WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP — Leadership transitions and routine governance took center stage during the Whitehall Township Board’s July 27 meeting, but public comments highlighted a broader conversation taking place across the community.
Residents used the meeting to voice concerns about the potential impacts of future data center development and to encourage the township to consider moving board meetings to later in the evening so more working residents can participate. While neither issue resulted in board action Monday, both reflected ongoing discussions about how township decisions affect the community.
The board also accepted several administrative actions, including appointing former Department of Public Works Director John Duff to the Planning Commission, updating committee appointments, and continuing negotiations that could change how township sewer services are administered.
Residents Raise Concerns About Data Centers
Public comment centered first on the topic of data centers, which has become an increasingly discussed issue throughout the White Lake area as local governments review and update planning and zoning ordinances.
Whitehall Township resident Wendy McHair urged the board to carefully consider the environmental impacts she believes large scale data centers could have on rural communities.
McHair cited concerns including noise pollution, light pollution, air emissions from backup generators, water consumption, and increased utility costs. She said those factors should be weighed carefully as township officials continue updating planning documents and zoning regulations.
Supervisor Dennis Kroll said the township has only begun discussing potential data center language and emphasized that any proposed regulations would first go before the Planning Commission before returning to the township board for consideration.
Resident Encourages Later Meeting Times
Another resident, Jacqueline Becks, encouraged the township to reconsider its regular 4:30 p.m. meeting time.
Becks said many residents are still at work during afternoon meetings and suggested holding meetings later in the evening to make it easier for the public to attend and participate.
She also expressed concerns about the township’s upcoming millage proposal and road funding, particularly how street improvements are financed and their impact on residents living on fixed incomes.
Kroll acknowledged the suggestion regarding meeting times but did not indicate whether the board plans to revisit its current schedule.
Kroll Explains Township Funding Ahead of Millage Vote
Responding to questions raised during public comment, Kroll discussed the township’s financial situation and the millage proposal appearing on the August 4 ballot.
He noted that Whitehall Township currently receives one mill for township operations, explaining that the revenue generated from local property taxes is limited compared to the responsibilities carried out by township government.
Kroll said the proposed millage would help fund township operations and future road improvements, adding that if approved, the township hopes to begin an expanded road improvement program as early as next year.
He acknowledged that construction scheduling may limit how much work can be completed before winter but said staff are already preparing a long term plan that will be presented to the board.
DPW Director Resigns
During board announcements, Kroll announced the resignation of Department of Public Works Director John Duff.
Kroll said Duff was originally brought into the position to improve the township’s sewer billing system, ensure costs were distributed appropriately among businesses, and complete information technology projects.
According to Kroll, those objectives have now been completed, making a full time position unnecessary.
Rather than ending his involvement with the township, Duff will continue serving Whitehall Township in another capacity.
Duff Returns to Planning Commission
Later in the meeting, the board unanimously approved Kroll’s recommendation to appoint Duff to the Planning Commission, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Tim Hicks.
Kroll thanked Hicks for his years of service, noting that ongoing judicial responsibilities and arbitration work no longer allow him to devote the necessary time to the commission.
Duff previously served on the Planning Commission before joining township staff.
Brownfield Authority Updated
The board also approved appointments to the township’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority as officials work toward dissolving the board after completing its remaining responsibilities.
Kroll explained that the authority’s appointments and administrative requirements had not been updated for several years. He said the remaining work primarily involves completing legal and financial obligations related to the former Earthen Jar property before the Brownfield Authority can officially be dissolved.
Committee Appointments Approved
Trustees also approved updated appointments for several township committees and boards, including positions involving the White Lake Ambulance Authority, White Lake Community Library, Solid Waste Authority, Board of Review, and other township committees.
Kroll said the action was largely administrative and brings appointment records up to date after several years without formal updates.
The township continues to seek a volunteer to fill an open position on the Board of Review.
Sewer Negotiations Continue
The board authorized Kroll to continue negotiations with the City of Whitehall regarding administration of the township’s sewer system.
Kroll said discussions involve allowing the city to handle sewer operations and customer administration under a contractual agreement rather than continuing township management of a utility system it does not directly operate.
No final agreement has been reached.
Looking Ahead
While Monday’s meeting focused primarily on appointments and administrative matters, the public comments underscored two issues likely to remain part of future township discussions: how residents participate in local government and how Whitehall Township prepares for potential development opportunities such as data centers.
As planning work continues and voters head to the polls on the township’s millage proposal next week, those conversations are expected to continue in the months ahead.
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