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Summerfield Township Board Stories

Stories compiled from Summerfield Township Board meeting notes and agendas. Report mistakes to nick@nickboylan.com.

Story20222023202420252026Last raised

Now

Waste removal ordinance in the City of PetersburgAug 17 ’26
  1. Jun 16 ’25Decision on waste removal in the City of Petersburg postponed to July 21, 2025 for further research
  2. Jul 21 ’25Township ordinance on waste removal left unchanged
  3. Aug 17 ’26Waste Disposal Ordinance amended, with Section 2 corrected to read Waste Disposal instead of Blight
Data storage center moratorium and ordinanceJun 15 ’26
  1. Dec 15 ’25Possible data centers in the township: planning and resolutions to be prepared
  2. Jan 20 ’26Resolution 2026-002 adopted imposing a temporary moratorium on data storage centers while ordinance language is framed for adoption in 12 months
  3. Jun 15 ’26Second data storage center resolution, drafted by the township attorney, postponed for the Planning Commission to review it with the township's planning consultant
Accessory buildings zoning ordinance revisionJun 15 ’26
  1. Apr 21 ’25Township attorney to reword the accessory building zoning ordinance for the planning commission to consider revising
  2. Jun 15 ’26Accessory buildings ordinance revision dismissed; Planning Commission decision accepted
Township hall generator repair and replacementJun 15 ’26
  1. Oct 16 ’23Township hall generator: the insurance company being asked about it
  2. Jan 21 ’25Generator service agreement not pursued; board to look elsewhere for generator repairs
  3. Feb 18 ’25Generator repair estimate for the new township building set aside; other repair options to be sought
  4. Nov 17 ’25Bids being sought for a new generator for the township hall
  5. Dec 15 ’25Township hall generator: additional bids awaited before returning to the board
  6. Jun 15 ’26Township generator bid awarded to Miller's Nu-Tech at $12,667
Fire hall sidewalk replacementMay 18 ’26
  1. Jun 20 ’22Bids to be sought on replacing the sidewalk at the Fire Hall
  2. May 18 ’26Fire chief seeking bids for sidewalk at the fire hall
Building inspector contract and payMar 16 ’26
  1. Aug 15 ’22Building Inspector appointed under an independent contract at a flat $11,700 a year, $60 per inspection and a $40 meeting stipend
  2. Feb 27 ’24Building Inspector salary raised from $11,700 to $12,000 a year and meeting rate from $40 to $45 an hour
  3. Mar 16 ’26Building inspector salary increased from $12,000 to $12,360 a year
Extra BS&A software training daysFeb 17 ’26
  1. Dec 15 ’25Extra day of BS&A training approved
  2. Feb 17 ’26One additional day of on-site BS&A budget software training approved

2025

Fire hall refrigerator replacementNov 17 ’25
  1. Oct 20 ’25Replacement of the failed refrigerator at the fire hall pending
  2. Nov 17 ’25Fire hall refrigerator purchased from Durocher's with a five-year warranty and delivery
Fire department storage barn roofNov 17 ’25
  1. Oct 20 ’25Bids for the fire department storage barn roof to be forwarded to the board for a vote
  2. Nov 17 ’25Fire department storage barn steel roof awarded to Roeco, $7,787
Replacement of township warning sirensOct 20 ’25
  1. Mar 17 ’25Replacement of town sirens to be raised with the county at the fire chief's request
  2. Jun 16 ’25Two sirens for the fire hall and the new township hall being pursued through the county by the fire chief
  3. Oct 20 ’25Cost of a new siren for the front of the township hall discussed; a trustee asked whether the city could pay half
Shipping containers for fire equipment storageSep 15 ’25
  1. May 19 ’25Storage containers for fire equipment at the old township hall to be looked into at the fire chief's request
  2. Jul 21 ’25Costs being sought for a shipping container to store fire equipment from the old township hall
  3. Aug 18 ’25Fire hall shipping containers awarded on the low bid of $2,400 each; two ordered for $4,800
  4. Sep 15 ’25One fire department storage container delivered and the second on its way; fire equipment to leave the old township hall September 16
FOIA coordinator appointment and compensationSep 15 ’25
  1. Feb 18 ’25FOIA coordinator appointed, paid $16 an hour for hours spent on FOIA work
  2. Sep 15 ’25FOIA coordinator compensation set by resolution
Sale of the old township hall on Saline StreetSep 15 ’25
  1. Feb 27 ’24Existing township building to be sold upon purchase of the bank building
  2. Mar 18 ’24Appraisal of the current township hall under review; a trustee to seek another option
  3. Apr 21 ’25Garage sale to be held for furniture at the old township hall, led by the clerk and deputy clerk
  4. May 19 ’25Clerk to collect proposals from realtors for sale of the old township hall
  5. Jun 16 ’25Old township hall at 26 Saline St to be sold for $175,000, contingent on the buyer covering closing costs
  6. Aug 18 ’25Closing date for the sale of the old township hall still to be set
  7. Sep 15 ’25Resolution adopted authorizing the supervisor to sign for the sale of township realty on Saline Street
Albain Road cross tile replacementJul 21 ’25
  1. Jun 16 ’25Cross tile on Albain Rd to be looked at following a resident concern
  2. Jul 21 ’252025 Township Road Improvement Contract approved for Albain Rd cross tile replacement, $16,728 split evenly with the county road commission
Cemetery lot and opening-closing ratesJul 21 ’25
  1. Apr 19 ’22Adjustment of cemetery rates suggested by the clerk, some rates unchanged since 2002 and lower than most in the county
  2. May 20 ’24Cemetery opening and closing costs, unchanged since 2002, to be compared with other municipalities by the supervisor
  3. Jul 15 ’24Tabling of the cemetery resolution to August or September recommended by the supervisor
  4. Jun 16 ’25Cemetery plot and opening/closing rates postponed to the July 21, 2025 meeting
  5. Jul 21 ’25Cemetery rates rise January 1, 2026: resident lots $450, city $750, others $2,500; weekday burial opening $800, weekend or holiday $950
Morocco Road cross tile replacementsMay 19 ’25
  1. Apr 21 ’252025 Township Road Improvement Contract approved for cross tile replacement on Morocco from Wells to Summerfield, $5,784, split evenly with MCRC
  2. May 19 ’252025 Township Road Improvement Contract approved for Morocco cross tile from County Line to Robinson, split evenly with MCRC
Todd Road cross tile replacementsMay 19 ’25
  1. Apr 21 ’252025 Township Road Improvement Contract approved for Todd Rd cross tile from Payne to Alcott, $10,806, township share $5,403 from Excess Right of Way Maintenance
  2. May 19 ’252025 Township Road Improvement Contract approved for Todd Rd cross tile from Summerfield to the dead end, split evenly with MCRC
Cemetery mowing contract term datesMay 19 ’25
  1. Feb 18 ’25Cemetery and fire hall mowing contract dates changed to April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026
  2. May 19 ’25Cemetery mowing contract term changed back to May 1, 2025-April 30, 2026
Purchase and remodel of the former bank building as the new hallApr 21 ’25
  1. Nov 21 ’22Possible township purchase of the former First Merchants bank building raised; board urged to tour it for input
  2. Feb 27 ’24Purchase of the First Merchants Bank building approved at $150,000
  3. May 20 ’24Bank building title issue being resolved, per the supervisor's update
  4. Aug 19 ’24New hall remodel contract awarded to RoeCo Construction for $29,750
  5. Aug 19 ’24One quote presented for wallpaper removal and painting in the new hall lobby; no action taken
  6. Aug 19 ’24Two quotes presented for an electronic sign at the front of the new hall; no action taken
  7. Nov 18 ’24New hall painting bid awarded to Roeco/B&B Painting at $2,700
  8. Feb 18 ’25IT quote for the new township building approved, $5,014, with $1,050 from a 2024 election grant
  9. Feb 18 ’25New hall office furniture bought from ULINE for $12,271.97, with $1,860 from a 2024 election grant and $750 for filing cabinets
  10. Mar 17 ’25Volunteers helping move the township hall to the new building to be paid a base rate of $16 an hour
  11. Mar 17 ’25Conference table build with treasurer's doorknob awarded to Roe Co for $2,915
  12. Apr 21 ’254'x8' STAX full color LED info and alert sign purchased for the township hall, $19,967
Ordinance Enforcement Officer positionFeb 18 ’25
  1. Nov 18 ’24Ordinance enforcement officer engaged at $20 an hour plus mileage and a $25 phone allowance, complaint driven, reviewed after one year
  2. Feb 18 ’25Earlier ordinance enforcement officer's appointment ended, with two months of 2024 phone costs paid
Blight ordinance adoption and amendmentFeb 18 ’25
  1. Jul 15 ’24Blight Ordinance #2024-001 adopted, enforced through civil infractions in the courts
  2. Feb 18 ’25Blight ordinance amended so section 2.A on motor vehicles does not apply to commercially zoned properties, effective in 30 days

2024

Fire hall gear washer purchase and installationDec 16 ’24
  1. May 15 ’23Commercial gear washer purchased from LaundryOne for $10,104, including base, to clean firefighting gear
  2. Nov 20 ’23Fire chief reported the new washing machine would be hooked up after the holidays
  3. Dec 16 ’24Fire hall washing machine installation awarded to S&T General Contracting LLC for $5,850, the only bid received
Ida West Road farmland leaseNov 18 ’24
  1. Oct 21 ’24Sealed bids sought for the Ida West Road farmland lease for the 2025-2027 growing seasons, due 11:00 a.m. November 18
  2. Nov 18 ’24Lease of 67 acres of township farmland on Ida West Road awarded to the sitting renter at $136 per acre, below the highest of three sealed bids
Renewable energy siting and battery storage ordinancesNov 18 ’24
  1. Oct 16 ’23Resolution adopted supporting local control over short-term rentals, industrial solar and wind installations, and sand and gravel mining
  2. Sep 16 ’24Resolution 2024-003 adopted, imposing a temporary moratorium on the location and approval of all battery storage facilities in the township
  3. Sep 16 ’24Compatible renewable energy ordinance to be worked on with the township planners at the October 7 Planning Commission meeting; public hearing likely in November
  4. Oct 21 ’24Township attorney authorized to appeal or otherwise challenge the MPSC's October 10, 2024 order on Public Act 233 of 2023
  5. Nov 18 ’24Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission not adopted, leaving siting control with the state
Fire station office air conditioning replacementAug 19 ’24
  1. Jul 15 ’24Bids being gathered to replace the fire station office air conditioning unit; a third bid awaited
  2. Aug 19 ’24Fire hall office HVAC bid awarded to Thompson Plumbing, Heating & AC for $7,560
Cemetery tree removal, 2024 roundMay 20 ’24
  1. Apr 15 ’24Removal of 12-18 cemetery trees to be put out for bids
  2. May 20 ’24Cemetery tree removal contract awarded to Cress Tree Service, $13,860 for 18 trees including stump grinding and site restoration
Rescue truck replacement and remountApr 15 ’24
  1. Mar 20 ’23Replacement of the over twenty year old rescue truck under review, demo units priced around $225,000
  2. May 15 ’23Rescue truck options still being explored by the fire department; no action taken
  3. Jun 19 ’23Ambulance remount on a Ford E-450 chassis quoted at $168,453 plus about $16,000 for a stretcher system; no action taken
  4. Jul 17 ’23Ambulance remount on a Ford E-450 chassis bought for $157,948 plus a manual stretcher; deposit paid from the fire ordinance fund
  5. Feb 27 ’24New rescue truck remount expected ready within a couple of weeks, with lettering still to be done
  6. Apr 15 ’24New rescue truck to be lettered starting April 24, then state inspected before being placed in service
Cemetery mowing contract rebid, 2024Mar 18 ’24
  1. Jan 16 ’24Cemetery mowing bid specification to be drafted for the February 20 meeting, with bids due before the March meeting
  2. Feb 27 ’24Cemetery mowing to be put out for bids per the spec sheet, bids due at the March 18 board meeting
  3. Mar 18 ’24Motion to award the cemetery mowing contract on one of two identical $55,000 bids failed on a roll call
  4. Mar 18 ’24Cemetery mowing contract awarded to JP Lawn Care & More at $55,000

2023

Fire department state reporting softwareDec 18 ’23
  1. Nov 20 ’23Fire reporting software replacement to be decided in December as the current program expires
  2. Dec 18 ’23Fire department state reporting software contracted with Emergency Networking at $4,032.50 for 2024
Fire hall cloud-based door access systemDec 18 ’23
  1. Sep 18 ’23Fire hall door access upgrade to a cloud-based system for four doors; first estimate presented and pending
  2. Oct 16 ’23Quotes still being sought from other companies for the fire hall key cards
  3. Nov 20 ’23Fire hall door access system: a third quote to be presented at the December meeting
  4. Dec 18 ’23Fire hall cloud-based door access system awarded to Propel Tech & Electric at $3,312.58
Early voting shared with the City of PetersburgNov 20 ’23
  1. Sep 18 ’23Clerk plans to partner with the City of Petersburg for the nine days of early voting, sharing election workers and equipment
  2. Nov 20 ’23Nine days of mandatory early voting to be held at the City of Petersburg, 24 E. Center Street, consolidated with the city for 2024
Township website agreement and upkeepOct 16 ’23
  1. Apr 17 ’23Township website agreement accepted with the Shumaker Group: $2,995 one-time platinum package plus $750 a year fully managed fee
  2. Oct 16 ’23The clerk to be compensated $100 monthly for keeping the township website up to date
Michigan Gas Utilities franchise ordinanceJun 19 ’23
  1. Oct 17 ’22Michigan Gas Utilities Ordinance tabled to the November meeting pending more information on the agreement and rights of way
  2. Dec 19 ’22Ordinance #2022-002 adopted, granting Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation a 30-year franchise to lay and maintain gas mains in township rights-of-way
  3. Jun 19 ’23Ordinance 2023-001 adopted amending Section 6, Hold Harmless, of the Michigan Gas Utilities franchise ordinance
Cemetery tree removal, 2023 roundMay 15 ’23
  1. Apr 17 ’23Tree removal at Pleasant View Cemetery moved to be put out for sealed bids, due by the May meeting
  2. May 15 ’23Cemetery tree removal and stump grinding bid moved to be awarded to Cress Tree Service for $14,246, with no result recorded
  3. May 15 ’23Cemetery tree cutting to be paid from ARPA funds
Cemetery and fire hall lawn service bids, 2023Apr 17 ’23
  1. Feb 20 ’23Lawn service for the cemetery and fire hall to be put out for bid after the current provider ends service May 1
  2. Apr 17 ’23Fire department property mowing awarded to Cress Tree Service LLC at $350 per mow, from seven sealed bids
  3. Apr 17 ’23Pleasant View Cemetery mowing awarded to Cress Tree Service LLC at $35,000 annually, from three sealed bids
Township copier leaseMar 20 ’23
  1. Feb 20 ’23Township copier lease with Applied Innovations for a 60-month term moved, with no result recorded
  2. Mar 20 ’23Copier lease reawarded to Perry Pro Tech for 63 months after the machine agreed in February proved unavailable

2022

Fire hose replacementNov 21 ’22
  1. Jan 17 ’22NFPA now requires fire hose replacement every ten years; quotes for new hose to be obtained
  2. Apr 19 ’22Pricing for new fire hoses to be obtained by the fire chief for the May meeting
  3. Jun 20 ’22Fire hose purchase: one quote received, the chief working to obtain another
  4. Jul 18 ’22Fire hose purchase: one quote received, a second being sought
  5. Oct 17 ’22Fire hose quotes presented; the fire chief to research questions on one vendor's quote and report back to the board
  6. Nov 21 ’22Fire hose purchased from Macqueen for $15,372.30
  7. Nov 21 ’22Hose testing postponed to spring after the vendor was unable to travel
Land division application fee increaseAug 15 ’22
  1. Jun 20 ’22Land split fees: board to consider raising rates after reviewing what other townships charge
  2. Jul 18 ’22Land division fee raised to $100 for each newly created parcel, contingent on the attorney's approval
  3. Aug 15 ’22Ordinance 2022-001 adopted, amending the Land Division Ordinance to let the township board set land division application fees by resolution
  4. Aug 15 ’22Land division application fee set by resolution at $100 for each new parcel created
Insurance carrier quotes and renewalJul 18 ’22
  1. Jan 17 ’22A trustee recommended getting insurance quotes from another company in about six months for 2023 coverage
  2. Jul 18 ’22Clerk reported the township insurance comes due in February and recommended that comparisons be sought now