Helena Township Board Meeting
June 12, 2025
8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan
Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
Meeting called to order by Supervisor Butch Peeples at 7:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
All present participated.
Roll Call
Present: Butch Peeples, Catherine Rice, Jim Schilling, Butch Bartz, Tony Smedra
Absent: None
Conflict of Interest
No conflicts declared.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by B. Bartz. Agenda approved.
Approval of Prior Minutes
Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by B. Bartz, to approve May 8, 2025 minutes. Motion carried.
Public Comment
Bonnie Robbins submitted her resume for the position of Helena Township Clerk in the event the role becomes open.
Treasurer Report
Receipts: $60,936.19
Disbursements: $236,931.89
Bank Balance: $902,327.89
Approval of Treasurer’s Report
Motion by T. Smedra, seconded by B. Bartz. Treasurer’s report approved.
Fire Chief Report – South Torch Lake Fire & Rescue
Service calls continue to rise in 2025 compared to 2024.
Community dinner scheduled for June 25, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
Sheriff’s Report
75 calls reported in Helena Township in May 2025.
Second K9 unit continues to integrate into operations.
New leased vehicles will be visible in the community.
Township Ambulance Authority Report
No report.
Guest Speaker
Marilyn Barber Ciszewski discussed honoring veterans in Helena Township Cemetery.
No current Memorial Day ceremony exists.
Discussion included installation of veteran grave markers, flag placement, and potential support from the Sheriff and Fire Departments.
Mortensen Funeral Home may assist with additional flags.
Plans include careful cleaning of headstones and development of a formal proposal.
Communications
Township budget meeting rescheduled to July 8, 2025.
Acknowledgement of Fire and Sheriff departments for participation in the Alden Memorial Day Parade.
Alden Library annual contract renewal completed.
Committee Reports
Discussion of Public Safety Center bond planning for a potential August 2025 vote.
Zoning
May 2025 zoning activity report presented.
Parks & Recreation
Fence installation underway at the ballpark.
Additional sidewalk installed at Alden Safe Harbor.
ADA ramp planned for ballpark.
Planning Commission
Public hearing scheduled for June 19, 2025 regarding ordinance updates.
Discussion and approval of Planning Commission member salary increases.
Future meetings will include Zoom participation.
Roads
Road repair work has begun.
Paige Road and portions of Cemetery Road completed.
Remaining work expected by end of summer.
New Business
South Torch Lake fireworks confirmed for July 3, 2025 with safety coordination in place.
Alden Park pavilion painting completed.
Donated playground equipment under review with site preparation considerations.
New toilet installation planned for women’s restroom.
Old Business
Bid received and approved for two Michigan DOT flashing speed limit signs at Alden Village.
Coordination underway to meet installation requirements.
Tennis court resurfacing planned for 2026.
Maintenance responsibility for MaMa’s Kitchen structure under review.
Spencer Creek bridge project progressing with mid-July completion target.
Announcements
Strawberry Social scheduled for June 16 from noon to 4 PM at the Depot.
Alden Farmers Market has opened for the season.
Public Comment
Inquiry made regarding installation timing of speed signs prior to July 4.
Motion to Pay Bills
Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by T. Smedra. Unanimous approval.
Adjournment
Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by B. Bartz. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Fay M. VandenBerg
Helena Township Board Recording Secretary