Cass County public meetings in 2021
56 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider resolutions regarding opioid litigation agreements and bond refinancing for Porter Township, the Village of Edwardsburg, and local sewer areas. The meeting also includes several appointments to the Parks Board, Board of Public Works, and Southwest Michigan Planning Commission.
- Resolutions for refinancing bonds for Porter Township, Village of Edwardsburg, Lakes Area Sewer, and Diamond/Donell Lakes Area Sewer
- Resolutions regarding participation and intrastate agreements for opioid litigation
- Appointments to the Parks Board, Board of Public Works, and Southwest Michigan Planning Commission
- Resolution regarding elected officials' salaries and a compensation schedule
- Resolution for a surplus property sale option
Historical Commission
The commission is reviewing updates for the Newton House, including painting and dehumidifier installation. The body is also planning a new walking tour of Cassopolis and a restructured driving tour of the county.
- Newton House exterior painting project requiring a county RFP
- Development of a new Cassopolis walking tour
- Proposed quadrant-based restructuring of the county driving tour pamphlet
- Lease updates for the Red Brick School and Newton House
- Installation of dehumidifiers at the Newton House
One Time Event
The commission will meet to review reports on the budget and director's activities. The board will discuss unfinished business regarding the Lawless Master Plan, the Russ Lease, and a Dark Sky update.
- Lawless Master Plan update
- Russ Lease discussion
- Dark Sky update
- Conservation District Awards
- Discover Winter Nights
Board of Commissioners
The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss new business including a board appointment and grant resolutions. The session includes a closed-door meeting to review legal opinions and contractual disputes with bargaining units.
- Appointment of Jamie Stafne to the Road Commission Board for a term ending December 31, 2027
- Resolution for FY2021 Emergency Management Performance Grant American Rescue Plan Act Agreement
- Resolution regarding Road Commission Board Compensation
- Approval of claims dated November 26, 2021
- Closed session to discuss legal opinions and CCIEA contractual disputes
One Time Event
The November meeting of the Economic Development Commission and Cass County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has been cancelled.
One Time Event
The November Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. No items were received for the agenda.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider several grant-funded budgets for problem-solving and family courts for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The body will also discuss 2022 non-union wages and the 2022 holiday schedule.
- Proposed budgets for Raise the Age ($50,000) and Child and Parent Legal Representation ($66,328) grants
- Proposed Problem-Solving Court budgets including COOSAP Gap-Filling Grant ($200,000) and OJJDP Grant ($241,125)
- Resolution R-200-21 regarding 2022 Non-Union Wages
- Appointment of Vicki Vaughn to the Department of Human Services Board and Van Buren/Cass Board of Health
- Closed session to review Opioid litigation
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission will meet to discuss maintenance and lease updates for the Newton House. The body will also consider developing a new walking and driving tour of Cassopolis.
- Newton House painting project and lease updates
- Newton House dehumidifiers costing $140 each
- Proposed walking and driving tours of Cassopolis
- Newton House fencing quote from Martin Fencing for $4,700
- Discussion of the Red Brick School status
One Time Event
The commission will meet to review reports on the budget and director's activities. The board will discuss the Lawless Master Plan and a commission vacancy.
- Lawless Master Plan update
- Annual Pass Discount discussion
- Commission Vacancy
- Dark Sky Update
- EDA discussion
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to consider resolutions regarding FOIA procedures and guidelines for the county and the Cass County Sheriff. The meeting includes a consent agenda for claims and previous meeting minutes.
- Resolution R-191-21: FOIA Procedures and Guidelines for Cass County
- Resolution R-192-21: FOIA Procedures and Guidelines for Cass County Sheriff
- Motion M-189-21: Approval of claims dated October 29, 2021
- Motion M-190-21: Approval of October 21, 2021 meeting minutes
One Time Event
The October 27th Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. No items were received for the agenda.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to review the 2021 Apportionment Report and the Annual Drain Report. The body is deciding on budget adjustments, special assessment rolls, and an interlocal agreement.
- Resolution to adopt the 2021 Apportionment Report
- Motion to adopt the 2022 Holiday Schedule
- Motion to approve quarterly budget adjustments
- Motion to approve Special Assessment rolls
- Resolution approving Interlocal Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission is meeting to discuss the development of walking and driving tours of Cassopolis. The body will also review reports and old business regarding the Newton House and Red Brick School.
- Discussion of a new walking tour of Cassopolis
- Discussion of a new driving tour of Cassopolis
- Newton House painting project updates
- Newton House dehumidifier procurement
- Lease updates for the Newton House
One Time Event
The commission is meeting to review director and budget reports. The board will discuss unfinished business regarding the Lawless Master Plan and signage for M-60 and M-40.
- Dark Sky Update
- Russ Lease
- Lawless Master Plan
- M-60 / M-40 signage
- Park Data
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is conducting its annual meeting to address several appointments and grant agreements. The session includes a public hearing regarding Michigan Community Development Block Grant funding and a closed session to review opioid litigation.
- Public hearing on Michigan Community Development Block Grant Funding
- Resolution R-166-21 regarding Emergency Repair Loan MOU Approval
- Appointments to the Community Corrections Advisory Board
- Resolution R-175-21 for FY2021 Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement
- Resolution R-176-21 for Jefferson Township/MEC Broadband Pilot Program
One Time Event
The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 22 was cancelled because no items were received for the agenda.
One Time Event
The Economic Development Commission and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority are meeting to discuss the path forward with Market Van Buren and the status of the Land Bank Authority. The body is also reviewing the Board of Commissioners' decision regarding funding for the EDC.
- Discussion on partnership with Market Van Buren
- Review of Board of Commissioners decision to fund EDC
- Discussion regarding Brownfield Authority
- Discussion regarding Land Bank Authority
Solid Waste Committee
The Cass County Solid Waste Committee is meeting to establish board goals and expectations. The body will review regional updates and current recycling activities within the county.
- MRC membership fee of $200.00
- Household Hazardous Waste and Tire Collection update
- Discussion of resource recovery program coordinator position
- Review of MRC education program recap
- Board vacancies and makeup
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution to adopt the General Appropriations Act for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The meeting includes presentations on annual investments and a report from the Michigan Association of Counties.
- Public hearing for Proposed FY2022 and FY2023 Budget
- Resolution to adopt the FY2022 and FY2023 General Appropriations Act
- Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Grant Agreement of $4,050.00 for Dowagiac River restoration
- Resolution regarding county copiers
- Approval of claims dated September 3, 2021
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to gather public opinions and conduct a community discussion regarding masks, vaccination, and personal choice.
- Community discussion and gathering of public opinions regarding masks and vaccination and personal choice
Historical Commission
The Cass County Historical Commission is meeting to review the 2022 budget and discuss utility work involving the moving of a propane tank and burying electric service. The body will also receive reports on the Newton House and Red Brick School.
- Discussion of 2022 budget
- MEC project to move propane tank and bury electric service
- Newton House painting project updates
- Lease updates for the Newton House
- Reports on Red Brick School and Outreach and Publications
One Time Event
The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to review director and budget reports. The board will discuss updates on the Dark Sky project, the Russ Lease, and the Lawless Master Plan. New business includes M-60 / M-40 signage and the Friends of the Cass County Parks grant.
- M-60 / M-40 Signage
- Russ Forest Volunteers
- Friends of the Cass County Parks grant
- Lawless Master Plan update
- Dowagiac River Clean Up
One Time Event
The August 25th Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. No items were received for the agenda.
One Time Event
The August 25th meeting of the Economic Development Commission-Cass County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has been cancelled.
One Time Event
The commission is meeting to review reports on the budget and the Lawless Master Plan. The board will also discuss new business regarding a lease for Russ Forest.
- Russ Forest Lease
- Lawless Master Plan update
- Dark Sky update
- Budget report
Historical Commission
The Cass County Historical Commission will meet to elect officers and review financial reports. The body is scheduled to discuss the lease of the Newton House and a painting project for the property.
- Election of officers
- Newton House lease discussion
- Newton House painting project
- Improvements and donations
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the FY2021-2022 Child Care Budget and the CDBG Funding and Emergency Repairs Program. The body is also considering resolutions regarding a timber sale and the sale of a DOC building.
- FY2021-2022 Child Care Budget
- CDBG Funding and Emergency Repairs Program
- Resolution for timber sale
- Resolution for sale of DOC building
- Amended Van Buren/Cass District Health Department by-laws
One Time Event
The Cass County Planning Commission is reviewing a proposed zoning ordinance amendment from Ontwa Township. The proposal seeks to define and permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in specific residential and agricultural districts.
- Ontwa Township Ordinance No. 2021-07-12.2 to permit accessory dwellings in A-R, R-1, R-1A, R-L, and R-2 districts
- Proposed definition of Accessory Dwelling Unit as a separate housekeeping unit with its own entrance, kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom
- Proposed requirement that the property owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU
- Proposed prohibition of short-term rentals for both principal dwellings and ADUs
- Proposed requirement for a recorded deed restriction stating the ADU cannot be sold separately from the principal dwelling
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several resolutions and motions, including the implementation of a 2021 Survey Remonumentation Grant and the purchase of two Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The meeting also includes reports from the Veteran's and Area Agency on Aging offices.
- Proposed $36,785.00 for 2021 Survey Remonumentation Grant agreements
- Purchase of two 2021 Chevrolet Equinox LT vehicles for $20,885.00 and $28,510.00
- Resolution for Jail Window Replacement
- Resolution for CCSO Reheat Upgrade
- Appointments to Solid Waste Planning Commission, Planning Commission, District Library board, and Land Bank Authority
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission will meet to discuss the lease of the Newton House and review the painting project. The body will also address business regarding Haas Alarm Systems.
- Newton House painting project
- Newton House lease discussion
- Haas Alarm Systems
- Financial report and bills
Historical Commission
The Cass County Historical Commission is meeting to review financial reports and bills. The body will discuss the Newton House lease and the Newton House painting project.
- Newton House painting project
- Newton House lease discussion
- Haas Alarm Systems
One Time Event
The commission will meet to receive a presentation from Senator LaSata’s office regarding the Dark Sky Park. The board will also review reports on the budget and the Lawless Master Plan.
- Dark Sky presentation from Senator LaSata’s office
- Budget report from Director Wyman
- Lawless Master Plan update
- Parks, Recreation, Culture, and Tourism update
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a painting contract for Newton Home and appoint two members to the Kinexus board. The meeting includes an annual report from the Parks Director and a resolution regarding a Hyperconverged Infrastructure Project.
- Proposed contract with Paragon Painting for Newton Home not to exceed $24,578.15
- Proposed appointment of Anna Murphy to the Kinexus board
- Proposed appointment of Arlandar Washington to the Kinexus board
- Resolution regarding Hyperconverged Infrastructure Project
- Annual Report from Parks Director Scott Wyman
One Time Event
The June meeting for the Economic Development Commission's Cass County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has been canceled.
One Time Event
The Cass County Planning Commission is meeting to discuss a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for Ontwa Township. The amendment seeks to define and permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in several residential and agricultural districts.
- Ontwa Township Zoning Ordinance amendment regarding accessory dwelling units
- Proposed permitting of ADUs in A-R, R-1, R-1A, R-L, and R-2 districts
- Proposed prohibition of short-term rentals for principal dwellings and ADUs
- Proposed requirement for property owners to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider several new service contracts for county buildings and appoint members to the Historical Commission and Solid Waste Planning Committee. The meeting also includes a resolution regarding a 2021 Classification and Compensation Study.
- Contract with Paragon Painting for Newton Home not to exceed $24,578.15
- Contract with Ayers Basement Systems for sidewalk leveling not to exceed $11,623.45
- Cleaning contract with The Cleanest Co., LLC at $10,095.00 per month
- Appointments to the Historical Commission (Jane Bergman, Ron McAdam)
- Appointments to the Solid Waste Planning Committee (Ryan Laylin, Barbara Belland, Susan Donoho)
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission will meet to discuss the 2021-22 budget and purchasing policies for the Newton House. The body will also review board member responsibilities and an agreement with the Historical Society.
- 2021-22 budget discussion
- County Purchasing Policy and bids for Newton House
- Historical Society/Historical Commission agreement clarification
- Board of Commissioners annual report video
One Time Event
The Cass County Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to review budget and director reports. The board will discuss unfinished business regarding the Lawless Master Plan and tree removal on the Dowagiac River, as well as new business concerning the West Harmon Boat Launch.
- West Harmon Boat Launch
- Lawless Master Plan
- Dowagiac River Tree Removal
- Dark Sky Update
- Team Cass County
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public Truth and Taxation hearing and consider several resolutions. The meeting includes a review of claims dated May 28, 2021, and a forfeiture report from the Treasurer.
- Truth and Taxation Hearing
- Purchase of tax reverted properties (M-94-21)
- Appointment of Diane Seifert to the Department of Human Services Board
- Resolution opposing Michigan Secretary of State "By Appointment Only" (R-98-21)
- Resolution for PA152 Compliance (R-97-21)
One Time Event
The Cass County board is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on land use changes. The agenda focuses on rezoning requests within two specific townships.
- Mason Township rezoning request
- Two Ontwa Township rezoning requests
Board of Commissioners
The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a jail water softener replacement project and state revenue sharing payments. The board is also considering appointments to the Jury Commission and service agreements with Marcellus and Howard Townships.
- Resolution R-85-21 regarding the Jail Water Softener Replacement Project
- Agreement with Marcellus Township and the Office of the Sheriff (Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021)
- Contract with Howard Township and the Office of the Sheriff (March 31, 2021 – March 31, 2022)
- Appointment of June Blackwell to the Jury Commission for a six-year term
- Resolution R-89-21 regarding State Revenue Sharing Payments
One Time Event
The commission will meet to review director and budget reports. The agenda includes discussions on the Lawless Master Plan and the 2019-2021 Annual Report.
- Dark Sky Update
- 2019-2021 Annual Report
- Lawless Master Plan
- Dodd Park Visitor
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission is meeting to discuss updates for the Newton House, including accessibility ramps and railings. The body is also reviewing an operating agreement with the Historical Society and an expenditure policy.
- Newton House accessibility: Discussion of MEC Grant for a ramp alternative and handrails
- Operating Agreement: Proposed division of responsibilities between the Historical Commission and Historical Society
- Red Brick School: Update on acquiring a quit claim deed
- Expenditure Policy: Review of procedures for documenting and approving spending
- Ad Hoc Committee: Discussion regarding a millage option for the Historical Commission and Parks Department
Board of Commissioners
The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss jail facility improvements and a resolution regarding commissioner term lengths. The body will also vote on appointments to the Veterans’ Advisory Committee and review county claims.
- Resolution approving Jail Stall Refurbishment Project
- Resolution approving Jail Water Softener Replacement Project
- Resolution supporting legislation to adopt 4-year terms for county commissioners
- Appointment of Cynthia Warren and Gary Gravit, Sr. to the Veterans’ Advisory Committee
- Resolution approving Engaging Bond Counsel
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a workshop featuring a presentation on the state of county technology. The session includes a closed session for labor negotiations and a roundtable discussion on several administrative topics.
- Presentation on State of County Technology by Information Systems Director Jodi Nestich
- Closed session to discuss Compensation and Labor Negotiations
- Facilitation by Intersect Studio regarding the Historic Courthouse
- Roundtable discussion on Commissioner Compensation, MSUE, Broadband, Real Estate, and the County Administrator
One Time Event
The Economic Development Corporation discussed Brownfield Development sites and the process for putting repurposed land back on tax rolls. The board also accepted a financial report showing an ending cash balance of $3,846.36 as of March 31, 2021.
- Presentation on Brownfield Development and Act 381 of 1996
- Financial report showing $25,000 expenditure for Berrien/Cass/VanBuren Workforce Dev
- Discussion of Dowagiac as the only Core Community in Cass County
- Postponement of Porter wireless needs discussion
- Status updates on Stealth Trailers and a shrimp farm in Jefferson
One Time Event
The Cass County Planning Commission is meeting to review several township requests. The body will discuss farmland agreements and proposed zoning text amendments.
- Silver Creek Township: P.A. 116 Farmland Agreement for Hassle Farms
- Calvin Township: Proposed zoning ordinance text amendments
- Wayne Township: Two P.A. 116 Farmland Agreements for Berrybrook Investments, LLC
One Time Event
The Cass County Planning Commission is meeting to discuss farmland preservation applications and zoning text amendments. The body will review requests from Silver Creek and Wayne Townships, as well as proposed changes from Calvin Township.
- Silver Creek Township: P.A. 116 application for Hassle Farms
- Calvin Township: Proposed zoning ordinance text amendments
- Wayne Township: P.A. 116 applications for Berrybrook Investments, LLC (2)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss quarterly budget adjustments and updates to the county's Grant and Family and Medical Leave policies. The meeting includes several board appointments and a resolution to engage Intersect Studio.
- Motion to approve quarterly budget adjustments
- Resolution engaging Intersect Studio
- Motion to rescind the Cass County Family and Medical Leave Policy
- Motion to approve amended Grant Policy
- Appointments to Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network, Solid Waste Planning Commission, and Cass County Parks Board
One Time Event
The commission is meeting to receive a presentation on a lodge feasibility study. The agenda also includes reports on the budget and the 2019-2020 annual report.
- Lodge feasibility study presentation
- 2019-2020 Annual Report
- Arts in the Park discussion
- Dark Sky update
- Wood chip donation
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet virtually to discuss several policy amendments and a new fee for non-criminal fingerprinting. The agenda also includes a presentation by Intersect Studio and a discussion on off-road vehicle regulation.
- Proposed fee of $36.75 for all non-criminal fingerprint fees
- Proposed amendments to Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, Jail Commissary Retained Earnings, Petty Cash, Cash Option Plan, and Meal Reimbursement policies
- Discussion on Off-Road Vehicle regulation
- Discussion on American Recovery Funding Options
- Approval of claims dated March 19, 2021
One Time Event
The Cass County Planning Commission will meet to elect officers and consider two township requests. The body will review text amendments for Penn Township and a rezoning request for a property in Silver Creek Township.
- Election of Officers
- Penn Township: Text amendments to align zoning with Adult-Use Recreational Marihuana Ordinance
- Silver Creek Township: Rezoning request for Tim and Deborah Masterman (Parcel 14-130-004-050-13) from part ag/part waterfront to all waterfront district
One Time Event
The scheduled meeting for the Cass County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority on March 24, 2021, has been cancelled.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a local state of emergency declaration and the FY2020 audit. The body is also deciding on several board appointments and cropland lease agreements in Newberg and Porter Townships.
- Resolution to declare a Local State of Emergency
- Cropland Lease Agreement for 89 acres in Newberg Township with Masten Farms
- Cropland Lease Agreement for 99 acres in Newberg/Porter Townships with Masten Farms
- Appointments of Skip Dyes, Mike Grice, and Jeanne Jourdan to the Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network Board
- Approval of the FY2020 Audit
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission discussed maintenance and accessibility improvements for the Newton House and the Red Brick School. The board is also considering a new expenditure policy and a formal operating agreement with the Historical Society.
- Approved $600 expenditure for cedar tree removal and limb trimming at the Newton House
- Discussed applying for a Midwest Energy and Communications grant for Newton House ramps and railings
- Discussed plumbing repairs and floor refinishing at the Newton House
- Reported stalled progress on the Red Brick School quit claim deed
- Tabled discussion on a new policy for expenditures
One Time Event
The commission will meet to review budget and director reports. The board is scheduled to discuss shelter reservation and cabin fees for 2021, as well as an upcoming Easter event.
- 2021 Shelter Reservation / Cabin Fees
- Easter Event
- Dark Sky Update
- Park Properties