Leroy Township

Leroy Township Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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.
Members present: Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Loretta K. Benjamin,
R. Scott Diederich, Heidi Ream.
Also present: James Utz, Lindsay Utz, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Dennis
Dyko, Todd Benjamin.
The minutes of the July 12, 2022 monthly meeting were reviewed. Benjamin
moved to accept the minutes as presented. Support, Ream. Motion passed.
The Township Assessor position applicants, were reviewed. Griffes and Diederich
previously met with Scott Cunningham, owner of H.S.C. Services, Inc. After
discussion, Griffes moved to enter into a contract with H.S.C. Services. Support,
Benjamin. The motion passed.
The Choice Farm Site Plan, was reviewed. Dennis Dyko, Planning Commission
Chairman, reported on the P.C. meeting, July 20, 2022, reviewed proposed site
plan. After review, Diederich moved to accept the Planning Commission
recommendation to approve the final site plan for Choice Farm. Support,
Whitehead. Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes¸ Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion
passed 4-0.
After review, Ream moved to pay all bills as presented, including the cemetery
fence repair for $l,433.00. Support, Benjamin. Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-
Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes. The motion passed.
Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:26 p.m. Support, Ream. The motion passed.

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Wilma J. Whitehead
Township Clerk

                                                                                  87

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 – 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, Heidi Ream,

Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.

The minutes of the June 7, 2022 monthly meeting were reviewed.  Ream moved to accept the minutes as presented.  Support¸ Diederich.  The motion passed.

The Township Assessor position was discussed.  There are three candidates are interested in the position and no final decision has been made.  After further

discussion, Benjamin moved to pay Cindy Young, her full monthly Assessor pay

for the work, she has performed since retiring, on May 31, 2022.  Support, Diederich. The motion passed.

Township Planner, Chris Kohrey, explained the Planning Commission meeting

minutes, June 22, 2022, for the Benjamin PUD.  Loretta Benjamin explained that all products sold in their store will be farm products, to promote farming and draw people to the community.  Marilyn Smith asked if the Benjamins are required to go before the Planning Commission yearly.  Chris stated that this is unique to this PUD.  Dave Wheeler read a letter of support written by Janice Wheeler.  Also, support, from Chris Wilke, Ernie Nims, Susie Hitchcock and the rest of the audience.  Motion by Whitehead to approve the conceptual PUD for   Choice Farm & Adventure.  Support, Ream.  Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed 4-0. 

Wind Turbine Moratorium Ordinance, was discussed.  Benjamin moved to adopt

Resolution #2022-1, for a six month period for the Planning Commission to work

on the current ordinance, Section 433, esp. pertaining to set-backs and heights.  Support, Ream. Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes.  The motion passed.

N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Scott Diederich. The Revenue Sharing Agreement between NIESA and the Village of Webberville DDA was reviewed, edited and it was recommended that the amended agreement be sent to NIESAs attorney, for review.  A sealed bid, for the purchase a used brush truck, was approved.

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

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

motion passed.

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

________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead Township Clerk

                                                                                                                     85

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 – 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, Heidi Ream,

R. Scott Diederich.  Absent:  Loretta K. Benjamin.

Also present:  James Utz, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Bob McManaman,

Judy McManaman, Amanda Vorce.

The minutes of the May 3, 2022 monthly meeting, were reviewed.  Ream

moved that the minutes be accepted, with the addition of the support and

motion passed to the Township Receptionist paragraph.  Support, Diederich.

The motion passed.

It was stated that the Township Zoning Ordinance, Section 433, Wind Energy

conversion Systems needs to reviewed for updates.  Some of the revisions being

requested for the Planning Commission to be considered are the height, sound

vibrations and setbacks of the wind turbines.  The Planning Commission would

like the specific directions, from the Township Board, on the changes to be made

to the ordinance.

A moratorium for the acceptance of any Wind Turbine applications was discussed.  The Board agreed that the Supervisor contact the Township Attorney

to write up a moratorium, while the wind ordinance updates are being revised.

CADL, Webberville Branch Head Librarian, Amanda Vorce was present to give

their 2021 annual report.  They are glad to be back open again, to the public

since being closed for the pandemic. 

N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Griffes.  The DDA fund discussion was tabled until

the June Meeting. 

After review, Ream moved to pay all bills as presented.  Support, Diederich.

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

A proposal was received from G.W. Seal Coat to seal the Township Hall parking

lot.  Motion by Diederich to accept the bid to seal and restripe the parking lot, for

the sum of $3,600.00.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Motion by Diederich to adjourn at 7:48 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

_______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                                   83

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 – 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, Heidi Ream, Loretta K.

Benjamin. R. Scott Diederich.

Also present:  Dennis Dyko, Todd Benjamin, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Bob McManaman,

Judy McManaman, Ralph Tucker, Tim O’Brien.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes of the April 5, 2022 monthly meeting as

presented.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  Resident asked about the Township minutes and other information not being updated on the Township website.  The Clerk will contact the Township IT rep. again.  Also, a request to have the wind turbines, on the next Planning Commission Work Session agenda, on May 18, 2022, to strengthen the current wind ordinance.

A bid to build a 50’ X 80’ basketball court at the Simmons Memorial Park, was reviewed. 

Motion by Benjamin to accept the proposal from Concrete Landscapes, LLC, with an

additional cost of $7.00 per yard for cement and with the total project cap of $25,000.00.

Support, Whitehead.  Diederich, Ream, Griffes, Benjamin, Whitehead.  The motion passed.

After discussion, Ream moved to pay the Township Receptionist for regular office hours off,

to provide a close family member with needed assisted medical care.  Support, Whitehead.

The motion passed.

Trustee, Diederich gave a report on the regular N.I.E.S.A. meeting, held on April 14, 2022. 

The Webberville DDA Agreement for Revenue Sharing, the latest floor plan for the Leroy Township Fire Station project, along with the appointment of a temporary Building Committee

were discussed.  A request to include the N.I.E.S.A. Board Member-At-Large primary representative open position notice and the Leroy Township Fire Station floor plan be added

to the Township’s website.  The N.I.E.S.A. Board approved Lexipol Solutions proposal for an updated customization of department policies.

The bills were presented and after review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills.  Support, Ream.

Griffes, Benjamin, Whitehead, Ream, Diederich-all Yes.  The motion passed 5-0.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:34 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

__________________________

Wilma J Whitehead

Leroy Township Clerk

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Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 – 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, Heidi Ream,

Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.

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

Moreno, Todd Benjamin.

After review, Diederich moved to accept the minutes of the March 1, 2022 monthly meeting as presented.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

The minutes of the Annual Budget Public Hearing, on March 30, 2022, were reviewed.  Motion by Benjamin to accept the minutes as presented.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  Resident suggested that the Township Agri-Tourism Ordinance and the Wind Turbine Ordinance be more complete and be placed on the Planning Commission Agenda, for their next work session.

The revised Agri-Tourism/PUD Amendments, were reviewed.  The Township Planning Commission recommended to the Board to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendments that define the terms Agritourism and Banquet Facility, clarify the rules for Planned Unit Development with an Agricultural Enterprise underlying zoning district and clarify the procedures for approving Planned Unit Developments.  Motion by Ream to adopt the amendments as presented. Support, Whitehead.  Diederich-No, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed 4-1.

Lawn maintenance proposal from Lawn Crafters was reviewed.  Motion by Griffes to accept the bid, for the 2022 season. Support, Benjamin.  Motion passed.

Lawn mowing quotes for the hall, cemetery and the park were reviewed. Motion by Diederich to accept the bid from Emjay Total Lawn Solutions.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Supervisor, Griffes gave the report for the March 10, 2022 N.I.E.S.A. meeting.

No report on Station 62 Project and the Personnel & Finance Committee appointments remain the same.  Standard Operation Guidelines were reviewed.

Building Inspector, Tim O’Neil, submitted his new building inspection schedule and it was accepted by the Board.

A quote to repair the main entrance cement, for $1,600.00 was discussed. Benjamin moved to accept the bid.  Seconded by Ream.  Motion passed 5-0.

The bills were presented and after review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills. Support, Ream.  Ream-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich- Yes.  The motion passed. 

A letter of resignation from the Township Assessor, Cindy Young, was read and accepted, by the Board.  Advertising will take place for a position replacement.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.  Support, Ream.  Motion passed.

_______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                    79

Leroy Township Board Budget Public Hearing

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 – 10:00 A.M

Township Board Room, 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI.

The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

Members present:  Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Heidi Ream, R. Scott

Diederich, Loretta K. Benjamin.  Audience:  None.

The Budget Public Hearing was called to order at 10:05 a.m.

The current millage rate of .8062 was discussed.  Motion by Ream to have the Township millage rate remain the same for 2022-2023.  Seconded, Benjamin.  Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed.

The proposed Revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 were reviewed.  Benjamin moved to have all revenues remain the same.  Support, Diederich.  Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

The 2021-2022 Budget Amendments were reviewed.  Motion by Diederich to accept the Budget Amendments of $12,540.45.  Support, Benjamin.  Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes.  Motion passed.

The proposed Expenditures for fiscal year 2022-2023 were reviewed.  Motion by Benjamin to increase the salaries of Elected Officials, Assessor, Receptionist, by the current inflation rate of 6% and the Building Inspector by $5.00 per building inspection, plan reviews and office hours.  Support, Ream.  Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes.  The motion passed.

After review and discussion, Benjamin moved to adopt the 2022-2023 Annual Budget, as presented.  Seconded, Ream.  Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

The Budget Public Hearing was closed at 11:04 a.m.

Motion by Benjamin to hold the regular meeting dates of the Township Board, on the first Tuesday of each month, except for July, August and January, which will be held on the second Tuesday, of the month.  Support, Whitehead.  The motion passed.

The 2022-2023 Streetlight Budget was presented, by Ream.  After review, Diederich moved to adopt the Budget.  Seconded, Benjamin.  Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

Motion by Ream to use Huntington Bank and MSU Federal Credit Union for bank depositories, with the option to use other banks.  Support, Benjamin. The motion passed. 

Benjamin moved to approve the Township authority to buy and sell property. Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Motion by Griffes to retain Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. as Township legal counsel.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

Griffes moved to retain McKenna Associates, Inc. as the Township planners. Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 11:36 a.m.  Support, Ream.  Motion passed.

_______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                 77

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 1, 2022 – 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, Todd Benjamin, Monica Schafer, Monica Moreno, Steve Moreno,

Lindsay Utz, James Utz.

After review, Diederich moved to accept the minutes, of the February meeting, as presented. Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  Monica Schafer introduced herself as a candidate, for Ingham County     Commissioner, for the new 15^th District, the seat held by Randy Schafer, who is retiring. Ms. Schafer feels that she can do a good job of representing the residents, in the out-county area.

Trustee, Benjamin gave a report on the Planning Commission work session, held on February 16, 2022.  The Agri-Tourism PUD Ordinance was reviewed and discussed. An Agri-Tourism Public Hearing was set for, March 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

The Annual Budget Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.

Trustee, Diederich gave the monthly N.I.E.S.A. report.  There was further discussion on the capture of N.I.E.S.A. funds and the Webberville D.D.A., Committee appointments and the new N.I.E.S.A. Board officers. 

The monthly bills were presented and after review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills and all additional regular monthly bills, that come in.  Support, Whitehead.  Diederich-Yes, Griffes- Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:34 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

_________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                        75

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 – 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:  Dennis Dyko, Todd Benjamin, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, James Utz, Lindsay

Utz, Tom Smith, Marilyn Smith.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the January minutes as presented.  Support, Ream. The motion passed. 

Public comments on the Agri-Tourism/PUD amendment:  the original point of the Agri-Tourism Zoning was the right to farm and sell agricultural products, permits required under AT/PUD provide safe environments for the community, trust that the Board will not be turning zoning things around with proposed zoning changes, farmers helping farmers and provide other positive things, the current businesses would be legal and grandfathered in, entertainment and farms are a good way to spend time and money, Agri-Tourism will help families to keep going for generations and will improve public perception of the agricultural community. 

The Board further discussed the proposed Agri-tourism amendment changes that the Planning Commission has been working on since the Lavender Farm, on Gramer Road, proposal to build a banquet facility/event barn, in 2017.  Griffes decided to contact the Township Planner about the Board having final approval over PUDs and to make changes to the amendment, before the next Planning Commission work session.

Planning Commission terms reviewed.  Bradley Hitchcock’s term has expired and he has decided to resign, from the position.  Supervisor, Griffes appointed Monica Moreno to fill the position, for the three year term.

Richard Chaffee PA-116 received a request for additional information¸ by the State Department of Farmland Development Rights, asking for a Township Resolution stating that at least one building was present, at 1175 N. Dietz Road, Webberville, prior to the original start date, of the agreement, in 2008.  Motion by Benjamin to adopt a resolution verifying that at least one structure, on the property is older than 2008.  Support, Whitehead.  Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Diederich.  The Board discussed the capture of funds on DDA properties. The personnel committee will set a date, to discuss the department’s recent two retirements and one resignation and the filling of these three positions.

The Township Salaries Resolution was discussed.  Whitehead moved to adopt Resolution #2022-02 to adjust employee’s salaries because of the current COLA increase.  Support, Ream.  Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes.  The motion passed 5-0.

The bills were presented and after review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills.  Support, Diederich. Griffes-Yes¸ Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes.  The motion passed 5-0.

The Ingham County Drain Commission, Notice of Day of Review of Apportionments, for the Smith and Oesterle Drain Special Assessment District, was discussed.  The flooding out of driveways and the bridge on Frost Road were concerns voiced, by the residents, to the Drain Commission.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                              73

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 4, 2022 – 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, Heidi Ream, Loretta K.

Benjamin.  Absent:  R. Scott Diederich.

Also present:  Tom Smith, M. Smith, James Utz, Lindsay Utz, Dennis Dyko, Todd Benjamin,

Chris Corey.

After Review, Ream moved to accept the minutes of the December meeting, as presented.

Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

The Ordinance Recommendations, from the November 17, 2021 Planning Commission meeting were reviewed.  Chris Corey, Township Planner, explained the recommendations in detail and answered questions.  Motion by Benjamin to have the Township Board adopt the Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Resolution #2022-01, Ordinance #34, from the November Planning Commission meeting, as presented.  Support, Ream.  Roll call vote:  Benjamin-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  Absent:  Diederich. The motion passed 4-0.

The Ingham County Road Department invoice for the 2021 Local Road Program was reviewed. The invoice listed Allen Road as one of the roads that had maintenance work done and the Board decided that it was a listing error. 

N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Griffes.  The Village of Webberville D.D.A. Chairperson, Josh Rocky was present to discuss the ad Valorem Property Tax assessment capture, for N.I.E.S.A.  The Village captures the funds and is willing to work on an agreement to return the full capture funds legally to N.I.E.S.A.  Will be discussed at the next N.I.E.S.A. meeting in January.  The Leroy Station siren is on order and the Township will pay its portion when the invoice is submitted.

A letter from Frontier, stating that our current telephone system will not be supported by them in the future, was discussed.  A proposal, from Frontier was reviewed.  Motion by Griffes to authorize the decision to the Clerk, to purchase and finalize a new phone system.  Support, Ream. The motion passed.

The bills were presented and after review, Benjamin moved to pay the bills. Support, Ream.

Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  Motion passed 4-0. 

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:44 p.m.  Support, Whitehead.  The motion passed.

__________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                                                       71

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.

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

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

Board Members present:  Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Heidi Ream, Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.  Also present:  Dennis Dyko, Lindsay Utz, James Utz, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Tom Smith, Todd Benjamin.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the November meeting minutes as presented.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

Public Comment:  Supervisor, Griffes stated that the recommendations from the Planning Commission meeting, on November 17, 202l, will be taken up at the next meeting, of the Township Board, on January 4, 2022.

Diederich gave the N.I.E.S.A. report from their meeting, on November 11, 2021. Approved the 2022 meeting schedule and Resolution 6 of the Fiscal Year 2022 Building/Equipment Appropriation Act.  The plans for the update of the N.I.E.S.A. Leroy Township Station are in the works and the Williamston Station will be paid off in full in 2022.

Trustee, Loretta Benjamin gave a report, on the November 11, 2021, Planning Commission meeting, which dealt with the Zoning Ordinance Amendment Reviews.  Sections 202 Definitions, 430 Marijuana Care Givers, 305,406 Setbacks for Porches & Decks, 436 Marijuana Care Givers per Household, 1508 Violations and Penalties, were recommended for review and approval to the Township Board.  Section 1003, Project Design Standards/Agritourism definition was excluded from the motion.

The bills were presented and after review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills.

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

Ream moved to adjourn at 7:21 p.m.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

_________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk