Public Notices

The Open Meetings Act (OMA) of Michigan requires notice to be given before a meeting is held and requires minutes to be prepared as a record of actions taken at the meeting.  Perhaps most importantly, the OMA is the source of requirement that all votes of a public body must be made public.

Lawrence Township complies with the OMA by posting notices of meetings at three locations:  Lawrence Community Services Building (Fire Station), Lawrence Post Office, Lawrence Township Hall (near the Business Office door).  In addition, public notices are posted to this website.

Lawrence Township is inviting you to join their FreeConferenceCall Meeting Room.

Join the meeting using one of these easy options:

    1) One Tap Mobile Dialing: +17605489303
    2) Join online for Video and Screen Sharing: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/clerk060

Additional Options to connect:
    Dial-in number (US): (760) 548-9303
    Find your local number: https://fccdl.in/i/clerk060

    Having trouble connecting?
    Text 'Call Me' to (760) 548-9303 to receive a call back. Standard Messaging rates may apply.

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP MEETINGS NOTICE

 Meetings for Fiscal Year (April 2025 – March 2026)

Will be Held on the Following Dates at the

Lawrence Township Hall

411 N PAW PAW STREET

TOWNSHIP BOARD 6:00 p.m. 

(3nd Thursday of each month)

          April 17, 2025                                      October 16, 2025

          May 15, 2025                                        November 20, 2025

          June 19, 2025                                       December 18, 2025

          July 17, 2025                                        January 15, 2026

          August 21, 2025                                   February 19, 2026

          September 18, 2025                             March 19, 2026

Planning Commission Meeting 5:00p.m.

(4th Tuesday of 1st month of each quarter, additional meetings as needed)

April 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

October 28, 2025

January 27, 2026

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 6:00 p.m.

(2ND and 4th Monday of every month, as needed)

BOARD OF REVIEW

July/December/March as per statute

PARKS AND REC MEETINGS 

Quarterly at 6pm

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
Lawrence Township, Michigan
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Administration Services RFP Issue Date: February 6^th, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: March 9^th, 2026

INTRODUCTION

Lawrence Township, located in Van Buren County, Michigan, invites qualified, certified third-party vendors to submit proposals to provide full program administration services for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded for a homeowner rehabilitation program targeting low-income residents. The township seeks a vendor to provide hands-on assistance with all aspects of the grant, including program implementation, compliance, reporting, and community engagement. This RFP is issued in accordance with federal procurement regulations under 2 CFR Part 200 and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) CDBG policies, ensuring maximum open competition, documentation of the procurement process, and compliance with HUD requirements under 24 CFR Part 570.

2.BACKGROUND

Lawrence Township is a rural community committed to improving the quality of life for its residents. The township has been awarded $472,000 CDBG to fund homeowner rehabilitation for approximately 20 low-income households, with an average allocation of $20,000 per home. The program aims to address substandard housing, enhance safety, and promote housing stability. The township requires a vendor with expertise in CDBG regulations, grant administration, and community-based rehabilitation programs to ensure successful execution. Administrative costs, including those for the selected vendor, shall not exceed 18% of the total CDBG award, as per MSHDA CDBG Policy Manual guidelines.

3. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected vendor shall provide comprehensive, hands-on assistance for the CDBG program, including but not limited to:
· Program Administration:
· Manage all appropriate aspects of the CDBG program, including eligibility verification (e.g., low- and moderate-income certification), homeowner outreach, and application processing.
· Coordinate inspections, contractor bidding, and rehabilitation work to meet HUD standards, including environmental reviews under 24 CFR Part 58.
· Ensure compliance with federal regulations, including labor standards (e.g., Davis-Bacon Act where applicable, Section 3, and Copeland Anti-Kickback Act), environmental reviews, lead-based paint requirements (24 CFR Part 35), and fair housing requirements (e.g., Title VI, Section 504, Section 109).
· Integrate a program with the township team.
· Community Engagement:
· Design and implement outreach strategies to inform eligible residents about the program.
· Facilitate public meetings and workshops to gather community input and provide program updates.
· Reporting and Compliance:
· Prepare and submit all required reports to MSHDA and HUD, including quarterly performance reports and financial documentation, unless otherwise specified in integration plan with the township.
· Maintain accurate records for audits and ensure adherence to 2 CFR Part 200 procurement and financial management standards, including documentation for monitoring and grant closeout.
· Technical Assistance:
· Provide training to township staff on CDBG program requirements.
· Offer ongoing support for troubleshooting issues during program implementation. The vendor must assist in preparing necessary documentation for MSHDA approval, such as a Grant Management Plan outlining roles and responsibilities, and ensure all contracts incorporate required federal provisions (e.g., access to records, equal opportunity clauses).

4. QUALIFICATIONS

Vendors should demonstrate:
· Certification and experience in grant administration.

· Proven track record of successfully managing grant programs in the State of Michigan, preferably in rural Michigan communities.
· Familiarity with MSHDA and HUD regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200, Davis-Bacon Act, Lead-Based Paint requirements, and environmental review processes.
· Staff capacity to provide hands-on support, including on-site assistance in Lawrence Township as needed.
· Strong communication skills and experience in community engagement with diverse populations.
· Certification of compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 financial management standards for administering federal funds.

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposals shall not exceed 15 pages (excluding appendices) and must include:
· Cover Letter: A one-page letter summarizing the vendor’s interest and qualifications.
· Company Profile: Overview of the firm, including years in business, staff qualifications, and relevant certifications.
· Experience: Description/s of previous experience.
· Approach: Detailed plan for managing the CDBG program, including timelines, staffing, and community engagement strategies.
· Cost Proposal: Itemized budget, including hourly rates, total estimated cost (not exceeding 15% of the grant award for administrative services), and any additional fees. Costs should align with the $400,000 grant scope and demonstrate reasonableness under 2 CFR Part 200.
· Certifications: Proof of relevant certifications and compliance with federal procurement standards, including a Grant Management Plan if applicable.
· References: Contact information for three (3) professional references familiar with the vendor’s previous work.

6. SUBMISSION PROCESS· Submit one (1) electronic copy (PDF format) to

Clerk@Lawrence-Township.org

 OR

(1) hard copy to:
Lawrence Township
Attn: Township Clerk
P.O. Box 445
411 N Paw Paw St.
Lawrence, MI 49064
 

· Deadline- March 9^th 2026
· Questions: Direct inquiries to Matthew Sanborn at Housing@Lawrence-Township.org or Clerk@Lawrence-Township.org by February 20^th, 2026. Responses will be posted on the township website.

7. TIMELINE· RFP Issued: February 6^th,2026
· Questions Due: February 20^th, 2026
· Proposals Due: March 9^th, 2026

· Selection Notification: March 20^th, 2026
· Contract Start: TBA

8. TERMS AND CONDITIONS· Lawrence Township reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive irregularities, or negotiate with the selected vendor.
· The selected vendor must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, including non-discrimination and equal opportunity requirements, MSHDA CDBG policies, and HUD regulations. The township (UGLG) remains ultimately responsible for grant compliance.
· The contract term will align with the CDBG program duration, with options for renewal based on performance. All contracts must include required federal clauses and be approved by MSHDA prior to execution if specified.
· Proposals and related documents may be subject to public disclosure under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act. 

Planned Power Outage – Friday, February 13, 2026

Consumers Energy has notified Lawrence Township of a planned power outage scheduled for February 13, 2026, as part of utility upgrades in the area.

Outage Details:

• Time: Approximately 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Location: South of the Village along County Road 215, between 54th Avenue and 68th Avenue
• Customers Affected: Approximately 109 customers
• Affected residents will receive notification directly from Consumers Energy.

Cold Weather Contingency:

• If temperatures are too cold, the outage will be rescheduled to Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Warming Location Available:

• The Lawrence Township Hall will be open during the outage for anyone who would like a warm, safe place to be.
• Residents are welcome to stop in, warm up, and spend time indoors.

Bonus for Valentine’s Day Weekend!
Senior Services will be hosting a Valentine’s Day social, and residents are welcome to come warm up, enjoy some food, and share a little Valentine cheer. Come fill your belly, warm your heart, and celebrate together.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Township Office.

Lawrence Township

411 N Paw Paw St

Lawrence, MI 49064

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fire Service Contract Negotiation Meeting

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Lawrence Township Board will hold a meeting with the Arlington Township Board for the purpose of initial contract negotiations regarding the renewal of the Fire Service Contract, which is set to expire March 31, 2026.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2026
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: LTES Fire Station

This meeting is open to the public and is being held in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act (OMA).

No formal action is expected to be taken at this meeting.

ADA Accessibility:

The Lawrence Township meeting location is accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require auxiliary aids or services (such as an interpreter or assistive listening device), please contact the Township Office in advance to allow for reasonable accommodation.

Posted by:
Lawrence Township Clerk
Lawrence Township
411 N. Paw Paw Street
Lawrence, MI 49064

Information from the Lawrence Township Board of Directors

On January 15, 2026, the Lawrence Township Board of Directors approved the posting of the following letter to provide residents with background and context regarding the Van Buren District Library (VBDL) building located in Lawrence Township.

This letter outlines the historical agreements related to the building, how circumstances have changed over time, and the Board’s responsibility to evaluate long-term financial obligations on behalf of Lawrence Township taxpayers.

The Board remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and open, good-faith communication as discussions continue.

Public Information Notice
Data Center Educational Resources

Lawrence Township is sharing the following educational resources provided by Consumers Energy for general informational purposes only.

These materials are intended to help local officials and community members understand how data center projects are discussed at a statewide level, including general information about energy usage, infrastructure considerations, and regulatory processes.

Important clarification:
Lawrence Township has not approved, proposed, or received an application for a data center project.

No data center development is currently planned, under review, or authorized within Lawrence Township.

The Township is providing these links solely as public education resources so residents may review general information and better understand how such projects are discussed elsewhere in Michigan.

Consumers Energy Data Center Information Hub:
https://brandfolder.com/consumersenergy/data-center-information

Consumers Energy – Michigan Growth webpage:
https://www.consumersenergy.com/work-with-us/economic-development/michigan-growth

Sharing these materials does not indicate Township support, endorsement, or intent related to any specific project.

Questions regarding Township planning, zoning, or development processes may be directed to the Lawrence Township Office.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2023

We are often asked about local food pantries.  Here is a great website that is helpful for local listings.

Feedwm.org/findfood/

 If you want Programs you have to qualify for that do distributions locally.  

SMCAA Commodity supplemental Food Program:  http://www.smcaa.com/programs/commodity-supplemental-food-program

Van Buren County Brush and Invasive Species Spray Program

Road Commission Launches New

Service Request App

Recently the Van Buren County launched SeeClickFix, a new app allowing citizens to report non-emergency road issues.  Residents and the motoring public can take a photo of a road issue, such as a pothole, give the location, add a description, and click “submit” to send requests directly to the Van Buren County Road Commission through SeeClickFix.  

Road Commission Interim Managing Director/Operations Director, Greg Brucks, states, “SeeClickFix makes it easier for staff at the Van Buren County Road Commission to identify and address road-related issues in a timely fashion.  SeeClickFix is a mobile app that lets citizens report issues on-the-go, and receive real time notifications when the service request has been updated.  This will not only serve to increase civic engagement by involving citizens in community dialogue, but will also improve the efficiency in which service requests are addressed.”

SeeClickFix is available immediately for citizen use as follows:

•On Facebook at www.facebook.com/VBCRC

•On the Van Buren County Road Commission’s website at www.VBCRC.org

•Download on the App Store or on Google Play

•On line at www.SeeClickFix.com

For answers to any questions about SeeClickFix, please contact the Van Buren County Road Commission at 269-674-8011, Extension 0.  The Road Commission urges you to, “Get Connected.  Get Involved.  Get Results.”