2.1.2025 (Workshop)

The Davison Township Board of Trustees held a special workshop on February 1, 2025, to discuss the development of a new township building. Supervisor Jim Slezak presented a detailed timeline and a slideshow illustrating the project's progression from its inception to its current state.

The meeting served as a platform for public discourse, with residents expressing significant concerns regarding the financial impact of the project, specifically regarding potential tax increases and the use of bonds or grants. The Board also engaged in a discussion regarding alternative strategies for township growth, considering the possibility of renovating the current building and constructing a new police station at the existing site rather than proceeding with the full-scale building on Davison Road.

• The primary focus of the meeting was the review of the new township building plans and project timeline.
• Residents highlighted the need for transparency, cost analysis, and better technology within the township.
• The Board is evaluating the feasibility of a scaled-back approach, including renovating the current building and building a new police station in front of it, as an alternative to the Davison Road proposal.

• Jim Slezable, Supervisor
• Michael T. Leffler, Clerk
• Travis Howell, Treasurer
• Matt Karr, Trustee
• Lori Tallman, Trustee
• Jay Rendon, Chief
• Jami Vert, Recording Secretary
• Bill Delzer, Trustee (Absent)

• Agenda Adoption: Motion by Tallman, seconded by Karr; carried unanimously.
• New Township Building Workshop: Supervisor Slezak presented the project timeline and plans.
• Adjournment: Motion by Tallman, seconded by Leffler; carried unanimously.

During the public comment period (10:02 a.m. to 10:16 a.m.), residents raised the following concerns: * Financial Impact: Concerns regarding potential tax increases, the necessity of using bonds to fund construction, and the potential to seek grants. * Project Specifics: Questions regarding the location of the new building, the inclusion of a firing range (or an indoor version), and the impact on the Veterans Court. * General Operations: Requests for better technology, increased transparency from officials, and considerations for the township's growth and safety.

• The Board will investigate the cost implications of an alternative plan involving the renovation of the existing building and the construction of a new police station in front of the current facility before moving forward with the Davison Road building plan.