5-18-20 (Special)

The Davison Township Special Board Meeting held on May 18, 2020, primarily addressed compensation for law enforcement personnel facing heightened risks due to the ongoing pandemic. Police Chief Rick Freeman presented a request for additional compensation, noting that other local agencies had implemented hazard pay or paid furlough days. In response, the Board approved a one-time stipend for both sworn officers and dispatchers to recognize their efforts and ensure morale remains high heading into upcoming contract negotiations.

Additionally, Clerk Cindy Shields brought forward concerns regarding the logistics and costs of the upcoming August election. Specifically, she addressed the costs associated with mailing election information to all registered voters versus only permanent absentee voters. Due to a lack of budget for such an expense, the Clerk recommended against mailing the full voter registry.

• Police Compensation: The board addressed concerns from the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) regarding the added risks faced by officers during the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order.
• Hazard Pay Approval: A one-time stipend was established to provide financial recognition for officers and dispatchers.
• Election Logistics: The Clerk raised concerns about the $12,200 cost increase associated with mailing all registered voters regarding the August election.

• Tim Elkins: Supervisor
• Cindy Shields: Clerk
• Pat Miller: Treasurer
• Matthew Karr: Trustee
• Travis Howell: Trustee
• Rick Freeman: Police Chief
• Jerry Harris: Deputy Chief
• Rhonda Clark: Recording Secretary
• Police Officers Labor Council (POLC): The labor organization representing the officers.

• Letter of Understanding: Approval of a new agreement between the Township and the POLC regarding hazard pay.
• Election Communication: Discussion regarding mail-in voting and polling locations for the August election.

• Meeting Date: May 18, 2020
• Meeting Time: 9:02 am – 9:29 am

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

• Risk Mitigation/Morale: To address the "added risk" faced by police officers during the pandemic and to show appreciation before upcoming contract negotiations.
• Budgetary Constraints: To evaluate the financial feasibility of election-related mailings.

• Officer Stipend: $1,500 one-time payment for each sworn officer.
• Dispatcher Stipend: $1,000 one-time payment for Dispatcher/Clerks.
• Election Mailing Cost: An estimated $12,200 additional expense to mail all registered voters instead of just permanent absentee voters.

• Motion: "to approve a Letter of Understanding between the Police Officers Labor Council and Davison Township Board of Trustees for $1,500 per sworn officer and $1,000 per dispatcher."
• Moved by: Karr
• Seconded by: Howell
• Roll Call Vote: Yes: Karr, Elkins, Miller, Howell, Shields.
• Result: Motion carried.