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April 6, 2021

Leroy 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:  James Utz, Lindsay Utz, Shelly Hall, Brian O’Shea, Larry Fulger, Dennis Dyko,

Tim O’Brien, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno.

After review, Benjamin moved to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2021 regular monthly Board meeting.  Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

The minutes of the Annual Budget meeting, on March 24, 2021, were reviewed.  Motion by Benjamin to accept the minutes as presented.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

 Public comment:  Monica Moreno commented on the letter from Rosa Jones, presented at last month’s meeting.  Apex, Inc., should be providing information on the current status of their proposed wind turbine project, so as to be able to include the information for public record.  Brian O’Shea, Apex representative agreed that all information needs to be get out to the community and a public information meeting would be a good idea later.  They are still in the early process of obtaining land and conducting wind studies.  Shelly Hall asked who is going to make Apex accountable and that some residents are aware of the project and some are not.  Mr. O’Shea stated that it is difficult to do a project in a community that is against it from the beginning.  Monica Moreno questioned the possibility of a moratorium of the project or have monthly updates from the applicants available.  Tim O’Brien asked if the number of land owners, that they have spoken with and have accepted to lease their property, was available.  Mr. O’Shea responded that he will check for next month’s meeting.  Trustee, Benjamin asked if once the land owner signs on are the fully committed and stated that some property owners are being misled. 

 Larry Fulger was present to discuss the progress he is making on his mobile home.  Supervisor, Griffes reminded Mr. Fulger that a letter was sent, from the Township’s legal firm, more than 30 days ago, with no substantial progress to date.  Mr. Fulger said one half of the trailer is studded and installing insulation, cabinets and drywall, at this time.  His mother is not taking kindly to him cleaning up the property, even though he would like to.  Mr. Fulger stated that his occupancy date is sometime this fall and he was reminded that his unproductive proceedings is putting the Township in a poor position, while knowingly letting this go on and being aware of the situation.  Next month the Board wants a list of what needs to completed yet and to show more progress.  Another winter of living in the tiny home will not be tolerated and will have to go to court, if not new residence is not complete enough for occupancy.

The 2021-2022 Street Light Budget was presented by Treasurer, Ream.  After discussion, Benjamin moved to adopt the budget.  Support, Whitehead.  The motion passed.

Lawn Maintenance proposals were presented for review.  Lawn Crafters, Inc. provided three proposals, which included mowing the Township hall property and the park, and the landscaping for the hall.  Emjay Total Lawn Care proposals that were reviewed were for mowing the park, cemetery and the Township hall.  After discussion, Benjamin moved to accept the contract with Emjay for the mowing of the park, cemetery and hall properties, for 2021.  Support, Ream.  Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-No, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes.  The motion passed 4-1.  Motion by Benjamin to accept the bid from Lawn Crafters, Inc. for the landscaping for the Township Hall for the 2021 season.  Support, Diederich.  Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

Motion by Griffes to add Travis Nack to the Planning Commission. Support, Benjamin.  Motion passed.

The bills were presented by the Clerk.  After review, Ream moved to pay all bills.  Support, Benjamin. Benjamin-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed.

A letter from Nolan Law, LLC, which states that they have been retained by a group of citizens, from Wheatfield and Leroy Townships, who are concerned about the dangers of improperly sited industrial wind turbines, was reviewed.  The Board felt that Mr. Nolan contacting and communicating with the Township legal firm shouldn’t be paid for by the Township, until and when Apex, Inc. files a formal request for with the Township, to proceed with their proposed wind turbine project.

Benjamin moved to adjourn at 8:09 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

__________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk