January 20, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Board of Trustees Meeting

January 20, 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 Richard Porter.   

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 Scott, 2^nd by Rusty to accept the November 18^th meeting minutes as presented.  All in favor, the motion passed. 

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

VII.       Treasurers Report: A copy of the Treasurers report is provided for the board.  The board received a letter from unclaimed property that they have funds from Enbridge that are owed to Sheridan Township.  A motion was made by Scott, 2^nd by Rusty to accept the funds.  Roll call vote; all in favor.  The motion passed.  These funds will be held separately in the form of a CD.

VIII.      Correspondence: Dave and Richard had a meeting with the Ranger Power battery storage team.  They are moving forward with their battery storage site plans.  Albion would like the Township to join the Albion Chamber of Commerce.  This could be a helpful move for the Township.  The Supervisor will look into the cost and the benefits for the Township.  The Supervisor would like to purchase new chairs for the library as one was damaged in the shooting last year.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to purchase new chairs for the library.  Roll call vote; all in favor.  The motion passed.

IX.        Committee Reports:

Planning Commission/Roads - Scott Frederick.  There has not been a meeting since the last Township Board meeting so there is no update currently.  The Township is waiting for a meeting with the County about the roads, so there is no update on roads at this time. 

Fire - Chief Lance Lohrke.  Chief Lohrke goes over his report for November and December.  Training for November covered the new Rapid Intervention Kit.  Training for December covered HazMat refresher.  There is now a schedule for the CPR/AED/First Aid courses.  CPR/AED class is $40 (certified), and hands only CPR is $20 (non-certified).    At this time classes will be held on the first Thursday and third Saturday of the odd months.  Thursday courses begin at 6:30 pm and Saturday courses begin at 8 am.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to approve hiring Paul Steinaway as a new call-back firefighter.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed. 

Deputy - Jack Williamson.  Deputy Williamson presents his report for November and December. 

X.         Public Comment: Gary Tompkins makes a public comment.  The thirteen townships that put in for roads projects to be completed should all be approved. 

XI.        Unfinished Business: None

XII.       New Business

1.      Resolution 2026-01 to accept Federal guidelines for poverty.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott approve Resolution 2026-01 to accept Federal guidelines for poverty.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  

2.      Resolution 2026-02 Moratorium on data center ordinance.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to approve Resolution 2026-02 accepting the moratorium on data center ordinance.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  A motion was made by Scott, 2^nd by Rusty to approve Ordinance 2026-01.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.   

3.      Motion to approve 2025 Parks millage report.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to approve the 2025 Parks millage report.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.    

4.      Budget Adjustments.  A motion was made by Rusty, 2^nd by Scott to approve the budget adjustments as presented by the Clerk.  Roll call vote.  All in favor; the motion passed.  A budget workshop for the 2026-2027 budget will be held on February 18th at 10:00am. 

5.      Info for updated Fire Department Policy.  Policy updates for the fire department are provided for the board. 

XII.       Adjourn: A motion was made by Hayley, 2^nd by Stephanie, to adjourn at 8:20.  All in favor, the motion passed.

Stephanie Craig, Secretary