General Summary #

The Davison Township Board of Trustees convened a special meeting at the Davison Township Municipal Center to discuss the potential impacts of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. The primary agenda item was the consideration of a formal declaration of a Local State of Emergency.

The discussion, led by Supervisor Tim Elkins, focused on the strategic advantages of such a declaration, particularly regarding the township's ability to recover funds in the event of a severe outbreak. Board members raised questions regarding the specific protocols required to qualify for funding, the implications for short-term disability insurance, and the potential for the County Sheriff’s Department to assume local operations under a state-level declaration. Police Chief Rick Freeman provided context, noting that the declaration would primarily impact funding and resources rather than local law enforcement operations.

Who #

  • Tim Elkins, Supervisor
  • Cindy Shields, Clerk
  • Pat Miller, Treasurer
  • Matthew Karr, Trustee
  • Travis Howell, Trustee
  • Casey Reed, Parks & Rec. Director
  • Matt Place, Building Official
  • Jeremy Smith, Planning & Zoning Administrator
  • Rick Freeman, Police Chief
  • Jerry Harris, Deputy Chief

What #

  • Public Comment: No members of the public were present; therefore, no public comments were recorded.
  • State of Emergency: The board discussed and ultimately authorized the declaration of a local State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why #

The meeting was called to respond to communications from Genesee County and the State of Michigan regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The motivation for the declaration was to enable the township to potentially recover funds and access resources should the outbreak become severe within the township.

Votes/Decisions #

  • Motion: "to authorize the Supervisor to declare a State of Emergency for Davison Township and submit appropriate documents to the state."
  • Moved by: Cindy Shields
  • Seconded by: Pat Miller
  • Roll Call: Shields (Yes), Elkins (Yes), Karr (Yes), Howell (Yes), Miller (Yes).
  • Outcome: Motion carried.