2.13.2023

The meeting of the Davison Township Board, led by Supervisor Jim Slezak, focused on fiscal oversight, departmental updates, and long-term infrastructure planning. The board reviewed the Treasurer's report, which indicated a healthy budget balance, and approved significant expenditures totaling over $11 million for the period of late January to early February.

Significant discussion occurred regarding public safety at Lake Callis, where the board debated the necessity and cost of private security versus police presence, ultimately deciding to limit security to holidays. Additionally, the board moved forward with a major real estate acquisition for a new township facility, approving the purchase of property on Davison Road.

• Law Enforcement Updates: The Police Department is preparing to interview for a new position and is implementing a new incident support team. The department continues to handle high call volumes, averaging approximately 28 calls per day.
• Parks & Recreation: Recent community events like the road rally and "arctic splash" were successful, though the ice fishing derby was canceled due to unsafe ice conditions. The department is also preparing for future DNR grant resubmissions.
• Infrastructure: The board approved a project to resurface Atlas Road between Atherton and Lippincott.
• Development: The Building Department reported 10 permits issued in January with a total construction value of over $932,000.

• Board Members: Supervisor Jim Slezak, Treasurer Tim Green, Clerk Patrick Miller, Trustee Lori Tallman, Trustee Matt Karr.
• Officials: Chief of Police Jay Rendon, Building Official Matt Place, Parks & Rec. Director Casey Reed, Attorney David Lattie.
• Other Participants: State Representative David Martin, Deputy Jerry Harris, Recording Secretary Jami Vert.

• Approved Motions:
  • Agenda Adoption: Motion by Karr, seconded by Green; carried unanimously.
  • Previous Minutes: Approval of January 9, 2023, regular, closed, special, and special closed session minutes.
  • Treasurer’s Report: Motion by Karr, seconded by Tallman; carried unanimously.
  • Board Expenditures: Motion by Slezak, seconded by Green, to approve $11,353,379.87 in expenditures from 01/19/2023 – 02/01/2023. Roll Call: Miller (Yes), Tallman (Yes), Green (Yes), Karr (Yes), Slezak (Yes).
  • Mowing Contract: Motion by Karr, seconded by Green, to approve D&M for park mowing.
  • Lake Callis Security: Motion by Karr, seconded by Green, to approve Premier Security Solutions for holidays only (3 holidays at 16 hours per day for $1,728.00).
  • Atlas Resurfacing: Motion by Karr, seconded by Green, to approve Atlas resurfacing (Atherton to Lippincott) not to exceed $110,000.00.
  • Property Purchase: Motion by Karr, seconded by Green, to approve the purchase of property at 9113 Davison Road for $279,900.00, contingent on phase one environmental reports plus closing costs.
• Decisions/Policy: The board rejected a suggestion by Clerk Miller to rent township space to the Chamber of Commerce, based on legal advice from Attorney Lattie regarding precedent.

• Meeting Date: February 13, 2023.
• Expenditure Period: January 19, 2023, to February 1, 2023.
• Upcoming Elections: February 2024 Primary.

• Meeting Location: Davison Township Municipal Center, 1280 N. Irish Road, Davison, MI.
• Project Locations: Atlas Road (Atherton to Lippincott); 9113 Davison Road (proposed new building site).

• Security Debate: The board debated the Lake Callis security contract to balance the need for a visible presence to deter issues with the need to maintain a sustainable park budget and avoid liability/over-reliance on non-sworn officers.
• Land Acquisition: The purchase of the 40-acre property at 9113 Davison Road was motivated by the lack of growth space at the current site due to wetland constraints.

• Treasurer’s Report (Year-to-Date):
  • Total Receipts: $3,325,148.40 (General: $894,071.38; Water/Sewer: $514,103.35; Tax: $1,916,973.67).
  • General Fund Balance: $4,707,073.51 (Budgeted $8,539,792.00; Expended $3,832,718.49).
  • Water/Sewer Balance: $3,920,775.08 (Budgeted $7,335,172.00; Expended $3,414,396.92).
• Approved Expenditures: $11,353,379.87 (Period: 01/19/2023 – 02/01/2023).
• Property Purchase: $279,900.00 for 9113 Davison Road.
• Road Work: $110,000.00 cap for Atlas Road resurfacing.
• Security Cost: $1,728.00 for holiday security.

• Cliff Knasinski: Requested the board move forward with urban agriculture initiatives and zoning guidelines for residential parcels.
• Jim Morey: Reported a leaking fire hydrant on his corner, causing water waste.
• Robert Malcommson: Argued for easing restrictions on small-acreage livestock keeping, focusing on management rather than animal numbers.

• Property Purchase: Proceed with purchase of 9113 Davison Road, contingent on phase one environmental studies.
• DNR Grant: Parks Department to resubmit applications for the next round of DNR grant funding.
• Road Work: Plan Atlas Road resurfacing for the summer/next budget cycle.