Minutes, Township Board
Township Board Meeting Minutes — February 11, 2025
The Lincoln Township Board meeting on February 11, 2025, approved the agenda, treasurer’s report, BS&A software purchase, salary resolutions, revised Poverty Guidelines, and fire department appointments. The budget/Truth and Taxation meeting was scheduled for March 25, 2025.
Summary written automatically. The full text below is the record.
- Called to order
- 7:00 pm
- Adjourned
- 7:52 pm
- Presiding
- Brett Fales
- Present
- Fales, Oswald, Wilson, Meredith, Wirtz, and nine guests present
Decisions in these minutes (6)
Lincoln Township
Board Meeting Minutes (unapproved)
February 11, 2025
The regular meeting of the Lincoln Township Board was called to order at 7:00 pm with Fales, Oswald, Wilson, Meredith and Wirtz, and nine guests present.
The agenda was approved as amended after motion by Oswald and second by Wilson.
Public comments were heard and correspondence was read.
The minutes of the January 14 regular board meeting were approved as read after motion by Meredith and second by Fales
The treasurer’s report was heard. Payment of bills in the amount of $28,292.85 in the general fund, $6136.36 in the fire fund, $19,069.50 in the sanitation fund, and $233.51 in the liquor fund were approved unanimously by roll call vote after motion by Meredith and second by Fales. [Fales/Y; Wilson/Y; Oswald/Y; Meredith/Y; Wirtz/Y]
The fire department, planning commission, building inspector, code enforcement, water authority, solid waste, and park reports were heard. It was reported that the Hope Road water extension is now completed.
No further discussion occurred concerning the township hall rental issues from last month.
Treasurer Oswald presented details on the BS&A proposal concerning a software upgrade for the clerk, treasurer, and assessor. She informed the board that many townships within Michigan, including the City of Midland, currently use this software. It would give the township increased processing efficiency as well as cloud storage for data.
After discussion, Supervisor Fales made a motion to approve up to $45,000 for the purchase of BS&A software for the township. The motion was seconded by Wilson, and passed with a unanimous roll call vote. [Fales/Y; Oswald/Y; Wilson/Y; Meredith/Y; Wirtz/Y]
Approved attendance to MCTOA March 6th quarterly dinner meeting after motion by Wilson and second by Fales. RSVP by March 3, 2025 if planning to attend.
Salary resolutions for 2025-2026 were discussed. Based on inflation figures, Supervisor Fales proposed a 3% raise for township officials, beginning with the new fiscal year (April 1, 2025). Wilson seconded his motion. Results of roll call vote: Fales/Y; Wilson/Y; Oswald/N; Wirtz/Y; Meredith/Y.
A revised Poverty Guidelines Resolution was presented to the board. The guidelines have been updated and are intended for use by the Township Board of Review. After motion by Fales/second by Wilson, guidelines were unanimously approved as presented. A copy of the revised guidelines will be posted on the township web page.
Supervisor Fales proposed that the budget/Truth and Taxation meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the township hall. His motion was seconded by Oswald, and approved unanimously by the board. Any needed amendments to budgetary line items will be discussed, including the increases in the drain budget.
Fire Department appointments were discussed. Fales recognized Chief Robert Marks and thanked him for his many years of dedicated service to the township. Upon motion by Fales and second by Wirtz, Eric Forshee was named as new fire chief. Richard Marks was appointed as the assistant fire chief, and David Wasalaski was named captain. These changes were approved by roll call vote {Fales/Y; Wirtz/Y; Oswald/N; Wilson/Y], with Meredith abstaining.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 pm by Supervisor Fales.
Signature line for Barb Wilson
Lincoln Township Clerk
Certification
State of Michigan, County of Midland
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Township Board of Lincoln Township, Midland County, Michigan, held on the 11th of February, 2025.
Signature line for Barb Wilson
Lincoln Township Clerk
Signature line for Brett Fales
Lincoln Township Supervisor