11.13.2023

The Davison Township Board met on November 13, 2023, to conduct routine business, approve various resolutions, and address pressing community and legal issues. The meeting was marked by significant financial activity, notably the approval of a large-scale expenditure and the acceptance of a substantial ARPA grant for local parks and trails.

A major point of contention during the meeting was the proposed Parks Ordinance (No. 60-7). Following a period of debate regarding fiscal responsibility and the potential impact on park programs, the motion to approve the ordinance was withdrawn to allow for a workshop and further community input. Additionally, the Board addressed the recent closure of local 67th District Courts, authorizing a $3,000 contribution to join a legal challenge against the centralization of court services in Genesee County.

The meeting also included department updates, ranging from building permit statistics and police activity to upcoming election logistics and park programming. The Treasurer's report was notably absent due to a six-month gap in the general ledger.

• Parks Ordinance Controversy: The Board decided to withdraw the motion for Ordinance No. 60-7 to allow for a workshop to discuss the ordinance's impact on park maintenance and programs.
• Legal Action: The Township will contribute $3,000 toward a lawsuit aimed at preventing the consolidation of local 67th District Courts into the Genesee County Courthouse.
• Financial Stability: A significant expenditure of over $1.1 million was approved, alongside the approval of a $970,000 ARPA grant for parks and trails.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Updates were provided on road construction (Irish Road), completed drainage repairs (Noblet Rd), and upcoming winter tax mailings.
• Failed Policy: Resolution 2023-19, regarding the Township's Hiring and Termination Policy, failed to pass the Board.

• Jim Slezak: Supervisor
• Michael T. LeFRER: Clerk
• Tim R. Green: Treasurer
• Matthew D. Karr: Trustee
• Lori Tallman: Trustee
• Matt Place: Building Official
• Jay Rendon: Chief of Police
• Casey Reed: Parks & Rec. Director
• James Baker, Lorrie Callis, Chris Bozynski, Travis Howell, Patrick Miller: Members of the public providing comments.

• Resolution 2023-16: Approved for Griffin Lake Special Assessment for weed control.
• Resolution 2023-17: Approved for Atherton CC/Lombarda Special Assessment for street repairs.
• Resolution 2023-18: Approved for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Local Parks and Trails Michigan Spark Grant.
• Resolution 2023-19: Proposed Township Hiring and Termination Policy (Failed).
• Ordinance No. 60-7: Proposed Parks Ordinance (Withdrawn for further discussion).
• Legal Claim: Authorization of $3,000 to join a lawsuit regarding 67th District Court consolidation.
• Union Negotiation: Authorization for Supervisor Slezak to make a proposal to the GELC hourly union.

• November 13, 2023: Date of the Board Meeting.
• December 1, 2023: Date winter taxes will be mailed.
• November 27, 2023 (6:00 p.m.): Scheduled workshop to discuss the Parks Ordinance.
• January 18, 2024: Date absentee ballots will be mailed for the upcoming election.
• February 27, 2024: Upcoming election date.

• Davison Township Municipal Center: Location of the meeting (1280 N. Irish Road, Davison, MI).
• 67th District Court: Subject of the discussion regarding consolidation to the Genesee County Court House.
• Griffin Lake: Subject of the special assessment for weed control.

• Fiscal Responsibility: The primary motivation for the Parks Ordinance debate and the withdrawal of the motion.
• Crime Deterrence: The reasoning behind the presentation of FLOCK camera technology by the Police Chief.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: The purpose behind the special assessments for weed control and street repairs.

• Board Expenditures: $1,142,414.48 approved.
• ARPA Michigan Spark Grant: $970,000.00 approved.
• Court Lawsuit Contribution: $3,000.00 approved.
• Building Department Revenue (October): $31,806.00 from permits.
• Building Department Construction Value (October): $347,764.00.
• ADA Safety Grant: 90% State coverage, 5% Genesee County, and 5% Davison Township.

• Adopt Agenda: Motion by Green, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously.
• Approve Oct 16 Minutes (Regular): Motion by Karr, Second by Green. Carried unanimously.
• Approve Oct 16 Minutes (Closed): Motion by Karr, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously.
• Approve Board Expenditures ($1,142,414.48): Motion by Karr, Second by Tallman. Carried unanimously (Roll Call: Green-Y, Karr-Y, Leffler-Y, Tallman-Y, Slezak-Y).
• Resolution 2023-16 (Griffin Lake SA): Motion by Karr, Second by Tallman. Carried unanimously (Roll Call: Karr-Y, Leffler-Y, Tallman-Y, Green-Y, Slezak-Y).
• Resolution 2023-17 (Street Repairs SA): Motion by Tallman, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously (Roll Call: Leffler-Y, Tallman-Y, Green-Y, Karr-Y, Slezak-Y).
• Resolution 2023-18 (ARPA Grant): Motion by Tallman, Second by Karr. Carried unanimously (Roll Call: Tallman-Y, Green-Y, Karr-Y, Leffler-Y, Slezak-Y).
• Resolution 2023-19 (Hiring/Termination Policy): Motion by Leffler, Second by Slezak. Failed (Roll Call: Green-N, Karr-N, Leffler-Y, Tallman-N, Slezak-Y).
• 67th District Court Lawsuit Funding: Motion by Karr, Second by Tallman. Carried unanimously (Roll Call: Leffler-Y, Tallman-Y, Green-Y, Karr-Y, Slezak-Y).
• Authorization for Union Proposal: Motion by Tallman, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously (Roll Call: Karr-Y, Leffler-Y, Tallman-Y, Green-Y, Slezak-Y).

• Workshop: A meeting is scheduled for November 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Parks Ordinance. Attendees include Board members, Casey Reed, and the parks committee.
• Legal Agreement: Supervisor Slezak is authorized to enter into an agreement regarding the 67th District Court lawsuit.
• Union Negotiations: Supervisor Slezak is authorized to make a proposal to the GELC hourly union.
• Tax Mailing: Treasurer's office to mail winter taxes on December 1, 2023.