General Summary #

The special meeting of the Davison Township Board of Trustees was convened at the Township Municipal Center to handle urgent personnel matters. The session was characterized by a period of intense public comment, where multiple community members and representatives voiced their opinions regarding the ongoing process to appoint a new township clerk.

The public testimony was largely focused on supporting candidate Matt Smith. Speakers raised various concerns, including allegations of political bias among certain board members, the potential for further special elections, and the impact of personal relationships on the appointment process. Following the public comment period, the board moved to new business, successfully filling a vacancy within the Clerk's department.

Key Points #

  • Public Testimony: Several residents and community representatives spoke at length, specifically advocating for the appointment of Matt Smith as clerk and criticizing the perceived political motivations of some trustees.
  • Clerk Appointment: The board officially moved to fill the Payroll/Records Clerk vacancy.
  • Board Unity: Despite the tension presented in public comments, the board's formal motions and votes were passed unanimously.

Who #

  • Jim Slezak: Supervisor
  • Tim Green: Treasurer
  • Matt Karr: Trustee
  • Lori Tallman: Trustee
  • David Lattie: Attorney (Absent)
  • Jami Vert: Recording Secretary
  • Ashley West: Newly appointed Payroll/Records Clerk
  • Matt Smith: Candidate for clerk position (subject of public comment)
  • Michelle Davis: Representative for the 9th District of the County Commissioner
  • Wendy Wolcott: Member of the Mott Community College Board
  • Norman Fischer, Mo Aboneaaj, Rob Slaughter: Community members/attendees

What #

  • Agenda Adoption: The board moved to adopt the March 23, 2023, agenda as presented.
  • Personnel Appointment: The board approved the appointment of Ashley West to the position of Payroll/Records Clerk.
  • Public Comment Period: A period was opened for residents to address the board regarding the clerk appointment process.

When #

  • Meeting Date: March 23, 2023
  • Effective Start Date for Ashley West: March 27, 2023

Where #

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

Financial Details #

  • Payroll/Records Clerk Compensation: $22.18 per hour.

Votes/Decisions #

  • Motion to Adopt Agenda: Moved by Green, seconded by Karr. Carried unanimously.
  • Motion to Appoint Ashley West as Payroll/Records Clerk: Moved by Karr, seconded by Green.
    • Roll Call: Karr (Yes), Tallman (Yes), Green (Yes), Slezak (Yes).
    • Outcome: Carried unanimously.
  • Motion to Adjourn: Moved by Karr, seconded by Green. Carried unanimously.