7.5.2023 (Special)

The July 5, 2023, special meeting was primarily convened to discuss the recent closure of the Lake Callis Recreation Complex due to escalating safety issues, including reports of assaults, drug use, and the presence of "ghost guns." The meeting featured extensive public comment from residents, law enforcement, and park staff, presenting a tension between the desire to keep the community asset open and the need to protect residents and employees from criminal activity.

While some board members and law enforcement expressed deep concerns regarding the liability of reopening without a permanent solution, the Board reached a consensus to implement a temporary operational plan. This plan includes reduced operating hours and a scheduled security presence on both weekdays and weekends to deter misconduct and assist in rule enforcement.

• Safety Concerns: Law enforcement reported recent incidents involving assaults, drug use, theft, and a suspect carrying a "ghost gun" (an unserialized, homemade firearm).
• Staffing Vulnerabilities: Park staff and law enforcement noted that seasonal employees (often aged 16–20) are often left unsupervised and may be too intimidated to enforce township ordinances.
• Economic Impact: The closure has resulted in significant financial implications, including the need to refund over $16,000 in annual passes and the potential loss of a $970,000 grant for a multiuse court.
• Security vs. Closure: A consensus emerged among many speakers that rather than permanent closure, the township should invest in professional security and increased police patrols.

• Jim Slezak: Township Supervisor
• Michael T. Leffler: Township Clerk
• Tim R. Green: Township Treasurer
• Matt Karr: Township Trustee
• Lori Tallman: Township Trustee
• David Lattie: Township Attorney
• Sergeant Sohmer: Davison Police Department
• Deanna Leddick: Recreation Coordinator, Davison Township Parks
• Vanessa McCoy: Recreation Coordinator, Davison Township Parks

• Agenda Amendment: The board amended the agenda to include a closed session to discuss police tactics and strategies.
• Closed Session: The Board entered a closed session to discuss law enforcement strategies for the park.
• Park Reopening Decision: The Board approved a temporary schedule for Lake Callis, reducing hours and mandating security shifts.

• Meeting Date: July 5, 2023
• Effective Reopening Date: July 6, 2023
• New Park Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.

• Security Costs: An estimated $7,000 for the new security/patrol plan; a previous mention of a $13,000 cost for weekend/holiday security.
• Revenue Losses: Approximately $6,130 in lost pavilion rental revenue and $16,280 in required annual pass refunds due to the closure.
• Grants: A recently submitted grant for $970,000 for a multiuse court is at risk if the park remains closed.

• Motion to adopt the amended agenda: Motion by Green, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously (Green, Karr, Leffler, Tallman, Slezak).
• Motion to enter closed session (Police tactics/strategies): Motion by Tallman, Second by Leffler. Carried unanimously (Green, Karr, Leffler, Tallman, Slezak).
• Motion to exit closed session: Motion by Tallman, Second by Karr. Carried unanimously (Karr, Leffler, Tallman, Green, Slezak).
• Motion to reopen Lake Callis with amended hours and security: "MOTION BY TALLMAN, SECOND BY KARR that Lake Callis will open effective July 6, 20 023; park hours will be reduced from the 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; security guard will be on duty from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Thursday; and security guard will be on duty from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday." Carried unanimously (Karr, Leffler, Tallman, Green, Slezak).
• Motion to Adjourn: Motion by Tallman, Second by Karr. Carried unanimously.

• Security Implementation: The Parks Director is to contact security personnel to ensure coverage for the following day.
• Law Enforcement: The Police Department is to increase patrols within the park.
• Public Engagement: Supervisor Slezak will provide a sign-up sheet for residents interested in volunteering for the Parks Advisory Board.