Village Council


The Decatur Village Council was created to provide quality public services at the lowest possible tax rate to promote health, comfort, safety and convenience to its citizens and the community. Comprised of six Council Members and the Village President, Village residents elect council members for four-year terms. The Village Council also appoints a Village Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Village.
If you are interested in being a Council Member, the application can be found here
Orientation Packet- Here

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) reviews applications for variances and temporary uses, interprets the Zoning Ordinance, and hears appeals of administrative decisions. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Public Act No. 110 of 2006 (the “MZEA”), provides that
“[t]he legislative body of a city or village may act as a zoning board of appeals and may establish
rules to govern its procedure as a zoning board of appeals.” Resolution 2022-008 authorized the Village Council to
serve as the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Zoning Board of Appeals By-Laws can be found here
Orientation Packet- Here
  

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MEETINGS

Meetings are held the first Monday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at the Village Hall. If the first Monday falls on a Holiday, the meeting will be on Tuesday. The 2024 Meeting Schedule can be found here

Resolution 2023-014 Meeting Schedule 2024


VILLAGE PRESIDENT
Elwaer - Copy (2)
Ali Elwaer - [email protected]

The President shall be president of the Council and preside at the meetings of the Council.
President Elwaer had previously served 12 years on the Village Council as a Trustee and President Pro-Tem.  Ali has lived in the Village of Decatur since 1990.  He works at Cook Nuclear Plant in the Chemistry Department.  Ali earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry from Western Michigan University.  Ali is married to his wife Diane of 39 years, and they are the proud parents of their son Jamil.  Ali has previously served on the Village of Decatur’s Planning Commission, and Decatur Public School Board.  When free, Ali enjoys jogging with his dog, Takoda around Decatur.  Ali was elected in 2020.  What is your vision for the Village of Decatur? – “I would like for the Village of Decatur to be a place that people choose to live and work.  I would also like for the Village of Decatur to be a place that all of the employees feel like they are part of a team and are appreciated.” Why are you on the Village Council? – “The Village of Decatur is a wonderful community.  By being on the Village Council I want to make sure that the Village of Decatur provides the best public services that we can for the community.”

VILLAGE PRESIDENT PRO TEM
Charlene-Jackson-225x225
Charlene Jackson - [email protected]

Charlene has lived in Decatur for her entire life along with her husband who is another Decatur native.  She has two daughters and two grandchildren that she adores.  Charlene has worked for PNC Bank for over 30 years where she is using her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration which she retained from the University of Phoenix.  When time allows; Charlene volunteers for fundraisers across Decatur which benefits the Decatur-Hamilton Fire Department, Decatur Public Schools or Active Service Members.  Charlene was appointed in 2016.  What is your vision for the Village of Decatur? “My vision for Decatur’s future is one where the community works together to make Decatur an attractive place to live, work and play.”  Why are you on the Village Council? - "I am on the Village Council because I want to make a difference.  I want to work together with others to make my vision a reality.

TRUSTEE
JESSICA-PELFREY-225x225
Jessica Pelfrey - [email protected]
After graduating high school from Marcellus, I attended Central Michigan University where I met my husband and earned a Bachelors Degree in Journalism. After our college graduation, my husband and I got married and bought our first home in Decatur, almost 13 years ago. Since then, I have helped my mother run a family business and was the Assistant Manager at Southwestern Michigan College’s bookstore. But now I spend most of my time with the two small humans to whom I gave life. In my spare time I enjoy photography, crafting and volunteering with animals. My mother now also resides within the Village, to be closer to the previously mentioned small humans she calls grandchildren.  Jessica was elected in 2020. What is your vision for the Village of Decatur? – "I would like Decatur to be a place the residents are proud to live, people from surrounding communities would like to visit and where businesses thrive. I would like every resident to feel that they have a voice of equal importance. " Why are you on the Village Council? –"I chose to run for Village Council because I wanted to set a good example for my children to stand up for yourself and what is right and while doing so to help those around you. I think Decatur has a lot of potential for work and recreation and I think we can achieve that the more we come together as a community."

TRUSTEE
Pachner 2 - Copy
Cindy Pachner - [email protected]
My name is Cynthia (Cindy) Pachner, I am 66 years old. MY husband and I moved to Decatur 32 years ago. We have a large blended family, 9 children, 27 grand children, and 12 great-grand children. What is your vision for the village of Decatur? My vision for the Village is to be a place where people grow up and stay. If we don't keep our young people the village will die. Why are you on the Village Council? I ran and was on the Village Council 2016-2020, I then ran again in 2022 and I am back on the council, and also on the Planning & Zoning board. I ran both times to have people have someone listen to their concerns and try to find an answer for them. I always return every phone call. 

TRUSTEE

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Harvey Beute - [email protected]
I'm Harvey.  I was born and raised in Kalamazoo- a proud graduate of Loy Norrix HS.  I have a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan.  I've held a variety of jobs, from working at Yellowstone National Park to cashiering at Meijer, back when they had more than two cashiers.  I always say working in retail helps a person work with everyone and anyone.  I loved my years volunteering as a docent at the Kalamazoo Aviation Museum...The Air Zoo. Somehow, I became a teacher here in Decatur and have basically lived happily ever after since moving to town in the winter of 2002.  The house I found reminded me of my great- grandma's and I knew I had found "home." I never would have pictured myself as the type of person who loves small town life, but I DO!  Never have I had so many good friends and good times. This is the type of feeling I would like to encourage others to experience.  I'd like to promote Decatur in such a way that they too can come here and get to know what small town living has to offer. What is your vision for the village of Decatur? A village of families, strong working families, who want to put down roots in the community, who want to serve the community, become a part of it, and create new traditions and memories for their families. Why are you on the Village Council? I was honored to be asked to serve. It's my small way of helping to shape the community into the great place it can be.  By building on its past along with the ideas of today and beyond, I want to be a part of making Decatur the best it can be for families for years to come.

TRUSTEE
Bob-Mead-225x225Robert Mead Jr. - [email protected]


TRUSTEE
Janice Benson - [email protected]