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Cascade Charter Township adopts 2026–2031 CIP, appoints new auditor and approves community event permits
Summary
At its regular meeting the board adopted a six-year capital improvements plan that staff said requires no tax increase, appointed Siegfried Crandall as township auditor and approved two neighborhood event permits including a block party and a fundraising liquor license.
Cascade Charter Township's Board of Trustees voted to adopt the 2026'031 Capital Improvements Plan, appoint a new township auditor and approve two special-event permits during a public meeting.
Supervisor Lesperts said the CIP, which covers road, fire apparatus and utility projects, was developed in public work sessions and would not raise taxes. "Since hiring manager Smith and finance director Nancherini, within the last 2 years, we shaved off $500,000 of just internal overhead costs," Lesperts said, arguing the improved finances made the plan feasible. The board voted to adopt the plan after discussion and two trustees registered no votes.
The board also appointed Siegfried Crandall as the township's auditor under a three-year contract with two optional one-year extensions following a staff recommendation from Director Venturi. Venturi said the RFP was sent to eight firms and that Siegfried Crandall submitted a competitive bid and performs audits for several neighboring townships. Trustee Shipley moved to approve the appointment; Treasurer Corstange supported the motion and the board approved it.
Separately, the board approved a partial road closure on Thorncrest Drive for a block party planned for Sept. 20 and granted a one-day special-event liquor license and outdoor gathering permit for a Brodiebee's Cafe fundraiser at AK Ricks on Sept. 25. Both requests were late additions to the agenda that the trustees voted to include at the start of the meeting.
Public comment at the meeting included residents' concerns about hunting-permit notice and rules, attendance by volunteers on township committees, safety at the township dog park after reported daytime vehicle break-ins, and asset-inventory questions for township facilities. Scott Sulkama said hunting permits were listed with a Sept. 11 deadline and asked why the program limited permits to antlerless deer. "That's tomorrow," Sulkama said, urging clearer notice. Dorothy Cribbs reported a daytime smash-and-grab at the dog park: she said a woman's car window was broken and a purse stolen in broad daylight, and raised questions about camera placement and visibility.
Treasurer Corstange criticized two trustees who voted against the CIP without publishing objections during earlier public work sessions, saying the lack of pre-vote explanation frustrates public transparency. Lesperts replied that trustees can vote as they see fit and defended staff work on the CIP, noting prior cost savings and an increased general fund balance.
The meeting concluded after additional board comments and commitments from staff to follow up on the residents' questions about inventory and park security. The board adjourned following the public-comment period.
