General Summary #

The Davison Township Board meeting, held on October 6, 2025, was called to order by Supervisor Jim Slezak. The meeting began with the routine approval of the previous meeting's minutes and the adoption of the current agenda. The board reviewed significant financial reports, noting a substantial expenditure approval of over $8.1 million and presenting the Treasurer's report, which showed total receipts of approximately $3.94 million.

Departmental updates provided insight into township operations, including a warning from the Supervisor regarding a 6.3% cut in state revenue sharing that will impact the township budget by roughly $103,000. The Police Chief reported on a high-stakes incident involving a shooting and fire at a church in Grand Blanc, where township officers provided critical assistance. Other updates covered upcoming elections, successful recent audits, and the upcoming retirement of Building Official Matt Place.

The latter half of the meeting focused on new business, specifically the adoption of several resolutions related to special assessments for Griffin Lake, garbage, street lights, fire, and police services. The board also approved the township's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and a new contract for copier services through Applied Innovation.

Key Points #

  • Budgetary Impact: The township faces a 6.3% reduction in state revenue sharing, resulting in an estimated $103,000 loss to the budget, alongside a $113,333 cut to public safety.
  • Public Safety Incident: Davison Township officers responded to a shooting and fire at a Grand Blanc church; two officers entered the burning building to assist victims.
  • Infrastructure Planning: The board adopted a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) featuring items such as a new municipal center, sewer line installations, and road widening projects.
  • Staffing Changes: The board approved the hiring of Chris Miller as a new police officer; Building Official Matt Place announced his retirement effective at the end of November.
  • Administrative Updates: The Clerk reported high efficiency in recent audits and preparations for the November 4th election.

Who #

  • Jim Slezak: Township Supervisor
  • Michael T. Leffler: Township Clerk
  • Travis Howell: Township Treasurer
  • Matthew D. Karr: Trustee
  • Lori Tallman: Trustee
  • Matt Place: Building Official (retiring)
  • Jay Rendon: Chief of Police
  • Casey Reed: Parks & Rec. Director
  • Bill Delzer: Attorney
  • Chris Miller: Newly hired Police Officer
  • Jaimie Lipka: Summerwood HOA President (Public Commenter)

What #

  • Adoption of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Approved a "wish list" for future township projects.
  • Approval of New Police Officer: Hired Chris Miller to replace an officer who left the department.
  • Approval of Copier Contract: Switched from Ricoh to Applied Innovation for a 63-month lease to reduce costs.
  • Special Assessment Resolutions:
    • Resolution 2025-12: Griffin Lake Special Assessment
    • Resolution 2025-14: Garbage Special Assessment
    • Resolution 2025-13: Street Light Special Assessment
    • Resolution 2025-15: Fire Special Assessment
    • Resolution 2025-16: Police Special Assessment
  • Resolution 2025-17: Approved for Consumers Energy regarding Davison & Irish Rd street lights.

When #

  • October 6, 2025: Date of the board meeting.
  • October 23, 2025: Scheduled Fire Authority meeting.
  • October 29, 2025: Cottage Inn Trunk or Treat event.
  • November 4, 2025: Election Day.
  • November 10, 2025: Township audit presentation.
  • End of November 2025: Retirement of Building Official Matt Place.
  • First pay period in November: Start date for new officer Chris Miller.

Where #

  • Davison Township Municipal Center: Location of the meeting (1280 N. Irish Road, Davison, MI).
  • Grand Blanc Church: Location of the recent shooting and fire incident.
  • Williams Park: Site of the nature preschool/GSRP program.

Why #

  • Revenue Sharing Cuts: To address the 6.3% reduction in state funding.
  • Infrastructure Improvement: To outline long-term goals for roads, sewers, and municipal facilities via the CIP.
  • Cost Savings: To replace the existing Ricoh copier service with a more cost-effective contract via Applied Innovation.

Financial Details #

  • Total Receipts: $3,944,959.11 (General: $474,114.49; Water/Sewer: $804,393.97; Tax: $2,666,450.65).
  • Approved Board Expenditures: $8,176,279.17.
  • Revenue Sharing Loss: Approximately $103,000.
  • Public Safety Budget Cut: $13,333.
  • Building Permits (September): 38 permits issued with a total construction value of $2,688,055.00 and revenue of $30,908.00.
  • Copier Contract: New monthly cost estimated in the $1,700 range (compared to previous $2,300-$2,400 range).

Votes/Decisions #

  • Adopt Agenda: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Carried unanimously.
  • Approve Sept 8 Minutes: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY TALLMAN. Carried unanimously.
  • Approve Treasurer’s Report: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY TALLMAN. Carried unanimously.
  • Approve Board Expenditures ($8,176,279.17): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY TALLMAN. Roll Call: Howell – yes; Karr – yes; Slezak – yes; Leffler – yes; Tallman – yes. Carried unanimously.
  • Resolution 2025-17 (Consumers Energy): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Roll Call: Karr – yes; Slezak – yes; Leffler – yes; Tallman – yes; Howell – yes. Carried unanimously.
  • Resolution 2025-12 (Griffin Lake): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY TALLMAN. Roll Call: Leffler – yes; Tallman – yes; Howell – yes; Karr – yes; Slezak – yes. Carried unanimously.
  • Adopt Capital Improvement Plan: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Carried unanimously.
  • Hire New Police Officer: MOTION BY HOWELL, SECOND BY KARR. Carried unanimously.
  • Resolution 2025-14 (Garbage): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY TALLMAN. Roll Call: Tallman – yes; Howell – yes; Karr – yes; Leffler – yes; Slezak – yes. Carried unanimously.
  • Resolution 2025-13 (Street Light): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY TALLMAN. Roll Call: Slezak – yes; Leffler – yes; Tallman – yes; Howell – yes; Karr – yes. Carried unanimously.
  • Copier Contract (Applied Innovation): MOTION BY SLEZAK, SECOND BY KARR. Carried unanimously.
  • Resolution 2025-15 (Fire): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY TALLMAN. Roll Call: Howell – yes; Karr – yes; Slezak – yes; Leffler – yes; Tallman – yes. Carried unanimously.
  • Resolution 2025-16 (Police): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Roll Call: Karr – yes; Slezak – yes; Leffler – yes; Tallman – yes; Howell – yes. Carried unanimously.

Action Items #

  • Soper Center Bids: Due by 10:00 a.m. the day following the meeting.
  • New Building Numbers: Supervisor Slezak to provide architect numbers regarding the new structure at the next meeting.
  • Election Preparation: Clerk's office to begin counting absentee ballots the day before November 4th.