Leroy Township

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LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 – 7:00 p.m.

Township Hall – 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

Board members present:  Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. Benjamin,

R. Scott Diederich.  Absent:  Heidi Ream.

Also present:  Dennis Dyko, James & Lindsay Utz, Steve & Monica Moreno, Ben Miller.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes of the January 9, 2024, regular

monthly Board meeting, as presented.  Support, Whitehead.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  Lindsay Utz spoke of having the meeting fees be eliminated. The subject

will be discussed at the March TownshipAnnual Budget meeting.

Proposed 2024 contract services with TruGreen, werereviewed.  Diederich moved to accept

the contract with TruGreen.  No support.  After further discussion, Benjamin moved to

table the proposal. Support, Diederich. The motion passed.

Ingham County Payment Reduction program for delinquent property taxes was reviewed.

Benjamin moved to adopt Resolution #2024-02, to participate in the program to reduce delinquent tax payments for eligible properties, with poverty exemptions.  Support, Diederich.

Diederich-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

Diederich reported on the NIESA Board meeting held on January 11, 2024. NIESA hasn’t received any funds from the Webberville DDA, with renewal date of April 1, 2024.Ambulance service for the Station #62 is being discussed, with an ambulance being placed at the Webberville Station, for emergency situations. The NIESA Board is looking at reasons why

a full-time ambulance may or may not be feasible, for Station #62.

The 2024 Local Road Program proposed projects were reviewed.  The Township is planning

to appropriate ARPA Funds to increase the road projects, to be done, this fiscal year.

A Uniform Comcast Video Service Franchise Agreement was reviewed.  Ben Miller, Director from Comcast Cable was present to inform the Board of the METRO Act Permit with the Township.  Whitehead moved accept the agreement with Comcast, at a 3% Video Service Fee.  Support, Diederich. Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. Motion passed.

After review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills as presented.  Support, Whitehead. Benjamin-Yes,

Diederich-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed.

Benjamin moved to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Support, Diederich. The motion passed.

__________________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 – 7:00 p.m.

Township Hall – 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor, Earl L Griffes.

Board members present:  Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. Benjamin,

Heidi Ream. Absent:  R. Scott Diederich.

Also present: James Utz, Lindsay Utz, Todd Benjamin, Dave Burgdorf, Debbie

Burgdorf, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Dennis Dyko.

After review, Ream moved to accept the minutes of the December 5, 2023, regular

monthly Board meeting, as presented.  Support, Griffes. The motion passed.

Three updated bids for the installation of a Township hall generator, were reviewed.

After review, Ream moved to accept the bid from F.D. Hayes for $34,188.70.

Support, Benjamin.  Benjamin-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The

motion passed 4-0.

After review of the 2024 Poverty Exemption Income Guidelines and Asset Test

Resolution, Benjamin moved to adopt Resolution #2024-01, with the Federal

Poverty Guidelines.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed 4-0.

An application for Local Government Approval For Off-Premises Tasting Room License

was reviewed and discussed. The applicant Burgdorf Winery LLC requested approval

to locate at 4212 E Holt Road, Webberville.  Whitehead moved to approve the Off-Premises

Tasting Room License for Burgdorf Winery.  Support, Ream.  Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes,

Whitehead-Yes.  Benjamin-Abstain.  Diederich-Absent.  The motion passed 3-0.

Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks forwarded a letter to all Michigan Townships to

consider the Importance of Compensating Election Officials Appropriately, resulting from the

passing of Proposal 22-2, which adds the increase in extended election periods, increased workload and additional responsibilities. No action taken.

Planning Commission members whose terms expired on December 31, 2023, all were

interested in having their terms extended, for another three year term.  Motion by Griffes to reappoint Tim Dietz, Dennis Dyko and James Utz thru December, 2026.  Support, Ream.

The motion passed.

A work session held by the Planning Commission on January 3, 2024 and Benjamin

reported that they are moving forward with the Wind Ordinance and are working on the

Solar Ordinance. Plan is to have the Public Hearing on both ordinances, in March or April.

TruGreen submitted a Service Agreement Renewal for 2024. After discussion, the Board

moved to table the proposed agreement.

Griffes gave a report on the last NIESA meeting, December 14, 2023.  New fiscal year

budgets were passed, with no decision or budgeting to add full time ambulance services,

to the Webberville Station, this year.

After review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills, as presented.  Support, Ream. Griffes-Yes,

Ream-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

Replacement of the Township mail box, for $125.00, was discussed.

Benjamin moved to adjourn at 7:56 p.m.  Support, Ream. The motion passed.

__________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.

Township Hall – 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes

Board members present:  Earl. L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, R. Scott Diederich, Heidi Ream. 

Absent:  Loretta K. Benjamin.

Also present:  Lindsay Utz, James Utz, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno.

After review, Diederich moved to accept the minutes of the November 7, 2023, regular monthly

Board meeting.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Bids from various contractors for installation of a permanent building generator were reviewed. 

The issue was tabled until next month’s meeting to obtain comparable bids from all

companies that are interested, in the project.

N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Diederich. The December 14, 2023 meeting discussions were

the General and Building & Equipment Budgets, Cost of Additional Ambulance Crew at

Station 62, approval of Resolution 2 of 2023-Fiscal Year 2024 General Appropriations Act

and the Fiscal Year 2024 Building & Equipment Appropriations Act and the 2023 Budget

Amendments. The 2023 Budget has an approximate $150,000 surplus.

After review, Ream moved to pay all bills, as presented.  Support, Whitehead. Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes. The motion passed 4-0.

Motion by Diederich to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

__________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.

Township Hall – 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes

Board members present:  Earl. L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. Benjamin,

R. Scott Diederich, Heidi Ream. 

Also present:  Lindsay Utz, James Utz, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes of the October 3, 2023, regular monthly

Board meeting.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

A bid for snow removal, for 2023-2024 season, was received from Griffes & Webster, Inc.

Minimum increases from the previous year, because of the cost of operating supplies.

After review, Whitehead moved to accept the bid as presented.  Support, Benjamin.  The

motion passed.

Generator bids have not yet been submitted from Ion Electric Service and Morris Electric.

Supervisor, Griffes will contact both companies, prior to next month’s meeting.

Scott Diederich gave the report for the, October 12, 2023, N.I.E.S.A. Board meeting.  Ingham County Commissioner, Monica Schafer, was present to discuss any pertinent issues that might have an effect on the Fire Department operations and finances.  General and grant fund money, 2024 meeting schedule, building & equipment budget and 2024 budget public hearing are all

being brought back for discussion, at the November 9, 2023, N.I.E.S.A. Board meeting.

After review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills, as presented.  Support, Ream. Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed 5-0.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:23 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

__________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.

Township Hall – 1685 N. M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

Board members present:  Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. Benjamin,

R. Scott Diederich, Heidi Ream.  Also present:  Monica Schafer.

After review, Ream moved to accept the minutes of the September 5, 2023, regular monthly

Board meeting.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  Ingham County Commissioner, Monica Schafer was present to meet with

the Board and review current and proposed changes taking place, at the county level. 

After review, Benjamin moved to approve the 2022-2023 Final Audit.  Support, Diederich.

Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  Motion passed.

A quote was received from Webster & Griffes, Inc., for snow removal for the 2023/2024

Winter season.  Tabled until next month, to check with Kurt Griffes, about changing to

potassium chloride, instead of salt and other ice melting products.

An estimate to install a permanent generator, at the Township hall, was reviewed.  The

Board decided a couple of more estimates should be acquired, before a decision is made.

N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Trustee, Scott Diederich.  The Board approved Drake

Accounting to provide their audit services for year end, December 31, 2023, not to exceed $9,000. Michigan Equipment Grant awarded $50,000. To N.I.E.S.A., for fire equipment. 

The ISO Ratings classification in now 5/10, effective October 1, 2023.

After review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills as presented.  Support, Ream.  Ream-Yes,

Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes.  The motion passed.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:57 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

___________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.

Township Hall – 1685 N. M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

Board members present:  Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. Benjamin,

Heidi Ream.  Absent:  R. Scott Diederich.

Also present:  Monica Moreno, Steve Moreno.

After review, Ream moved to accept the minutes of the August 1, 2023, regular monthly

Board meeting.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  Steve Moreno stated that the monthly Board meeting minutes, on the

Township website haven’t been updated since May.  Benjamin suggested that a portion

of the Township ARP funds be budgeted for the installation of a new hall generator.

The proposal for updates and repairs requested by the Library, for approximately $10,000.00

was discussed.  Will be reviewed and voted on later.

The 2022-2023 Final Budget was presented, by the Clerk.  The acceptance of the audit will be held at next month’s meeting, giving the Board members time to review prior to adoption.

Planning Commission member, Loretta Benjamin gave a report on the August 16, 2023

P.C. meeting.  The Special Use permit, requested by Steve Geyer, to add a horse riding arena

on his property, at the Southeast corner of Grand River Avenue and Dietz Road, was unanimously approved.  Choice Farm Market requested an additional request for a wine

testing.

The N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Griffes.  The Revenue sharing agreement was discussed

again.

After review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills as presented.  Support, Ream.  Benjamin-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  Motion passed 4-0.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

_________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 

Tuesday, August 8, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.                                                                                 113

Township Hall – 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes. 

Board members present: Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich, Heidi Ream. 

Also present: James Utz, Lindsay Utz. 

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes of the July11, 2023, regular monthly Board meeting. Support, Diederich. The motion passed. 

ORV Ordinance Public Hearing opened at 7:02 p.m. 

Discussion and review of the ORV Ordinance was held and the Board decided to eliminate Section 2 Operating Conditions, (L) Requirement to wear a helmet¸ protective eyewear and seat belts. Motion by Benjamin to accept ORV Ordinance #37, with the exception of Section  2L Support, Ream. Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion to accept the Ordinance passed 5-0.  

Public Hearing closed at 7:08 p.m. 

Supervisor Griffes spoke with Webberville Library Head Librarian, Amanda Vorce and she plans on submitting a proposal, for an update, of the Library kitchenette and storage area. 

Scott Diederich reported on the July 13, 2023, N.I.E.S.A. meeting. The Revenue Sharing  Agreement, with the Village of Webberville DDA and the Payment to the Ingham County  Treasurer were discussed. The State of Michigan Equipment Grant was supported, with letters  from five of the six N.I.E.S.A. municipalities. N.I.E.S.A. is also in the process of transitioning all SPOs and SOGs into Lexipol. 

The bills were presented for review and payment. Motion by Diederich to pay all bills as presented. Support, Benjamin. Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion Passed.  

The Ingham County Road Department is going to the Board of Commissioners, County Service and  Finance Committee, with a proposed Resolution to Amend the Agreement with Leroy Township, for the 2023 Local Road Program. 

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:31 p.m. Support, Ream. The motion passed. 

Wilma J. Whitehead 

Township Clerk

111 

Leroy Township Board Meeting 

Tuesday, July 11, 2023 

Township Hall – 1685 N. M-52, Webberville, MI. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes. Board members present: Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. 

Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich. Absent: Heidi Ream. 

Also present: Lindsay Utz, James Utz, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, 

Dennis Dyko. 

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes of the June 6, 2023, regular monthly Board meeting, as presented. Support, Diederich. The motion passed. 

The Township Wind & Solar Ordinances will be updated to include that the Board will have be finalizing the ordinances. 

The Board determined that the proposed ORV Ordinance be a Board driven Ordinance and a legal ad will be placed in the local paper prior to the August regular monthly Board meeting. 

John & Tracey Knoch have requested the release of a portion (1.62 acres) of Parcel #33-08-08-24-300-003 from the Farmland Development Right Agreement (PA-116). The parcel has a house and five miscellaneous farm buildings on it. After review, Diederich moved to allow the removal of said parcel (Parcel B) from PA-116. Support, Benjamin. Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. Absent-Ream. Motion passed 4-0. 

A service agreement was received from TruGreen to provide Lawn Care Services from late Summer, 2023 to early Summer, 2024 at a cost of $5,230.00. After review, Griffes moved to accept the entire contract with TruGreen, for ground maintenance. Support, Whitehead. Diederich-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed. 

The use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were revisited. The Library has asked for a new water faucet to be installed as well as additional storage cabinets. Some additions to the list were road maintenance and water and electricity installed, at the park. 

N.I.E.S.A. Rep. Diederich reviewed the meeting minutes, for June 8, 2023. The 2022 Annual Audit was amended due to the new ambulance missing on the asset list and the audit was accepted. A MI Fire Equipment Grant has been applied for by N.I.E.S.A., with a possible $10,000.00 per jurisdiction. 

The bills were presented for review. Motion by Benjamin to pay all bills as presented. Support, Diederich. Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes. The motion passed. 

There being no further business to come before the Board, Benjamin moved to adjourn at 7:42 p.m. Support, Diederich. The motion passed. 

Wilma J. Whitehead 

Township Clerk 

Leroy Township Board Meeting 

109

Tuesday, June 6, 2023-7:00 p.m. 

Township Hall – 1685 N. M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes. 

Board members present: Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Heidi Ream, Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich. 

Also present: Scott Duimstra, Sandy Drake, Amanda Vorce, Debora Bloomquist, James Utz. 

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes from the May 9, 2023 Board meeting with a corrected dollar amount, from $36,000 to $3,600. Support, Ream. The motion passed. 

Benjamin reported on the Wind & Solar Energy Conservation Systems, which were discussed at the May 17, 2023 Planning Commission work session. The Planning Commission is still looking for additional direction, from the Township Board, for updating the Zoning Ordinance. Planning Commission member, James Utz, stated that the process to adopt the ordinances be cleaned up by the Township Board, before adoption. Township Planner will be contacted for further information on procedures going forward. 

An ordinance authorizing and regulating the operation of Off-Road Vehicles, on Township secondary roads, was reviewed. Agreed that Griffes contact the Township Planner, for further advice on how to proceed. 

Capital Area District Library Board Members and Webberville Branch Head Librarian, Amanda Vorce, were present for the annual overview, of community programs provided in 2022. Customer Service included coordination with the Webberville Schools, pop up story time around town, story walk at the park and increased patron usage were positive highlights for the year. 

N.I.E.S.A. Rep. Scott Diederich reviewed the meeting minutes, for May 11, 2023. The Webberville DDA revenue sharing agreement and parking lot repairs for Station 61 were discussed. A resolution authorizing the sale of property, at 703 E. Grand River, Williamston for $66,000.00 was adopted, at the meeting. 

The bills were presented for review. Motion by Diederich to pay all bills as presented. Support, Benjamin. Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed 5-0. 

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:38 p.m. Support-Ream. The motion passed. 

Wilma J. Whitehead 

Township Clerk 

Leroy Township Board Meeting 

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. 

Township Hall – 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes. 

Board members present: Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Heidi Ream, Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich. 

Also present: Tim O’Brien, Scott MacGuidwin, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Bob McManaman, Judy McManaman. 

After review, Diederich moved to accept the minutes of the April 4, 2023 Board meeting, as presented. Support, Ream. The motion passed. 

An Ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance to permit and regulate Wind-Energy Conservation Systems, was reviewed. Recommended changes to be presented to the Planning Commission: Private WECS (2c) Height Ground Clearance; the total height of a Private WECS with the blade fully extended must not exceed 150 feet in the Ag. District and Ag. District Residential, 80 feet. The minimum clearance from ground level to the blade at its lowest point must not exceed 30 feet. 

(52a,b) Commercial WECS: Site & Use Standards and Requirements; the minimum setback to Remain at 3,000 feet and the maximum height at 300 feet. 

Tim O’Brien commented that the 3,000 ft. requirement would cause exclusionary zoning. Bob McManaman stated that the attorney included the 3,000 ft. requirement and they would defend it. Griffes will contact the Township Attorney and the Planning Commission will take the matter up at their work session on May 17th. 

An Ordinance to impose a moratorium on the issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals for, or for any construction of Solar Energy Conservation Systems, was reviewed. Motion by Benjamin to approve Resolution #2023-03 as presented, to adopt Ordinance #36. Support, Ream. Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed 5-0. This ordinance shall become immediately following publication. 

A proposed Ordinance for the purpose of authorizing and regulating the operation of Off Road Vehicles (ORV) on roads in Leroy Township, was discussed and was tabled until next month’s Board meeting. 

An estimate, of $15,000.00, to connect the park pathway across parking lot and pave from pathway to the road, was submitted by One-Way Asphalt Paving & Excavating, Inc. Motion by Diederich to accept the job proposal as presented. Support, Ream. Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed. 

Sealing of the Township Hall parking lot proposal, was reviewed. Motion by Benjamin to accept the proposal, of $3,600.00, as presented. Support, Diederich. Ream-Yes, Griffes- Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes. The motion passed. 

Township Hall lawn fertilizing was discussed. The lawn mowing company does not have their licenses to spray and the landscaping company is not set up to spray the whole lawn area. Griffes will contact Green Up Landscaping in Fowlerville. 

N.I.E.S.A. report, for April, 2023, was given by Earl Griffes. The audit report was ending December 31, 2022, was good. A commercial washer and dryer is going to be purchased, for the Webberville Station, at a cost of $19,000.00. 

The bills were presented by the Clerk, for review. Motion by Ream to pay all bills. Support, Benjamin. Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The 

motion passed. 

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. Support, Ream. The motion passed. 

Wilma J. Whitehead Township Clerk