Fremont Twp. handles roads, parks, solar questions

By Sherrie Kleitch

The Yale Expositor

FREMONT TWP. — Fremont Township board members covered a full agenda during its June meeting, moving from road repairs and park improvements to cemetery records, solar development concerns and an update from the Sanilac County Drug Task Force.

The board approved the agenda with one addition for a Tri-County Bank CD renewal, then approved the previous meeting minutes and bills (with payroll) totaling $29,967.23.

Supervisor Mark Kenward reported that recent heavy rainfall caused serious damage on Fargo Road, making it nearly impassable in one area. 

The Sanilac County Road Commission was contacted and made repairs quickly.

“It was unbelievable,” Kenward said, describing the road conditions after the rain. He added that brining had since been completed and most township roads were in good condition, aside from areas damaged by speeding, donuts and burnouts.

The board also approved two roadside ditch cleanout agreements for a property on Comstock Road and another on Fisher Road, with the cost split according to the agreement.

Parks and recreation updates from Tracy Katulski included a successful sidewalk chalk art contest, landscaping improvements around the township hall and continued work on outdoor recreation areas. Local businesses donated prizes for the contest, and Kappen donated 10 yards of mulch for township hall landscaping.

The board also discussed the need to repair basketball hoops and barbecue areas at the park. Residents with non-spreading perennial plants were invited to contact the township about possible donations.

Cemetery records were also discussed after questions were raised about whether records should be kept at the township hall. Board members agreed the township should have access to records showing available plots, sold plots and cemetery mapping.

Deputy Michael Moore from the Sanilac County Drug Task Force gave an annual report, explaining that the task force is supported by millage funds and works through enforcement, education and prevention.

Moore said methamphetamine remains the most common drug issue in the county, while fentanyl remains the most dangerous because of overdose risk. He also explained that the county’s school education program now covers a wider range of issues, including drugs, vaping, alcohol, internet safety, cell phone use and other current concerns.

The task force also participates in drug take-back efforts. Since 2020, Sanilac County has turned over approximately 2,500 pounds of unused medication and substances to the DEA for disposal.

Solar development came up during both board discussion and public comment. Kenward said the township received a letter from Mitten State Solar, which he described as connected to the Rev solar project. The company requested a meeting with the township, and the township responded with a proposed date but had not yet heard back.

During public comment, residents voiced concern about solar development on farmland in other areas of the county and questioned how much control landowners retain once land is leased for solar projects.

The board also discussed a Tri-County Bank CD worth just over $28,000. After some discussion about interest rates and keeping township funds in more than one bank, the board voted to renew the CD at Tri-County for three months.

In board comments, the township noted a letter from Greenwood Township regarding its draft master plan amendment. Comments are being requested, with a planning commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. July 15 at the Greenwood Township Hall.

The next Fremont Township Board Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on July 23.