On the agenda: Pentwatet Regular Board Minutes 08/19/26 - Approved (PDF) — Flock Safety (Aug 19)

PENTWATER TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Pentwater Township Hall, Pentwater, Michigan
Conducted pursuant to the Michigan Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.261 et seq.) and Robert's Rules of
Order
OPEN MEETINGS ACT COMPLIANCE NOTICE: This meeting was duly noticed and held in compliance with the
Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCL 15.261 et seq. A public notice of this meeting was posted at Pentwater
Township Hall and on the township website not less than 18 hours before the meeting. The meeting was open to
the public. Members of the public were provided an opportunity to address the Board during the Public Comment
period.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Supervisor Cavazos called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Trustee Mike Flynn led the Board and those
present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
Board Member

Title

Present

Lynne Cavazos

Township Supervisor

Yes

Maureen Murphy

Township Clerk

Yes

Heather Douglas

Township Treasurer

Yes

Dean Holub

Trustee

Yes

Mike Flynn

Trustee

Yes

A quorum was present. Staff Present: Keith Edwards, Zoning Administrator & Deputy Supervisor; Glenn
Beavis, Deputy Clerk (non-voting).
Others Present: Ian Rees, CPA (Gabridge & Company, via Zoom), Jonathan Hughart, Fire Chief; Greg
Hopkins (appointee, West Michigan Fire & Rescue Authority); Janet McKevitt (North Central Beach
Association); David Leonard (North Central Beach Association); Fred Kooistra (North Central Beach
Association, via Zoom); Tom Roose; David Spitler; Chris & Elise Baker; Holly & David Reynolds

3. CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda included: minutes from the July 8, 2026 Regular Board Meeting; correspondence
(Consumers Energy regarding tree/line maintenance; 2026 Oceana County Day of Caring; and a resident
letter to be read later in the meeting); monthly budgets; bank reconciliation documents; and payment of
bills.
MOTION:

To approve the Consent Agenda as presented

Moved by:

Douglas

Seconded by:

Holub

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Flynn — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Murphy — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

4. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
The meeting agenda was presented as prepared, with no amendments.
MOTION:

To approve the meeting agenda as presented

Moved by:

Flynn

Seconded by:

Murphy

Vote:

Roll call: Flynn — Yes; Murphy — Yes; Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Cavazos — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

5. PUBLIC COMMENT — AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
Janet McKevitt, 8711 North Perry (North Central Beach Association), spoke on behalf of the Association
regarding a fire ordinance agenda item. She asked the Board to consider amending the ordinance to
more specifically address elevated, oil-burning devices such as tiki torches near dune grass and wooded
areas, citing a neighbor's use of such torches near a cottage and the associated fire risk.

6. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
6-A. Longbridge Road Project
The Supervisor reported the project is nearly complete; all temporary stoplights have been removed. The
only outstanding item is replacement of railing fittings on both sides of the bridge, which had to be
reordered after the Road Commission deemed the first batch of materials unacceptable. She commended
both the Road Commission and area residents for their cooperation during construction.

6-B. Transfer Station Free Day
The Supervisor reminded residents of the free disposal day at the transfer station on Saturday, August
22nd. Transfer Station Operator Bob has recommended one load per family; residents were encouraged
to arrive early, as bins fill quickly.

6-C. Cemetery Events
The Supervisor announced upcoming cemetery events organized with Shannon Larson and the Friends
of the Cemetery:
• Fall Tour — "America 250: From Revolution to Community" — Saturday, September 26, 11:00 a.m.–
12:30 p.m., and Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. Free event; donations accepted.
• Wreaths Across America — Friday, December 19, 2026. The cemetery has identified approximately
374 veterans' graves; wreath sponsorships are $17 each.

6-D. Native American Burial Site Dedication
The Supervisor reported that Shannon Larson obtained a grant for a bronze marker dedicating the area in
Block 4 where four identified Native American burials are located, including an infant and two individuals
believed to have drowned in the Pentwater River. A dedication is planned for October 11. The Clerk and
Deputy Clerk met with a fencing contractor (Straight Line Fencing) to obtain an estimate for site cleanup
ahead of the dedication; estimates are pending.

7. CLERK'S REPORT
7-A. August 4, 2026 State Primary Election — Recap
The Clerk expressed appreciation to Deputy Clerk Glenn Beavis and all election inspectors for their work
on the state primary election. Statistics reported:
• 1,555 registered voters.
• 894 voters cast ballots (55% turnout), compared with approximately 27% countywide and
approximately 22% statewide.
• Of the 894 voters, 593 voted absentee and 21 took advantage of early in-person voting.

7-B. General Election — November 3, 2026
The Clerk reported that absentee voter ballot applications for the general election are being mailed
(approximately 134 applications outstanding, separate from currently enrolled permanent absentee
voters). The Township expects to receive absentee ballots from the county by approximately September
21, 2026.

8. TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Douglas reported she attended a joint conference of the Association of Public Treasurers for
the U.S. and Canada and the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association in Grand Rapids. She

suggested the Township consider staff training on phishing and financial scams, noting she has begun
discussing this with Deputy Supervisor Edwards. Summer taxes are due September 14, 2026; a penalty
applies beginning September 15. The Treasurer distributed the updated cash summary report reflecting
reconciled bank balances.

9. LIBRARY UPDATE
No Library representative was present. The Supervisor noted, on behalf of the Library, that the library
millage proposal passed.

10. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Monthly meeting agenda, minutes, and officers' report included in the Board packet. No substantive
discussion held.

11. RECREATION REPORT
No report received. The Supervisor noted the recreation program is now administered through Pentwater
Schools and expects an update once the school year begins.

12. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
12-A. Zoning Administrator / Deputy Supervisor — Keith Edwards
Report included in the Board packet. Zoning activity remains active for the season.

12-B. Township Assessor — Barbie Eaton
No report submitted; the Board of Review was completed in July, and this period is the Assessor's offseason.

12-C. Cemetery Report
Report included in the Board packet. Two cremains burials, two columbarium internments, four foundation
sets and two gravesites were sold during the reporting period.

12-D. Transfer Station Report
418 visitors for the reporting period, with continued strong participation from the Village.

13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.

14. NEW BUSINESS
New Business-A. FY2026 Audit Report — Gabridge & Company
Ian Rees, CPA, of Gabridge & Company, presented the Township's FY2026 audit via Zoom screen share.
He reported the Township received a clean (unmodified) opinion — the best opinion available. Financial
highlights:
• Assets exceeded liabilities by approximately $2.7 million; of that, approximately $918,000 is
unrestricted.
• Revenues were approximately $1.4 million against expenses of approximately $1.9 million, a net
position decrease of about $500,000, attributed primarily to the Library's separation from the
Township during the fiscal year.
• Governmental fund balances totaled approximately $1.4 million (a decrease of about $418,000 from
the prior year, also attributable to the Library separation). Approximately 56% (about $800,000) is
unassigned, entirely within the General Fund — equal to roughly 155% of annual General Fund
expenditures.
• Sewer Fund: approximately $115,000 in free cash flow; net position increased approximately
$203,000 for the year, aided by a settlement received from the Village. Mr. Rees cautioned the Sewer
Fund is still operating at a loss and, at the current rate (~$30,000/year), reserves would be exhausted
in approximately five to six years; he recommended the Board monitor sewer rates and expenses
going forward.

Trustee Holub asked about the absence of an audit recommendations letter; Mr. Rees confirmed there is
a letter to the Board noting one finding related to routine material audit adjustments, which have since
been made, with no significant findings.
MOTION:

To accept the FY2026 draft audit report from Gabridge & Company

Moved by:

Douglas

Seconded by:

Holub

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Flynn — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Murphy — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

New Business-B. Great Lakes Energy — Metro Act Right-of-Way Permit Application
The Clerk presented an application from Great Lakes Energy under the Metro Act (2002), which governs
telecommunications providers' access to and use of local public rights-of-way, administered through the
Michigan Public Service Commission. Upon legal counsel's review, two deficiencies were identified in the
application: it did not include an anticipated construction schedule, and it did not identify other
organizations or entities with an ownership interest in the applicant. Discussion noted the broadband
infrastructure shown on the application's map has, in fact, already been installed (completed in late 2025
under a state grant the Board previously supported, covering Pentwater Township, Weir Township,
Summit Township, and Riverton Township in Mason County), which explains the absence of a forward
construction schedule.
The Board discussed the choice between a 5-year (unilateral) and 15-year (bilateral) permit term, and
expressed a preference for the shorter 5-year term to allow more regular review. It was noted that the
application itself may be administratively completed and approved by the Supervisor once the missing
information is received, while the underlying right-of-way permit requires Board approval by resolution.
MOTION:

To approve the Great Lakes Energy Metro Act right-of-way permit (resolution), subject to Great
Lakes Energy providing a list of related/affiliated entities and amending the application from the
bilateral (15-year) form to the unilateral (5-year) form, per Sections 2.4 and 2.5 of the
application

Moved by:

Clerk Murphy

Seconded by:

Treasurer Douglas

Vote:

Roll call: Murphy — Yes ; Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Flynn — Yes; Cavazos — Yes

Result:

APPROVED, subject to stated conditions

New Business-C. Flock Safety Camera / License Plate Reader Update
The Supervisor provided background: in spring 2025 the Township had agreed to participate, alongside
the Oceana County Sheriff's Department, in a trial of automated license plate reader ("flock") cameras at
two locations (Monroe/Longbridge and near the cemetery), separate from a related trial conducted
independently by the Pentwater Village Police Department. As of the week of this meeting, the Oceana
County Sheriff's Office announced it will not move forward with its planned countywide flock camera trial,
citing lack of support among townships (of 16 townships, only Pentwater and one other township had
agreed to participate). The Supervisor noted the Village's separate arrangement is unaffected by the
County's decision and status there remains unclear.
A letter from a Township resident objecting to flock camera surveillance on privacy and Fourth
Amendment grounds was read into the record by the Supervisor. The resident's letter cited concerns
about accuracy and misuse of automated license plate reader data, referenced a recent U.S. Supreme
Court decision addressing geofence warrants and location privacy, and urged the Board not to enter into
any future contract for this technology.
No Board action was taken on this item, as the County's decision resolved the immediate matter. The
Board discussed the possibility of consulting legal counsel about a local ordinance addressing use of this
technology within the Township going forward.

New Business-D. West Michigan Fire & Rescue Authority — Update and Appointment of
Representative

Fire Chief Jonathan Hughart reported the Authority's intergovernmental agreement (IGA) documents are
with legal counsel and were finalized the day of the meeting. Pentwater Village has voted to move
forward with the Authority and has nominated a joint township/village representative.
The Supervisor explained that under the IGA, the Township and Village agreed to appoint one shared
representative (rather than one from each entity separately) to avoid over-representation on the Authority
board, consistent with legal counsel's advice that the Township, as the fiduciary agency, holds legal
authority to make the appointment under Public Act 57. Greg Hopkins was recommended for this role. Mr.
Hopkins, a Village resident since 2016, described his 34-year career as a career firefighter in
Indianapolis, Indiana, including experience with a combination paid/volunteer township department, and
expressed support for the Authority's goal of ensuring the firehouse is staffed.
MOTION:

To approve the appointment of Greg Hopkins as the Township/Village representative to the
West Michigan Fire & Rescue Authority Board

Moved by:

Holub

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Voice vote — Aye [all in favor]; no nays recorded

Result:

APPROVED

New Business-E. Data Centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems — Possible
Moratorium
The Supervisor opened discussion on whether the Township should adopt a temporary moratorium on
data centers and associated battery storage facilities, similar to actions taken by other Michigan
municipalities (e.g., Marquette Township) while communities assess impacts such as water use, energy
demand, and effects on housing and energy prices. Legal counsel has suggested a 6-month moratorium,
extendable to one year, as a starting point. The Board discussed that while Pentwater Township has
limited vacant land suited to such development, a moratorium would still allow time to evaluate the issue,
particularly given experiences in less-regulated neighboring townships (e.g., Leavitt Township /
Walkerville area). It was noted that any such action should come from legal counsel as a specific
resolution clearly stating its purpose and scope, and that a zoning ordinance amendment (requiring
Planning Commission review and a public hearing) is a different, longer process than a general
ordinance.
No Board action was taken; the Supervisor and Treasurer will continue working with legal counsel on this
issue.

New Business-F. North Central Beach Association — Request to Clarify Fire/Burning
Ordinance
The Supervisor read into the record a letter from the North Central Beach Association (NCBA) requesting
that the Township's 1999 fire ordinance be amended to more specifically prohibit freestanding or staked
open-flame devices, including tiki torches, on beaches, dunes, and in wooded areas due to fire danger.
The letter noted the Association's membership voted unanimously at its July 25, 2026 annual meeting to
raise this concern, referenced a July 3rd incident involving lit tiki torches near dune grass adjoining a
cottage, and cited Michigan DNR and state park rules restricting open flames to contained fire rings.
David Leonard, NCBA board member, spoke in support of the request, describing dune grass fire risk in
the limited-access dune community and referencing guidance from the Mason-Oceana 911 Limited
Access Dune Community Forum and the national Firewise program. Fire Chief Jonathan Hughart
recommended the Board have legal counsel review the 1999 ordinance to add specific definitions of
"open flame" and to add an administration/enforcement section, rather than relying on general nuisance
language.
MOTION:

To refer the Township's fire/burning ordinance to legal counsel for review and to research the
Firewise Communities program

Moved by:

Holub

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Roll call: Holub — Yes; Douglas — Yes; Murphy — Yes ; Flynn — Yes; Cavazos — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

New Business-G. Township Website — Selection of New Vendor
Trustee Holub reported the Township's current website vendor is retiring. Based on a recommendation
from the Township's current webmaster, two public-sector website vendors were identified: Civic Clarity
and Revize. Discussion emphasized the Township's priorities of migrating existing content (rather than a
full rebuild), retaining in-house editing ability, and prioritizing ADA/accessibility compliance, for which the
Township has an extension to April 2028.
MOTION:

To have Trustee Holub contact Civic Clarity and ReViZe and arrange a virtual workshop with
the Board to evaluate both companies

Moved by:

Cavazos

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Voice vote — Aye [all in favor]; no nays recorded

Result:

APPROVED

15. OTHER ITEMS — BOARD MEMBERS
None raised.

16. PUBLIC COMMENT — GENERAL (ANY TOPIC)
Jonathan Hughart, Fire Chief, clarified the rationale for the single joint Township/Village representative
appointment to the West Michigan Fire & Rescue Authority (see New Business-D), confirming legal
counsel's advice that the Village is not itself a fiduciary agency under the Authority's intergovernmental
agreement.
Tom Roose commented on concerns about a data center being constructed near his son's property in
Fowlerville, citing noise and property value impacts, and referenced connections between such facilities
and license plate reader camera networks.
David Spitler reported that the Oceana County Planning Commission did not meet this cycle due to
election-related scheduling conflicts and expects to resume meeting in September. Supervisor Cavazos
noted the County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is currently without funding and is meeting
approximately once per quarter; he highlighted the newly completed Walker Hill Market, a former
brownfield project site, as a recent success.

17. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:

To adjourn the meeting

Moved by:

Flynn

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Voice vote — Aye [all in favor]; no nays recorded

Result:

MEETING ADJOURNED

Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:50 p.m.

CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing constitutes the official minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Pentwater
Township Board of Trustees held on August 19, 2026, recorded pursuant to the Michigan Open Meetings
Act, MCL 15.261 et seq.
____________________________________________
Township Clerk, Pentwater Township
Date