On the agenda: Gobles 09-02-2026 — Data Center (Sep 2)

PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 2, 2026 7:00 p.m.
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Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Visser.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: Present: Huston, Meert, Visser, Sell, Hephner Also Present: Erin Geschwendt, Attorney
Approve Agenda: Motion by Huston, supported by Hephner to approve the Agenda. All yes, motion carried.
Consent Agenda: Motion by Visser, supported by Sell to amend the Consent Agenda with the correct date
of August 5, 2026 approval of minutes. All yes, motion carried. Motion by Sell, supported by Visser to
approve the Consent Agenda as amended. All yes, motion carried.
Monthly Bills: Motion by Huston, supported by Visser to approve the monthly bills in the amount of
$68,046.20. All yes, motion carried.
Correspondence and Reports:
A. County Commissioner: Submitted
B. Road Commission: Submitted.
C. Fire Chief: Reported 212 calls for the year.
D. Fire Board: Reported monthly meeting will be moved to the second Thursday of September
due to scheduling conflicts.
E. Ambulance: None.
F. Treasurer: Submitted As of 7-31-2026: Total: $1,495,248.02
G. Planning Commission: Joint meeting with the Board August 17th with a presentation on data
centers with Attorney Mike Bila. The September meeting has been cancelled due to scheduling
conflicts.
H. KABA: August had a total of $2,322 in 16 permits. 95 permits to date
I. Ordinance Enforcement: OEO has 32 current cases pending, 1 in court
Committee Reports:
1. Building Committee
A: Snow Plow RFP Posting: An RFP for Snow Plowing 2026-27 season has been posted on the
website and also at the township hall. Submissions must be submitted by September 15th to be
considered.
B. Crawl Space Encapsulation: Scheduled for November 19th & 20th. The township hall will not be
open to the public on those dates.
2. Parks & Rec: Update: The Ice Cream Social was held in August with approximately 50 people
in attendance. The township received some good responses from the surveys and idea boards.
Visser thanked the community for all their help.
Old Business:
1. Renewable Energy & Data Center Updates: Visser reported on the joint training of the PC, Township
Board, and Attorney Bila, regarding the MTA Seminar held on Monday addressing PA’s 233, 234, and
235, renewable energy and data center moratoriums. MTA provided a sample workable ordinance
template.
There are currently approx. 8-10 applications into the state for solar and other renewables. Charlevoix,
has been approved, but is currently being challenged in the Court of Appeals.
2. Donation Policy for Donations to the Township: Table until October Meeting
3. Approval of Audit: Motion by Visser, supported by Sell to approve the audit. All yes, motion carried.

10. New Business:
1. VDK Remediation Quote (basement and main level): Quote for $11, 600 from VDK. Motion by
Visser, supported by Huston to approve the VDK Remediation quote for $11,600.00 for the basement
and main level remediation. Roll Call: Huston – yes, Meert – yes, Visser – yes, Sell – yes, Hephner –
yes. All yes, motion passed.
2. Recycle Center Repair: Huston presented a quote for $1,180 from John Haas Construction to repair the
roof at the Recycle Center. Motion by Visser, supported by Meert to approve the quote for $1,180 from

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John Haas Construction for the roof repair at the Recycle Center. Roll Call: Huston – yes, Meert –
yes, Visser – yes, Sell – yes, Hephner – yes. All yes, motion carried.
Meert stated the recycle center building needs to be painted and the pavement needs to be sealed. Huston
stated where the tires are being stacked behind the pole barn, needs leveled and cement poured, about
24’x20’. Huston will look into getting quotes for these projects. The Road Commission might be able to
do the reseal coat.
3. Planning Commission Representative: Visser reported due to resignation of a PC member, the opening
had been posted and one submission was received from Jeff Pangle. After a brief discussion, Motion by
Meert, supported by Hephner to approve and appoint Jeff Pangle to the Pine Grove Township
Planning Commission. Roll Call: Huston -yes, Meert – yes, Visser – yes, Sell – yes, Hephner – yes.
All yes, motion carried.
4. Road Planning 2027: The Road Commission has requested the 2027 Road Plan to be completed two
months earlier this year, submitted by October 31.
11. Public Comment (Limit 2 minutes per person): A resident asked if the township board would consider
discussing a weather siren being installed due to all the recent tornados. Another resident stated he liked
having the Ordinance Enforcement report given at this meeting. Pam Westcott stated the church will be
holding a spaghetti dinner Sept 26th, 5-6:30pm, free will donation. Pam complemented the Recycle Center
staff, Bob and Jeff, stating they are very courteous and helpful.
12. Member Comment: Visser reported a new scam regarding an email from your bank. Do not reply to the
email and call your bank in person.
13. Adjournment: Motion by Visser, supported by Huston to adjourn at 7:59 pm. All yes, motion carried.
Adjourned: 7:59 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Meert, Pine Grove Township Clerk

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