On the agenda: Grass Lake August 24, 2026 Work Session — Data Center (Aug 24)

GRASS LAKE CHARTER TOWNSHIP
APPROVED WORK SESSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
August 24, 2026
Meeting called to order by Supervisor Lesinski at 4:00 p.m.
Board Members Present by Roll Call: Bray, Rentfrow, Loveland, Bednarski-Lynch, Harris, and
Lesinski. Absent – Wyant.
Discussion Topics
1. County Surcharge - Information regarding the proposed 911 surcharge ballot proposal was presented
in anticipation of questions the Board may receive. The primary purpose of the proposal is to establish
uniform radio equipment throughout the county. The proposal will appear on the November ballot.
2. Sewer Discussion - Flow meter and SCADA measurements were discussed. Potential issues with the
readings were noted, including possible problems occurring before the meters or potential clogs at the
valves. Once the issues have been resolved, the contracts will need to be reviewed and revised
accordingly.
3. Sheriff’s Contract - A proposed one-year contract with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department was
presented. The one-year term will provide the Board with additional time to determine how police
coverage will be funded after the contract expires. The Village has already approved the Sheriff’s
contract. The Township Board will consider the contract for approval at its next meeting.
4. Ordinance Enforcement Processes - The Board discussed whether the Township should establish a
more proactive process for enforcing Township ordinances or continue to address violations primarily in
response to complaints. It was noted that enforcement of a police power ordinance would require
sufficient evidence to establish a violation. The matter will be revisited following completion of the
ordinance audit.
5. Private Roads/Land Division - Wyant toured private roads in Manchester Township. The roads were
primarily gravel and served properties with at least four homes. A copy of Manchester Township’s
private road ordinance was included in the meeting packet for review. Two primary requirements were
discussed: private roads must be constructed to accommodate large vehicles, and deeds must include
language establishing that property owners are responsible for ownership of the road and that the
Township will not assume ownership in the future. The Board agreed to review the information and
continue the discussion at a later date.
6. Budget - Lesinski is working on the budget and reviewing how to account for statutory duties under
one general ledger account and additional duties under a separate account. It was noted that many
operating expenses continue to increase.
7. Data Centers - The Planning Commission made revisions to the previously proposed data center
ordinance and approved the revised ordinance. The ordinance would primarily accommodate smallerscale data centers, as there is insufficient contiguous land within the applicable zoning area to
accommodate large-scale data centers. The revised ordinance will be presented to the Township Board
for final approval.
Motion by Bednarski-Lynch to adjourn the meeting at 5:16 p.m. Supported by Bray. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Harris, Clerk