Gladwin Township Board Meeting

February 18, 2026

Meeting called to order at 6:30 by Supervisor Weaver. Pledge to the flag. All board members present and over 30 residents present. Motion by Jennifer Slabic seconded by Doug Ritchie to accept the January minutes. M/C Treasurer’s report general account $283,185.85 and money market account $46,358.66 Motion by Kristie Simrau seconded by Jennifer Slabic to receive and file the treasurer’s report. M/C. Motion by Jodie Klamer seconded by Jennifer Slabic to pay the bills in the amount of $7,635.0 M/C. Alan Donaldson, county commissioner was present and gave his report on the county.

Versiti Blood contacted the clerk to have blood drive at the township hall to better serve the Amish Community. The township board will allow Versiti Blood to use our hall for no charge to better serve our community. The clerk will post the date in the bulletin board outside the hall.

Board of Review set for March 9^th 9:00-3:00 and on March 11^th 3:00 – 9:00 here at the township hall.

Cemetery report given we had one full burial in Ridge. Fireboard report in print.

Supervisor received a call from ITC regarding work on the power line on Weber Road to the East. There will be a meeting regarding this. Also received a call from the Gladwin Road Commission regarding the gas tax that will all go to the roads and the sin tax on marijuana will also go to roads.

Public comment: multiple people with concerns regarding solar in Gladwin Township, some of the concerns discussed of residents not in favor of solar operations on a large scale.

- alters the rural character and habitat

- glare concern loss of agriculture

- concerns with the decommissioning for our children and grandchildren when they are no longer being used

- the cost to the local farmer in loss of farming revenue producing crops

- the property values of the properties not leasing but having solar next to them

- our next generations of farmers without sufficient land to farm

- many current farmers are against having the great farm land given up for solar

The clerk commented regarding talking to MTA and stated that she was told that Gladwin Township could not implement a moratorium against solar due to the township not having their own zoning. Gladwin Township participates with the Gladwin County Zoning. The clerk stated that the State of Michigan took over the ultimate decision making for solar back a couple years ago. Our township board will continue to gather all the information we can regarding this process.

Board members have been researching the subject as well and found that there are currently over 70 townships in the State of Michigan that have filed lawsuits regarding solar. Also, Doug Ritchie sets on the planning commission for the county and has attended the meetings regarding the County Master Plan. He suggested that the people concerned tonight need to attend the county meetings to get your voice heard. He stated he will keep the board updated on upcoming meetings.

Supervisor also stated that your voice in numbers at the county level due to our township participating in county zoning. The township board appreciates people coming to our meetings to voice their concerns and we are listening to the concerns of our residents.

Comment was made that they had requested the county commissioners to hold some of their meetings in the evening to accommodate working people.

Motion to adjourn at 7:42 by Doug Ritchie seconded by Jennifer Slabic.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristie Simrau, Township Clerk