Helena Township Board Meeting
August 14, 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
Absent: Tony Smedra
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 C. Rice, seconded by J. Schilling, to approve July 10, 2025 minutes. Motion carried.
Public Comment
None.
Treasurer Report
Receipts: $14,332.90
Disbursements: $42,376.74
Bank Balance: $810,565.59
Approval of Treasurer’s Report
Motion by B. Bartz, seconded by J. Schilling. Unanimous approval.
Fire Chief Report – South Torch Lake Fire & Rescue
Service calls continue to rise in 2025 with 155 year-to-date.
Processes and procedures implemented related to MIOSHA Rule 7422 regarding fire truck tire inspection and replacement.
Sheriff’s Report
Overview presented by Sheriff Kevin Hoch, including staff introductions and updates on technology used to improve township safety.
Township Ambulance Authority Report
No report.
Communications
Danielle, representing the Alden Farmers Market, requested signage at both ends of Alden from June through September. Jim Schilling and Jim Gurr will work with her on this request.
Guest Speaker
Marilyn Barber Ciszewski provided an update on the Helena Township Cemetery signage project.
Two signs will be erected August 27–29, 2025.
Coordination underway for lighting with Consumers Energy.
Additional donations needed for colored glass portion of the project.
Dedication ceremony scheduled for September 13 at 11:00 AM with community participation.
A gathering will follow at the Community Center.
Committee Reports
Terry VanAlstine reported on engineering plans and efforts for a district court system in Antrim County, noting potential financial advantages. Two American flags flown over Lansing were presented to the Township.
Zoning
July 2025 zoning activities were presented. Extension permit approved for spa near tennis courts.
Parks & Recreation
Playground area to be reconfigured using donated equipment, with damaged equipment removed.
Proposal presented to address vandalism in public bathrooms using timed locks and new doors.
Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by B. Bartz. Approved.
Planning Commission
Public hearing scheduled for August 25 at 5:00 PM regarding updates to waterfront regulations language.
Roads
Tar and seal work expected to begin within two weeks.
New Business
Individual responsible for vandalism at Community Center dumpsters has been identified.
Beech tree near Thayer Lake entrance to be removed.
Old Business
Flashing speed limit signs expected to be installed prior to September.
Announcements
Classic Sport/Muscle Car Auto Show scheduled for August 23, 2025 at the Alden Tennis Park area.
Public Comment
None.
Motion to Pay Bills
Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by B. Bartz. Unanimous approval.
Adjournment
Motion by B. Bartz, seconded by J. Schilling. Meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Fay M. VandenBerg
Helena Township Board Recording Secretary