4-16-19 (Special)

The Davison Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting on April 16, 2019, at the Davison Township Municipal Center. The meeting, called to order by Supervisor Tim Elkins, focused on two primary pieces of new business: establishing a timeline for a street lighting district public hearing and discussing regulatory changes for solar energy systems.

Regarding solar energy, the board reviewed proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance #16-84. The discussion centered on the regulation of both small and large-scale solar systems, specifically addressing concerns over screening, height requirements, and the potential economic impact on the township's tax base and the DDA District. The board ultimately decided to allow the Planning Commission to move forward with a public hearing to solicit resident feedback.

• Agenda Approval: The meeting agenda was approved unanimously.
• Street Lighting: A public hearing for the Summerwood Street Lighting District was officially scheduled.
• Solar Energy Regulation: The board discussed amending the township's zoning ordinance to address the growing demand for solar energy facilities.
• Solar Array Restrictions: The board requested that ground-level, small-scale solar arrays be restricted to parcels of one acre or less.
• Economic Concerns: There was significant discussion regarding the potential for large solar arrays to cause property tax revenue loss and negatively impact the DDA District.

• Tim Elkins: Supervisor
• Cindy Shields: Clerk
• Matthew Karr: Trustee
• Travis Howell: Trustee
• Pat Miller: Trustee (Absent)
• Charm Healy: Planning/Zoning Administrator
• Matt Place: Building Official
• Jeremy Smith: P.Z.A.OS. CE
• Dave Shields: Attendee
• The Davison Index: Local media outlet

• Motion to Adopt Agenda: Moved by Shields, seconded by Howell; carried unanimously.
• Motion to Set Public Hearing (Summerwood Street Lighting District): Moved by Shields, seconded by Howell; carried unanimously.
• Solar Energy Ordinance Review: The board reviewed proposed language to amend the township's regulations on large and small solar energy systems.
• Decision on Solar Energy Process: The board decided to have the Planning Commission proceed with a public hearing to gain resident input.

• Meeting Date: April 16, 2019
• Public Hearing (Summerwood Street Lighting District): May 13, 2019, at 7:05 pm

• Solar Energy Amendments: Proposed due to increasing demand for solar energy facilities in Michigan and specific inquiries within the township.
• Economic Motivation: The board expressed concern that large-scale solar arrays could offer no benefit to the township and might lead to a loss in property tax revenue and impact the DDA District.

• Davison Township Zoning Ordinance, #16-84: Proposed amendments regarding the regulation of large and small solar energy systems.

• Planning Commission: To proceed with a public hearing to gather resident input on solar energy system amendments.
• Charm Healy: To contact The Davison Index to request an article be written regarding the solar energy discussion.