On the agenda: Casnovia agenda — Data Center (Aug 10)

245 S. Canada Rd.
Casnovia, MI 49318

T: (616)-675-4064
Fax: (616)-675-5611

Casnovia Township Regular Board Meeting
August 10th, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Regular Public Hearing: Called to order with Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM by Supervisor Paul Black
Members Present: Supervisor Paul Black, Clerk Carrie Marlatt, Treasurer Penny Muma, Trustee Jason
Jorgensen, and Trustee Todd Willick
Members Absent: None
Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the Agenda with the following amendments as follows: Motion to add
board action item #2 Resolution 2026-10 Data Center Moratorium and board action item #3 J&F Ground
Keepers S. Casnovia Cemetery monument and foundation repair bid, made by Marlatt. Add board action item
#4 Board authorization for full attorney review of conflict of interest issues and all mcl allegations including
contract fraud issues, made by Black. Both motions supported by Willick. Voice Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay, 0 Absent.
CARRIED.
Motion to Approve Minutes: Black presented corrections to the July 13th draft minutes under MCL 15.269
that requires public bodies make corrections at the next meeting after the meeting in which the minutes refer to
asking for consideration. Motion by Black that the July 13th, 2026 draft minutes be corrected as set forth in his
written submission and the corrected minutes show both the original entry and corrected as required per MCL
15.269. No Support received. Black requested the clerk document that it failed for lack of second and Black will
submitting all documentation to the clerk and board as all three documents were transmitted electronically in
advance of the meeting.
REPORTS:
1. FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Jones presented the Incident Run Log, reporting 15 calls from July 14th through August 10th, 2026.
Items noted were recent purchase of medical equipment, updates to fire truck to implement as another
med unit and upcoming Ham Supper in October.
2. SENIOR RESOURCES:
No dinner to report this period. Black referenced July 7th dinner.
3. TREASURER:
Muma presented the treasurer’s report. She referenced Orkin’s first application visit to the township and 2
requests for assistance from the senior allocation fund. Muma reminding the community of the policy for
receiving those funds.
4. CLERK:
Marlatt prepared bills and payroll for payment approval. Motion to approve post audit bills and pending
invoices made by Jorgensen, supported by Willick. Voice Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay, 0 Absent
Marlatt spoke on the August 4th, 2026, Primary Election outcome.
5. ZONING REPORT:
Black presented the July 2026 Zoning Report, noting permits, land divisions, and enforcement. The
August Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled.

“Casnovia Township is an equal opportunity provider and employer”
www.casnoviatownshipmi.gov

245 S. Canada Rd.
Casnovia, MI 49318

T: (616)-675-4064
Fax: (616)-675-5611

6. SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:
Black relayed information regarding Muskegon County Road offering 3 free days of repairs to gravel
roads with approval to those with evidence of ponding. In talking the MCRC, current quotes will expire at
the end of the year and the Township can expect a 3-4% increase for materials after that time. Black
referenced his communication with Prein and Newhoff and their intention to have submit a quote for drain
field engineering services by the next board meeting. Black is working on Capital Improvement projects
and in talks with the Township Auditor, it is advised to keep a 50% reserve of our operating costs when
implementing new projects with review from the board with looking at reserves and capital improvement
fund. Sewer update included the previous meeting at the drainfield with positive input from EGLE. The
drainfield has been hydraulically overloaded for some time and ponding is now minimal. Black noted that
our report card 2018-2024 did not receive passing grades and though improvements have been made,
EGLE would like to see information regarding the construction of a reserve drain field and tackle the
inflow that needs to be identified. The Township is still under egregious status. Black asked EGLE for
response so the Township can plan expenses.
BOARD ACTION ITEMS:
1. Resolution 2026-xx Resolution Amending Township Board Policy Regarding Authority to Contact
Legal Counsel. Black requested for the record, Board chose not to adopt any modifications to its
existing policy for attorney review by anyone other than the current clerk.
2. Resolution 2026-10 Data Center Moratorium. Motion to approve Resolution 2026-10 made by Willick,
supported by Jorgensen. Roll Call Vote: 5 Ayes Muma, Jorgensen, Black, Willick, Marlatt, 0 Nays, 0
Absent. CARRIED
3. J&F Ground Keepers S. Casnovia Cemetery monument and foundation repair quote. Motion to
approve the bid from J&F Ground Keepers to repair the 6 stones, made by Willick, supported by
Marlatt. Roll Call Vote: 5 Ayes Black, Marlatt, Jorgensen, Willick, Muma, 0 Nays, 0 Absent. CARRIED
4. Full attorney review of conflict-of-interest issues including all mcl and contract fraud allegations. Black
made the motion that counsel be authorized to conduct the factual investigation necessary for opinion
of the July 13th matters concerning the clerks allegations and including the supervisors conflict review
memorandum including exhibit a and supporting documents. No Support. Motion died on the floor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Board Comments:
Black stated his communication with BHS Insurance regarding MCL allegations and legal exposures
Marlatt referenced commitment to community
Black, Marlatt and Muma relayed responses regarding HEC contract with invitation of Marc
Middlestadt’s inability to attend and board minute taking.
2. Next Regular Board Meeting – September 14th, 2026, at 7 PM.

“Casnovia Township is an equal opportunity provider and employer”
www.casnoviatownshipmi.gov

245 S. Canada Rd.
Casnovia, MI 49318

T: (616)-675-4064
Fax: (616)-675-5611

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Began at 7:55PM 26 in attendance
Joel Palmer questioned Assessor chain of command with recent changes to AG property classification
Randy Peterman spoke on sewer reports, park maintenance, hall driveway, post office parking lot, and gravel
roads
Denise Cook spoke on communication status with the Supervisor, lack of transparency and vagueness
Ann Millett spoke on board communication to the attorney per recent approvals, and raised concern of the
Supervisor purposely endangering the township.
Todd Vanloon spoke on recent sewer work and questioned the last time valves were replaced.
Unknown questioned licensed sewer operators
Randy Peterman spoke on prior sewer operations
Eldon Clough spoke on attorney cost for following through with allegations against MCL’s and potential
consequence of not approving motion to revise minutes.
*Supervisor Black made the motion to go back to the draft minutes as presented and they be approved
without corrections. No support. Motion to approve with amendment to correct from Special Meeting to
Regular meeting was made by Marlatt, Supported by Willick. Voice Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay, 0 Absent.
CARRIED.
Eldon Clough gave credit to the Clerk for her minute taking.

Comment closed at 8:15 PM
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 8:15 PM by Marlatt, seconded by Black CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Carrie Marlatt, Clerk

“Casnovia Township is an equal opportunity provider and employer”
www.casnoviatownshipmi.gov