and water systems
Color copies - easement map (sewer liftstation) for county
6676 Newberry News
$
15.00
commissioners
6677 Pentland Utilities
$ 3,900.00 Hydrant Rental
174.7 miles at 72.5¢/mile ($129.66), two box fans for hall
($72.08), batteries for hall clocks ($7.83), labels for AV
6678 Rathje, Greg
$
240.42
voters ($20.75) & postage for 2nd quarter 941 ($9.70) and
two overseas voters ($3.40).
6679 Robinson Sharolynn
$
100.00 Hall refund
6680 Rolfe, Craig
$
604.00 All wastewater
6681 Security Benefit
$
80.00 457 Plan
6682 Slack, Terrie
$
43.50 60 miles at 72.5¢/mile
6683 Village of Newberry
$ 6,600.00 Monthly sewer treatment bill
Gas, stamps for clerk & av ballots, regular & heavy duty
6684 Visa
$ 1,000.76
staplers for clerk, broadband, & monitor for treasurer.
Total Accounts Payable
$ 22,157.86
Grand Total for today
(checks 6648 thru 6684)

Last printed 7/13/2026 4:22 PM

<-- This amount will be transferred from General Fund's Money
$ 41,295.59
Market to Checking for today's payroll, remittances, and bills.

FLIP OVER!!

$
$
$
$
$

Page 1 of 2

Page 8 of 29

JULY 2026 MONTHLY BILLS
Last updated July 12, 2026
AMOUNT
DESCRIPTION
Sewer Fund Checks (post audit and today)
3124 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 4,749.03 6/18 Post audit bills
3125 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 2,319.08 Repay General Fund Advance
3126 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 12,271.19 Repay General Fund for today's bills
Water Fund Checks (post audit and today)
6207 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 1,867.97 6/18 Post audit bills
6208 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 7,788.32 Repay General Fund for today's bills

CHECK # PAYEE

Last printed 7/13/2026 4:22 PM

FLIP OVER!!

Gen. Fund

Sewer Fund

Water Fund

$
$
$

4,749.03 $
2,319.08 $
12,271.19 $

7,788.32

Page 2 of 2

Page 9 of 29

FY 2024 - today General Fund Repayment Status
(to repay monies advanced to the Sewer Fund)

Date
11/12/2013

Sewer
Fund Check
#

Amount

Balance
343,000.00 $

Paid back
so far
-

Note
Starting balance in 2013 (thirteen!)

3/31/2024

na
na

3/31/2024

(926.27) $

3/31/2024

(170,000.00) $

4/16/2024

3068

2,465.50 $

5/14/2024

3070

1,821.77 $

6/11/2024

3072

2,091.96 $

7/9/2024

3074

1,613.88 $

8/13/2024

3076

1,898.45 $

9/10/2024

3078

3,559.70 $

10/8/2024

3080

3,083.74 $

11/12/2024

3083

2,743.23 $

12/10/2024

3085

2,790.98 $

1/14/2025

3087

2,632.25 $

2/11/2025

3089

3,619.72 $

3/11/2025

3091

2,552.90 $

4/8/2025

3094

2,878.01 $

5/13/2025

3096

2,612.41 $

6/10/2025

3098

2,769.67 $

7/8/2025

3100

3,263.43 $

8/12/2025

3102

3,223.71 $

9/9/2025

3104

4,943.12 $

10/14/2025

3106

3,108.94 $

11/11/2025

3108

2,975.35 $

12/9/2025

3110

2,089.35 $

1/13/2026

3112

3,027.54 $

2/10/2026

3114

2,965.95 $

3/10/2026

3116

3,010.27 $

4/14/2026

3118

2,907.99 $

5/12/2026

3120

2,869.96 $

6/9/2026

3122

3,148.06 $

201,938.70 $ 311,987.57 For April 2026
198,790.64 $ 315,135.63 For May 2025

7/14/2026

3125

2,319.08 $

196,471.56 $ 317,454.71 For June 2026

104,532.21 $ 238,467.79 Ending balance FY 2023 - 2024
105,458.48 $ 238,467.79 Audit adjustment
275,458.48 $ 238,467.79 Additional loan
272,992.98 $ 240,933.29 For March 2024
271,171.21 $ 242,755.06 For April 2024
269,079.25 $ 244,847.02 For May 2024
267,465.37 $ 246,460.90 For June 2024
265,566.92 $ 248,359.35 For July 2024
262,007.22 $ 251,919.05 For August 2024
258,923.48 $ 255,002.79 For September 2024
256,180.25 $ 257,746.02 For October 2024
253,389.27 $ 260,537.00 For November 2024
250,757.02 $ 263,169.25 For December 2024
247,137.30 $ 266,788.97 For January 2025
244,584.40 $ 269,341.87 For Febuary 2025
241,706.39 $ 272,219.88 For March 2025
239,093.98 $ 274,832.29 For April 2025
236,324.31 $ 277,601.96 For May 2025
233,060.88 $ 280,865.39 For June 2025
229,837.17 $ 284,089.10 For July 2025
224,894.05 $ 289,032.22 For August 2025
221,785.11 $ 292,141.16 For September 2025
218,809.76 $ 295,116.51 For October 2024
216,720.41 $ 297,205.86 For November 2025
213,692.87 $ 300,233.40 For December 2025
210,726.92 $ 303,199.35 For January 2026
207,716.65 $ 306,209.62 For Febuary 2026
204,808.66 $ 309,117.61 For March 2026

Background:
-Over the years, the township's sewer fund borrowed money from the township's general fund.
-Starting in late 2013, home customers begain paying a $5.20 monthly charge to repay this loan (commercial customers and
larger residential customers pay $5.20 for every 4,000 gallons of sewer).
-Starting April 2016, these charges were deposited into its own bank account. Which is why the amount paid out above is
different than the "sewer repay" bank account in the Treasurer's Report. The first several years of payments were
deposited into the General Fund's money market account.
-In May 2024, the township board added an additional $170,000 to this amount to pay off the 2024 sewer lawsuit.
-The loan is expected to be paid off by 2033 (perhaps sooner). When paid off, this monthly charge ends.
7/13/2026 4:34 PM

Page 10 of 29

Pentland Township Treasurer
Fund Report as of 06/30/2026
#0443 Business Checking
1st.Nat'l
Beg.Balance
$
8,600.00
Credits
Interest 0.00%
Debits
Ending Balance
#1790 General Fund Mun.MMkt
1st.Nat'l
Beg.Balance
$ 464,177.69
Credits
Interest 1.11%
Debits
Ending Balance
#3408 Municipal MMkt.(Repay)
1st.Nat'l
Beg.Balance
$ 272,126.02
Credits
Interest 1.11%
Debits
Ending Balance
#8616 Sewer Municipal Checking
Nicolet
Beg.Balance
$ 71,737.76
Credits
Interest 1.00%
Debits
Ending Balance
#8013
Water Municipal Checking
Nicolet
Beg.Balance
$
Credits
Interest 1.00%
Debits
Ending Balance

$
$

54,583.60
$

$
$

14,099.53

468,232.49

275,522.21

65,590.25

63,658.86

887,103.34

2,000.22

(54,583.60)

15,049.90
29.15
$

(21,226.56)

61,382.93
$
$

11,517.25
27.19
$

(9,268.51)

Total Cash

#0481
Tax Municipal Checking
Nicolet
Beg.Balance
Credits
Interest 0.01%
Debits
Ending Balance

3,148.06
248.13
$

$
$

(49,084.07)

58,230.94
407.46
$

$
$

Page 1 of 2

2,000.20
$
$

0.02
$

Page 11 of 29

Pentland Township Treasurer
Fund Report as of 06-30-26
9 Mo Sewer Fund CD
Nicolet Maturity Date 10/11/2026

Page 2 of 2

#2596

Beg.Balance
Credits
Term 3 month APY Interest 3.60%
Debits
Ending Balance

9 Mo Rainy Day CD
Nicolet Maturity Date 12/02/2026

Issue Date 01/11/2024 & Last Renewal 01/11/2026
34,169.58
$
$
$

34,169.58

#5689

Beg.Balance
Credits
Term 3 month APY Interest 3.49%
Debits
Ending Balance

#7392-300 12 Mo GFund Fire Truck CD
TACU Maturity Date 03/02/2027

Beg.Balance
Credits
Term 6 month APY Interest 4.04%
Debits
Ending Balance

Issue Date 03/02/2026 & Last Renewal 00/00/0000
99,563.13
$
-

99,563.13

Issue Date 02/27/2025 & Last Renewal 03/02/2026
287,068.75
$
$
$
$

287,068.75

Total Investments

Total Cash & Investments (excluding Tax Collection Account )

$ 1,307,904.80

420,801.46

Page 12 of 29

July 14, 2026 Infrastructure/ Facilities Report
Clerical
56 Miss Digs with 21 requiring marking. 0 Emergency. (7 reg hours labor).
Meters read on 7/01, Bills sent 7/02.
Summer watering program started 6/01
2 delinquents shut off being managed.
June water sample tests performed 6/22, No Discrepancies
June Baci samples scheduled for 7/20.
Sensus integration is 85% & auto read is complete. Erico Electric Working on Lift station radios now.
Waiting on new computers for system changeover.
Stripping and coating of tower #1 by St. Germain will be preformed the week of Sept. 7th

Breakdowns
1) Well #1 Diaphragm failure. Working with crane on a timeframe to replace both well houses with
VFD. UPDATE!!! Electronics have been installed in both well houses just waiting on setting a
time for pump installation.
2)

Leaks on abandoned lines by prison (3 lines of the 11 found have been capped 7/12) Resuming
exploration soon after flushing the system.

Old industrial park lift pump replacement quote. Labor, Equipment and Materials to:
COST $8,930 (Both Check Valves)

Pentland Hall roof needs attention

Procurement requests:
ShelterLogic garage in a box to replace the one destroyed by winds last year. $950.
New Discussion:

Old Discussion:
Hall Roof

Page 13 of 29

Pentland Township Supervisor’s Report July 2026

July Board of Review: Tuesday, after the third Monday in July or July 21 is the official day for
July BOR to correct clerical errors. I would like to schedule BOR for noon on July 21nd. I have
mailed a letter to board members.
Principal Exemption Deadline of June 1st: The filing deadline for townships who collect the 18
mills school operating with the summer collecting is June 1. Luce County collects the 18 mills
school operating in the summer collection. Counties collecting these mills on the winter tax bills
have until Nov 1 to file a claim for the exemption.
Split approval for 2027 Rolls: I have received a land division application filed by Jack Thomas
representing Devon Quinlan for Northern Mi Properties at 13400 M-28 parcel number
004-003-012-5300 which is currently 34.9 acres in size Proposed is to sell the storage unit on 3.3 acres
The vacant remainder parcel will be 31.6 acres. There are currently 2025 delinquent taxes due on this
parcel and it should be paid within the next week. John Nutkins has provided new legals and survey for
proposed split into two parcels. Check for $100 from Devon Quinlan from Nicolet bank check number
597 was received 6-22-26
Once pre-approval is issued, deeds will need to be prepared and filed with Luce County register of deeds
with the two new legals along with the survey to get final approval to be split for 2027.

Continuing Education: Assessor must attend 16 hours of continuing education each year to
remain certified. I am scheduled to take two classes via zoom on June 14 with Shila Kiander of
the Clinton County Assessor Continuing Educations. The classes will be Everything Agriculture a
4 hour class and L-4029 a two hour class. In addition, the department of treasury also requires
all assessors to complete mandatory training “2026 STC Updates” that provides instruction on
important topics impacting assessment administration and property taxation. These classes are
4 hours and are offered via zoom by treasury staff, I was able to complete the 2025 STC
Updates via zoom the end of April.
PA 660 Audit Review: I received notification from the assessing auditor Therese Zaborowski that Luce
Counties review will take place on June 14 and should last approximately 5 minutes, she is just handing
out the review. When she checked our web site on June 28, the 7 required documents were not
uploaded to our website. These were e-mailed to be uploaded on 4-13-26. I let our clerk know and he
was able to get them uploaded on June 30. Moving forward should I just call or e-mail them myself
when I need changes to my assessor page? Or should one township official be designated for that duty?

Luce County Meeting Minutes Attached

Page 14 of 29

Regular Meeting
Luce County Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 @ 4:30 p.m.
Circuit Court Room – County Government Building
407 W. Harrie Street
Newberry, MI 49868
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Kitzman, Morrison, Rathje, Harris and Immel
ABSENT: None
GUESTS: Chuck Fossitt, Greg Rathje, Tammy Henry, Eric Gravelle, Tyler Dumas
Sara Stephenson, Nathan Bissonette, Theresa Depew, Amanda Oven
Josh Freed, Chad Peltier
The chair led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Harris upon support of Immel offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the agenda with the following additions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Add request from Luce County EDC for 2 loan approvals
Add request from Pentland Township for easement
Add request from Luce County EDC for resolution
Add discussion on maintenance flex schedule
Add discussion on Parks & Rec. income
Add discussion on the old sportsman’s club

The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Immel upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting dated May 19, 2026, as
presented.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Morrison upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to accept the treasurer’s report as presented.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Public Comment:
None
1

Page 15 of 29

The request from Judge Gibson for wage step increase for Amanda Oven of 4.2% was
tabled until the July regular meeting.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Morrison upon support of Immel offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request authorizing Luce County Child Care millage
renewal question be placed on the November 3, 2026 ballot asking voters for .5 mill.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Rathje upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request for wage increase for Chuck Fossitt with the Luce
County Parks & Rec. Department to $19.00 an hour.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Rathje upon support of Immel offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Tammy Henry, Luce County EDC Director for
loan approval for Devin Quinlan in the amount of $15,843.00
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Harris upon support of Rathje offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Tammy Henry, Luce County EDC Director for
loan approval for Travis Sumbera in the amount of $ 20,000.00
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Immel upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Pentland Township for an easement for a
township wastewater facility.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Rathje upon support of Morrison offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Tammy Henry, Luce County EDC Director for
resolution authoring the transfer of lots 10 and 11 in park 2 (new park) to the Economic

Page 16 of 29

Development Corporation of Luce County Michigan and allow Luce County EDC to
keep the proceeds.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
The Luce County Employee handbook will be reviewed by the personnel committee. The
personnel committee will then ask either union presidents or department heads to review
before bringing it back to the full board.
The board scheduled a finance meeting for 6-month review of budgets to be held on
Thursday July 16th at 4:00p.m.
Commissioner Immel addressed the issue of the old sportsman’s club and wanted to
know where we stood with it presently. The board stated they need to look into getting
the building torn down.
Commissioner Immel addressed the issue of the maintenance person having a flex
schedule. He stated the maintenance person should always notify his 2 commissioners on
the building and grounds committee of his time off and his flex hours.
Commissioner Immel addressed the issue that Parks & Rec. is going to lose a lot of
income this year due to the reservation system that was put in place with the prior parks
& Rec. staff. The new director is looking into a new system for next year.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
Correspondence sent from the Alger County Board of Commissioner regarding a letter
that was sent to LMAS Alger County Office. It sates in part as follows: The letter serves
as a formal demand from the Alger County Board of Commissioners regarding current
operation status and public accessibility. The Alger Board of Commissioners hereby
demand that the LMAS District Health Department open the Alger County building to
the public for full, in person services five days per week.
Department Head Reports:
Eric Gravelle, Luce County Sheriff stated the following: I have hired Tina Jordan to start
job training with Mary. We need to start looking into the process of replacing a patrol
vehicle. The commissioners asked to have that request placed on the July agenda.
Tyler Dumas, Luce County Maintenance Director stated the following: When I was hired,
I was told I had to have a flex schedule. He stated if the board wanted to him not do the
flex schedule anymore, he would be good with that. He informed the board that he looked
3

Page 17 of 29

into the cost of badges for door entry and the cost was approximately 3,000.00 to
4,000.00 per door. He also stated the airduct cleaning is scheduled for the weekend of
July 10th.
Commissioner Immel stated he did not have an issue with his flex schedule as long as he
is notifying his 2 commissioners in advance that oversee his department.
Sara Stephenson, Luce County Parks & Rec. Director stated the following: The board
approved the rules and regulations for the park but I have some changes I would like to
make and wanted to know if the whole board needs to approve the changes?
The board informed her that her 2 commissioners that oversee her department can
approve the changes. She also stated the Park is having a volleyball tournament and they
are doing a Christmas in July at the same time. She asked if she would be allowed to
purchase a few gift cards for prizes at the campground. The board told her she could, but
not to exceed $200.00
Theresa Depew, stated she received an email from the District Court Union stating they
had tried to get ahold of the 2 commissioners to discuss the adding of the new members
to the union, but was told no one responded. Commissioner Rathje checked her email and
stated she did not receive an email from them. She also asked how to get Amanda’s job
description to the board. She also informed the board that Mackinac County has been
helping out with the grants so we don’t lose them.
Committee Reports:
Commissioner Kitzman had no meetings to report
Commissioner Rathje attended the following meeting: Luce County EDC.
Commissioner Morrison attended the following meetings: LMAS and Pathways
Commissioner Harris had no meetings to report
Commissioner Immel had no meetings to report
Public Comment:
None
Immel upon support of Rathje offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to pay claims as previously approved by the claims and audit committee as
follows:
101
211
232

General Fund
Extension
Materials Man

57,809.28
20,414.69
3,358.90

208 Parks & Rec.
213 ORV
234 Emergency Man
4

15,539.40
22,073.69
58.54

Page 18 of 29

236
249
256
261
270
275
292
296
616
785

Vet Serv Fund
Building Dept.
ROD Auto Fund
911
Manistique Lake
Road Patrol
Child Care
Drug Court
Delq. Tax
Housing Comm

7,607.53
181.09
430.00
488.14
405.00
20.06
681.96
2,474.00
1,161.70
6.88

239 Animal Shelter
251 Senior Serv fund
260 Indig Def Fund
266 Sheriff Millage
271 Library Fund
286 Shooting Range
295 Airport
299 Comm Courts
701 Trust & Agency

2,271.47
123,662.04
19,176.00
3,497.18
179,139.36
75.55
12,093.89
2,871.70
114,864.37

Grand Total $466,519.29
Call for Executive Session:
Rathje upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED to enter into executive session for the purpose of Sheriff Department Union
Contract Negotiations to correct a scrivener’s error
Roll Call Vote
Kitzman
Morrison
Rathje
Harris
Immel

Yes__x__
Yes__x__
Yes__x__
Yes__x__
Yes__x__

No_____
No_____
No_____
No_____
No_____

Entered Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. Commissioner Kitzman stepped out during
discussion.
Immel upon support of Morrison offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to return to regular session to ratify the Sheriff Department Union Contract.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Returned to Regular Session at 5:47 p.m.
Rathje upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to ratify the Sheriff Department Union Contract to correct the scrivener’s
error as presented.
Ayes: Commissioners Morrison, Rathje, Harris and Immel
Nays: None
5

Page 19 of 29

Abstained: Commissioner Kitzman
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Kitzman abstained.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 5:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Anthony Kitzman, Chair
Sharon J. Price, Clerk

Page 20 of 29

PENTLAND TOWNSHIP
CLERK’S REPORT
JULY 14, 2026
1. Box fans for the hall (repeat, but timely)
a. We had two box fans for many years at the hall for hot days. One of them died last year.
b. I picked up two box fans last month, now giving us three.
c. All three fans will be running at our meeting tonight (unless they’re too loud).
2. Webinar today – bank reconciliation
a. One of the key things a township clerk does is “reconcile” the township’s books with the
monthly bank statements.
b. There are seven bank accounts that are reconciled each month (not including CD’s). Can you
name them?
c. Our accounting software is made and supported by a company called “BS&A” that’s located
down near Lansing.
d. Today they had a free webinar about how to use their software to reconcile the accounts.
e. While I’ve been reconciling the books every month since I started, it was nice to see tips and
tricks to do things a little faster and easier, and tell me I’ve been doing it right all along.
3. Election security - tomorrow in Marquette
a. The Bureau of Elections is hosting a free workshop tomorrow about election security.
b. To quote the Bureau:
i. …the Bureau of Elections and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) will
host an Election Security Preparedness: Scenario Driven Training & Exercise.
ii. This joint training is designed to strengthen county and local preparedness across a
wide range of physical security and election administration topics ahead of the 2026
election cycle. Participants will receive practical guidance, updated best practices, and
opportunities to engage directly with subject matter experts.
4. Easement - sewer lift station in the Industrial Park
a. The County Commissioners approved the easement for our wastewater lift station last month.
b. I have few more things to wrap up on this. Will report back at our August meeting.
5. Offer from EDC Director Tammy Henry
a. Tammy Henry offered to attend a board meeting to give an update about what the EDC is
doing to promote growth in the Industrial Park.
b. Let me know if you’d like her to attend one of our meetings.
6. Fire engine update – two items
a. I attended McMillan Township’s board meeting on 6/29 to hear their discussion about the
proposed fire engines.
b. The comments of their board members were very similar to ours, and their township doesn’t
think they have the money on hand and would have to take out a loan of some kind.
c. There was no formal action taken by the McMillan Township board.
d. The fire department shared two quotes for fire engines that are comparable in function to the
one that was discussed in early June.
e. In the board packet is the fire engine info – both from the meeting and the two recent quotes.
7. EDARP training
a. Last month I completed a mandatory training for Michigan’s new Electronic Delivery and
Return Portal (EDARP) for ballots.
b. This is the new way Clerks send ballots to overseas citizens (both civilian and military) who
cannot get a ballot in time by mail.
c. I will use this for a Pentland voter who is in Armenia, where mail service is too slow.
8. Election bill sent to TAS and ISD
a. Per Michigan Compiled Laws section 168.315, Pentland can bill TAS and ISD for our costs
(election workers, AV supplies, postage, and notices) for running the May 5th election.
b. I sent the bills on June 10. Each entity was billed $945.08 for a total of $1,890.16.
c. I think one of them has paid their bill – my apologies for not recalling which one it was.

Page 1 of 3

Page 21 of 29

9. Our new insurance rep from Decker Insurance downstate.
a. I had a good first phone call with Dustin Drabek, our new insurance rep. Our prior rep was
Hannula Insurance in Lake Linden.
b. Our underwriter remains the same – Pal Plan. Our insurance rep is our “go between” and
Decker Insurance will send us the bill each year.
c. I will be meeting Dustin at the hall on Monday, August 10, from 1pm to 3pm.
d. Will anyone else like to meet him? (No, he’s already booked for Tuesday night, 8/11)
e. Btw, Par Plan’s latest mail is in the board packet.
10. Audit coming next month
a. It’s audit season again!
b. I’ve already sent Mike Grentz our “trial balance” so his team can start working ahead.
c. Mike will be here the week of August 10, and will attend our August board meeting.
d. Board members – you are always welcome to drop in and meet them!
e. They should be working here from Monday through Wednesday morning, 8/10-8/12.
11. Second quarter payroll reports done.
a. In late June I sent the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and the IRS our second
quarter reports. The UIA is done electronically, and the IRS gets their information by mail.
12. Wastewater project
a. Nothing new since last month.
b. I understand the Village had some kind of update about their rate study, and this was
discussed at a council meeting recently. We’ll be reaching out to the Village for an update.
13. Election laptop (repeat)
a. One of the things I learned from the election training was that our current laptop is now out of
date, and we have to buy a new one.
b. We have a laptop that’s used for election day, and only election day (to avoid security issues).
c. Our current laptop is about six years old and cannot upgrade to windows 11.
d. Support for windows 10 has gone away, which means those computers are more vulnerable
to being hacked.
e. I have the required specs from the Bureau what we need. I hope to order one this week.
14. Public safety sharing revenue (update)
a. Last month we decided how to spend $2,365 in “Public Safety Revenue Sharing” funds that
came in recently. This is a new program just passed by the state.
b. Those checks and cover letter were sent to the Sheriff and Village. The letters are in tonight’s
board packet.
15. Prison license plate reader (repeat)
a. We got an email from a vendor hired by the department of corrections to install a license plate
reader by the prison entrance just off of County Road 428 (also called prison road, aka
Hamilton Lake Road).
b. The email asked if the township had any permitting they had to comply with. I said no.
c. Based on where the reader will be located, it appears the reader will not be scanning cars on
County Road 428. It will be scanning cars only as they enter or leave the prison.
16. Elections – update
a. The next election day is Tuesday, August 4th for the primary election.
b. About 175 absentee ballots were mailed out in late June.
c. As of today, 51 have been returned.
17. Early voting
a. Just a reminder - Pentland Township is the fiduciary for the countywide early voting.
b. So, in next month’s bills you will see checks for those election workers, as well as our own
election workers for the August 4 primary.
c. This goes with me being chosen as the Early Voting coordinator for the county.
18. New computers and "VOIP update (repeat and new in italics)
a. The computers at the hall and utility office are more than seven years old. The hall pc is
showing its age with several hardware issues.
b. Voip = voice over internet protocol. It’s shorthand for using the internet for your telephone.
c. I have two proposals. Will do a bit more research then move forward.
Page 2 of 3

Page 22 of 29

d. Any path we choose appears to be considerably cheaper than our current phone bill.
19. Asset management plan and backup generators – holding pattern
a. Jamie and I talked about their proposals for an asset management plan and backup
generators. We agreed to put this on hold until we have a new Utility Superintendent hired.
b. I hope to restart this process with Shaun and Jamie this summer.
20. Liquor inspection reports from last month.
a. We have this month’s liquor inspection reports – they’re all good!
21. “Open loops” I’m working on, or waiting on:
a. New computers and VOIP.
b. Keeping an eye open for grants for backup generators and an asset management plan.
c. Clearing old finance files from the last 25 years - a lot has been done, but there’s more to go.
22. Time tracking
a. I thought it might be useful to share my time working and volunteering for the township.
b. I track my time for the various things I do (jobs, volunteering, and such).
c. See below for the chart.

Time
(hours:minutes)

Clerk’s Time June 2026
TOTAL TIME

65h 07m

Bookkeeping (Statutory and non-statutory duties. Routine stuff like payroll and
bills, reconciling the accounts each month, budget, and the audit) #

25h 23m

General work (Statutory duties. Casework, minutes, regular filing, mail…)

11h 44m

Elections (Statutory duties. Lots of absentee ballots and election training,
doesn’t include Early Voting)

15h 16m

Wastewater (non-statutory. Call Craig, and a few emails) #

0h 24m

Other (non-statutory. Meeting prep, constituent calls, meeting with employees,
website, and more) #

11h 59m

(all times rounded to nearest minute)
#I am paid separately to do some or all of these things – they’re not part of my legal duties as Clerk.
My timesheets are attached.
That’s it!

Page 3 of 3

Page 23 of 29

Detailed Report
06/01/2026 – 06/30/2026

TOTAL HOURS

11:59:11
TIME ENTRY
Ind park - review easement
Other (not statutory)

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Agenda Watch · Sep 19, 2026

Permanent ID DKT-2026-001123 — this record is never deleted.

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Sep 19, 2026 Filed on the Docket
Sep 20, 2026 Full document archived — public record

← The full Docket · every meeting, vote, and action on the permanent record · also in the National Record Index.

On the agenda: Newberry 7-14-2026 Regular Meeting Board Packet — license plate reader (Jul 14)

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