12.11.2023

The December 11, 2023, meeting of the Davison Township Board was centered largely on infrastructure and financial management. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public comment period regarding a proposed special assessment for road improvements. Residents expressed various concerns, ranging from the financial burden of the assessment and property liens to the quality of existing road maintenance, while officials provided details on the necessity of the project due to the age of the roads and the mechanics of the proposed bond.

In addition to infrastructure, the Board addressed administrative and departmental updates. This included a discussion on revising the township's hiring and termination policy to ensure Board oversight and a proposal to increase the capitalization threshold to simplify accounting practices. The Board also approved the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for street repairs and the Senior Center, and reviewed significant increases in police department activity, including 911 calls and traffic enforcement.

• Road Infrastructure: The Board approved Resolution 2023-20 to move forward with a special assessment for the Atherton Country Club/Lombarda Woods area.
• Financial Management: The Board considered increasing the capitalization threshold from $500 to $5,000 to streamline accounting.
• Public Safety: The Police Department reported a substantial increase in 911 calls, arrests, and traffic enforcement compared to the previous year.
• CDBG Allocation: Funds were approved for Gale Road street repairs and the Davison Area Senior Center.
• Policy Oversight: The Board discussed the need for more control over the hiring and firing of full-time and part-time employees.

• Jim Slezak: Supervisor
• Michael T. Leffler: Clerk
• Tim R. Green: Treasurer
• Matthew D. Karr: Trustee
• Lori Tallman: Trustee
• David Lattie: Attorney
• Matt Place: Building Official
• Jay Rendon: Chief of Police
• Casey Reed: Parks & Rec. Director
• Richard Hill: GCRC Representative
• Organizations: GCRC, Plante Moran, Woodhill Group

• Resolution 2023-20: Adoption of the Atherton Country Club/Lombarda Woods determination for public improvements and special assessment.
• Resolution 2023-21: Decision to "opt out" of PA 152 of 2011 requirements.
• Hiring/Termination Policy (Resolution 2023-19): Discussion regarding the necessity of Board approval for hiring and firing employees.
• CDBG Fund Allocation: Approval of $125,000 for Gale Road street repair and $29,657 for the Davison Area Senior Center.
• Capitalization Policy Change: Proposal to raise the tracking/depreciation threshold from $500 to $5,000.

• December 11, 2023: Date of the board meeting.
• February 27 (2024): Upcoming presidential primary.
• June/August 2024: Potential timeframe for road project bidding and commencement.
• December 21, 2024: Swearing-in date for a new police officer.
• December 15, 2024: Deadline for submitting CDBG use of funds.

• Davison Township Municipal Center: 1280 N. Irish Road, Davison, MI 48423.

• Road Maintenance: The existing road infrastructure (constructed in 1967) has exceeded its 20-year design life.
• Accounting Efficiency: To simplify accounting practices by reducing the number of small items requiring depreciation tracking.
• Administrative Oversight: To ensure the Township Board maintains control over the hiring and firing process for budgeted positions.

• Special Assessment Costs: An additional $45,000 cost is expected for borrowing from a bond company; residents expressed concerns regarding an estimated $18,000 cost per household.
• Treasurer's Report Totals: Total receipts of $705,575.11; General fund balance of $5,926,190.83; Water and sewer balance of $5,431,244.99.
• Board Expenditures: Approved expenditure of $1,234,672.62.
• CDBG Funds: $125,000 allocated to Gale Road and $29,657 to the Davison Area Senior Center.
• Building Department Revenue: $31,983 in revenue from November permits.

• Adopt the Agenda: Motion by Karr, Second by Green. Carried unanimously.
• Approve November 13, 2023 Minutes: Motion by Leffler, Second by Green. Carried unanimously.
• Approve November 11, 2023 Closed Session Minutes: Motion by Karr, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously.
• Resolution 2023-20 (Special Assessment): Motion by Leffler, Second by Karr. Carried unanimously (Roll call: Green-Yes, Karr-Yes, Leffler-Yes, Tallman-Yes, Slezak-Yes).
• Approve Treasurer’s Report: Motion by Karr, Second by Tallman. Carried unanimously.
• Approve Board Expenditures ($1,234,672.62): Motion by Karr, Second by Green. Carried unanimously (Roll call: Karr-Yes, Leffler-Yes, Tallman-Yes, Green-Yes, Slezak-Yes).
• Resolution 2023-21 (Opt-out PA 152): Motion by Karr, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously (Roll call: Leffler-Yes, Tallman-Yes, Green-Yes, Karr-Yes, Slezak-Yes).
• CDBG Fund Allocation: Motion by Green, Second by Leffler. Carried (Roll call: Leffler-Yes, Tallman-No, Green-Yes, Karr-Yes, Slezak-Yes).

• Hiring Policy: The Board needs to further review the hiring and termination policy (Resolution 2023-19).
• CDBG Submission: Use of funds must be submitted by December 15, 2024.

• Resolution 2023-20: Determination for public improvements and special assessment district.
• Resolution 2023-21: "Opting out" of PA 152 of 2011 requirements.
• PA 152 of 2011: Referenced in relation to the township's opt-out resolution.

Police Department Activity Comparison: | Metric | Previous Year | Current Year | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 911 Calls | - | +2,167 | | Arrests | 411 | 693 | | Traffic Enforcement | 2,155 | 5,022 |

Building Department Performance (November): * Permits Issued: 373 * Total Construction Value: $338,077 * Revenue: $31,983