Tecumseh Township

Attendees: Supervisor Curt Brown, Treasurer Rick Bunch, Clerk Rita Roth, Trustee Michael Feight, Trustee Gerald Coulter

Excused: None

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Supervisor Curt Brown.  Supervisor Curt Brown led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Guest Comments:

1. Bryce Funchion, resident owner of property in "The Highlands", shared information about his property and recent letter received from the township regarding his ordinance violation of fencing installed surrounding his swimming pool. He explained his fencing is 8 - 8 1/2 feet from grade on the exterior, and 7 feet on the inside, affected by his sloping lot. The fence is constructed with unfinished wooden horizontal boards. He advised the HOA approved the fence, but the architectural committee did not give final approval due to the fence not being painted or stained. Also, part of the fencing at ground level is wrought iron on the opposing sides meeting state requirements of at least 4 feet. Ed Engle, Building Inspector, was also present at this meeting to advise 1 foot of fencing could be removed and grading on the outside added to allow conformance with the required 6 feet limit per the township ordinance.

2. Ordinance Violation for Chickens in Residential Zoned Property - The township ordinance was reviewed with resident Bryce Funchion regarding violation of maintaining chickens in a residential zoned property less than 5 acres. Due to resident complaints and the township following state mandates in the Michigan Right to Farm Act and GAAMP practices, chickens are not considered domestic pets and must be maintained on at least 5 acres and follow erosion and pollution controls. The township allowed a grace period to allow removal of his chickens.

3. Land-Split Proposal, TEO 119-4050-00, 1533 E. Munger Rd., by James Wells - presented a property drawing and copy of a land survey to review a request for an application to split property into 2 parcels. However, further discussion indicated the need for a drive or road access to the property and minimum frontage needs to be addressed. Township officials also recommended Mr. Wells contact the Register of Deeds to determine if the property has any prior deeds recorded.

4. Jordan Wright, Director of Tecumseh District Library - introduced himself as the new Director of the library and provided business cards for further contact.

Minutes:

All Board members have reviewed the minutes from the January 13, 2025, meeting. There were no corrections or changes. Coulter made a motion to approve, seconded by Feight. Motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurers Report:

Treasurer Bunch distributed the Treasurer report for January.  New bills were presented for payment. A motion was made for approval of bills by Coulter, seconded by Feight. Motion passed by voice vote.

Clerks Report:

Clerk Roth provided details from the Lenawee County Clerks meeting on 1/29/2025.  The 4-year Election Coordinating Agreement was signed by attending clerks allowing them to be an opt-out jurisdiction which does not hold a school district special election for Tecumseh or Clinton School Board members. The election would be a consolidated precinct location held in Tecumseh City. Also, an invoice was received for the township share of early voting non-grant expenses for February, August, and November 2024 elections. Clerk Roth also advised Sandra Lewis has agreed to accept the position of Deputy Clerk, and a motion was made by Coulter and seconded by Bunch to approve. Motion passed by voice vote.

Old Business:

A. Ordinance Violations - Township Attorney Brooks agreed to a grace period allowing for further resolution of the fencing ordinance, and the owner to discuss options with the HOA members.

B. Board of Review - 4 sessions of in person and online training to be completed by end of February by all Board of Review members.

C. MEC(Midwest Energy & Communications) - Construction work to begin on Smith Rd., Stone Hwy., Billmeyer, Hendershot, and E. Milwaukee in Spring 2025.

D. Lenawee Road Commission meeting - Feb. 25th at 1:00p.m., Adrian.

 

New Business:

A. Property on Russell Road identified in violation for multiple vehicles and trailers littering the property and having a blight appearance. Information is being sent to the township attorney for issuing a notice to the property owner.

 

Building Inspectors Report:

None

    

Supervisors Report:

None

 

Open Discussion:

 

Adjournment:

There being no additional business before the Board, Coulter made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Bunch. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.