WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP — The Whitehall Township Board held its final regular meeting of the year on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, addressing a range of issues from sewer billing penalties and department equipment needs to a resident’s interest in purchasing township-owned land.
The meeting opened at 4:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of an amended agenda that incorporated two additional items under new business: a new computer and clarification on retirement eligibility for the department’s leadership.
Resident Requests Purchase of Township-Owned Parcel
During public comment, a resident shared her interest in purchasing a 2.15-acre township-owned parcel adjacent to her property.
This resident hopes to acquire the property to clean, rehabilitate, and reforest it, while continuing to allow public access to nearby picnic tables and scenic spots.
Board members noted the property’s history—purchased by the museum and deeded to the township—and acknowledged that the parcel is too small to be independently developed under current zoning without a variance.
The township will consult legal counsel to determine the appropriate process for an unsolicited land purchase request and will revisit the topic at the January 2026 meeting.
Consent Agenda & Financial Updates
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Accounts payable
- Financial reports
- Zoning report
- Minutes from the Oct. 6 special meeting and Oct. 27 regular meeting
The treasurer received thanks for improved reporting clarity.
Supervisor Kroll noted the lift station project is “essentially complete,” pending delivery of a few final electronic components. A payment of $537,865 tied to the project was discussed and noted as within budgeted expectations.
Unfinished Business: Sewer Penalty Increase Approved
The board finalized Resolution 25-18, increasing the penalty for unpaid sewer bills from 1% to 3%. The measure passed unanimously following prior month review.
New Business
Mary Brumm Confirmed to Board of Review
The board approved the appointment of Mary Brumm to the Board of Review.
Water & Sewer Department Computer Purchase Approved
A discussion centered on the need for a dedicated township-owned computer for Water & Sewer Department operations.
The board reviewed legal opinions from the Michigan Township Association and township attorney Rachel Novak, both advising against conducting official township business on personal computers or servers.
Given the volume of work performed by Water & Sewer Director, including significant financial and operational cleanup, the board unanimously approved the purchase of a new computer costing $1,275.95, funded entirely through water and sewer accounts.
Retirement Eligibility for DPW Director Clarified
The board also discussed pension and retirement eligibility for the Water & Sewer/DPW director position. Because the role is not referenced in existing personnel policies, the board voted to formally recognize the position as pension-eligible moving forward.
This clarification applies to the position itself—not the individual currently in the role—and will be incorporated into the forthcoming personnel handbook update.
Additional Public Comment & Board Remarks
No further public comments were offered.
Board members shared several final updates:
- Fruitland Township has chosen not to join the White Lake Ambulance Authority this year but may revisit the proposal on a future ballot.
- The township still has approximately $5,000 available in its building remodeling fund, with no concerns voiced about upcoming equipment purchases.
The board also confirmed that it does not meet in December. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2026.
Before adjournment, Supervisor Dennis Kroll wished staff and residents a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year—adding humorously that he would share his holiday wish list before leaving the meeting.
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