On the agenda: Big Rapids July 7, 2026 — Data Center (Jul 7)

BIG RAPIDS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026
BIG RAPIDS TOWNSHIP HALL, 14230 NORTHLAND DR.
BIG RAPIDS, MI 49307
7:00 PM
APPROVED
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Borkovich, Bechaz, Everett, Marek, Saez, Teceno, Welch, present.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Chris Zimmerman – update on Tonkin: Commissioners hired an expert to give an audit on Tonkin approved
in the amount of $10,000. The final bill received was $13,800. Three commissioners voted no to approve of the extra amount. Hren
made a motion to release the report to the public and it failed to get support. Zimmerman wants to release to the public.
Questions asked as to why the report cannot be released to the public. No legal opinion from attorney preventing release, they
did not release based off of wording on the report stating not to release.
Randy LaPreze- Stated he voted no on the extra amount due to being told by people in departments at the County that it would
not be paid. As for disclosure, he said the report said not to release and that’s why he voted no. Stated he went to a Mecosta
County Township meeting 3 months ago and shared the next is at Austin Township on the 27th of this month.
Brad Deal – Asked what individuals should do to work towards release of the analysis of Tonkin. Wants Drain Commissioner held
responsible.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
CORRESPONDENCE: Mecosta Township – Master Plan Notice
CONSENT AGENDA
1. June 2, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes:
2. May Financial Report:
3. Sheriff’s Report:
4. Cemetery and Grounds Report:
5. Sewer Department Report:
6. Water Department Report:
7. Building Department Report:
A motion was made by Saez to approve of the consent agenda. Supported by Everett. Motion passed unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Brian Miller- Public Safety Revenue Sharing: A motion was made by Borkovich to transfer $21,757.00 to the Sheriff
Department and in return they will create a contract to ensure that extra services are performed in the Township.
Supported by Teceno. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
2. Powerlines Project Introduction: To revisit in August.
3. Sewer Lift Station Discussion: A motion was made by Bechaz to contract with the City for Sewer Lift Station
Maintenance. Supported by Teceno. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
4. Ordinance Book/Website update: The new Codification of the Ordinance book is now live and viewable online at:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/bigrapidschartertwpmi/latest/overview
5. Roads Discussion: Teceno brought a quote for 205th to be implemented in two parts – the first phase this year
preparation for paving and next year paving. A motion was made by Teceno to approve of the quote for 205th in the
amount of $108,997.50. Supported by Everett. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Assessor Policy: A motion was made by Marek to approve of the Assessor Policy. Supported by Bechaz. Motion passed
unanimously.
CH Flats MTT Petition: To revisit in August.
Permit costs: A motion was made by Saez to approve of the permits increase to $75. Supported by Teceno. Motion
passed unanimously on a roll call vote. This decision is because the building department must break even with costs.
Other: A motion was made by Borkovich to create a Resolution on behalf of transparency and releasing the results of the
Tonkin analysis. Supported by Bechaz. Motion passed unanimously.

Financial
1.
2.

Payroll: A motion was made by Marek to approve of Payroll in the amount of $33,992.45. Supported by Bechaz.
Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Accounts Payable: A motion was made by Marek to approve of AP in the amount of $112,698.23 Supported by
Bechaz. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Kathy Deal – asked about update on Data Center Ordinance. Borkovich is working on page 14 of an
ordinance.
Brad Deal – thanked board for being proactive on Tonkin and Data Centers.
Randy LaPreze – Asked board if they heard about County update on MET funds – noted each Jurisdiction will receive $5,000 for
road brining.

ADJOURNMENT:8:35pm

Big Rapids Charter Township will provide necessary and reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and
audiotapes of printed material, if individuals with disabilities, upon five business days notice to the township. Individuals requiring auxiliary aids
or services should contact Hannah Saez, Big Rapids Charter Township Clerk, 14212 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307- call 231 796 3603 or
fax request to 231 796 2533.