1.29.2026 (special)

The meeting, held on January 29, 2026, centered on a presentation by architect John Gazall regarding the future of the township's administrative and police facilities. The presentation compared the current 12,500 sq. ft. building, constructed in 1980, against a proposed 22,500 sq. ft. new facility to be built on 40 acres of township-owned land purchased in 2023.

The discussion highlighted significant infrastructure issues with the existing building, including an aging roof and an outdated air duct system. Following the presentation, a public comment period allowed residents to voice concerns regarding the financial implications of maintaining two locations, the impact on local wildlife, and the impact on Veteran's Park.

• Board Members Present: Supervisor Jim Slezak, Treasurer Travis Howell, Trustee Matthew D. Karr, and Trustee Lori Tallman.
• Board Members Absent: Clerk Michael T. Leffler.
• Legal/Staff: Attorney Bill Delzer and Recording Secretary Jami Vert.
• Presenter: John Gazall of Gazall, Lewis & Associates Architects, Inc.
• Public Attendees: Jane Mayer, Gary Pfeiffer, Marilyn Alvey, Dawn Morgan, Walter Nill, Robert Gibbs, Matt Thorpe, and Diana Miller.

• Agenda Amendment: MOTION BY SLEZAK, SECOND BY HOWELL to amend agenda and move item 5 (Informational) before item 4 (Public Comment Period) and adopt the January 29, 2026, agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
• Building Proposal Comparison:
  • Renovation Option: Renovating the existing 12,500 sq. ft. building to meet current Michigan Energy, Electrical, and ADA codes is estimated at $14 million.
  • New Construction Option: Building a new 22,500 sq. ft. facility (with a 2,980 sq. ft. basement) on the 40-acre township lot is estimated at $11 million. This option includes security features and a warranty.
• Public Comment: Residents raised several points, including:
  • Concerns regarding the tax burden of maintaining two separate locations.
  • Questions about the security features of the new building and the impact on the Veterans Park.
  • Concerns regarding the environmental impact on natural wildlife on the proposed site.
  • The feasibility of building the police station to match the existing building.
• Adjournment: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

• Estimated Renovation Cost: $14,000,000 (for the existing 12,500 sq. ft. structure).
• Estimated New Construction Cost: $11,000,000 (for the proposed 22,500 sq. ft. structure).

• The current administration/police building is a pre-engineered steel structure built in 1980.
• The existing building's roof is approximately 20 years old, and the air duct system is composed of 90% cardboard.
• A new building provides a warranty, whereas a renovation of the existing structure would not.
• The proposed new building would include a basement specifically for police use and records retention.