Board of Trustees - March 2026 - Monthly Meeting Synopsis

All Board members were present.  

The following people communicated with the Board during the meeting: 

Noah Mehalski, Director of the Department of Public Works, provided an update on the 2026 Water and Sewer Rates Study addressing questions related to costs, priorities, and resident needs. 

All Board members were present.  

Public comment opened at 6:30 P.M. 

The following people communicated with the Board during the meeting: 

Public comment closed at 6:38 P.M. 

Sean Mueller, Clerk’s Associate, provided an update on the small cell wireless open house, an event designed to improve cellular service for township residents. 

The Board approved a resolution to issue a letter opposing the zoning preemption bills currently before the state legislature. 

Gregory Turner, Deputy Director of Engineering and Environmental Services, provided an overview of the various 2025 township construction projects, including water system improvements, storm sewer upgrades, and safety path programs. He addressed questions related to project costs, timelines, and assessments. He also offered a preview of the projected construction projects planned for 2026. 

Kirkway Rd.: The estimated cost was $4,073,635.80, with an actual cost of $3,478.692.44. This equates to a $4,518.41 refund for a full unit of benefit, or $2,259.20 refund for a half unit of benefit for residents who paid in full. 

Blue section of the Village: The estimated cost was $8,073,593.28, with an actual cost of $8,030,143.33. This equates to a $8,971.01 refund for a full unit of benefit for residents who paid in full. 

Red/Pink section of the Village: The estimated cost was $10,691,917.38, with an actual cost of $10,642,173.51. This equates to a $11,487.05 refund for a full unit of benefit for residents who paid in full. 

The Board discussed a recommendation for Bloomfield Township to consider providing fire protection services to the Village of Bingham Farms. 

The Board approved the resolution to expand the Financial Sustainability Committee by adding two additional members of the public. 

Joshua Rossman and Brian Masson were appointed as members of the Financial Sustainability Committee. 

The Board approved a separation agreement presented by the Township Attorney and authorized the Township Supervisor to execute it. The Board also approved employment contracts for the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief (with a revised pay grade), Operations Officer, Director of Finance and Budget, and Director of Human Resources, as recommended by counsel, and authorized the Clerk and Supervisor to sign each contract. 

All Board members were present.  

Public comment opened at 6:30 P.M. 

The following people communicated with the Board during the meeting: 

Public comment closed at 6:36 P.M. 

Police Chief James Gallagher recognized and congratulated Joseph Monti and Timothy Newsome on their promotions to Sergeant. The Clerk administered their oaths of office. Chief Gallagher also recognized and congratulated Nicholas Soley, Thomas Smyly, and Aaron “A.J.” Sparks on their promotions to Lieutenant. The Clerk administered their oaths of office. 

Police Chief James Gallagher presented and discussed the Police Department Space Needs Assessment, outlining the evolution of current facility issues and the associated operational impacts, and reviewed potential paths forward. 

Treasurer Michael Schostak discussed a resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $9,500,000 in General Obligation Unlimited Tax Bonds (“UTGO”) to refund the Township’s outstanding 2016 bonds. The refinancing will take advantage of lower interest rates, generating an estimated savings of approximately $675,000 over the remaining term. As the debt is supported by a dedicated millage, the savings will be passed directly to taxpayers through a reduced millage rate. 

Township Assessor Darren Kraatz presented the Truth in Taxation procedures as required by the General Property Tax Act. He explained that the process ensures transparency when tax revenues increase due to rising property values.  

Finance Director Jason Theis reported updated FY26 projections and recommended General Fund budget amendments to add $1,000,000 in investment-related revenue and a corresponding $1,000,000 increase in Transfers Out. The change reflects expected positive changes in the value of the Township’s bond investments and has no net impact on the overall General Fund balance. 

Finance Director Jason Theis presented the updated FY2026-27 Digital Budget Book on ClearGov and encouraged review of its improved, more visual format. He also noted final budget adjustments reflecting higher revenues and added funding for road maintenance. 

The Board approved setting Planning Commission member compensation at the same level as Zoning Board of Appeals members, at $250 per meeting.