Wednesday May 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Location: 53640 Parkville Rd. Three Rivers, MI 49093
Minutes
1. Call to Order
Ed English called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Roll call was taken and members present were
- Tom Springer
- Bill Brislen
- Ed English
- Cindy Fenwick
- Lari Roberts
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Ed English asked all present to stand and Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.
4. Set/amend agenda
Ed English noted that as no corrections or additions to the agenda it will stand as written.
5. Invited Representatives/Speakers
a. Assessor, Dale Hutson – absent
b. Zoning Administrator: Matt Jorgenson
Mr. Jorgensen reported that year to date there were 15 applications opened and as of today all but 2 are closed.
Information was presented for text amendments and rezoning of eleven properties along Michigan Avenue through a public hearing. The Planning Commission recommended this for approval and this was sent to the County Planning Commission who also approved it. Also at that meeting there was concern voiced from the public regarding a rezoning request and was contacted by the applicant requesting he withdraw their request. Also presented at the meeting were eleven properties zoned AG/Residential that are legal non-conforming and far under minimal parcel for Ag/Res and it was agreed to approve the rezone to Rural Residential. Also approved were regulations for special use permits and their oversight.
A motion was made by Tom Springer with support from Bill Brislen to accept the text amendments for rezoning of properties.
Roll Call votes was taken to approve the rezoning from Ag/Res to Rural Residential on the 11 properties and the text amendments for Special Use Permits:
Tom Springer – yes
Bill Brislen-yes
Ed English- yes
Cindy Fenwick – yes
Lari Roberts – yes
The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Jorgensen explained the cost for online permitting through Cloud Online permitting. He explained the shared service agreement and cost savings if shared with multiple municipalities. The Board noted interest in pursuing this option. Mr. Brislen questioned if paper permits will still be available as there are many Amish in the community and Mr. Jorgensen noted that they will always have paper forms available.
6. Visitors
None
7. Public Comments
a. Robyn Burpee voiced her concerns regarding AI Cloud Permitting Automation, the qualifications and integrity of Matt Jorgensen and the Township’s hiring practices and the need for a moratorium on a Hyperscale Data Center.
b. Reggie Chapman presented information on upcoming events at the Rousch World Center and the speakers that will be attending.
8. Approve of minutes from the April 8, 2026 Regular meeting
A motion was made by Lari Roberts with support from Bill Brislen to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2026 regular meeting. The motion carried.
9. Treasurer’s Report – Cindy Fenwick
Cindy Fenwick reviewed the Treasurer’s Report and noted there is $1, 196,255.31 in the general account. A motion was made by Bill Brislen with support from Lari Roberts to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented. The motion carried.
10. Correspondence
a. Review of Building Inspectors Report
The Building Inspector’s report was reviewed by the board members.
b. Review of Mike Haydon, Code Violation Report
Mike Hayden’s Code Violation report was reviewed by the Board Members.
11. Unfinished Business
None
12. New Business
a. Litter & Vehicle Storage Ordinance – Michael Hayden
Mr. Hayden explained how combining the two ordinances would save time and money for everyone involved. He outlined the timeframe for a complaint to make it through the current court system. He noted that multiple townships are using this and have not seen any problems.
A motion was made by Ed English with support from Lari Roberts to approve Ordinance 26-03 Litter and Vehicle Machinery Storage.
Roll Call Vote was taken:
Tom Springer – yes
Bill Brislen – yes
Ed English – yes
Cindy Fenwick – yes
Lari Roberts – yes
The motion carried unanimously.
b. Library Payment/Contribution
Mr. English noted that the Township contributes yearly $6,000 to Mendon Public Library and $1,000 to the Vicksburg Public Library.
A motion was made by Cindy Fenwick with support from Lari Roberts to donate $6,000 to the Mendon Public Library and $1,000 to the Vicksburg Public Library. The motion carried.
c. Pay Increase for 2026-2027
Ed English noted that annual salary increases are done every year in accordance with the Consumer Price Index which is 2.7% this year however we will do 2.5%. The following increases were considered:
Resolution #110-129 Township Supervisor increase salary from $25,585.00 to $26,224.63.
A motion was made by Tom Springer with support from Bill Brislen to approve Resolution #110-129. The motion carried.
Resolution #110-130 Township Clerk increase salary from $26,615.00 to $27,280.38. A motion was made by Bill Brislen with support from Ed English to approve Resolution #110-130. The motion carried.
Resolution 110-132 Deputy Clerk/Treasurer and Board Trustees increase salary $5,401.00 to $5,536.03.
A motion was made by Lari Roberts with support from Bill Brislen to approve Resolution #110-132. The motion carried.
Resolution 110-131 Township Treasurer increase salary from $25,585 to $26,224.63.
A motion was made by Lari Roberts with support from Bill Brislen to approve Resolution #110-131. The motion carried.
Mr. English also recommended a 2.5% increase for the Sexton who mows the various Township cemeteries and properties.
A motion was made by Bill Bislen with support from Cindy Fenwick to approve the increase in costs for mowing the Township properties. The motion carried.
Roll Call Vote was taken:
Tom Springer – yes
Bill Brislen – yes
Ed English – yes
Cindy Fenwick – yes
Lari Roberts – yes
The motions carried unanimously.
d. Online Permitting – Matt Jorgensen
Mr. Jorgensen already presented above.
e. Data Center Moratorium – Ordinance #26-02
Ed English presented Ordinance #26-02 Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers. He pointed out that no one has called to inquire on a data center within the Township and has not heard from anyone. The attorney feels this ordinance would get 1 to 1 ½ years from the moratorium which would give the Planning Commission time to work with the attorneys. Technology is increasing a need for them and this is a step to keep them out of the township. The Planning Commission will meet as needed on this project. A motion was made by Ed English with support from Lari Roberts to approve Ordinance #26-02 Data Center Moratorium. The motion carried.
13. Board Reports
a. Governmental Relations- Cindy Fenwick
Chamber Update – Christy Trammel
- The next Coffee and Connections will be June 4 from 8 – 9:30 am at the Chamber. There are always new people, everyone is welcome and it’s a great way to network.
- There will be a Candidate Forum with Mike Cox, Luke Lori and Max Coon coming up May 18 at 5:00 p.m. at Glen Oaks. This will be on Facebook Live.
- Water Carnival – June 18-20 – Theme is Three Rivers Celebrates America’s 250 th Birthday
Some of the events: There will be corn hole, A soap box derby, Thursday will be the parade
Friday – all day – Temple Baptist Church along with 6 other church’s pastors are sponsoring a youth event with games (volleyball, 4 square, etc. And concerts) There will be fireworks on Saturday night.
Three Rivers Hospital (Beacon Health) – Maria Behr was absent
-Things are still a mess from the tornado. They are thinking it will be a year before cleanup/renovations are completed.
– The lab renovations are done and looks beautiful – and have state of the arts equipment.
– The trailers at the hospital are offices St. Joe County Clerk – (Gina Everson) – absent
St. Joe County – (Jarad Hoffmaster)
– They are working with the village of Centreville with the sewer project at the jail. They hope to have that completed in 6 weeks.
– Still working on emergency response plan – where are the weaknesses and how it can be improved.
– Courthouse renovations are in progress and everyone is relocated. Hoping to have everything completed in 18 months.
– Senator Slotkin visited Three Rivers to view the tornado damage.
Centreville – (Pattie Bender)
- They cancelled the fair marquee to advertise Centreville businesses and now they are advertised on both Three Rivers and Sturgis Radio stations.
- Planning to have a movie night at the courthouse in August.
- Celebrating America’s 250 th Birthday Centreville will be having a celebration “Freedom Rings in the Ville” on Saturday, June 27, starting at 10 am. The DDA (Downtown Development Authority) will be donating $10,000 for this event.
- The village is still clearing property by the Bill Swanwick Softball Park for the purpose of building an additional ball diamond. They would like the dog park and trails in that location as well.
No representatives were at the meeting from the City of Three Rivers, Constantine, Lockport or Flowerfield Townships.
The next Government Relations meeting will be on Tuesday, June 2nd at 8:00 a.m.
b. Community Development
None
c. Fire Board – Ed English
- Ed English noted the Fire Board met May 6th at Fire Station and reviewed the regular bills
- Problems with email address and web site and in view of this they are discontinuing the Web Site and email address. They have a Facebook page and will be posting information there.
- State of Mi Grant was reviewed and which would allow for funding of fire equipment up to $50,000. Deadline is June 19th to submit their application.
- Asst. Chief noted tornado damage and will be putting new roof on just before August or after the open house.
- Website ADA compliance and penalties for non-compliance after April 2028 deadline were noted. They will work with Geek Genius as the format has to change.
14. Approval of bills for payment
A motion was made by Cindy Fenwick with support from Bill Brislen to approve the bills for payment. The motion carried.
Matt Jorgensen commented on accusations made during the Public Comments regarding his salary and hours that he works for the Townships. He pointed out that his current salary is less than what he made at his prior factory position which does not include benefits. He noted he works 8 hours during the day and then leaves for township meetings.
15. Adjournment
A motion was made by Ed English with support from Bill Brislen to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 p.m.
Arlene Brislen
Recording Secretary
Downloadable PDF is provided for convenience.
Download May 13, 2026 Park Township Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes