Wednesday July 8, 2026, 7:00PM
Location: 53640 Parkville Rd. Three Rivers, MI 49093

Minutes

1. Call to Order

Ed English called the meeting to order at 7:06 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 the following addition to the agenda under New Business, 11b Updated Prices for Cemeteries. A motion was made by Bill Brislen with support from Lari Roberts to approve agenda as amended. The motion carried.

5. Invited Representatives/Speakers

  • Assessor, Dale Hutson – absent
  • Zoning Administrator, Matt Jorgenson – absent
  • Visitors: None

6. Public Comments

  • Linda Blood and Darcy Shinew-Howes voiced complaints and concerns regarding a dog that has been wandering the area unleashed. Calls to 911 and the Dog Pound have not resolved the problem. They noted however that the dog has not been seen recently and the owner now has a new Pitt Bull puppy.
    • English will contact Chad Spence to see what can be done.
  • Reggie Chapman noted that early voting will begin and asked that the back of the ballots be checked for candidates as she is running for Republican Delegate. She noted appreciation for the new road by her house. The Republican Party meets the 4th Monday at 6:30 p.m.

7. Approval of minutes from the June 10, 2026 Regular meeting

A motion was made by Lari Roberts with support from Cindy Fenwick to approve the minutes of the June 10, 2026 regular meeting. The motion carried.

8. Treasurer’s Report – Cindy Fenwick

Cindy Fenwick reviewed the Treasurer’s report and noted that there is $1,208,217.53 in the general account. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Bill Brislen with support from Lari Roberts. The motion carried.

9. Correspondence

a. Review of Building Inspectors Report

The board reviewed the Building Inspectors report as presented.

b. Review of Mike Haydon, Code Violation Report

The Board reviewed the Code Violation Report as presented.

10. Unfinished Business

None

11. New Business

a. Election Committee

Lari Roberts reported that the Election Commission consists of the following individuals:

    • Becky Meyer – Administrator
    • Arlene Brislen, Kay Anderson, Cindy Newell, Cathy Lutrell, Mary Stevens and Rosalyn Miller are all working the elections for August and November.
    • The VAT and tabulator are currently being tested and notice will be put in the newspaper for public to review testing of the equipment prior to the August election.
    • Ed English noted also road milage will be on the ballot. He pointed out that all money collected is used in Park Township for roads.

b. Price increases for the Cemetery from Dan Miller, Sexton.

Mr. English reported the following price increases for the Cemetery:

Graves:
    • Weekdays $675.00
    • Saturdays: $925.00
    • Sundays and Holidays: $1750.00
Cremations:
    • Weekdays: $375.00*
    • Saturday: $425.00*
    • Sundays: $650.00*

*Add $100 for cremains vault

Foundation rate is $.80/square inch

Burial Lots:
    • Park Township Residents – $400.00 Each
    • Non-residents – $800.00 each

A motion was made by Ed English with support from Bill Brislen to approve rate increases.

The motion carried.

12. Board Reports

a. Governmental Relations

Ed English gave the following report:

Chamber:

Three Rivers Health
      • They are shuffling people around from tornado damage and it will take a while.
      • Busy due to Sturgis Hospital closing. They have opened walk in Clinics in Sturgis and have offered some jobs to Sturgis people.
St Joseph County
      • Finishing Touches on Clerks office.
      • July 25 to August 2nd is early voting. This will be at the Training Center in Centreville.
Centreville:
      • DPW is beginning sidewalk work, preparing to flush the hydrants, the water tower is back on line and the Village is starting a water rate study with Michigan Rural water.
      • Approved $5,212 for Covered Bridge Days which will take place on July 17th, 18th and a Worship Service on the 19th.
      • The DDA purchased the lovely hanging flower pots and they certainly increase the beauty of the downtown area. The flowerpots that are on the ground that businesses and others are also lovely.
      • On August 29th the DDA is sponsoring Movie Night on the Courthouse lawn. The movie will be Zootopia 2. It will begin around 8:30PM. folks need to bring your lawn chairs. There is no cost for the movie, Zae and Zebs will be there selling pizza by the slice and The Chill Bean will be open, serving drinks and desserts like cookies.

b. Community Development –

None

c. Fire Board –

Ed English The Open House will be August 1st at the Fire Station. He noted children can go through the Fire Trucks and there will be food, drinks and a car show. All are welcome. It starts at 11:00 until 2:00 p.m.

13. 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.

14. Adjournment

A motion was made by Ed English with support from Bill Brislen to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m. p.m. The motion carried.

Downloadable PDF is provided for convenience.
Download July 8, 2026 Park Township Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes