General Summary #

The Davison Township Board meeting was held on September 9, 2024, at the Davison Township Municipal Center. The session covered routine business, including the approval of previous minutes, the adoption of the agenda, and the review of the Treasurer's report. Departmental updates were provided by the Clerk, Police Chief, Parks & Rec Director, and Building Official, covering topics ranging from upcoming election early voting to new construction permits and park maintenance.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, which centered on intense resident opposition to the reorganization of the Parks and Recreation Department and proposed staff layoffs. Residents expressed concerns regarding the impact on community health, property values, and the loss of township assets. In response to the public outcry, the Board unanimously voted to table the motions regarding the Parks and Recreation reorganization and the related layoffs until the next scheduled meeting.

Key Points #

  • Parks and Recreation Controversy: A large number of residents attended to protest the reorganization of the Parks and $Recreation$ Department, citing the importance of parks for community health and property values.
  • Election Preparedness: The Clerk reported that 9-day early voting for the upcoming election will run from October 26 to November 3, 2024.
  • Infrastructure and Development: The Building Official reported 70 permits issued in August with a total construction value of over $2.9 million, including the upcoming Aldi opening in April 2025.
  • Police Recognition: The Police Chief recognized Officers Zecchini and Thorpe for their assistance in delivering a baby during an roadside incident.

Who #

  • Board Members Present:
    • Jim Slezak, Supervisor
    • Michael T. Leffler, Clerk
    • Tim R. Green, Treasurer
    • Matthew D. Karr, Trustee
    • Lori Tallman, Trustee
  • Officials and Staff Present:
    • Jay Rendon, Chief of Police
    • Matt Place, Building Official
    • Casey Reed, Parks & Rec. Director
    • David Lattie, Attorney
    • Jami Vert, Recording Secretary
  • Other Notable Mentions:
    • Officers Zecchini and Thorpe (Police Department)

What #

  • Approved Expenditures: The Board approved board expenditures in the amount of $993,5999.58.
  • IT Infrastructure: The Board approved the purchase of a new township server from VC3 using 2024/2025 budgeted funds.
  • Meeting Schedule Change: The Board approved changing the next board meeting date from Monday, October 21, to Monday, October 7, 2024.
  • Tabled Items:
    • Adoption of the reorganization plan for the Parks and Recreation Department.
    • Approval of the layoff of Parks and Recreation employees.

When #

  • September 9, 2024: Date of the meeting.
  • October 7, 2024: Rescheduled date for the next Board meeting and the date when tabled Parks and Rec items will be revisited.
  • October 26 – November 3, 2024: Period for 9-day early voting.
  • April 2025: Expected opening of the Aldi construction project.

Where #

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

Financial Details #

  • Treasurer’s Report (Actual Income):
    • General Fund: $630,086.81
    • Water and Sewer: $524,123.55
    • Tax: $733,171.92
    • Total Receipts: $1,887,382.28
  • Budgeted Funds (FY 2024/2025):
    • General Fund Budget: $10,688,274.00
    • General Fund Year-to-Date Expenditure: $1,725,711.48
    • General Fund Balance: $8,962,562.52
    • Water and Sewer Budget: $7,486,264.00
    • Water and Sewer Year-to-Date Expenditure: $519,329.26
    • Water and Sewer Balance: $6,966,934.74
  • Building Department Revenue: $20,038.00 from August permits.

Votes/Decisions #

  • Adopt Agenda: Motion by Leffler, Second by Green. Carried.
  • Approve August 14, 2024, Minutes: Motion by Green, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously.
  • Approve Treasurer’s Report: Motion by Leffler, Second by Green. Carried unanimously.
  • Approve Board Expenditures ($993,599.58): Motion by Karr, Second by Leffler.
    • Roll Call: Green (Yes), Karr (Yes), Leffler (Yes), Tallman (Yes), Slezak (Yes). Carried.
  • Adopt Parks and Recreation Reorganization Plan: Motion by Slezak, Second by Karr. Tabled until October 7, 2024.
  • Approve Parks and Recreation Layoffs: Motion by Slezak, Second by Karr. Tabled until October 7, 2024.
  • Approve New Township Server (VC3): Motion by Leffler, Second by Karr. Carried unanimously.
  • Change Board Meeting Date: Motion by Slezak, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously.