February 17, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Board of Trustees Meeting

February 17, 2026

7:00 pm

I.          Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Richard Porter at 7:00 pm.

The pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States: Led by Gary Tompkins

II.         Present: Richard Porter, Scott Frederick, Rusty Smith, Hayley England and Stephanie Craig.

Absent: None.

III.        Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to accept the agenda as presented.  All in favor, the motion passed. 

V.         Approval of previous township board minutes: A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to accept the January 20^th meeting minutes as presented.  All in favor, the motion passed. 

VI.        Payment of Bills: A motion was made by Scott, 2^nd by Rusty to approve the payment of bills.  Roll call vote; all in favor.  The motion passed.

VII.       Treasurers Report: A copy of the Treasurers report is provided for the board.    

VIII.      Correspondence: MTA Focus addresses the liability on handicap accessibility for the website and the building.  This is something the Township will need to discuss.   

IX.        Committee Reports:

Planning Commission/Roads - Scott Frederick.  Planning Commission had a meeting in December.  The meeting included a discussion about the Data centers.  The attorneys will be getting the Planning Commission more information about this issue. 

Fire - Chief Lance Lohrke.  Chief Lohrke goes over his report for January.  Training for January covered firefighter safety and inventory.  They are still installing free smoke detectors, and the CPR classes will be starting up soon.  

Deputy - Jack Williamson.  Deputy Williamson presents his report for January. 

X.         Public Comment: David Gilbert makes a comment.  Crime in our area has gone down.  Gary Tompkins makes a public comment.  Seasonal weight restrictions are in effect.  Calhoun County treasurer has partnered with a financial institution to help first-time home buyers with closing costs. 

XI.        Unfinished Business: None

XII.       New Business

            Open Public Hearing.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to open the public hearing.  All in favor; the motion passed.  Public hearing opened at 7:25. 

1.      Present 2026-2027 Budget.  Copies of the budget are provided for the board. 

Public Comment: None

Close Public Hearing.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to close the public hearing.  All in favor; the motion passed.  Public hearing closed at 7:30. 

2.      Discuss lawful expenditures update from MTA.  A packet about Lawful Expenditures is provided for the Board.    

3.      Consumers power Data Center resources.  A packet from Consumers Energy about Data Centers is provided for the Board. 

4.      Principles of Governance MTA.  This form will be signed by the board members and posted in the Township Hall for the public to see.

5.      2026-2027 Board budget workshop Wednesday 10 am.  At this workshop, the budget will be discussed and adjusted to be presented at the March board meeting.

6.      Vote on Planning Commission Recommendation for re-zoning parcel 19-281-057-50.  A motion was made by Scott, 2^nd by Rusty to approve the re-zoning of parcel 19-281-057-50 pending the required full payment to the Township.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  

XII.       Adjourn: A motion was made by Hayley, 2^nd by Stephanie, to adjourn at 7:41.  All in favor, the motion passed.

Stephanie Craig, Secretary