Trustees hear reports at October Board meeting

The Casco Township Board of Trustees covered a wide range of topics at its October meeting, including a proposed pickleball facility, cemetery maintenance expectations, short-term rental activity, election procedures and updates from township departments and committees.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) Chief Brandon Hinz reported 31 calls in Casco Township in the previous month, including 12 fire calls and 19 EMS calls.

SHAES continues to use part-time and supplemental personnel, with staff assigned to the Casco station approximately 30 to 40 percent of the time. The Casco fire engine is scheduled for replacement in 2028, although it may need to be replaced sooner.

SHAES received a grant from Michigan Gas Utilities for gas-monitoring equipment. Fire Prevention Week activities recently concluded successfully.

Chief Hinz reported on the recent major fire at East Jordan Plastics, where firefighters prevented the fire from spreading into the main structure. The building was valued at approximately $14 million, with another $33 million in contents. Approximately $50 million in property was saved. There were no injuries, and East Jordan Plastics was back to work within a week.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Surveillance video and dispatch audio are being reviewed, but there is no indication that the fire was intentionally set.

Supervisor Allan Overhiser commended the department, saying, "You guys are modest. All of the preplanning and training saved that property."

State Representative Joey Andrews recently stopped by for a meet-and-greet with SHAES personnel. The department is hoping to build additional support at the state level and plans to meet with Representative Pauline Wendzel in early November.

Trustee Mary Campbell reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee discussed the proposed pickleball courts being pursued by the South Haven Pickleball Club. Although the proposal has been presented as a project that would come at no cost to the township, committee members want additional clarification about potential expenses and the township's responsibilities.

Questions include whether the township or the Parks and Recreation Fund would be expected to contribute toward a parking lot and whether there would be additional insurance costs.

Representatives of the South Haven Pickleball Club are scheduled to make a presentation to the Board of Trustees at its November meeting.

The board also discussed fundraising for the Casco Township Nature Preserve "Back to the Beach" campaign and the importance of establishing a coordinated approach when soliciting donations.

The township's short-term rental (STR) program currently has 153 registered STRs. Sixty-three property owners used the mobile registration system. During 2026, the township recorded 12 unique call-up episodes involving short-term rentals. These included:

• Noise complaints: 7

• Unauthorized activity: 4

• General inquiries: 3

• Parking: 2

• Trash: 1

• Occupant limits: 1

• Trespassing: 1

The number and nature of complaints appear to be relatively consistent with the previous year.

Dave Campbell of Glenn Shores reported that STR trash problems in the area have improved considerably over the past couple of years.

The township has received a complaint that McDowell Cemetery does not look as well maintained as cemeteries in neighboring communities.

Supervisor Overhiser reported that he had toured cemeteries in Douglas, Saugatuck and Ganges to compare maintenance practices. Ganges was similar to Casco, while the Douglas and Saugatuck cemeteries had more extensive weed trimming around individual headstones. Those cemeteries perform this work approximately three times a year.

Board discussion focused on what level of maintenance township residents should reasonably expect, given the cost of maintaining cemeteries. The township cannot afford to keep the grounds looking like residential lawns throughout the entire growing season.

The proposed approach will concentrate maintenance efforts around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day, followed by a final fall cleanup.

Board members also discussed whether the township's cemetery fees are comparable to those charged by other communities. Nonresident fees are generally higher than resident fees, which is common practice, but the board would like to review the current fee structure.

The board will revisit the topic next month. The Supervisor suggested that the township website include an explanation of its maintenance schedule so residents have a clear understanding of mowing and trimming expectations.

The board considered two boundary-line adjustment requests. The first involved property owned by John Kasishke at 7274 Pacific in Miami Park. The request would combine Lot 5 with an adjoining parcel. Because the property is part of a platted subdivision, the adjustment was handled as a boundary-line matter and approved.

The second request, submitted by Peggy Spencer, involved property on Beachview Drive in the Al Pertelle subdivision. The proposal would take a portion of Lot 86 and add it to Parcel B, creating an approximately 88-foot-wide parcel. The township's standard width is 60 feet. The request had already received approval from the Zoning Administrator. This was approved.

Clerk Rachel Ridley asked the board to address a policy related to political betting markets and election inspectors. The concern is that prediction markets could create situations in which election inspectors are wagering on the outcomes of elections they are working to administer.

The proposed policy would require election inspectors to acknowledge the betting restrictions for each election. Inspectors already complete an application before being sworn in, and the township is considering adding language requiring them to refrain from participating in political betting related to elections in which they serve.

The potential use of Meta smart glasses in the precinct and the privacy concerns they could present was also brought up. The board held off on making decisions pending review of the proposed language by the township attorney.

Linda Teeter, Chair of the Casco Senior Advisory Committee, presented a participation report. Attendance at the township's senior activities and the number of activities attended at the township location declined during September. However, participation in activities at the South Haven Senior Center continues to increase, as does Casco residents' participation in programs offered there.

The committee would like to arrange a meeting with Allegan County Commissioners Veltman and Lubbers to discuss county senior services.

Senior directories have been replenished at Township Hall, particularly timely during the election season.

Supervisor Overhiser reported that Senior Services of Van Buren County recently assisted a few Casco Township individuals who were living in tents. These individuals were helped with housing and finances even though this goes beyond the scope of the SSVBC contract.

Trustee Campbell reported that the Allegan County Community Action Agency has funding available to assist residents with housing maintenance issues.

Robert Sherwood reported that the Fennville District Library Board has a new representative from Ganges Township, Greg Josefowicz.

Treasurer Kenny Clevenger was absent. Supervisor Overhiser presented the fund balances, which, rounded, were:

General Fund, $1.187M and a $200k CD

Road Fund, $918k with a $200k CD

Fire Fund, $464k with a $200k CD

Police, $101k

Parks, $173k

Cemetery, $94k

Seniors, $67k

Collected tax, $10,107,000.

Supervisor Overhiser reported that the South Haven Area Water Sewer Authority (SHAWSA) has a new director and a new attorney. The authority will be going back out for bids for a contractor to handle lead service line replacement.

The annual audit of the Township is now underway. Trustee Campbell requested that the board discuss the report when completed.

Trustee Dan Fleming asked if the board would discuss opting into provisions of the state Land Division Act that would allow municipalities to exercise additional authority over land divisions. The change would increase the number of parcel divisions allowed under the basic provisions from four to ten. Under Section 108(6) of the act, local governments may also have authority to permit additional divisions if applicants meet locally established standards.

Resident Bob Sherwood asked whether the township had received inquiries about potential data center development; the Supervisor responded that he was not aware of any data center inquiries in Casco Township.

The Planning Commission is working on zoning ordinances addressing data centers, solar installations and battery storage.

The Board holds it regular meeting on the third Monday of the month. The next regular meeting is Monday, November 16 at 7:00 pm at the Casco Township Hall, 7104 107th Avenue.