Helena Township Board Meeting
April 10, 2025
8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan
Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
Meeting called to order by Catherine Rice at 7:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
All present participated.
Roll Call
Present: Catherine Rice, Jim Schilling, Butch Bartz, Tony Smedra
Absent: Butch Peeples
Conflict of Interest
No conflicts declared.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by T. Smedra. Agenda approved.
Approval of Prior Minutes
Motion by T. Smedra, seconded by J. Schilling, to approve March 13, 2025 minutes. Motion carried.
Public Comment
None.
Treasurer Report
Receipts: $9,234.86
Disbursements: $32,630.23
Presentation of Bills: $32,630.23
Approval of Treasurer’s Report
Motion by B. Bartz, seconded by J. Schilling. Treasurer’s report approved.
Fire Chief Report – South Torch Lake Fire & Rescue
Fire Department and TAA have successfully placed a staffed ambulance at the Helena Township Fire Building, with plans for future 24-hour coverage.
Community dinner scheduled for April 30, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
Sheriff’s Report
Five new deputies expected in mid to late May 2025.
Township Ambulance Authority Report
Two new ambulances are awaiting licensing from the State of Michigan.
Communications
None.
Committee Reports
Planning underway for a potential August 2025 vote regarding the Public Safety Center bond.
Zoning
Two permits issued and one land division completed in March 2025.
Parks & Recreation
Capital Improvement project on schedule for May 1.
Bid received to resurface tennis courts for future review.
Spring planting of native plants planned at Depot Park.
Additional sidewalk installation planned at Alden Safe Harbor.
Planning Commission
Updates to Ordinance 5.02.02 and definitions completed with attorney input and scheduled for Board review.
Training session for Planning Commission and ZBA scheduled for May 1.
Roads
No dates set yet for tar and chip projects or gravel road improvements.
New Business
Vacant home on Franklin identified as a safety concern; follow-up planned with property owners regarding remediation.
Old Business
Installation of flashing speed limit signs in Alden underway.
Planning for pedestrian bridge over Spencer Creek in progress.
Announcements
None.
Public Comment
One inquiry regarding updated ordinance.
Motion to Pay Bills
Motion by B. Bartz, seconded by T. Smedra. Unanimous approval.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Fay M. VandenBerg
Helena Township Board Recording Secretary