Helena Township Board Meeting
July 10, 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 June 12, 2025 minutes. Motion carried.
Public Comment
Bonnie Robbins commented about the election results from November 2024.
Paul Sak volunteered to take Planning Commission members on a boat ride to visit properties related to zoning ordinance updates.
Several residents expressed appreciation for improvements at the Ball Park.
Treasurer Report
Receipts: $27,068.19
Disbursements: $62,912.67
Bank Balance: $866,483.41
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 123 year-to-date.
Required testing of hoses and aluminum ladders completed successfully.
A structure has been donated for fire training.
Community dinner scheduled for July 30 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
Sheriff’s Report
No report; documentation was available.
Township Ambulance Authority Report
No report.
Guest Speaker
Marilyn Barber Ciszewski presented plans to honor veterans in Helena Township Cemetery.
Proposal included two large maintenance-free signs with graphics at a cost of $6,630, with over half donated during the meeting.
Additional bronze plaques are needed and damaged headstones may be replaced.
Coordination underway for lighting and project planning.
Motion to approve pricing and down payment passed unanimously.
Communications
Unauthorized fireworks occurred at the ballpark on July 4.
Personal fireworks are not permitted on township property.
Request will be made for increased patrol next year.
Appreciation expressed to volunteers who assisted with cleanup.
Committee Reports
Terry VanAlstine reported on ongoing architectural work and safety center planning updates.
Zoning
June zoning activity report presented.
Parks & Recreation
Fence work completed at the ballpark.
Eight buoys installed offshore.
Cameras with live feeds planned for multiple township locations.
Tennis Park improvements delayed pending health department review and future planning.
ADA ramp installation planned at the ballpark.
Planning Commission
Updated zoning ordinance language regarding waterfront restrictions presented and approved unanimously.
Roads
Paige and Cemetery roads completed.
Logging activity causing road damage; repairs to be completed by contractor after work is finished.
Residents advised to use caution.
New Business
Multiple vandalism incidents reported including damage to marina signage, environmental disruption at Spencer Creek, and issues at township facilities.
Dumpsters damaged at the Community Center; repairs to be completed by GFL.
Suspected vehicle described.
Old Business
Invoice received for three Michigan DOT flashing speed limit signs at a cost of $9,850.
Coordination ongoing to ensure proper installation.
Announcements
Sports Car Auto Show scheduled for August 23, 2025 at the Alden Tennis Park.
Public Comment
Residents expressed appreciation for township improvements.
Clarification provided that the Helena Township Advocacy Group is not affiliated with township government.
Motion to Pay Bills
Motion by C. Rice, seconded by B. Bartz. Unanimous approval.
Adjournment
Motion by B. Bartz, seconded by J. Schilling. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Fay M. VandenBerg
Helena Township Board Recording Secretary