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Fowler Archives Meeting Minutes Regular Village Meetings are the Second Tuesday of the Month until further notice at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Hall. 2026 January 2025 January February March April May June July August September October November December Regular Meeting December Special Meeting

Get in Touch We are here to assist. Location 225 North Main Street | P.O. Box 197 Fowler, MI 48835 Phone 989-593-2080 Email fowlervillage@fowlermi.com Reach Out First name* Last name* Email* Write a message Submit

Fink Field Located on the corner of Maple and Wayne Streets

Accessibility Statement ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT This statement was last updated on 01/26/26 The Village of Fowler is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all visitors, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to make our website user-friendly and accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. Our Commitment We aim to adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, which outlines best practices for making web content more accessible for people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies like screen readers. What We're Doing Regularly reviewing website content for accessibility issues Ensuring new content follows accessibility guidelines Training staff and content managers on accessibility best practices Exploring ongoing improvements based on user feedback and accessibility tools Accessibility Features Some features of our website that support accessibility include: Text alternatives for images and media Keyboard navigation support Clear, consistent layout and headings Contrast-friendly color schemes Compatibility with common screen readers Need Assistance? If you are having trouble accessing any part of our website or would like to report an accessibility issue, we’re here to help. Please contact us: Village of Fowler Phone: (989) 593-2078 Email: Fowler@fowlermi.com] Mail: PO Box 197, Fowler, MI 48835 When contacting us, please include: The page or feature you had trouble with The type of assistive technology you’re using (if applicable) Your contact information (if you'd like a response) Future Improvements We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our digital content. Your feedback is important and helps guide these efforts.

Located just North of Lansing, MI, Fowler is a rural community that offers its residents tranquility and serenity, with all the conveniences and opportunities of larger urban areas. Contact Clinton County, Michigan Village of Fowler Meetings Regular Village Meetings are the Second Tuesday of the Month until further notice at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Hall. Trash Pickup Trash pickup is provided by Granger Container Service on Tuesdays. Have trash at curbside by 7:00 AM. Trash and Burn Permits Water/sewer services are billed quarterly in arrears. Trash billing is included on the postcard. · Curby Service - $38.64/qtr. Dallas Township Burning permits require 24 hour notice. Please call 989-593-3146 and leave a message with name, address, township, phone number, start/end dates and type of material being burned. Recycling Drop off center located at North Street, Village DPW Learn More Recreation Plan Fowler has a well thought out Recreation Plan for 2026-2030 Learn More Founded in 1857 Fowler was founded in 1857 and celebrated its 150 year Sesquicentennial in September of 2007.Our community has grown with the development of several new homes in recent years. Our downtown and outlying areas offer shops, stores, restaurants, and commercial businesses in a clean, safe and friendly hometown atmosphere. We also have excellent schools and many recreation opportunities. Whether you are just passing through, or plan to stay awhile, Fowler welcomes you! Learn More Village Council President -Vernon J. Thelen President Pro-Tem -Mike Porter Trustees -Melissa Humphrey -Brad Rhynard -Rick Fink -Codi Schrauben Treasurer -Dan Schmitt Clerk -Rhonda Feldpausch DPW Employees -Vern Feldpausch -Brad Smith Non-Discrimination Plan

Field of Dreams Located on the corner of 5th and Sorrell Streets

Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Village of Fowler, Michigan Effective Date: 1/26/2026 The Village of Fowler (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting any personal information you may provide through our website, [https://www.fowlermi.com ](https://www.fowlermi.com ) (the “Site”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Site. By using this Site, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. --- 1. Information We Collect We may collect two types of information: **a. Personal Information (voluntarily provided):** * Name * Email address * Phone number * Mailing address * Any information you submit through forms on the Site (e.g., contact forms, service requests) **b. Non-Personal Information (automatically collected):** * IP address * Browser type * Device information * Pages visited on our Site * Time and date of visit This data helps us improve our website and services. --- 2. How We Use Your Information We may use the information we collect to: * Respond to inquiries or service requests * Improve our website functionality * Send updates or announcements (if subscribed) * Comply with legal obligations We **do not sell or rent** your personal information to third parties. --- 3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyze website traffic. You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings. --- 4. Third-Party Links Our Site may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information. --- 5. Data Security We take appropriate measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. --- 6. Children’s Privacy Our website is not directed toward children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. --- 7. Your Choices You may contact us at any time to: * Request access to or correction of your personal information * Opt out of communications * Ask questions about our privacy practices --- 8. Contact Us If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact: **Village of Fowler** PO Box 197 Fowler, MI 48835 Phone: (989) 593-2406 Email: [Insert email, e.g., [clerk@fowlermi.com](mailto:clerk@fowlermi.com)] --- 9. Policy Updates We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the updated effective date. ---

Water and Sewer Rates Village of Fowler 2026 Ready to Serve Water $50.00 Each additional 1000 gallons of water $3.50/1000 Irrigation $4.25/1000 Sewer rates 65% of Water rates Ready to Serve Sewer $32.50

The Conservation Club The Conservation Club was built by its members in 1959 for an enjoyable place to conduct events in the area. Numerous renovations have taken place over the years, which have kept the hall and grounds in excellent condition. Every summer the members host an annual chicken barbeque/picnic. The Conservation Club provides the perfect setting for all of your hall rental needs such as: Weddings, Graduation parties, and Reunions. Contact Kim Sillman @ 989-751-0312 for availability of hall rental dates. Contact Dale Thelen @ 989-593-3428 for membership information.

Victor Street Park Located on the corner of 3rd and Victor Streets

Frequently Asked Questions Village of Fowler Village Council Where and when is the next Village Council meeting? Council meetings are held in the Village Offices. The meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, unless it falls on a holiday or Council is unavailable. In these cases, the meeting will be rescheduled as soon as possible. How do I get an item on the Council agenda? A communication addressed to the President and Village Council briefly stating the request or concern of the individual must be submitted. The Clerk should receive it by Wednesday of the week prior in order to place the communication on the agenda for the next Council meeting. Will I have a chance to speak at the Council meeting? The President always gives an opportunity near the beginning of the meeting for residents to speak. (This is referred to as the “10 Minute Open Discussion.”) Also, if a resident's communication is on the agenda, the President will give them a chance to speak when Council is considering the concern. Dallas Township Supervisor (989) 640-3069 Township Board Where and when is the next Township meeting? Board meetings are held in the Township Offices at 225 S. Main Street. The meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, unless it falls on a holiday or board is unavailable. In these cases, the meeting will be rescheduled as soon as possible. The Clerk's Office (989) 593-2542 What does the Clerk's Office do? The Township Clerk’s Office handles all matters related to elections. • Eligibility requirements to vote: » You must be a citizen of the United States » At least 18 years old by election day » You must be a resident of the State of Michigan and will be at least a 30 day resident of the Village or township by Election Day. • A Resident can register to vote at the following locations: » The Township Clerk’s Office » Any Secretary of State Branch Office » Clinton County Clerk’s Office » Any armed forces recruitment office » Also, available on the web at the following sites: ▪ www.michigan.gov/sos • Registered Voters of the Village of Fowler may obtain an absentee voter ballot if: » 60 years of age or older » They expect to be absent from the community in which they are a registered voter for the entire time the polls are open on Election Day. » Are not physically able to attend the polls without the assistance of another. » Cannot attend the polls because of the tenets of their religion. » They have been appointed an election precinct inspector in a precinct other than the precinct where they reside. » They cannot attend the polls because they are confined to jail awaiting arraignment or trial. The Township Clerk’s Office maintains a list of eligible residents who requested that they receive absentee ballots for every regularly scheduled primary and general election. Registered voters that meet the above stated requirements may be placed on this list by calling the Township Clerk’s Office or sending a letter specifically requesting that they receive an application for AV Ballot. NOTE: Absentee voting is governed by strict legal procedures. Complete information is available from the Township Clerk’s Office. NOTARY PUBLIC: services available at a nominal fee. Records Management Repository for all official municipal documents. Other Business • Requests for public records • Bid Openings • Resolutions How are the Village of Fowler and Dallas Township officials elected, and what are their terms of office? Voters throughout the Township elect the Supervisor and Township Board “at large”. The Supervisor’s term of office is four years; Board terms are four years. Village residents will not only vote for Township officials but Village officials as well. The Village President’s term of office is two years and the Council’s terms are four year staggered terms. How do I register to vote? Citizens may register to vote at the Township Clerk's Office, at any Secretary of State branch office or by their “renewal by mail program” when you renew your driver’s license by mail, at the Clinton County Clerk's Office, at any armed forces recruitment office, or by completing a mail-in registration form and mailing it to the Township Clerk. The mail-in registration form is available at the Clerk's Office. Anyone who registers by mail, for the first time, must vote in person at the first election at which they vote. Must I claim a political party preference to vote? No. A political party preference is only required in a “closed” Presidential Preference Primary election. Michigan holds “open” presidential primaries, and thus no political party declaration is necessary. How do I receive an absentee ballot? Any registered voter of the Village can receive an absentee ballot if they meet any of the following criteria, he or she: » Expects to be absent from the community for the entire time the polls are open on Election Day » Is physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another person » Is sixty (60) years of age or older; or » Cannot attend the polls on Election Day because of religious beliefs. How can I volunteer to serve on a Village Board or Commission? Send a letter to the Village Clerk. Where do I file a Freedom of Information request? A request for information through the Freedom of Information Act can be filed in the Township and Village Clerk's Offices. A nominal fee, based on research and duplication costs, is charged for this service. Where can I get copies of Village ordinances? The Code of Ordinances for the Village can be found on this website. If you request paper copies of these ordinances a nominal fee may be charged. Assessing What information is available through the Assessor’s Office? Ownership Information, Property Data (i.e., square footage, lot size, etc.), Sales Data, Assessed and Taxable Values, Homestead Filing, Board of Review for Assessment Appeals. What does the term “Assessed Value” mean? The Assessed Value is generally one half (1/2) of the market value of the property, as determined by a two year market study. The term “State Equalized Value” (S.E.V.) simply means the Assessed Value after it has been finalized by the State of Michigan. What does the term “Taxable Value” mean? Taxable Value is the amount on which your property taxes are levied. Taxable Value increases are limited each year to an amount equal to the Inflation Rate or 5% (whichever is less), unless you have made physical changes to your property (such as tearing down a garage, or adding a deck), or you purchased your property in the prior year. If you purchased your home last year, your Taxable Value will be the same as your Assessed Value this year. Why are my taxes higher than my neighbor’s taxes when our houses are so similar? Taxes are based on Taxable Value, not Assessed Value. Even though your homes may be similar, and you may have similar Assessed Values your Taxable Values may not be similar at all, because Taxable Values are reflective of when each home last sold. What is a “Homestead Exemption”? The Homestead exemption exempts homeowners from 18 mills of school operating tax. To be eligible for this exemption you must be both the owner and occupant of the property, and have a valid Homestead Exemption Affidavit on file with the Assessor’s Office. The Notice of Assessment sent to you each February indicates the percentage of your property that is receiving this exemption (normally either 100% or 0%). Your tax bills indicate this as well. What do I do with the Notice of Assessment I receive each March? Review it. If you disagree with the property values, transfer status, or homestead percentage; contact the Assessor’s Office to discuss your concerns. If you are still unsatisfied, schedule an appointment with the March Board of Review. Keep the notice for the preparation of your income tax return next year, specifically the MI-1040CR. Taxes When are taxes due? Village taxes due between July 1 and Sept 15 penalties may be added to the base amount. Winter taxes [Township] are due between Dec. 1 and Feb 14. What happens if I can’t pay my taxes on time? Sept 16-30 add 1% to base amount. Oct 1-31 add 2% to base amount. Nov 1-30 add 3% to base amount. Dec 1-31 add 4% to base amount Jan 1-31 add 5% to base amount Feb 1-14 add 6% to base amount Feb 15 to 28/29 add 9% to base amount March 1 taxes become delinquent and are turned over to the Clinton County Treasurer (989) 224-5280. Additional penalties are added to the base amount. Do I have to come to the Village Office to pay my tax bill? No. They can be paid by mail with a check or money order. They can also be deposited into the drop box located at the Village office at 225 N. Main Street. Payment will be returned if it is not the correct amount due. What forms of payment are accepted by the Village? The Village will accept cash, check or money order. If NSF check is received by the Village there is a $25.00 fee. Are partial payments accepted on tax bills? Yes, call for details. Water Where do I pay my Water/Sewer bill? At the Village offices 225 N. Main Street, PO Box 197, Fowler, MI 48835. Is a drop box available? Yes. A drop-off box is available at the Village office. When do I receive my Water/Sewer Bill? The Village mails bills on the 1st of each month for the previous quarter’s usage. Payments need to be received in the Village office by the 15th of the month following the month the bill is mailed. Animal Control Does my dog need to be on a leash? Yes. Reasonable control must be exercised with dogs. Reasonable control means keeping a dog on a suitable leash while off the premises of the owner or custodian, unless the dog is confined in a closed vehicle or shipping receptacle. Dogs must be licensed and on a leash. At your residence, your dog must remain “under your control”, which could mean in the house, or in a fenced area, or under your voice command and in your presence. Can my dog run loose in the park? No. All dogs must be on a leash. In addition, the owner must remove all animal droppings. Do dogs need to be licensed? Dogs are required to be registered, which you can do at the County Animal control facility or at the County Treasurer’s office. You must provide a copy of the current rabies vaccination certificate with expiration date, proof of spay or neuter of the dog if applicable. They will also need your name, address, phone number, vet's name, dog's name, breed, color, age and sex. You must provide a drivers license or state ID showing your date of birth to receive a senior citizen's discount. You must be 62 years of age or older to receive the discount. What do I need to obtain an animal license and where do I go? See above question/answer. If a stray animal is picked up, where do the Code Enforcement Officers take it? Cats and dogs are picked up by County Animal Control Officers and taken to the County Animal Control facility. Who should I contact if bitten by an animal? Always call 911, and a Police Officer will be dispatched. Does the Police Department have records of lost animals? The Police Department may help find lost animals, or the County Animal Control Facility. No. County Animal Control Officers may pick up dead dogs or cats, depending on the circumstances. Will Code Officials pick up wild animals? You must call a private pest control company. Check the phone book for animal removal services. Public Works Department (989) 593-2768 What's included in Public Works? Brush - please see Question 4 Sewers - maintenance of Village sewer lines Street Maintenance • Street sweeping in spring and summer months • Snow and ice control in winter months • Leaf removal in fall months • Temporary repairs - fill potholes • Clear flooded streets • Maintain traffic and street signs, paint curbs and legends (painted signs on the street) Water Mains • Village water lines and main breaks Parks and Forestry • Maintain Village grounds, parks, parking lots, and greenbelts: mow and litter and snow removal • Village tree maintenance - planting, trimming, and/or removing Park Facilities • Maintain playground equipment Motor Pool • Garage for maintenance on all Village vehicles and equipment What do I do about sanitary sewer backup? First contact the Department of Public Works. They will check to ensure the backup was not caused by a problem in the public sewer main. Homeowners own and are responsible for sewer lead up to and including their connection to the public sewer main. It is best to contract a plumber that is capable of performing a video inspection of your sewer lead. If Public Works determines the public sewer main did not cause the problem, contact a plumber to inspect your connection. How do I dispose of yard waste? Grass and leaves can be deposited in cement “bunker” located east of Department of Public Works building. Brush, limbs etc. may be deposited on burn pile further east of cement “bunker”. If I have a to dig holes in my yard, for planting a tree or installing a fence, how do I find out if any water or sewer lines are buried there? Call the Department of Public Works at 989-593-2768 for this information. What do I do with household hazardous waste? Questions for this service can be directed to Clinton County Waste Management at 989-224-5186. If my trees are growing into the power lines, how do I get them trimmed? Consumers Energy may be contacted at 1-800-477-5050 to address these concerns. General Information about Residential Rubbish Collection The Village does not provide residential rubbish collection but does contract for the service which is billed on the water/sewer bills on a quarterly basis. Village residents may contact the Village Clerk to receive information regarding your rubbish collection options. Planning Services Village (989) 593-2080 The Village maintains code and planning departments. The services that both departments provide are as follows: Building: permits Code Assistance: property maintenance, and animal control (through the County) Planning: land use and zoning standards compliance, rezoning, variances, site plan reviews, and merchant license use reviews I have a raccoon in my yard. Will the Village remove it? The Village does not provide animal removal. Please refer to the Yellow Pages under “Animal Removal Services” for a listing of private contractors. Who do I talk to about an abandoned vehicle? If the vehicle is on private property, Code Assistance can address the problem. If the vehicle is on a Village street, then Public Safety should be contacted. There is a house next to my property that is unoccupied and may be a safety hazard. Who can I contact at the Village? Code Assistance can address this concern. Who do I talk to about burned out streetlights? Contact the Village Clerk at 989-593-2080. Please provide an address at or near the streetlight and a location with respect to the address (i.e: front of address, side of address, etc.). Or click on the Bulletin Board at www.fowlermi.com and refer to the Consumers Energy note to report outage by phone or online. Who do I talk to about a traffic signal that isn't working? Contact the Village’s Public Work Department at 989-593-2768. Who do I report dangerous sidewalks to, and who pays for the repairs? Contact the Village’s Public Work Department at 989-593-2768. They will do a site visit to assess the situation. If repairs are necessary, the Village is responsible for cost for the repairs. What should I do if there is a water leak near my house? If the leak is located on your property, you will have to contact a plumber to do the repair. If the leak is located on public property, in the easement, call the Department of Public Works at 989-593-2768. Are any street, water, or sewer projects planned for my street in the near future? Contact the Village’s Public Work Department at 989-593-2768. Staff can provide information on planned improvements. Planning How do I check on the zoning of property? Officials at the Village offices can assist you by checking the official Zoning Districts Map. In addition, the Zoning Ordinance is available for viewing on the Village’s web site. Can I run a business from my home? The Village's Zoning Ordinance allows some “home occupations” to be conducted from a residence. Contact the Village office regarding rules concerning the operation of the occupations. Where can I get a Village map or a Zoning Districts map? Maps of the Village and the Zoning Districts Map can be purchased at the Village Hall. I have a large piece of property and would like to make it into two parcels, who do I contact? The Village Council approves all lot splits and lot combinations in the Village then it is forwarded to the Township Assessor. How can I get permission for a temporary banner or temporary sign? The Village Clerk reviews and approves all requests for temporary signs and banners. If I have to dig holes in my yard, for planting a tree or installing a fence, how do I find out if any water or sewer lines are buried there? Call the Department of Public Works at 989-593-2768. Building What kind of permits or licenses does the Village issue, and when do residents need them? The Village requires permits for new additions or major alterations to existing buildings or new buildings. These applications can be found on the Village website www.fowlermi.com. Why do I need a permit? Getting a permit ensures that work conforms to all applicable Village/State codes. Compliance with codes ensures safety of the building occupants. Also, Clinton County Planning and Zoning requires an approved zoning permit from the Village of Fowler when applying for a county building permit. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If you have any questions, comments, or would like additional information about the Village of Fowler, please contact us today.

History Fowler, Michigan Strong Roots Clem Sohn History Origin of Fowler In 1867, a railway station named Dallas, a hotel, post office and a few other buildings were moved about 7/10 of a mile west of their location to property owned by John N. Fowler. Mr. Fowler plotted the village on the north side of the Grand Trunk Railway and named it Isabella. One of the relocated buildings was known as the Fowler House and, to the liking of the people who lived in the area, the name of the village was changed to Fowler. The plot of the village of Fowler was recorded on February 1, 1870. Around 1901, the Opera House was built by Corwin Sturgis on First Street and Main Street. The upper level was used for dances, school plays and commencement ceremonies, while the lower level was used as a hardware store. This building currently holds Becker Furniture. A building located on Main Street, currently Miller's Tavern and Snack Shop, was once owned by Conrad Feldpausch. This is where Feldpausch Food stores got their start. The Fowler Village Hall, which was remodeled in 1998, is housed in the former movie theatre building. The building was built around 1948 and was only open a short time. In regards to the railroad, local passenger service was discontinued in 1950. In 1969 the fast through passenger system was phased out. In 1972, the depot was sold and moved to North Hinman Road and converted into a family residence by Mr. & Mrs. Ron Feldpausch. In the early 1990's the last freight cars went through the Fowler lines and in 1995, the railroad tracks were removed. Shortly after the removal of the tracks, a clock donated to the Village of Fowler by the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts was placed in the center of Main Street near the prior location of the tracks. Fowler's first public schools opened in 1870. One of the first Churches, Methodist Episcopal Church organized in about 1860. The first gas station came to Fowler in 1913. There was a fire department as early as the 1890's. The first newspaper, Fowler Post, was established in 1937. Some of the natural disasters that hit Fowler include a flood in 1905, the worst storm to date in Clinton County history that dropped 8-12 inches of rain. Another flood hit on July 11, 1957. Heavy rains--more than any available gauges could measure flooded the village south of the Grand Trunk Railway to an average depth of about 2 feet. April 27, 1967, a tornado hit causing a number of minor injuries and inflicting property damages that ran into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. On March 2, 1976, a pre-spring rain turned into the worst ice storm our area had seen in years. On September 30, 1981, another flood hit Fowler. Unofficial readings by the National Weather Service in Lansing indicated that five and one half inches of rain fell southwest of Fowler and some places had a much as eight inches fall. The storm claimed the life of one Fowler resident. April 25, 1937, Clement A. Sohn, a Fowler farm boy known here and throughout Europe as the Batwing Jumper was killed over France when he plunged to his death due to a parachute that failed to open. Mr. Sohn had 175 jumps to his credit. Clem was buried in Most Holy Trinity Cemetery on May 12th and planes piloted by his comrades circled above the cemetery and dropped flowers over his grave. In 1990, 159 acres on the north end of Fowler were purchased by Community Developers and Country Pines Subdivision was started. At present, there are 48 homes in Country Pines Subdivision. Theis Acres, a subdivision on West Second Street began in the mid 1990's. In 1994, a Main Street improvement project was started. Decorative sidewalks, new street lights, "Welcome to Fowler" banners, and new pavement were some of the improvements. Also in 1994, a new Village of Fowler Department of Public Works building was built on North Drive. In 1998, a bond for new construction for Fowler Public Schools was passed. As part of the construction project, rented property that previously housed Spicer Field was sold by the Village of Fowler to the Fowler High School for one dollar. In 2000, a census was conducted. The last census, in 1990, was conducted poorly by the United States Census Bureau and several residents were not counted. Village Council members worked closely with the United States Census Bureau on the 2000 Census to make sure that everyone was counted. At present, the population of Fowler is estimated between 1000 and 1100. Submitted by: Rhonda Feldpausch, Village Clerk With help from: Lisa Simon Connect with Us Contact