2-10-20

The February 10, 2020, meeting of the Davison Township Board of Trustees focused heavily on long-term development plans and regulatory updates. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing regarding the expansion of the DDA District and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plans. While residents expressed concerns regarding potential rezoning and property impacts, the Board clarified that the plan is for long-term development and that no residents would be forced from their homes.

Additionally, the Board addressed administrative updates, including changes to park rental fees to accommodate increasing requests for alcohol use at township venues, and the approval of a new Open Burning Ordinance. The meeting also concluded with an executive session to discuss potential litigation.

• Tim Elkins: Supervisor
• Cindy Shields: Clerk
• Pat Miller: Treasurer
• Matthew Karr: Trustee
• Travis Howell: Trustee
• David Lattie: Attorney
• Rick Freeman: Chief of Police
• Gerald Harris: Deputy Chief of Police
• Matt Place: Building Official
• Jeremy Smith: Planning/Zoning Administrator
• Casey Reed: Parks & Rec. Director
• Rhonda Clark: Recording Secretary
• David Martin: 9th District County Commissioner
• Matthew Smith: Davison Board of Education member

• Agenda Amendment: Removed Item G: Budget Amendments.
• Minutes Approval: Approved January 13, 2020, minutes.
• DDA Expansion (Ordinance 52-2): Approved the amended development and TIF plan for the expanded DDA District to promote local business and keep tax dollars within the township.
• Park and Rental Fee Updates: Added the Karen Miller Event Center, Kurt & Marge Soper Nature Center, and Kitchen School House to the fee schedule; updated alcohol policies (beer and wine only, requirement for liability insurance, and a $50 permit fee).
• Park Rental Agreement Amendment: Updated the agreement to address liability and usage of alcohol on township park property.
• Open Burning Ordinance (Ordinance 29-1): Established authority for emergency abatement of dangerous conditions, cost-recovery charges, and specific rules for campfires and permits.
• Property Sale: Approved the sale of township property located at 7087 Houghton Drive to Bud Ferrell.

• February 10, 2020: Date of the meeting.
• March 2, 2020 (5:00 PM): Deadline for 2019 Winter Tax payments to avoid delinquency.
• March 2020: Upcoming Presidential Primary Election (noted for availability of absentee ballots).

• DDA Expansion: To allow new development within an expanded district and ensure tax revenue stays within the township to support the community.
• Park Fee/Agreement Changes: To manage increasing rental requests and regulate the use of alcohol at township venues.
• Open Burning Ordinance: To promote public health, safety, and welfare by regulating burning practices and establishing cost recovery for emergency services.

• January 2020 Total Revenue: $2,574,721.56
• Total Expenditures (through February 11, 2020): $6,233,127.40
• Alcohol Permit Fee: $50
• 7087 Houghton Dr. Sale Price: $41,000 (Awarded to Bud Ferrell)

• Approval of Amended Agenda: MOTION BY SHIELDS, SECOND BY HOWELL. Result: Carried unanimously.
• Approval of Jan 13, 2020 Minutes: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Result: Carried unanimously.
• Approval of Jan 2020 Treasurer’s Report: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY SHIELDS. Result: Carried unanimously.
• Approval of Board Bills: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Result: Carried (Roll call: Yes—Miller, Shields, Ellys, Karr, Howell).
• Approval of Ordinance 52-2 (DDA Plan): MOTION BY SHIELDS, SECOND BY MILLER. Result: Carried (Roll call: Yes—Shields, Elkins, Karr, Howell, Miller).
• Approval of Amended Park & Rental Fees: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Result: Carried (Roll call: Yes—Elkins, Karr, Howell, Miller, Shields).
• Approval of Amended Park Rental Agreement: MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY HOWELL. Result: Carried (Roll call: Yes—Karr, Howell, Miller, Shields, Elkins).
• Approval of Ordinance 29-1 (Open Burning): MOTION BY KARR, SECOND BY SHIELDS. Result: Carried (Roll call: Yes—Howell, Miller, Shields, Elkins, Karr).
• Approval of Sale of 7087 Houghton Dr.: MOTION BY SHIELDS, SECOND BY KARR. Result: Carried unanimously.

• Jim Morey: Inquired about the Open Burning Ordinance and the availability of absentee ballots.
• David Martin (9th District County Commissioner): Provided an update regarding the Genesee County ORV Ordinance and its impact on local law enforcement.
• Matthew Smith (Davison Board of Education): Announced candidacy for 9th District County Commissioner.
• Pam Price: Expressed concern regarding potential rezoning of her property due to the DDA expansion.
• Angela MacDonald: Expressed concern regarding rezoning in her area and vacant land near her house.
• Michelle Allen: Inquired if residents would be forced out of their homes due to increased development.

• Ordinance 52-2: Amended Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan for the Davison Township DDA.
• Ordinance 29-1: Open Burning Ordinance.
• CDBG Monitoring Review: Report on the management of Community Development Block Grant projects.