12.11.2023 (Special Parks Workshop)

The Davison Township Parks Special Workshop, held on December 11, 2023, served as a working session for board and committee members to compare the existing Parks Ordinance 60-7 with a newly proposed version. The discussion centered on migrating specific regulatory items from the ordinance into general policy and addressing missing addendums that need to be reinstated. There was also deliberation regarding whether parks staff should be granted the authority to issue civil infractions.

The meeting also addressed operational and financial policies, specifically the potential move toward a cashless system. While auditors noted that card transactions are easier to track, the board discussed the pros and cons regarding the lack of cash tracking and the impact on residents who rely on cash. Furthermore, the board discussed the need for oversight of recreational programs to ensure they are profitable and aligned with the township's fiduciary responsibilities, without resorting to micro-management.

During the public comment period, residents and park workers expressed various concerns, including the need for a consistent strategy regarding revenue generation versus program location, the necessity of maintaining cash options for seniors and children, and the implementation of security deposits at Veteran's Park to cover potential damages.

• Ordinance Updates: Proposals include moving certain items from Ordinance 60-7 into the general policy and re-incorporating previously omitted addendums.
• Staff Authority: Discussion held regarding granting parks staff the right to issue civil infractions.
• Cashless Transition: The board discussed moving to cashless transactions to improve tracking and audit capabilities, though accessibility concerns were noted.
• Program Oversight: The board emphasized the need to monitor programs for profitability and ensure the township is notified of programs before they are advertised in brochures.
• Public Concerns: Residents raised issues regarding the 5-year plan, the difficulty of cashless payments for certain demographics, and the need for accountability (e.g., deposits) at Veteran's Park.

• Jim Slezak, Supervisor
• Michael T. Leffler, Clerk
• Tim R. Green, Treasurer
• Matt Karr, Trustee
• Lorrie Pascoe, Committee Member
• Casey Reed, Committee Member
• Jim Callis, Committee Member
• Lorrie Callis, Committee Member (non-voting)
• Dave Weir, Committee Member
• Lori Tallman, Trustee (Absent)
• Dennis Worvie (Absent)
• Kathy Kennedy (Absent)

• Ordinance Review: Comparison of the old and new versions of Parks Ordinance 60-7.
• Policy Discussion: Debating the transition to cashless payments and the notification requirements for food trucks.
• Program Management: Discussing the necessity of eliminating non-profitable programs and maintaining fiduciary responsibility.
• Public Comment: Residents voiced concerns regarding revenue priorities, the 5-year plan, and park usage accountability.

• December 11, 2023: Date of the workshop.
• 4:00 PM: Meeting called to order.
• 5:25 PM: Public comment opened.
• 5:45 PM: Public comment closed and meeting adjourned.

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

• To refine the Parks Ordinance and policy to ensure better administrative tracking, fiscal responsibility, and operational clarity.

• Parks Ordinance 60-7: Subject of the primary discussion regarding proposed amendments and policy migrations.