On the agenda: Newberry 9-11-2026 Regular Meeting Packet — license plate reader (Sep 11)

PENTLAND TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
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:
• Anderson-Tackman name change (see end of the packet)
• Architect – hall visit 9/16
• Hall rental forms
• Fire department – email from Village
• Anything else?
Old Business:
• AT&T & voip handover - update
• Community clean up day – quick update
• 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, October 13, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Adjournment

Page 1 of 1

Version 9/8/2026 3:07:00 PM

PENTLAND TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
August 11, 2026
Tonight’s meeting was held at the Pentland Township Hall: 15474 M-28, Newberry, MI 49868.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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: Deputy Clerk Christine Rathje, Utilities Superintendent Shaun Reed, Luce County
Sheriff Eric Gravelle, Jack Thomas, and Sterling McGinn from the Newberry News.
There were no changes to tonight’s agenda.
Under brief public comment, Sheriff Gravelle spoke about the Sheriff’s Department, including
staff changes, possible training events that may happen in Luce County, and recent crime.
The Board thanked Sheriff Gravelle for his time and his department’s service to our community.
The Board then turned to a speakerphone call with two engineers from the firm of Hubbel, Roth,
and Clark (HRC). This is the same firm as Jamie Burton, whom the township has used often in
the past 18 months.
This call was about HRC’s proposed “Asset Management Plan” for Pentland Township – a
document that helps a government with long term planning for repairs and replacement of
equipment.
Last year the Board began a conversation with Jamie Burton about the township doing an asset
management plan. Recently, Karyn Stickel PE, another partner in Hubbel, Roth, and Clark,
spent several hours with Utilities Superintendent Reed and then prepared a proposal for an asset
management plan for our utilities and the township hall. Ms. Stickel and another engineeer from
HRC were on tonight’s call.
The Board and the two engineers from HRC engaged in a thorough discussion about the merits
and costs of the asset management plan. After the discussion, the Board thanked both engineers
for their time. The call ended without any action being taken at this point.
The Board then returned to routine items on the agenda.
Clerk Rathje presented the minutes of the July 14 meeting.
Motion by Maki, seconded by Transit, to approve these minutes. Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The bills were presented by Clerk Rathje.
Motion by Transit, seconded by Brown, to approve the following five routine items in one
motion:

Page 1 of 4

July 14, 2026

1. There were no General Fund, Sewer Fund, or Water Fund checks issued per Pentland
Township’s “Post Audit” policy. (This policy explains how bills are paid between
meetings)
2. General Fund check numbers 6685 and 6731 for payment today.
3. Sewer Fund check numbers 3127 through 3128 for payments approved today.
4. Water Fund check number 6209 for payments approved today.
5. Transfer $65,580.41 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 gave an update how summer taxes are going.
Motion by Rathje, seconded by Transit, to receive the Treasurer’s Report. Ayes: all.
Motion carried.
The Board then moved to New Business.
Michael Grentz, a certified public accountant (CPA) from Anderson, Tackman & Co., presented
his firm’s initial thoughts about the state of the township’s finances after spending several days
at the township hall reviewing our books. Mr. Grentz believes the township’s finances are in
good shape. Mr. Grentz will return in October to discuss the final results of the audit and several
other financial items the Board may wish to do.
The Board thanked Mr. Grentz for his and his firm’s efforts.
The Board heard a report from Trustee Transit and Clerk Rathje about their meeting yesterday
with Dustin Drabek, the township’s new insurance representative from the downstate firm of
Decker Insurance in Portage (outside of Kalamazoo). This firm replaces the township’s longtime
insurance firm of Hannula Insurance in Lake Linden. Both partners there are retiring and sold
their firm to Decker Insurance.
The trio walked outside around the hall to discuss the damage to the roof from this past winter,
and the roof’s overall health and possible issues.
The meeting also covered the Township’s relationship with Hannula Insurance and how things
will be different when the Township wants to contact Decker Insurance.
Both Trustee Transit and Clerk Rathje were very impressed with the professionalism and
knowledge of Mr. Drabek.
There was no action taken on this item tonight. However, it was shared with the Board that Mr.
Drabek encouraged the Board to immediately repair the ice damage from this past winter.

Page 2 of 4

August 11, 2026

That recommendation has already been shared with Superintendent Reed and Trustee Brown.
They are looking into the health of the roof and have been reaching out to contractors to begin
repairs immediately.
The Board held a brief discussion about the value of purchasing new curtains at the township hall
to help with keeping the hall cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. Especially in the
summer – the sun makes the main room and corner office very uncomfortable.
There was unanimous consent to proceed with acquiring new curtains that help with these issues.
As the last item of New Business, the Board considered the proposed asset management plan
presented tonight.
After discussion, motion by Rathje, seconded by Maki, to approve the proposed asset
management plan with two points the Board would like to convey to HRC.
The first point was for the review of the township hall to proceed as fast as possible to help the
Board move quickly on what large repair issues there might be.
The second point was that the Board’s intuitive sense that the number of hours proposed by HRC
to assess the hall “felt” high, and the Board thinks it might take less time than HRC’s proposal
stated to do this.
Ayes: all. Motion carried.
By unanimous consent, Clerk Rathje was asked to convey the two points in the above motion to
Ms. Stickel (as well as the fact that the proposal has been approved) as soon as possible.
The Board then moved on to Old Business, starting with revisiting the discussion about a
community cleanup day from last month’s meeting.
The Board heard an update on a proposed community cleanup day. About a half-dozen local
governments were contacted about how they do this in their community and several of them have
replied so far. There will be an update at next month’s meeting after everyone replies.
There was no action taken on this item tonight.
The next item under Old Business was the hall roof. However, since the hall roof was discussed
under new business, there was nothing else to discuss here.
Clerk Rathje reported there was nothing new since last month on wastewater.
There were no notable upcoming hall bookings to discuss.
Clerk Rathje reported the township received liquor inspection reports from the Sheriff’s
Department last month. All of the establishments inspected were scored “good”.

Page 3 of 4

August 11, 2026

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.
One item in particular Superintendent Reed shared was the details of new computers that will be
purchased for the utility office. These computers will allow the township to update its
accounting software for the utility system and tax collection.
Under other reports, Supervisor Maki shared the results from the state’s most recent “PA 660”
(Public Act 660 of 2018) evaluation of the township’s assessing. The township’s assessing was
given a designation of “substantially compliant”.
Under extended public comment, Sterling McGinn from the Newberry News asked about grants
for the Newberry Fire Department, including for fire engines. Trustee Transit shared several
items that were recently shared with the Village on this matter.
Clerk Rathje also shared his recent conversation with Jerry Grossman, a forester and township
resident. Mr. Grossman was asked to look at the parcel the township bought several years for the
wastewater project. Since this project is no longer going forward, the township should begin a
conversation about what to do with the parcel in the best interests of the sewer customers who
paid for the parcel in the first place.
The next regular meeting of the township board is Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the
Pentland Township Hall.
Motion by Transit, seconded by Brown, to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 pm.

____________________________
Gregory Rathje
Pentland Township Clerk

Page 4 of 4

____________________________
Janet Maki
Pentland Township Supervisor

August 11, 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026 MONTHLY BILLS
CHECK # PAYEE

Last updated September 8, 2026
DESCRIPTION

AMOUNT

Gen. Fund

Sewer Fund

Water Fund

General Fund checks paid ahead of time: (legally known as "post audit" payments)
No early bills paid since the last meeting.
Total
$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

1,104.26 Treasurer
105.80 Deputy Treasurer - 0 mtg & 0 hrs
AJ's check, voided & reissed at check 6747 (see below)
243.86 Trustee
3,232.62 Supervisor & Assessor
118.27 Hall custodian 6.92 hours
1,305.26 Labor - Utilities - 75.0 hrs
51.05 Deputy Clerk - 1 mtg and 0 hrs
Stuck to previous check, printed as blank. Voided.
Clerk 0 hrs wastewater, 3.92 hrs non-stat. duties, and 2.07
1,422.96
hours early voter (only for August)
4,066.64 Utilities Superintendent w/health ins. payment
1,900.81 Admin Assistant - 100.50 hours
243.86 Trustee
172.52 Re-issued check 7.0 hours
13,967.91

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

1,104.26
105.80
243.86
3,232.62
118.27
51.05
-

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

652.63
-

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

652.63
-

$

1,221.54 $

100.71 $

100.71

$
$
$
$
$

813.33
633.60
243.86
7,768.19

$
$
$
$
$

813.33
633.60
17.84
2,218.11

$
$
$
$
$

2,439.98
633.61
154.68
3,981.62

3,812.47 Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Fed.Tax/FICA/SocSec
Child support, voided & reissued as check 6747 (below)
757.02 State Withholding
178.50 Re-issued child support
4,747.99

$
$
$
$
$

2,141.11
467.58
467.58
3,076.27

$
$
$
$
$

612.66
111.22
111.22
835.10

$
$
$
$
$

1,058.70
178.22
178.22
1,415.14

794.25 Phone bill
111.39 Broadband for utility office
2,407.28 Healthcare premium
1,311.69 Electric bill - capital credits applied
47.43 AV supplies (two invoices)
100.00 Hall refund
4,330.80 5400 gallons dust control (1st treatment)
141.33 Toner for utility office
56.98 Parts for sewer and water systems
4,125.00 Refund to tax account per Treasurer
3,900.00 Hydrant Rental
176.32 243.2 miles at 72.5¢/mile
448.78 619 miles at 72.5/mile - water samples to Lansing
265.00 Mostly wastewater
80.00 457 Plan
52.20 72 miles at 72.5¢/mile
6,600.00 Monthly sewer treatment bill
Gas ($348.50), natural gas ($25.23) for utilities, broadband $ 4,734.09 hall ($132), election laptop ($859.55), three computers utilities and hall ($2,301.66) and more.
$ 29,682.54

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

192.40 $
37.13 $
481.46 $
(222.63) $
47.43 $
100.00 $
4,330.80 $
$
$
4,125.00 $
3,900.00 $
176.32 $
$
35.00 $
80.00 $
17.40 $
$

300.92
37.13
481.46
602.55
70.67
28.49
230.00
17.40
6,600.00

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

300.93
37.13
1,444.36
931.77
70.66
28.49
448.78
17.40
-

$

2,240.54 $

1,201.53 $

1,292.02

$

15,540.85 $

9,570.15 $

4,571.54

$

26,385.31 $

12,623.36 $

9,968.30

$
$

-

$
$

2,954.03 $
12,623.36 $

-

$

-

$

-

General Fund checks to be paid today:
Payroll:
6732 Jonathan Brown
6733 Deborah Burbach
6734 Void
6735 Jeff Dunbar
6736 Janet Maki
6737 Christie Overland
6738 Jerry Overland
6739 Christine Rathje
6740 Void

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

6741 Gregory Rathje

$

6742
6743
6744
6747

Shaun Reed
$
Terrie Slack
$
Roxanna Transit
$
AJ Downey
$
Total Payroll
$
Remittances:
EFT150 US Government
$
6745 Void
$
6746 Michigan Dept. of Treasury $
6748 Michigan State Disbursement $
Total Remittances
$
Accounts Payable:
6749 AT&T
$
6750 AT&T Mobility
$
6751 Blue Cross/Blue Shield
$
6752 Cloverland Electric
$
6753 Election Source
$
6754 Lipponen, Josie
$
6755 Luce County Road Comm.
$
6756 National Office Products
$
6757 Newberry Ace
$
6758 Pentland Tax Account
$
6759 Pentland Utilities
$
6760 Rathje, Greg
$
6761 Reed, Shaun
$
6762 Rolfe, Craig
$
6763 Security Benefit
$
6764 Slack, Terrie
$
6765 Village of Newberry
$
6766 Visa
Total Accounts Payable
Grand Total for today
(checks 6732 thru 6766)

$ 48,398.44

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

Sewer Fund Checks (post audit and today)
3129 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 2,954.03 Repay General Fund Advance
3130 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 12,623.36 Repay General Fund for today's bills
Water Fund Checks (post audit and today)
6210 Pentland Twp General Fund $ 9,968.30 Repay General Fund for today's bills

Last printed 9/7/2026 12:15 PM

FLIP OVER!!

$

9,968.30

Page 1 of 1

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!)

na

$

-

$

3/31/2024

na

$

-

$

3/31/2024

na

$

(926.27) $

3/31/2024

na

$

(170,000.00) $

1

4/16/2024

3068

$

2,465.50 $

2

5/14/2024

3070

$

1,821.77 $

3

6/11/2024

3072

$

2,091.96 $

4

7/9/2024

3074

$

1,613.88 $

5

8/13/2024

3076

$

1,898.45 $

6

9/10/2024

3078

$

3,559.70 $

7

10/8/2024

3080

$

3,083.74 $

8

11/12/2024

3083

$

2,743.23 $

9

12/10/2024

3085

$

2,790.98 $

10

1/14/2025

3087

$

2,632.25 $

11

2/11/2025

3089

$

3,619.72 $

12

3/11/2025

3091

$

2,552.90 $

13

4/8/2025

3094

$

2,878.01 $

14

5/13/2025

3096

$

2,612.41 $

15

6/10/2025

3098

$

2,769.67 $

16

7/8/2025

3100

$

3,263.43 $

17

8/12/2025

3102

$

3,223.71 $

18

9/9/2025

3104

$

4,943.12 $

19

10/14/2025

3106

$

3,108.94 $

20

11/11/2025

3108

$

2,975.35 $

21

12/9/2025

3110

$

2,089.35 $

22

1/13/2026

3112

$

3,027.54 $

23

2/10/2026

3114

$

2,965.95 $

24

3/10/2026

3116

$

3,010.27 $

25

4/14/2026

3118

$

2,907.99 $

25

5/12/2026

3120

$

2,869.96 $

26

6/9/2026

3122

$

3,148.06 $

27

7/14/2026

3125

$

2,319.08 $

28

8/11/2026

3127

$

4,070.18 $

196,471.56 $ 317,454.71 For June 2026
192,401.38 $ 321,524.89 For July 2026

29

9/8/2026

3129

$

2,954.03 $

189,447.35 $ 324,478.92 For August 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
201,938.70 $ 311,987.57 For April 2026
198,790.64 $ 315,135.63 For May 2025

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.
9/3/2026 9:15 AM

Road Commission Chloride Spraying

Year
Invoice
2009
691
2010
727
2011
748
2012
778
2013
816
2014
832
2015
865
2016*
894
2016*
898
2016 TOTAL
2017*
See #
2017*
928
2017 TOTAL
2018*
942
2018*
952
2018 TOTAL
2019*
974
2019*
985
2019 TOTAL
2020*
1006
2020*
1012
2020 TOTAL
2021*
1029
2021*
1040
2021 TOTAL
2022*
32
2022*
42
2022 TOTAL
2023*
62
2023*
69
2023 TOTAL
2024*
82
2024*
91
2024 TOTAL
2025*
104
2025*
109
2025 TOTAL
2026
123

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

Amount
2,520.00
2,152.00
2,093.34
1,883.00
2,093.00
2,009.70
2,089.15
2,381.81
2,337.31
4,719.12
1,990.45
2,977.78
4,968.23
2,247.56
802.70
3,050.26
981.60
2,702.26
3,683.86
2,279.70
1,990.11
4,269.81
2,553.00
2,760.00
5,313.00
3,767.40
3,321.79
7,089.19
3,328.50
2,916.40
6,244.90
3,877.20
5,354.04
9,231.24
4,611.25
4,185.01
8,796.26
4,330.80

Gallons
9,000
8,000
7,503
7,000
7,000
6,300
6,350
7,445
7,327
14,772
6,050
9,051
15,101
6,440
2,300
8,740
2,400
6,607
9,007
5,100
3,791
8,891
5,550
6,000
11,550
6,000
5,300
11,300
5,250
4,600
9,850
5,400
8,015
13,415
5,850
5,400
11,250
5,400

*That year had two treatments
# 2017 the first treatment was billed in two invoices
Printed 9/3/2026

cost per
gallon
$ 0.2800
$ 0.2690
$ 0.2790
$ 0.2690
$ 0.2990
$ 0.3190
$ 0.3290
$ 0.3199
$ 0.3190
$ 0.3195
$ 0.3290
$ 0.3290
$ 0.3290
$ 0.3490
$ 0.3490
$ 0.3490
$ 0.4090
$ 0.4090
$ 0.4090
$ 0.4470
$ 0.5250
$ 0.4802
$ 0.4600
$ 0.4600
$ 0.4600
$ 0.6279
$ 0.6268
$ 0.6274
$ 0.6340
$ 0.6340
$ 0.6340
$ 0.7180
$ 0.6680
$ 0.6881
$ 0.7882
$ 0.7750
$ 0.7819
$ 0.8020

Cost per gallon change
% change over
% change
previous year
compared to 2009
0.00%
-3.9%
-3.93%
3.7%
-0.36%
-3.6%
-3.93%
11.2%
6.79%
6.7%
13.93%
3.1%
17.50%
-2.8%
14.26%
-3.0%
13.93%
-2.9%
14.09%
3.1%
17.50%
3.0%
17.50%
3.0%
17.50%
6.1%
24.64%
6.1%
24.64%
6.1%
24.64%
17.2%
17.50%
17.2%
17.50%
17.2%
46.07%
9.3%
59.64%
28.4%
87.48%
17.4%
71.51%
-4.2%
64.29%
-4.2%
64.29%
-4.2%
64.29%
36.5%
124.25%
36.3%
123.84%
36.4%
124.06%
1.1%
126.43%
1.1%
126.43%
1.1%
126.43%
13.2%
156.43%
5.4%
138.57%
8.5%
145.76%
18.0%
181.52%
12.6%
176.79%
13.6%
179.25%
3.5%
186.43%

Pentland Township Treasurer
Fund Report as of 08/31/2026
#0443 Business Checking
1st.Nat'l
Beg.Balance
$
9,982.62
Credits
Interest 0.00%
Debits
Ending Balance
#1790 General Fund Mun.MMkt
1st.Nat'l
Beg.Balance
$ 455,478.89
Credits
Interest 1.11%
Debits
Ending Balance
#3408 Municipal MMkt.(Repay)
$ 278,099.93
1st.Nat'l
Beg.Balance
Credits
Interest 1.11%
Debits
Ending Balance
#8616 Sewer Municipal Checking
Nicolet
Beg.Balance
$ 70,496.29
Credits
Interest 1.00%
Debits
Ending Balance
#8013
Water Municipal Checking
Nicolet
Beg.Balance
$
Credits
Interest 1.00%
Debits
Ending Balance

69,658.36

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

65,580.41
-

45,660.05
399.58

4,070.18
262.38

18,640.60
28.55

13,231.57
30.57

Page 1 of 2

$

(48,745.98)

$

(65,580.41)

$

-

$

(17,463.34)

$

(4,405.85)

Total Cash

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

$ 114,842.06

$

26,817.05

$

435,958.11

$

282,432.49

$

71,702.10

$

78,514.65

$

895,424.40

$

187,738.89

$ 221,068.94
$
56.11
$

(148,228.22)

Pentland Township Treasurer
Fund Report as of 08/31/26
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

$

#5689

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

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

$

$

34,472.00

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

#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 01/11/2024 & Last Renewal 01/11/2026
34,169.58
$
$
302.42
$
$

$

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 )

$

$ 1,316,528.28

421,103.88

PENTLAND TOWNSHIP UTILITIES

INFRASTRUCTURE & FACILITIES REPORT
Reporting Date: September 8, 2026

ADMINISTRATIVE & OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY
ITEM

STATUS / UPDATE

MISS DIG

56 requests received; 23 required utility marking. No emergencies. Total labor: 8 regular hours.

Billing

Meters were read and bills were issued on September 1.

Seasonal Program

The summer watering program has been active since June 1.

Delinquent Accounts

One delinquent shutoff account is currently being managed.

Water Sampling

July water samples were collected on August 20 with no discrepancies reported. August bacteriological samples
are scheduled for September 21.

Sensus Integration

Integration is approximately 85% complete, and automated meter reading is complete. Erico Electric is working
on the lift-station radios. System changeover is pending setup of the new computers.

Water Tower No. 1

St. Germain is scheduled to strip and coat the tower during the week of September 7.

Operator Training

The Utilities Superintendent will attend a two-day mathematics course in Traverse City on September 29-30 in
preparation for the Water Operator examination in November.

BREAKDOWNS, REPAIRS & FACILITY NEEDS
ITEM

STATUS / UPDATE

Well House VFD Upgrade

Following the Well No. 1 diaphragm failure, electronics have been installed in both well houses. VFD
installation at Well House No. 1 is scheduled for the week of September 8.

Abandoned Prison Lines

Nine leaking abandoned lines have been identified near the prison. Excavation to remove the lines is
expected to begin near the end of the month.

Industrial Park Lift Station

Quote to replace both check valves, including labor, equipment, and materials: $8,930.

Pentland Township Hall

The roof requires attention.

AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM

STATUS / UPDATE

Procurement Requests

No items listed.

New Discussion

No items listed.

Old Discussion

No items listed.

Infrastructure & Facilities Report | September 8, 2026

Pentland Township Supervisor’s Report September 2026
L-4029 Tax Rate Request for 2026: The equalization director has prepared the
township’s millage request for the collection of the townships millage on the
winter tax bills. The township clerk & supervisor signs this form and return to
county clerk by September 30th. This form is the township’s authorization to
collect your township mills on the tax bills. The equalization director has been
filing this report on behalf of the township.
New Qualified Forest Parcel for 2026. I received an application from the
department of Agriculture for a new qualified forest application for parcel
numbers 004-003-013-1700 with 6.66 acres, & 004-003-013-1800 with 38 acres
in the name of Jack & Patti Thomas. These parcels will be combined for 2027 and
the new number will be 004-0030013-1810. The department will notify within 90
days once application is reviewed.
Split approval for 2027 Rolls:
27-split-1: Devin Quinlan & Bill Brandt, 004-003-012-5300, Pre-approval has been issued for 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. The delinquent 2025
delinquent taxes are paid. 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. The new deed and survey containing the new legals have been filed with Luce County register
of deeds.
27-split-2: Kevin Gouza, 004-002-019-0600, Pre-approval is granted for split in 2027 for parcel
004-002-019-0600 currently 40 acres in size. They are asking to split into two parcels that are 6.06 A &
33.77 acres in size. Site plan and survey received, still waiting on zoning approval. Check number 8478
received from Kevin Gouza with Tahquamenon Area Credit Union. Dated 7-24-26.
27-comb-3: Jack Thomas, 004-003-013-1700 with 6.66 acres & 1800 with 38 acres. A combination
application has been received from Jack Thomas to combine these parcels. He has put both these
parcels into his trust and filed a new deed with the combined legal description as well. The new number
for 2027 will be 004-003-013-1810. Check for $100 has been received and this application has been
approved.

Luce County Meeting Minutes Attached

Regular Meeting
Luce County Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, August 18, 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, Rathje, Harris and Immel
ABSENT: Commissioner Morrison
GUESTS: Sara Stephenson, Josh Freed, Eric Gravelle, Stuart McTiver
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 and deletions:
1. Add request from Luce County Parks and Rec to offer free day passes to 100%
disabled veterans.
2. Add request from Luce County Parks and Rec. for website proposal
3. Add request from Luce County Building and Grounds department for sealcoating
quote
4. Add request from Luce County Building and Grounds for concrete repairs quote
5. Remove request from building and grounds committee to reduce the maintenance
position to 35 hours weekly
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
Immel upon support of Rathje offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the minutes of the Finance Meeting dates July 16, 2026 and the
Regular Meeting dated July 21, 2026, as presented.
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
Immel 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. Commissioner Morrison absent.

1

Public Comment:
Stuart McTiver, with the Luce County Road Commission presented examples of ORV
ordinances from other counties that allow ORV’s to have all 4 tires on the roadway. If the
Commissioners wish to pursue amending the current ORV ordinance a public hearing
would need to be scheduled.
Harris upon support of Immel offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Tammy Henry, Luce County EDC Director for
Corporation Owners Affidavit and authorize the Chairperson to sign document.
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
Immel upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Tammy Henry, Luce County EDC Director for
approval of Quit Claim Deed and authorize the Chairperson to sign the document.
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
Harris upon support of Rathje offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Sara Stephenson, Luce County Parks & Rec.
Director to apply for 2% grant application from the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa
Indians.
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
Immel upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Belinda Bridges, Luce County Treasurer for
approval of amended deficit plan for Luce County as presented.
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
Harris upon support of Immel offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request to keep the contractual cleaning services and re visit
the contract in 3 months.
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
Immel upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:

2

RESOLVED, to approve the request from Luce County Parks and Rec. to offer a free day
pass to the Luce County Park for 100% disabled veterans to be distribute through the
Luce County Veterans Service Office.
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Morrison absent.
Immel upon support of Harris offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to approve the request from Luce County Parks and Rec. to accept the
website proposal for Luce County Park & Campground from Superiorweb.net in the
amount of $1,990.00
The resolution was unanimously adopted. Commissioner Morrison absent.
The quotes for sealcoating and concrete repairs were tabled and the building and grounds
committee will put out for sealed bids.
Letter from the Courthouse and Sheriff Department unions expressing concerns over non
union employees receiving the same benefits as union employees.
Old Business:
Commissioner Kitzman stated that we are looking into giving the Sportsman’s club to
Luce County Parks and Rec. to see if they could use the property.
Commissioner Rathje stated that we should also look into giving the Sportsman’s club to
the Luce County EDC to see if they might be able to find a grant to help with tearing the
building down. This will be revisited at the September meeting.
New Business:
Sharon Price, Luce County Clerk & Register of Deeds had presented the board with some
information regarding getting older Register of Deeds documents scanned. The board
asked if there were any grants to help cover the cost.
Department Head Reports:
Eric Gravelle, Luce County Sheriff stated the following: Our secondary road patrol grant
is increasing for next year and I had the Chairperson sign. Commissioner Immel
interrupted the Sheriff and stated the Chairperson should not be signing those documents
due to having family working at the Sheriff Department. The Sheriff stated that there was
a murder in the Village and officer Kitzman was off duty, but responded to the scene and
the person was in custody with 20 minutes. Mary Kitzman’s last day is August 28th and
Tina is doing well on her training. The Airforce had some paratroopers here the past
week and they are looking at the possibility of using our area to do 4 season training.

3

Josh Freed, Luce County Friend of the Court stated the following: Our MGT contract will
be increasing and I have asked to have it added to the September agenda for your
approval.
Sara Stephenson, Luce County Parks and Rec. Director stated the following: I had a walk
through with LMAS for well inspections at our facilities. The Christmas in July at the
campground went well. We got internet installed at the campground so that staff can
process payments. We are renovating the apartment at the campground and will be able
to rent it out or use as campground host living facility.
Committee Reports:
Commissioner Kitzman attended the following meetings: Luce County Parks & Rec. and
Building and Grounds
Commissioner Rathje attended the following meeting: Luce County Zoning
Commissioner Morrison absent
Commissioner Harris had no meetings to report
Commissioner Immel had no meetings to report
Public Comment:
None
Rathje upon support of Immel offered the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, to pay claims as previously approved by the claims and audit committee as
follows:
101
211
216
234
239
260
266
275
295
299
701

General Fund
34,928.00
Extension
363.62
DTR Admin Fund
112.35
Emergency Man
58.65
Animal Shelter
3,234.77
Indig Def Fund
20,158.20
Sheriff Millage
209.25
Road Patrol
14.56
Airport
12,134.04
Comm Courts
2,109.24
Trust & Agency 350,771.15

208
213
232
236
253
261
270
286
296
616
785

Parks & Rec.
8,820.77
ORV
389.66
Materials Mang
3,236.97
Vet Serv Fund
515.38
Remon
412.70
911
4,592.41
Manistique Lake fund 133.00
Shooting Range
33.40
Drug Court
6,824.03
Delq. Tax
5,258.58
Housing Comm
6.88

Grand Total $454,217.61

4

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 5:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

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

5

PENTLAND TOWNSHIP
CLERK’S REPORT
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
1. Anderson Tackman name change
a. See board packet for a letter from Mike Grentz about changes to our audit firm.
b. Bottom line – there is no change to Mike, or the work he does.
2. Hall Rental Packet – revise
a. I think we should revise the hall rental packet.
b. It’s basically the same form (with only a few small changes) since at least 2013.
c. Enclosed in the current packet.
d. Before the next meeting, take a look and let me know what changes should be made.
e. I’ll check with other townships (including on the MTA forum) and Par-Plan.
3. Asset management plan (repeat in italics, new below that)
a. To repeat from last month (in italics):
b. What is an asset management plan? Here’s a definition:
c. “An Asset Management Plan (AMP) is a document developed by a Utility to assist in the longterm management of the assets necessary to support cost-effective, proactive decisions.
These include the creation, acquisition, operation & maintenance, and replacement/upgrade
of Utility assets. In short, an AMP helps Utilities keep track of everything in their systems and
when things need to be replaced.”1
d. I spoke with Karyn from our engineering firm this morning. They have begun their pre-visit
work on our utility systems, and are looking at coming up in early October.
e. I’ll let you know when the date is set in case you’d like to talk with them.
4. Hall visit by architect
a. Our engineering firm is sending up an architect to look at the hall next Wednesday, 9/16.
b. This was in response to our request for them to send someone up asap to help us work
through questions about the hall’s roof, and the hall itself.
c. Does anyone from the board want to meet with her around noon that day?
5. New computers and "VOIP update (repeat and new in italics)
a. New computers have arrived! THANKS TO SHAUN for making this happen!
b. Voip = voice over internet protocol. It’s shorthand for using the internet for your telephone.
c. We’re going with AT&T proposal for voip and providing backup to our phones in case the
internet goes out.
d. This will be considerably cheaper than our current phone bill.
6. MTA Up North Summit (repeat)
a. You might have seem that the MTA is having their “UP Summit” late this month.
b. I’m going - I went two years ago, and the MTA did a great job with info for us.
c. Two days, one night, at the casino in Harris (outside of Escanaba)
7. Fire department
a. In our packet is an email from Village Manager Allison Watkins about the NFD.
8. Wastewater project
a. Per our request, our Engineer Jamie Burton reached out to Village Manager Allison Watkins
last Wednesday, 9/2, for an update on their recent rate study - no word back yet.
9. Election bill sent to TAS and ISD (repeat in italics, new below that)
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. The ISD had paid their bill. We’re still waiting for payment from TAS.
i. I sent a follow up email on 8/19 – no word back yet.

1

https://commonwealthengineers.com/what-is-an-asset-management-plan/

Page 1 of 3

10. Backup generators (repeat)
a. While not directly connected to the asset management plan, I’m looking at grants and other
funding opportunities for backup generators for the township’s water and sewer systems.
11. Jerry Grossman (repeat)
a. Since we decided not to proceed with the wastewater project, it seems like a good time to
start a discussion about what we’re going to do with the parcel for that project.
b. We paid $69,000 for the parcel and spent another few thousand on surveys and such.
c. When Jerry Grossman came to vote last week, I asked him if his firm could look at the parcel
and tell us what options, if any, we may have for harvesting any timber from the parcel.
d. Will share with you what Jerry finds out from his research.
e. Today, I’m not sure what the best path forward is, but having Jerry look at the parcel is a good
first step to getting some answers.
12. Early voting – reimbursement from the state (repeat)
a. Pentland is part of a four-township agreement to consolidate our early voting for this year’s
elections to save costs.
b. Since I’m the coordinator for all four townships, wages for early voting workers are run
through our accounts.
c. The agreement says the other townships will reimburse us for their share of the cost.
d. There’s good news – the state has invited municipalities to submit their early voting costs for
reimbursement for last week’s election!
e. I have to go through a state training to be allowed to log the information in. I hope to do that
in the next week and then get our costs submitted for reimbursement.
13. Offer from EDC Director Tammy Henry (reminder)
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.
14. 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.
15. Liquor inspection reports from last month.
a. We have this month’s liquor inspection reports – they’re all good!
16. “Open loops” I’m working on, or waiting on:
a. New computers and VOIP.
b. Moving our accounting software to the cloud.
c. Keeping an eye open for grants for backup generators and an asset management plan.
d. Clearing old finance files from the last 25 years - a lot has been done, but there’s more to go.
17. 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 the next page for the chart.

Page 2 of 3

Time
(hours:minutes)

Clerk’s Time August 2026
TOTAL TIME

81h 01m

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

32h 38m

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

3h 21m

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

38h 24m

Other statutory duties (attend Columbus Twp Board meeting)

0h 40m

Early Voting (scheduling workers, opening and closing the polls each day for
the last two days, and closing the polls) #

2h 04m

Wastewater (non-statutory. Nothing this month) #

0h 0m

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

3h 55m

(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 time sheets are attached.
That’s it!

Page 3 of 3

Kyle LaVacque – Owner/Q.O.
Qualifying Officer # 242000072
15781 Aho Lane
Newberry, MI 49868
906- 284- 1061
[email protected]

LaVacque Roofing LLC
Company Builders License #: 262000302
Fully Insured: Liability and Workman’s Compensation

Customer Contact Information

Job Site Location

Name:Pentland Twp. Hall
Address: 15474 M-28 Newberry MI
Phone #:
Email:

15474 M-28 Newberry MI

Roof Service Agreement Contract
LaVacque Roofing LLC is pleased to furnish all labor, materials,tools, and equipment to complete
the roof workfor Pentland Twpat 15474 M-28 Newberry MIfor a sum of eight thousand, five
hundred dollars- $8,500. This project will require a deposit of four thousand dollars- $4,000 to begin.
Scope of work: (Fix)
1. Onelayer of shingles will be removed, cleaned up and disposed
in damaged area(down to
decking)
2. Decking and fascia in affected arearemovedand disposed of
3. Broken rafters will befixed bysistering rafters to stabilize overhang
4. Decking and fascia boards replaced
5. New 12’ aluminum drip edge installed
6. Titanium PSU 30 ice and water shield installed
7. Owens Corningstarter shingles installed at the eave

8. Owens Corning Duration
architectural shingleswill be installed to manufacturer
recommendation(lifetime shingle)
9. Fascia metal and any soffit removed -reinstalled

Any deficiencies that are not known prior to tear off and not listed in the scope of work will
not be covered inthis price. (ex: rotten decking that is unknown
, rotten fascia boards,
hidden layer(s) of shingles, etc.)

Deposit (Money Down):4,000
$
Completion Payment: $4,500
Total Price: $8,500

**Payment due in full upon completion of work.
Estimate valid for 30 daysfrom the following date
(8/14/26).
By this signature below the Owner hereby accepts and agrees to the Contractor’s Proposal as set
forth in this Roofing Agreement and agrees to perform all of the Owner’s covenants and obligations.
Contractor and Owner further covenant and agree by the execu
tion of this Roofing Agreement to the
General Conditions as set forth in the literature.

Owner Signature: _________________________________________
Date: ____________________
Contractor Signature: _____________________________________
Date: ____________________

Gregory Rathje <[email protected]>

Fw: Fire truck incident
1 message
Allison Watkins <[email protected]>

Wed, Aug 26, 2026 at 12:20
PM

To: Art schultz <[email protected]>, Greg Rathje
<[email protected]>
Hello. There have been two accidents involving our fire trucks in the last month. Please see below.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Allison
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Allison Watkins
Sent: Wednesday, 26 August 2026 12:19:10
To: Catherine Freese <[email protected]>; D Schummer <[email protected]>; jpuckett
<[email protected]>; Kip Cameron <[email protected]>; Lori Stokes
<[email protected]>
Subject: Fire truck incident

Hello,
On Monday afternoon Justin Neff was driving one of the fire trucks and hit the west side garage
door of the fire hall.
There is damage to the door, but none to the truck that I am aware.
Driver was drug tested immediately after and passed.
However, Justin Neff damaged one of the tankers just a few weeks ago by using it to wet down the
track at the Bump and Run at the fairgrounds. He was there on standby in case of a fire but not
authorized to use the truck for anything else. If he had not been on the track, the truck would not
have been damaged. He was tested and passed. I was just finishing up looking into the incident
when this new issue occurred.
I have suspended Justin's driving privileges indefinitely until I am back in the office and can
investigate further.
Please email me separately if you have any questions.
Thanks, Allison
Get Outlook for iOS

Dear Clients and Friends,
We are writing to share some important and exciting news. Effective August 31, 2026, several partners of
Anderson, Tackman & Company are launching a new CPA firm and advisory firm: A., Cedric, & Michaels
CPAs PLLC, and A., Cedric, & Michaels Advisors LLC which we will refer to as ACM Group. We are pleased
to tell you that our team – and your engagement – will be moving to ACM Group.
This is a group of partners choosing to build a firm designed around the clients we serve.
Why we are making this change:
Our profession is changing quickly, and our clients’ needs are changing with it. We wanted the freedom to
invest more aggressively in the things that directly affect the quality of your service – modern technology
and secure client systems, additional talent and specialized expertise, and a more advisory, year-round
approach to the work rather than a purely seasonal one. Put simply: this is about serving you better, for the
long term.
What stays the same:
Nearly everything. Your day-to-day experience with us will not change.
- The same partner and engagement team, with the same people answering your questions.
- The same services, scope, and approach to your engagements.
- Our office location and phone number
- The same standards of confidentiality, independence, and professional care.
- Your history with us. We know your business, your filings, and your goals, and that context comes
with us.
What to expect:
The visible differences are largely cosmetic. Over the coming weeks you will begin to see:
- A new firm name and logo on correspondence, engagement letters, invoices, and reports.
- New email addresses for our team, ending in @acmcpas.com. Please update your contacts and
add our new domain to your safe-sender list so nothing lands in a spam folder.
- A new website at www.acmcpas.com, with updated links for your client portal and secure file
exchange.
- Updated remittance instructions on invoices. Please follow the payment details shown on each
invoice going forward.
- A new engagement letter or consent to transfer records for ACM Group, which we will send
separately.
Because a firm name and email domain change is exactly the sort of thing bad actors try to imitate, please
call our office directly if a message ever looks unfamiliar or asks you to change payment instructions. We
would always rather confirm than have you wonder.
We are grateful for the years behind us and genuinely excited about what comes next. Thank you for the
trust you have placed in us – it is the reason we are making these changes in the first place. If you have
any questions about the transition, please reach out to me or your engagement team directly. We are happy
to walk through it with you, and we will keep you posted as we continue investing in the firm.
Warm Regards,

Michael A. Grentz
Michael A. Grentz, CPA
Partner

Township of Pentland, Michigan
PO Box 412
Newberry, Michigan 49868

CONSENT TO TRANSFER OF ENGAGEMENT AND FILES (ATTEST)
September 1, 2026
Beginning August 31, 2026, certain principals and offices of Anderson, Tackman & Company, P.L.C.
("Anderson Tackman") will withdraw from the firm and continue their practice through A., Cedric, &
Michaels, CPAs, PLLC and A., Cedric, & Michaels Advisors LLC (collectively "ACM"). By signing
below, you consent to the following as part of that transition:
1. Your engagements with Anderson Tackman, including any engagement in progress, are assigned to and
assumed by ACM, and you authorize and direct Anderson Tackman to deliver your files, records, work in
process, and copies of related working papers, including the confidential information in them, to ACM.
2. The transfer takes effect on the later of August 31, 2026 and the date your signed consent is received by
Anderson Tackman or any of the withdrawing principals. Anderson Tackman's engagement with you ends
on that date.
3. Subject to ACM's acceptance procedures, ACM will complete any audit, other attest, or agreed-upon
procedures engagement in progress, issue the report in ACM's name, and provide future services, all under
a new ACM engagement letter.
4. The person signing confirms that they are authorized to sign for the client and that any approval required
for the transfer, whether under procurement policy, charter, governing-body action, or funding
requirements, has been obtained or is not required.
This consent may be signed and delivered by original or electronic signature.
AGREED:
Client Name:

Township of Pentland, Michigan

Management Signature:

Date:

Printed Name:

Title:

Governance Signature:

Date:

Printed Name:

Title: