On the agenda: Pentwatet Regular Board Minutes 09/09/26 - Approved (PDF) — Data Center (Sep 9)

PENTWATER TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Pentwater Township Hall, Pentwater, Michigan
Conducted pursuant to the Michigan Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.261 et seq.) and Robert's Rules of
Order
OPEN MEETINGS ACT COMPLIANCE NOTICE: This meeting was duly noticed and held in compliance with the
Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCL 15.261 et seq. A public notice of this meeting was posted at Pentwater
Township Hall and on the township website not less than 18 hours before the meeting. The meeting was open to
the public. Members of the public were provided an opportunity to address the Board during the Public Comment
period.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Supervisor Cavazos called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Trustee Mike Flynn led the Board and those
present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
Board Member

Title

Present

Lynne Cavazos

Township Supervisor

Yes

Maureen Murphy

Township Clerk

No

Heather Douglas

Township Treasurer

Yes

Dean Holub

Trustee

Yes

Mike Flynn

Trustee

Yes

A quorum was present. Staff Present: Keith Edwards, Zoning Administrator & Deputy Supervisor; Glenn
Beavis, Deputy Clerk (non-voting).
Guests Present (West Michigan Fire & Rescue Authority): Dwight Fuehring, Fire Chief; Bill Kolenda,
Golden Township representative and Fire Authority Committee Chair; Larry Doran, Weare Township
Supervisor and Fire Authority Committee Vice Chair; Tom Roose, Electrical Contractor
Others Present via Zoom: Shannon Larson, Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery; Ted Cuchna.

3. CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda included: minutes from the two August 2026 Board meetings (one Regular, one
Special); the tax account bank reconciliation document (included per the process adopted following the
FY2026 audit); correspondence including E. coli / water quality testing results from the Pentwater Lake
Association; monthly financials; and payment of bills.
MOTION:

To approve the Consent Agenda as presented

Moved by:

Douglas

Seconded by:

Holub

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Flynn — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

4. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
The Supervisor noted two amendments to the meeting agenda as distributed: (1) the item regarding the
prior Township–Village intergovernmental agreement for fire department operations was changed from a
discussion item to an action item, as the agreement was finalized earlier that day; and (2) the item
regarding cemetery spring cleanup bids was tabled, as only one of two requested bids had been
received.

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MOTION:

To approve the meeting agenda as amended

Moved by:

Flynn

Seconded by:

Holub

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Flynn — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

5. PUBLIC COMMENT — AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
Ted Cuchna, joining via Zoom, asked whether the Pentwater Lake Association's E. coli / water quality
report is shared with the Village. The Supervisor confirmed the report is sent to both the Village and the
Township.

6. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
6-A. Pentwater Lake Association Water Quality (E. coli) Testing
The Supervisor reviewed water quality testing results included in the packet. Readings above 300 are
considered elevated but not seriously concerning. The Village Creek crossing near Clymer has historically
shown elevated readings; DNA testing conducted this season identified the source as deer and geese
rather than human waste. Results are shared with both the Village and Township.

6-B. Longbridge Road Bridge Project
The project is substantially complete, with the exception of the toe kick fittings still to be installed. The
temporary portable restroom on site is expected to be removed once that work is finished.

6-C. Cemetery Waste Bin
A replacement waste bin for the cemetery, ordered roughly eight weeks ago, was expected to arrive via
Waste Management the following day and be placed at the cemetery shortly after.

6-D. Fire / Burning Ordinance — North Central Beach Association Follow-Up
The Supervisor provided an update following last month's discussion regarding a North Central Beach
Association resident's continued use of tiki torches from the beach through dune grass up to a cottage.
The Supervisor is working with Township Attorney Mark Nettleton and Zoning Administrator Edwards to
update the Township's general fire ordinance (not a zoning ordinance), which will need to apply townshipwide rather than to a single area. Reference materials, including fire-restriction language used in Boulder,
Colorado, were provided by the residents for consideration.

6-E. Regional Transmission Line Project — Stakeholder Meetings
The Supervisor distributed an update on the regional power transmission line project previously
presented to the Board. The project is now entering a stakeholder meeting phase, with twelve meetings
scheduled; Pentwater Township's session is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Oceana
Research Station located at 5185 N. Oceana Drive, Hart MI.

6-F. Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society
The Supervisor announced, on behalf of the Society, a volunteer recognition dinner featuring a guest
speaker on Great Lakes shipwrecks; ticket information was made available to the Board and public.

7. TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Douglas reported that the cash report was included in the packet. Summer taxes are due
Monday, September 14, 2026, with penalties applied beginning September 15. The Treasurer noted this
tax season has been busier than usual, with more frequent payment issues (including residents
submitting incorrect cash amounts for village versus township tax portions) than in prior years.

8. CLERK'S REPORT
The Clerk did not have a written report prepared this month. Deputy Clerk Beavis spoke to two items on
the Clerk's behalf:

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• Cemetery well power line repair (Block 20): a buried power line running from the pump station near
the columbarium area to Block 20 has failed at an unidentified location. Combined bids from Roose
Electric and Oceana Irrigation to trench and re-run the line (encased in PVC conduit) total
approximately $4,700. As this falls within the Supervisor's independent approval authority, the Board
raised no objection to proceeding.
• Rust staining on cemetery headstones (near Block 15–20): the source appears related to two wells
feeding that area, with rust concentration highest when the water table is low. Oceana Irrigation has
suggested a line-purging approach and may prepare a quote; stone cleaning itself is not considered a
Township responsibility, though a product was provided to the Sexton to evaluate.

9. LIBRARY UPDATE
No Library representative was present.

10. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Monthly meeting agenda, minutes, and officers' report included in the Board packet. Call volume for July
included 32 medical calls, 11 fire calls, and 2 UTV/ATV-related calls.

11. RECREATION REPORT
The Supervisor relayed an update from School Superintendent Craig Barter. The recreation program,
now administered through the school, was active over the summer with t-ball, softball, and baseball; girls'
basketball (3rd–4th and 5th–6th grade) is starting up. Recreation Director duties are transitioning from
Craig Barter to Lucas Hawley.

12. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
12-A. Zoning Administrator / Deputy Supervisor — Keith Edwards
Report included in the Board packet; a busy period.

12-B. Township Assessor — Barbie Eaton
Report included in the Board packet; a routine, low-activity period for the Assessor's office.

12-C. Cemetery Report
Several burials during August, including a foundation site sale; continued strong interest from the public.

12-D. Transfer Station Report
329 visitors in August, with strong participation from the Village, Township, and Weare. An additional 30yard roll-off container was reserved specifically for mattress disposal during the reporting period.

13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Great Lakes Energy Metro Act Permit: the Supervisor reported continued efforts to obtain the previously
requested information from Great Lakes Energy — confirmation of the 5-year (unilateral) permit term and
a list of affiliated entities. Despite repeated follow-up, the information had not yet been received. The
Supervisor will report again in October.

14. NEW BUSINESS
New Business-A. FY2026 Second-Quarter Budget Amendments
Deputy Clerk Beavis and the Supervisor presented budget amendments affecting the General Fund and
Sewer Fund. Line items within each fund were reallocated with no net change to either fund's overall
budget.
MOTION:

To approve the FY2026 second-quarter budget amendments to the General Fund and Sewer
Fund, as outlined

Moved by:

Flynn

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Flynn — Yes

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Result:

APPROVED

New Business-B. Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery — Report (Informational)
Shannon Larson, joining via Zoom, reported on behalf of the Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery:
• 23 headstones reset, repaired, and/or cleaned this season (list to be provided separately); a new VAissued government marker installed for Civil War veteran Justus Koon; the Bartow Underhill
monument professionally reset; the Lamont marker under evaluation for restoration by Past
Preservation, at family expense.
• Annual fall cemetery tours will carry an America 250 theme and will be listed on the official America
250 Michigan calendar.
• Native American burial section dedication scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Ken
Adams has donated a stone to serve as the memorial base; a bronze marker is funded by a Michigan
Dunes Chapter America 250 Michigan grant. Six Native American burials in this section have now
been identified by name through research. Dan Bissell (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians)
will offer a blessing; traditional drumming is being explored. Jennifer Beatty will represent the Grand
River Bands of Ottawa Indians; the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has also been invited.
• Wreaths Across America planning is underway for December 19, 2026; a speaker is being sought.
Approximately 380 veterans are interred at Pentwater Township Cemetery and approximately 65 at
Weare Township Cemetery.
• Discoloration (tannin staining) on stones in the newer cemetery section is being treated on a trial
basis with a D2 cleaning product, with results to be evaluated in spring.

New Business-C. Native American Burial Site — Grounds, Road, and Fencing
Improvements
The Deputy Clerk presented bids obtained for improvements to the Native American burial section ahead
of the October 11 dedication (where possible): Halleck Excavating proposed $6,670 to prepare and pave
the access road and grounds within the burial area; Straight Line Fence quoted $6,500 for a basic
aluminum fence or $9,500 for a decorative version with rings, designed to follow the uneven grade of the
ground. A separate Halleck bid of $5,300 covers grading and gravel improvements to the road leading to
the cemetery leaf-disposal area, a distinct project. Budget review confirmed sufficient funds are available:
the well/irrigation repair fits within the Repair/Maintenance–Irrigation line item; the burial-ground
grounds/road work and fencing (approximately $16,700 combined) fit within the Capital Outlay line item,
which has surplus funds after the Township's pickup truck was purchased under budget; and the leaf-area
road work ($5,300) fits within the Repair/Maintenance–Grounds line item.
MOTION:

To approve the Halleck Excavating bid ($6,670) for grounds and road preparation at the Native
American burial site, the decorative ring-style aluminum fence ($9,500) from Straight Line
Fence, and the Halleck Excavating bid ($5,342) for leaf-area roadwork.

Moved by:

Douglas

Seconded by:

Holub

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Flynn — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

As a related, informal item, the Deputy Clerk noted the Pentwater Artisan Center is exploring design
concepts for decorative entrance signage at the burial site (following Straight Line Fence's indication they
do not provide this service); any proposal would return to the Board for consideration.

New Business-D. West Michigan Fire & Rescue Authority — Articles of Incorporation
(Updated)
Guests Dwight Fuehring (Fire Chief), Bill Kolenda (Golden Township, Fire Authority Committee Chair),
and Larry Doran (Weare Township Supervisor, Fire Authority Committee Vice Chair) presented an
updated version of the Articles of Incorporation, distributed at the meeting in place of the version included
in the packet. Updates included: added definitional language under the Article on emergency services
clarifying that the Authority provides "non-medical first response services" (the Authority responds to fire,
water rescue, and similar emergencies but does not provide medical/EMS services); and an updated
signatory reference reflecting a recent change in supervisor for one member community following the
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death of the prior office holder, Jay McGhan. Five entities are participating in the Authority at various
stages of formal adoption. Guests noted the Authority's leadership will consist of one Fire Chief and two
Assistant Chiefs (expected to be Jonathan Hughart and Mike Garcia).
MOTION:

To approve the (updated) Articles of Incorporation for the West Michigan Fire & Rescue
Authority. Resolution 2026-12: RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR THE WEST MICHIGAN FIRE & RESCUE
AUTHORITY AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO

Moved by:

Cavazos

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Flynn — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

The Supervisor confirmed no further Township action is required beyond execution; the City of Hart will
handle publication and certification. Supervisor Cavazos and Clerk Murphy will sign on the Township's
behalf, as the Township serves as fiduciary and the Village does not sign separately.

New Business-E. Termination of Prior Township–Village Fire Department
Intergovernmental Agreement
The Supervisor presented an agreement, finalized that day by Township Attorney Mark Nettleton and
Village Attorney Brian Monton, terminating the prior intergovernmental agreement between the Township
and Village for operation, funding, and maintenance of the Pentwater Fire Department, in connection with
the Township and Village jointly transitioning into the new West Michigan Fire & Rescue Authority. The
agreement includes Exhibit A (real property) and Exhibit B (Fire Authority parcel), addressing the fact that
the fire barn sits on Village-owned property and is jointly owned by the Village and Township; a survey
was completed by Fleis & VandenBrink, and a quitclaim deed is contemplated.
MOTION:

To approve and authorize the Township Supervisor and Township Clerk to execute and deliver,
on behalf of the Township, the agreement terminating the intergovernmental agreement for the
operation, funding, and maintenance of the Pentwater Fire Department, in the form on file with
the Township Clerk (most recent draft dated September 9, 2026), with such revisions as are
deemed necessary and in the best interest of the Township by the Township Supervisor and
Township Clerk in consultation with the Township Attorney

Moved by:

Holub

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Roll call: Holub — Yes; Douglas — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Flynn — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

Discussion (no action): the Authority agreement allows for up to two "member at large" seats on the
Authority board.

New Business-F. Cemetery Spring & Fall Cleanup Bids
Tabled; only one of two requested bids had been received. To be brought back to the Board once
complete.

New Business-G. Temporary Moratorium — Data Centers and Digital Asset Mining Uses
Treasurer Douglas presented a resolution, drafted by Township Attorney Mark Nettleton, establishing a
temporary moratorium on zoning and building review for data center and digital asset mining
(cryptocurrency mining) uses, effective through March 9, 2027 (6 months), to allow time to develop a
zoning ordinance amendment through the Planning Commission. The moratorium may be extended by
the Board at any time without waiting for the full six months to elapse.
MOTION:

To approve the temporary moratorium on zoning and building review for data center and
digital asset mining uses, through March 9, 2027. Resolution 2026-14: RESOLUTION

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ENACTING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING AND
BUILDING REVIEW WITH RESPECT TO DATA CENTERS AND DIGITAL MINING USES

Moved by:

Douglas

Seconded by:

Flynn

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Flynn — Yes; Holub — No; Cavazos — Yes

Result:

APPROVED (3–1; Trustee Holub dissenting)

Trustee Holub clarified for the record that his dissenting vote did not reflect support for data centers, but
rather that he did not see a present need for the moratorium given the Township's limited amount of large
vacant land.

New Business-H. Employee Policy & Procedure Handbook — Adoption (Updated)
The Supervisor presented an updated Employee Policy & Procedure Handbook, revised following the
Board's prior workshop with the assistance of Nicole at Mika Myers. Key revisions: Section 5.8.5
(retaliation) clarified so that reports are made to the employee's supervisor or the Township Supervisor;
Section 7.2 (paid time off) revised to provide two weeks of PTO for employees with more than five years
of service. The Handbook is effective immediately upon adoption; each employee will sign two
acknowledgment copies (one retained by the employee, one filed in the personnel record).
For the record, Zoning Administrator Edwards noted, with reference to Handbook Section 2.8
(Residency), that he does not reside within the Township, and confirmed that neither state law nor the
Handbook requires the Zoning Administrator or the Assessor to do so.
MOTION:

To approve the updated Employee Policy & Procedure Handbook, effective immediately.
Resolution 2026-13: RESOLUTION ADOPTING A TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEE POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES MANUAL

Moved by:

Holub

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Roll call: Douglas — Yes; Holub — Yes; Cavazos — Yes; Flynn — Yes

Result:

APPROVED

New Business-I. Proclamation — 2026 Citizen of the Year
Treasurer Douglas presented a proclamation naming Steve Bass as the Township's 2026 Citizen of the
Year, to be signed by the Board and presented at the Citizen of the Year event hosted by the Pentwater
Service Club.
MOTION:

To approve the Proclamation naming Steve Bass as the 2026 Citizen of the Year

Moved by:

Flynn

Seconded by:

Holub

Vote:

Voice vote — Aye [all in favor]; no nays recorded

Result:

APPROVED

15. OTHER ITEMS — BOARD MEMBERS
15-A. Township Website — Vendor Search Update
Trustee Holub reported contact with two prospective website vendors (consistent with the Board's prior
direction) and proposed a virtual workshop for the Board with each company, tentatively Wednesday,
September 30, 2026 (first company approximately 9:30 a.m. for 75 minutes; second company to follow at
approximately 11:00–11:15 a.m.); hosting/dial-in details to be determined.

15-B. Special Meeting — Coastal Management Grant Funding (Beach Restoration)

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The Supervisor advised the Board that a coastal management connected to DNR and EGLE, supporting
the Township's beach restoration project, is reimbursement-based rather than front-loaded, requiring the
Township to pay contractor bills upfront and seek quarterly reimbursement. The Supervisor requested
Board input on funding a dedicated Grants line item to cover near-term reimbursable expenses,
potentially by drawing from the Township's certificate of deposit. The Board reached consensus to hold a
Special Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to address funding for this purpose, with
proper 18-hour public notice to be posted.

16. PUBLIC COMMENT — GENERAL (ANY TOPIC)
Ted Cuchna, 529 S. Clymer Street, joining via Zoom, raised concerns regarding the Pentwater District
Library's new millage, citing a significant increase in projected library revenue and in the library director's
compensation following the library's transition to an independent district library. He also asked whether
the Township had estimated per-entity costs associated with joining the West Michigan Fire & Rescue
Authority. The Supervisor and guests responded with preliminary first-year Authority budget figures,
provided by the fiscal manager working on the Authority's formation: a total budget of approximately
$730,536, allocated among the five participating entities (approximate figures as stated: Weare Township
$80,119; Pentwater Township $250,531.69; Golden Township $220,222; Hart Township ($ amount not
captured in notes): City of Hart $78,242.36). It was noted that in the Authority's first fiscal year, no
additional per-entity contribution beyond existing fire-millage revenue and combined general fund
resources is currently anticipated.
A guest asked about Township rules for ATV/UTV use on township roads. The Supervisor explained that
Michigan law limits ATV/UTV speed to 25 mph regardless of the posted road speed limit (including
higher-speed roads such as M-11).
Guest Larry Doran asked about the temporary portable restroom near the Longbridge Road boat launch;
the Supervisor confirmed it is expected to be removed, tentatively in October, once the bridge project is
fully complete. Longer-term restroom facility planning at the 90-degree-bend boat launch was also
discussed, contingent on negotiating access with an adjoining property owner; no action was taken.

17. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:

To adjourn the meeting

Moved by:

Flynn

Seconded by:

Douglas

Vote:

Voice vote — Aye [all in favor]; no nays recorded

Result:

MEETING ADJOURNED

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing constitutes the official minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Pentwater
Township Board of Trustees held on September 9, 2026, recorded pursuant to the Michigan Open
Meetings Act, MCL 15.261 et seq.
____________________________________________
Township Deputy Clerk, Pentwater Township

________________________
Date

These minutes were prepared from the Zoom meeting audio/video transcript. Portions of the recording contained unclear or
inaudible speaker attribution, background noise, and cross-talk (particularly during remote participants' audio segments); items
requiring confirmation are marked [Verify]. Please review and advise of any corrections prior to adoption.

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