Kenockee weighs costly software upgrade, future housing plans

KENOCKEE TWP. — Kenockee Township officials are facing a potential $31,470 software upgrade while also considering changes to the township’s master plan that could designate an area for smaller residential lots.

The proposed move to BS&A Cloud became one of the most heavily discussed items during the township board’s recent meeting. 

Clerk Jenny Francek was informed that St. Clair County plans to transition to the online system in September 2027 as she presented this to the board.  

The township received a proposal totaling $31,470, divided into three payments. The system would also carry an annual fee of approximately $14,000.

Officials were told the township would lose a $5,000 discount if it does not act by Oct. 30.

“This kind of really ticks me off,” Supervisor Tod Molesworth said while reviewing the proposal and its additional potential travel expenses.

The cloud-based system would place several municipal functions online, including property tax, assessing and payroll information. It would also allow real estate and title companies to access property tax records without contacting the township office directly.

Board members questioned whether the township must use BS&A Cloud or could consider other municipal software.

“It might be worth looking into other software,” resident Ron Medere said.

Township purchasing procedures may require officials to seek three quotes before spending funds of this amount. Additional software providers recommended by the Michigan Townships Association will be researched and presented at the next board meeting.

The township is expected to make a decision before the Oct. 30 deadline.

Master plan considers smaller residential lots

Board members also reviewed proposed updates to Kenockee Township’s master plan, including the possible designation of an area for smaller residential parcels.

Most residential property outside the Avoca settlement currently requires a minimum of five acres. Township planners have recommended designating a limited area where approximately 2.5-acre parcels could be created.

Officials said the designation could provide an affordable option for first-time homebuyers while giving the township more control over where smaller parcels are located if state land-division requirements change.

“As long as you have a designated area, you’re kind of protecting yourself right now,” Treasurer Patti Shappee explained.

A previously suggested area near Kilgore Road did not receive support from several board members. Instead, officials discussed placing the smaller-lot designation near the existing multifamily residential area along M-21 and Cribbins Road.

The proposal will be taken back to the township planner to determine whether the suggested area is large enough and how many realistic land divisions it could accommodate.

The future land-use map may also change an industrial designation along M-136 to general commercial because the road is not consistently maintained as a Class A roadway.

Officials emphasized that the map represents future land use and does not immediately rezone or divide the affected properties.

Parks see record participation

Participation continues to grow at Kenockee Township Park, with 102 children registered for fall soccer.

The township’s summer soccer camp also had its highest participation to date, drawing 37 children. Yale High School soccer players assisted with the camp, which included an adaptive program for children with special needs.

Officials said Yale’s varsity soccer coach was impressed with the park and expressed interest in holding a practice or possibly a game beneath the lights.

With soccer, football and cheerleading programs using the property, township officials said they must determine how many fields each program needs before applying for grants or adding new recreational equipment.

The board also discussed routine park maintenance, including restroom locks, ants near the play area, playground repairs and the need to secure sleds during the summer to prevent damage from their use on the grassy hill.

CPR training leads to AED discussion

Recent CPR training for township and park representatives prompted officials to consider purchasing automated external defibrillators for both the township hall and park.

The CPR instructor reportedly strongly recommended having an AED available, especially at the park, where large numbers of children and adults gather for sporting events.

Officials discussed placing a unit in a locked but accessible area during the sports season and bringing it inside during the winter. One township resident also offered to donate an AED that needs a replacement battery.

“You don’t put a dollar sign on a life,” Shappee said during the discussion.

The township will gather prices for AED units, batteries and replacement pads before returning to the issue next month. Park officials will also consider an appropriate location for a unit.

Public safety grant questioned 

The board plans to verify how a one-time public safety revenue-sharing grant may be spent after approximately $4,400 was provided to the fire department.

Township officials said some of the funding was intended to support CPR training, which cost $848. The board will review the original grant documents and fire department expenses to ensure the money was properly allocated.

The township will also determine whether insurance proceeds being held following a house demolition may be used to cover an unpaid cost-recovery bill related to a natural gas line damaged during the work.

The township also confirmed its next dumpster day will be held Saturday, Sept. 26. Officials are considering moving the event to next spring.

The next regular board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 8.