Fremont board discusses energy proposals, hears EMS coverage report

Proposed wind and solar developments and the availability of emergency medical services drew discussion at the Fremont Township Board’s Oct. 22 meeting, as officials announced a solar open house and Croswell EMS reported maintaining two staffed ambulances around the clock.

The board also approved township expenses, discussed needed building repairs and moved its January meeting to an earlier date.

Energy project updates

An open house for the proposed Mitten State Solar project is scheduled for Nov. 16, from 4-7 p.m., at the township hall. Clerk Sonya Francis noted that the date had changed several times.

A special alternative energy newsletter has been prepared for distribution to residents, outlining proposed projects in the township.

During discussion, Francis clarified that the solar developer had expressed an intent to apply but had not yet submitted a formal application. Supervisor Mark Kenward also said the materials provided so far did not constitute a site plan.

For the proposed wind project, Kenward reported that the developer had withdrawn an application and immediately submitted another, seeking approval through the Michigan Public Service Commission.

He said he had requested a meeting with the developer to review the new application and a site plan but had not received a response. He had also contacted township attorneys about the process.

During public comment, Yale Expositor reporter Sherrie Kleitch addressed an earlier reference to a possible misquote in the newspaper’s September meeting coverage. Kleitch played an excerpt of the clerk’s recorded report and read the published sentence describing receipt of a new wind energy application involving Fremont, Speaker and Elk townships.

Kenward reiterated that the existing developer, REV, had withdrawn and resubmitted its application for their wind project. 

Croswell EMS coverage

Croswell EMS interim Director David Phetteplace reported that the service had responded to 76 calls in Fremont Township so far this year, representing approximately 6.12% of its calls. Township residents account for about 10.5% of the population within the service’s roughly 150-square-mile coverage area.

“We always have 24-hour, seven-days-a-week coverage of two ambulances,” Phetteplace said.

Both staffed ambulances are advanced life support units, each carrying at least one paramedic. A third ambulance serves as a spare.

When both staffed units are out, the service works to assemble an additional crew or requests mutual aid from neighboring ambulance agencies. Croswell EMS provides the same assistance when those agencies need coverage.

Phetteplace said he is reviewing 20 weeks of calls to evaluate staffing needs. His review so far indicates a continued need for at least two staffed ambulances.

He reported an average of 2 minutes, 41 seconds between being paged by dispatch and notifying dispatch that a crew is en route. That figure measures the time needed to begin responding, rather than the total time needed to reach a patient.

Phetteplace acknowledged that Fremont is among the more distant parts of the service area. Residents attending the meeting shared positive experiences with the crews’ response and care.

He also explained that the two primary ambulances have powered stretchers and loading equipment. Crews are trained in safe lifting practices and can request assistance from a fire department or another ambulance when needed.

“We’re not afraid to call for extra help if needed,” Phetteplace said.

Expenses and township maintenance

The board approved $41,611.80 in bills and payroll, including an $18,000 payment for the second year of the township’s two-year fire contract with the city of Croswell.

Other expenses included $5,408.67 for county drains and $1,482.21 for the August election. Payroll totaled $8,870.91 and was included in the overall amount.

Kenward plans to meet with a contractor about repairs to the township hall roof and the west-end canopy. He estimated the work could cost approximately $8,000 to $10,000, pending a current contractor’s assessment and quote.

He reported no water entering the building but said attention was needed around roof penetrations and on the canopy.

The township’s second road brining was completed in early October. Previously approved ditch cleanouts remained outstanding, with Kenward citing the Road Commission’s busy schedule.

Following discussions with the cemetery sexton, Kenward said cemetery records and a map identifying burial locations are expected to be prepared after the harvest season.

The zoning report by Kevin Bradley included two building applications during the past month, one for a house demolition and another for new home construction. Several blight citations were also being prepared.

Community reports and public comment

The township’s Oct. 10 Halloween trick-or-treat event brought out children and families and drew additional volunteers interested in helping with future parks and recreation activities.

A resident donated $50 to parks and recreation, expressing appreciation for the flowerbeds, events and other improvements in the township.

During public comment, resident Connie Furness questioned the reported general fund balance and the handling of donations. Kenward said donation funds are kept secured at the township hall. No reconciliation of the questioned account balance was provided during the board meeting.

Treasurer Jessica Onufrak reported collecting $451,278.49 in summer taxes to date and reminded residents that winter tax bills are coming in December.

Meeting schedule

There will be an open house on Monday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. for the Mitten State Solar project.

The board approved moving its January meeting from Jan. 28 to Jan. 21, 2027, at 7 p.m., with notice of the change to be posted.

Officials noted that the November, December and January board meetings will each fall on the third Thursday of the month.

The Planning Commission’s next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.