Helena Township Board Meeting
January 8, 2026
8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan
Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Synopsis
The Helena Township Board met on January 8, 2026, with B. Peeples, O. Leffew, C. Rice, and B. Bartz present. J. Schilling was absent.
The Board addressed several key items, including updates on the Public Safety Center and the need to hire 911 dispatchers. Additional discussion included Spring Clean-Up Day and 2026 Board of Review appointments.
The Board also voted on a private property cemetery application, repainting of the Community Center ceiling, and LiDAR mapping of the Township Cemetery.
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM.
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
Chair B. Peeples called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
All present participated.
Roll Call
Present: B. Peeples, O. Leffew, C. Rice, B. Bartz
Absent: J. Schilling
Approval of Agenda
Motion by B. Bartz, seconded by C. Rice. Motion carried.
Conflict of Interest
None declared.
Public Comment
A question was raised regarding what constitutes a conflict of interest.
Approval of Prior Minutes
Motion to approve November 13, 2025 meeting minutes carried.
Treasurer Report
Beginning Balance: $761,437.66
Receipts: $232,831.87
Disbursements: $86,662.67
Ending Balance: $907,606.76
Presentation of Bills
December Disbursements: $86,662.77
January to Date Disbursements: $65,483.43
Antrim County Commissioner Report
Public hearing scheduled for January 15, 2026 regarding Parks & Recreation planning.
Antrim County Sheriff’s Report
Safety Center project remains on track with groundbreaking anticipated in late 2026.
66 calls for service reported in December 2025.
Annual calls: 810 (2025), 818 (2024), 944 (2020).
Staffing increases expected, though dispatch remains in emergency staffing status.
Township Ambulance Authority Report
All operations reported as normal.
Communications
Spring junk pickup scheduled for June 20, 2026.
Recycling delays attributed to weather and improper dumpster usage.
Committee Reports – Zoning
2 permits issued, 2 field checks, 3 public contacts, 2 meetings, no violations.
Private property cemetery request resulted in a tied vote and did not pass.
Board of Review appointments updated.
Committee Reports – Parks and Recreation
Discussion of Tennis Park improvements including rebuild vs upgrade.
No decision made; further review planned.
Planning Commission Report
Bylaws updated; meetings now every other month.
Public hearing rescheduled for January 15, 2026.
Citizen Planner course recommended for members.
Roads Report
Funding levels not finalized; slight increase expected.
Old Business
Garage door damage being resolved with reimbursement expected.
Absentee voter drop box installed with security upgrades planned.
Early voting and Alden Days scheduling overlap being monitored.
New Business
Poverty Exemption Resolution approved.
Township insurance renewal under review due to cost increases.
Cemetery mapping project approved.
Community Center ceiling repaint approved.
Key policy updates under review.
Announcements
None.
Public Comment
Discussion regarding cemetery approval process and township spending priorities.
Board explained differences between funding sources and grant requirements.
Public expressed appreciation for board service.
Motion to Pay Bills
Motion carried.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM.
Submitted by Oryana Leffew
Helena Township Clerk