The Newberg Township Board met at the Newberg Township Fire Department in regular session on April 13th, 2026.
Supervisor Covey led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Clerk Duff called roll:
Present: Duff, Blackburn, Griffiths, Harvey, and Covey
Absent:
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None at this time
Approval of the Agenda}
Motion made by Duff, supported by Harvey, to approve the April 13th 2026 Agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
Approval of Minutes
Motion made by Duff, supported by Griffiths, to approve the minutes from the March 9th General Meeting and the March 19th Special Meeting. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
Reports
Assessor: Nothing at this time
Ordinance: Nothing at this time
Ambulance: Director Griffiths reported twenty-eight (28) calls for the month of March. Fire: Chief Forrester reported fourteen (14) calls for the month of March; ten (10) Newberg and four (4) Porter.
Sexton: Nothing to report.
Building: Report read by Clerk Duff for the month of March.
Treasurer: Report available at the meeting or by contacting the treasurer. Discussion was had regarding the new software for the treasurer and assessor programs. The county will be switching over in 2027 and townships will be required to switch following.
County Commission: Nothing at this time.
Solar Project: Nothing new at this time.
Public Comment (non-agenda items)
Resident shared he has been trying to get a hold of the assessor this month and contacted the county, who told him to go to the township meeting. We exchanged information to help the resident get in contact with the assessor.
Correspondence/Announcements: None at this time
Unfinished Business
1. New Township Hall: Discussion was had regarding the township hall building. Supervisor Covey stated he would like to have a special meeting with the contractor, building inspector, and board members.
2. Township Lake Ordinances: Nothing new to report at this time.
3. Enforcement Officer Township Employee Position: Discussion was had regarding the ordinance officer. Motion made by Griffiths, supported by Harvey, to hire Beth Middleton as our Enforcement Officer and a Newberg Township Employee affected the 20th of April 2026. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
4.Harwood Lake Cemetery: Representative from Scott Larkin’s office was present to discuss the land donation for the Harwood Lake Cemetery. Discussion was had; Larkin’s office will be in contact with the township attorney.
5. Road Contracts 2026: Motion made by Covey, supported by Griffiths, to approve the 2026 contracts for the Cass County Road Commission for Hoffman St paving .81 miles total between Sodaman Rd. to the county line in the amount of $116,526.91 and contract for pavement markings in the amount of $5,946.37. These amounts are the portion that Newberg Township is paying, not the total project cost. Motion supported by Griffiths. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
New Business
1. Enbridge Township Payment: Discussion was had regarding the check that was paid to the township from Enbridge. Enbridge sent the check to the township for unclaimed money from years ago. Treasurer Blackburn completed paperwork to receive the check and the check was delivered and deposited to the township. After the check was deposited, Enbridge requested the money back reporting the township cashed this check years ago. Treasurer Blackburn has been in contact with the township attorney regarding the check and is still working on resolving this issue.
Bills to Pay
Motion made by Duff, supported by Blackburn to sign the paperwork for the township audit that will take place in June. The amount will not exceed $7,800.00. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote. Motion made by Blackburn, supported by Griffiths, to pay the bills for April in the amount of $181,077.41. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
Public Comment
Questions and discussion were had about the township hall build. Public comment was had about data centers in the area and concerns.
Adjournment
Motion made by Covey, supported by Harvey, to adjourn the General Meeting at 8:29p.m. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
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