August 5, 2026 Board of Trustees Special Meeting Minutes

KIMBALL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

2160 WADHAMS ROAD, KIMBALL MI  48074 

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

AUGUST 5, 2026

6:30 P.M. 

 ***DRAFT*** DRAFT**** DRAFT****

OPEN MEETING WITH THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AT 6:30 PM

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:   Supervisor Usakowski, Treasurer Jackson, Clerk Wrubel, Trustee Lokers, Trustee Reilly, Trustee Deland, Trustee Bowen

ABSENT: None 

ALSO PRESENT:   Michele Erdman-Deputy Clerk, Bill Orr-Planning Commission Chairman, Neil Erickson-Building Inspector/ Ordinance Enforcer

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  

Motion to Approve the Agenda as published by Trustee Deland.  Seconded by Trustee Bowen.  Absent: None.  All were in favor.  Motion Carried. 

2. PRESENTATION OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2026; NO MEETING JULY 21, 2026

 Motion to Approve the Minutes as amended, by Trustee Deland.  Seconded by Trustee Reilly.  Absent: None.  All were in favor.  Motion Carried. 

3. CONSENT AGENDA AND COMMUNICATION   

Trustee Deland questioned pg.15 the asphalt paving charge of $8,695.00.  Clerk Wrubel explained it was for a water main break on Griswold and on Wadhams Rd. It was for patching. Trustee Lokers had a question on pg. 10, stating we usually have Mrs. Ruck cleaning the library, now we have her ex-husband? Clerk Wrubel explained it’s still under Mrs. Sunshine.  Lokers asked how often we pay him.  Clerk Wrubel said monthly.  Trustee Bowen asked if it would be switched into the business name and Clerk Wrubel said yes. 

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda made by Treasurer Jackson, in the amount   of $161,935.71 pay the bills and file. Supported by Trustee Deland. 

Roll Call Vote. 

Yes: Jackson, Bowen, Usakowski, Wrubel, Lokers, Reilly, Deland

No: None 

Absent: None

Motion Carried 

Supervisor Usakowski read the communication for Wings & Wheels, being held Aug. 8, 2026; from 9-2PM, highlighting the free plane rides for kids 8-17yrs

4. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS   

1. Board of County Road Commissioners of St Clair Co. Agenda July 8, 2026
2. Board of County Road Commissioners of St Clair Co. Minutes June 17, 2026
3. Board of County Road Commissioners of St Clair Co. Agenda July 22, 2026
4. Board of County Road Commissioners of St Clair Co. Minutes July 8, 2026

Motion to receive and file the Boards and Commissions minutes made by Clerk Wrubel.  Support by: Trustee Bowen.  Absent: None.  All were in favor, motion carried. 

5. PUBLIC COMMENT (Brief Comments)   

1. Kevin Koveck

Kevin Koveck stated that he owns Simple Dynamics at 1805 Sturgeon Road and has worked in the automotive industry for approximately 30 years. He stated that his daughter, who lives on Allen Road, supports the proposed project and that he believes the project may bring business, jobs, and much needed tax revenue to the township.

2. Scott Sheldon

Scott Sheldon stated that although he does not reside in Kimball Township, he owns commercial and residential properties within the township. He stated that he employs approximately 700 people in Michigan, about half in St. Clair County, and asked the Board to consider the property’s commercial potential and tax base.

3. Jacquie Hilgendor

Jacquie Hilgendor stated that she had sent a letter to Board members and posted related information on Kimball Talks. She expressed concerns about the applicant’s development history, available information about completed projects, and the possibility of another unsuccessful development attempt, and asked the Board to reconsider.

4. Ed Allbaugh

Ed Allbaugh, representing Blue Water Sportsman’s Association on Ravenswood Road, stated that the project may affect the association and its members. He raised concerns regarding drainage, wildlife, wetlands, infrastructure, water and sewer service, road capacity, delivery access during frost laws, and other issues that he believed should be addressed before the project proceeds.

5. Dorothy Yope

Dorothy Yope introduced herself as a candidate for District 5 County Commissioner. She stated that she had spent approximately three weeks speaking with Kimball residents to learn about community concerns and noted that she has an online survey available for residents to provide input.

6. OLD BUSINESS  

None

7. NEW BUSINESS  

Larry Opaleski, with law firm Dickinson and Wright:

• Provided a brief overview of the conditional rezoning process and stated that rezoning is the beginning of the review process.
• Stated that many neighbor concerns would be addressed during the site planning stage, when the community and Board may consider applicable conditions.
• Reviewed proposed conditions, including prohibitions on a data center, marijuana facility, or landfill; additional screening and setbacks beyond ordinance requirements; a green buffer; proposed public amenities, including retaining the existing pond and constructing a public recreation area; compliance with zoning requirements for sound, lighting, odor, and similar matters; restrictions on heavy truck traffic using Allen Road; commitments to seek required county and state permits for drainage and wetlands; and binding conditions to be reviewed by attorneys and recorded with the property title.
• Opaleski stated that both the Township Planning Commission and County Planning Commission recommended approval and that the proposal is consistent with the Township Master Plan.

Darius Udrys, Director of Communications:

Darius discussed his past employment and experience with Interstate Capital and stated that the company is committed to being a good neighbor, listening to community concerns, and considering those concerns as the process continues.

Supervisor Usakowski:

• Future development starts with the Township Master Plan. Explained the master plan briefly.  Long term vision for land use, growth, infrastructure, preservation of open space as well. Encouraged residents participation in developing the Master Plan.

• West of Wadhams less development, more open space
• East of Wadhams more development, there is the infrastructure to do it

Board Member Comments:

• Treasurer Jackson expressed support for the project, stating that he had observed solar panel developments in other areas and believed the proposed buffer could continue to support wildlife. He also stated that he viewed the project as positive because of potential employment opportunities for younger residents.

•  Supervisor Usakowski stated that the Board values resident feedback and encouraged continued public attendance at meetings. He also thanked attendees for presenting comments respectfully during a matter that generated significant public interest.

• Trustee Deland asked how we will address water and sewer.  Supervisor Usakowski stated it’ll be determined with the site plan.

• Trustee Lokers encouraged residents to continue attending meetings and stated that the Board values hearing community input.

• Trustee Reilly stated that he viewed the proposed 330-foot buffer and prohibited uses favorably and emphasized looking at long-term impacts for residents and property owners.

• Trustee Bowen stated that she viewed the proposed 330-foot buffer favorably and compared it to other nearby communities with industrial development adjacent to residential areas.

• Trustee Deland addressed the concerns raised by the representative from the gun club and stated that the Township had received correspondence from the Drain Commissioner indicating a willingness to work with affected parties to address drainage impacts.

Supervisor Usakowski made the motion that we approve the conditional rezoning of the six properties listed in the application from Interstate Capital’s Capital Properties. Trustee Reilly seconded the motion.

 Roll Call Vote. 

Yes: Usakowski, Reilly, Jackson, Wrubel, Lokers, Bowen, Deland

No: None 

Absent: None

Motion Carried 

8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION   

•  Dave from D&M expressed support for the project and encouraged residents to review available information.

• A resident expressed a differing view, stating concerns about vacant Amazon locations and requesting increased Township communication, such as a monthly online newsletter.
• Kim Stanford Duckworth asked questions regarding a fence and raised a complaint about a neighboring property. Supervisor Usakowski stated that the Township can pursue enforcement action but cannot guarantee compliance, and that the matter can be revisited for additional action if needed.
• Neil Erickson stated that Kimball Township has taken a high number of court cases compared with other townships and referenced 72 court cases in the past year.
• Zack Golespki stated that he is purchasing property near the development area. He expressed support for businesses coming to the Township and identified potential benefits such as jobs and tax revenue, while also raising concerns regarding roads and possible impacts to his property.
• Debbie Wolfe stated that she was disappointed there was not more time for public comment before the vote. She stated that she supports job growth but preferred manufacturing jobs over distribution uses and expressed concerns regarding transparency and alternative visions for the property.

9.  OFFICERS REPORT   

1. Supervisor Usakowski   

Supervisor Usakowski reported that funding had been approved by the Legislature for Black River Park and that the Township will sign an agreement with the Natural Resources Trust Fund to purchase the property. He stated that the Township expects to receive additional information within the next month regarding the second phase of the grant request.

2. Clerk Wrubel   

Clerk Wrubel reported that the election was complete and that preparations would begin for the November election. She thanked residents who voted on Election Day.

3. Treasurer Jackson   

Treasurer Jackson explained that we get $257,000 a year for taxes, out of approximately 12 million dollars.  He stated if residents read the newsletter we put out every six months, they could see that information as well as other important information for the township.  Explained the hard work that goes into the Master Plan.

Reviewed Financials with an explanation of what each account represented.

4. Trustee Deland   

Trustee Deland noted that regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Trustee Deland also stated that newsletters cost approximately $4,000 per mailing and that personal property tax may apply to equipment associated with the project.

5. Trustee Bowen   

Trustee Bowen expressed support for the project and stated that she viewed it as an opportunity for the Township.

6. Trustee Reilly   

None

7. Trustee Lokers   

Trustee Lokers responded to an earlier comment and clarified that his knowledge was limited to the Port Huron industrial complex being at capacity, and that he did not have information regarding what businesses or uses may occupy future buildings. He also discussed resident concerns about Atkins Meadows road resurfacing and reported that he had met with Bob Wiley regarding drainage-related comments. Trustee Lokers stated that residents may wish to contact state and federal representatives regarding funding for drainage matters.

Trustee Lokers stated that data centers are not new and encouraged residents to research related issues and contact state and federal representatives regarding policy changes and conflicting information. He thanked residents for attending and participating.

   Trustee Bowen made a motion to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Supported by Trustee Deland.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.