Leroy Township

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – 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, Gina L. Whitehead, Heidi Ream, Loretta K. Benjamin.

Absent: R. Scott Diederich

Also present: James Utz, Larry Fulger, Debi Dieterle, Steve & Monica Moreno.

November 4, meeting minutes approved. Motion by Ream and seconded by Benjamin. Aye 4-Nay 0. Motion passed.

No public comment.

Cash in Lieu of Colonial Life Dental & Vision was presented to the Board by Whitehead. Employees that do not need the insurance provided will be paid the monthly money that the Township pays for the employees. Benjamin motioned and seconded by Whitehead to pay the employees that opted out of the insurance. Aye-4 Nay-0. Motion passed.

425 Agreement – Property North of Aldi was brought to the Board. The Village wants to take over control of the project and there has been very little communication between them and the Township. The Truck Stop that was originally proposed has now been taken on by a different company with new plans in action for a 30-acre warehouse using the Village water and sewer lines. The Township planner is going to meet with the Village to discuss the contract that was given to the Township Board. Further discussion will take place at the next Planning Commission/Public Hearing held on February 18, 2026.

Proposed zoning of 2773 East Grand River Avenue was discussed. Benjamin stated that the owner did not follow the Township’s ordinance and at the Planning Commission meeting/work session on November 19, 2025, it was denied. Benjamin motioned to deny the rezoning of 2773 East Grand River Avenue and seconded by Ream. Motion passes.

New boardroom chairs were brought to the board by Whitehead. The current chairs are more than 20 years old and need to be replaced. Benjamin would give Whitehead a contact person to discuss office furniture with to see if they could help. A budget of $2000.00 for the chairs was motioned by Griffes and seconded by Ream. Whitehead will be bringing more options to the board for approval. Motioned passes.

NIESA meeting minutes from November 13, 2025, were presented by Griffes. Chairperson Hart thanked the NIESA staff that were present for their service and attending the meeting, NIESA is still waiting for approval from their attorney’s office for the 2026-2027 Village of Webberville DDA agreement. Gabridge & Company will act as the Financial Audit Services for the year ending December 31, 2025. The NIESA board is working on setting a date for the Public Hearing for the 2026 budget, along with the Building & Equipment budget for 2026.

Fowlerville Senior Center was requesting financial support from the Township. They did not receive any funding in 2025 from the State of Michigan and Livingston County, but local townships and village offices have provided financial support to the center. They provide services primarily to senior citizens, but also to all the surrounding municipalities and counties. The Township Board has denied the center financial support due to the residents already paying taxes and not using the center. Griffes mentioned that not many Leroy Township residents use the Fowlerville Senior Center as much as the Williamston Senior Center. Benjamin moved to deny the request for financial support to the Fowlerville Senior Center and seconded by Ream.

Aye-4 Nay-0. Motion denied.

Payment of bills was discussed by the Board. The Board was pleased with the updated report of invoices that Whitehead presented. Motioned by Ream and seconded by Benjamin to pay the bills for December 2025. Roll call vote: Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Yes-Benjamin, Whitehead-Yes. Motion passed.

No correspondence.

Griffes declared the meeting adjourned at 7:41 pm.

_________________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – 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, Gina Whitehead, Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich,

Loretta K. Benjamin.

Also present: James & Lindsey Utz, Steve & Monica Moreno.

October 7, meeting minutes approved. Motion by Ream and seconded by Diederich. Aye 5-Nay 0. Motion passed.

No public comment.

The Board of Appeals meeting on October 15, 2025, and the Township employee insurance was old business that was brought to the Board. Scott Diederich and James Utz (Board of Appeals members) discussed the meeting. David Groop stated the other business setbacks along Grand River vary, with less setbacks requirements than being asked for. Tim O’Neil (Building Inspector) responded that there are multiple zoning districts, with various setback requirements, in the area and the site plan will show that information. The Board of Appeals is allowing a structure setback variance of 52.4 feet to the center of the road, with all sign permits obtained and followed to have a free-standing sign, Article 7, Section 704. The Special Use permit was approved. The Township employee dental and vision insurance took effect on November 1, 2025.

Griffes brought to the Board, the Special Use Permit for the Langhorst property on Grand River and Meech Rd to be split into parcels. It is zoned for (RA) Residential Agriculture and is not a buildable property. Tom MacIntosh would like to split the land, which meets the Townships ordinance requirements. The Planning Commission members present at the meeting agreed with Griffes and he will be talking to the landowner.

NIESA meeting minutes from October 9, 2025, were presented by Griffes. Director Yanz provided his Monthly Director’s Report in the areas of Administrative, Operations, Training, Grants, Personnel and others. Griffes applauded Director Yanz for his persistence in securing the SAFER Grant, he is very appreciative of his efforts and personal phone call to let him know the grant was awarded. The Village of Webberville DDA Agreement (2026-2027) is still waiting for approval from the attorney’s office. Ms. Schoenborn shared the auditor bids that are being received for her review and once they are all received she will provide the NIESA Board for review and action. It was recommended that this item be returned as “New Business” at the November 13, 2025, NIESA Board Meeting.

Diederich attended a special meeting on November 4, 2025, for the evaluation of Director Yanz. He has all the certificates that are required and knowledge to continue to be NIESA’s director/fire chief. Diederich and Griffes are both very pleased with Mr. Yanz.

Payment of bills was discussed by the Board. Benjamin questioned the USPS invoice due to the fact of it being such a large amount. Ream mentioned that she also questioned the price. Whitehead assured them that pre-stamped envelopes with a return label are pricey but a necessity for the office staff. Motioned by Benjamin and seconded by Ream. Roll call vote: Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Yes-Benjamin, Whitehead-Yes. Motion passed.

No correspondence.

Griffes declared the meeting adjourned at 7:27 pm.

_________________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                  169

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – 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, Gina Whitehead, Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich

Absent: Loretta K. Benjamin.

Also present: Steve & Monica Moreno, Jordan Dzurka and Monica Shaffer

September 9, meeting minutes approved. Motion by Ream and seconded by Diederich. Aye 4-Nay 0. Motion passed.

Public comment by Ingham County Commissioner Monica Shaffer about their budget and budget cuts that may affect local programs. She is working hard to get the word out, so this does not happen.

Bids for snow removal/salting were discussed by the Board. Jordan Dzurka owner of Carson Services LLC presented his bid with much detailed information. Carson Services LLC rates and services were more than the townships present contract with Webster & Griffes. Griffes moved to retain Webster & Griffes services for the township parking lot for the 2025-2026 winter months and supported by Ream. The motion passed.

NIESA meeting minutes were presented by Diederich with frustration of the present turmoil within the department. The Webberville DDA Agreements were approved for 2025-2026. Auditors Maner Costerisan are working on additional proposals for the NIESA board’s approval at the next meeting. Discussion got heated between board members and NIESA staff about the monthly run report needing to be more detailed in the Fowlerville News & Views due to board member Hansen believing that the information being provided represents a smokescreen and does not clearly outline the run data. There appears to be no corruption or hiding going on in the department and with the board showing full support against the accusations made. Diederich commented that Director Yatz does a lot, and it shows through with his leadership skills.

Payment of bills was motioned by Ream and seconded by Diedrich. Roll call vote: Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. Motion passed.

No correspondence.

Griffes declared the meeting adjourned at 7:54pm.

_________________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

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Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – 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, Gina Whitehead, Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich, Loretta K. Benjamin.

Also present: James & Lindsey Utz, Steve & Monica Moreno.

August 5, meeting minutes approved. Motion by Benjamin and seconded by Ream. Aye 5-Nay 0 Motioned passed.

No public comment.

2024-2025 Audit was presented to the Board with a copy from our auditors Maner Costerisan. After review, Diederich motioned to adopt and except the 2024-2025 Audit as presented and seconded by Benjamin. Motion passed.

Insurance for the township was presented to the Board with an upgraded benefits package. Decker Agency has new Colonial Life vision and dental programs that are being provided to and by the Township and other benefit offers are to be paid by the employee. Motioned by Whitehead and seconded by Diederich to approve the upgraded insurance benefits. Roll call vote: Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. Motion passed.

Office hours being changed from being open on Fridays to Thursdays, were presented to the Board. Griffes mentioned employees being out on Fridays, not much going on during the Friday business hours and the benefits of being open three consecutive days was a good idea. Williamstown Township office hours were brought to the Boards attention of being open Tuesday through Thursdays with a lot of success. Public comment was made that if there was no change in the time difference, they didn’t see any issues. Ream and Whitehead mentioned being open for tax collection and elections. Those days of operation will be posted on the Township website and in the local newspaper before each date of operation. Griffes proposed to start the new office hours of Leroy Township Offices to be open Tuesday through Thursday starting on October 1, 2025. Aye-5 Nay-0. Motioned passed.

Planning Commission/Work Session meeting on August 20, 2025, was presented by Planning Commission Chairman James Utz. The proposed rezoning on 2773 E Grand River in Williamston was tabled due to the Townships zoning ordinance, neighbors and the property owner’s concerns. It will be on the November meeting agenda for further discussion. The Special Land Use permit for 2995 Howell Rd, Webberville is for 20-acres with a 21,980 square foot building with an anaerobic digester for processing manure, food and beverage waste converted into natural gas usage with byproducts from the process being used for fields and livestock bedding was accepted and approved by the planning commission.

NIESA meeting minutes were presented by Diederich. The Village of Webberville DDA two-year agreement has been amended but a copy has not yet been received, and plan to have the copy for the next NIESA meeting. A monthly report on Stations 61 & 62 ambulances and fire runs have not been made public, and members would like them to be so they could help support the funding needed in the future. NIESA ambulance and fire personnel expressed concern about the potential reinstatement of paid on-call staffing not being operational and logistical, which would not benefit the surrounding residents. There have been social media posts and letters about the department that have upset Director Yatz and personnel regarding this. A personal committee special meeting on September 3^rd was held. Diederich discussed a HIPPA violation, the police department arrests and Dorthy Hart attending the Williamstown City meeting.

Payment of bills was motioned by Benjamin and seconded by Ream. Roll call vote: Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. Motion passed.

No Correspondence

Griffes declared the meeting adjourned at 7:48pm.

_________________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                  165

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – 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, Gina Whitehead, Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich, Loretta K. Benjamin.

Also present: James & Lindsey Utz, Dennis Dyko, Steve & Monica Moreno.

July 1, 2025, meeting minutes approved with gratitude. Motion by Ream and seconded by Diederich. Roll Call Griffes-Yes, Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.                Motion passed.

Public comment was about the Township’s website. Griffes mentioned that he was pleased that the Board Meeting minutes were posted through June 2025. Also mentioned, was the Township Master Plan and Sign Ordinance being added to the website. In the works.

Painting Bids submitted for the foyer and board room were discussed. The Board made the decision to have Brenda Davis, a local painter, with the qualifications that meet the Township’s needs to repaint just the board room and not the foyer. The type of paint being used will be with a high-end finish, due to all the rentals in the future. Colors have not been decided, but in the works.

Hall rental damage deposit is to be retained to the Township. Ream mentioned that it states in the rental contract not to attach posters and signs to the walls or make any permanent alterations to the building. Under Section 4. Rental Fees and Damage Deposit b. Damage Deposit the Township Board may deduct for the damage deposit any repair and clean up costs it incurs to return the Township Hall to the same condition it was prior to the rental.

NIESA Board Meeting minutes were presented by Diederich. The Village of Webberville DDA Agreement for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 was approved as a two-year agreement. The DDA is in the process of amending the agreement to reflect the language of the two-year agreement and will be returned to Old Business for the next NEISA Board Meeting on August 14, 2025. The NEISA Board minutes for May 10^th were pending approval since the secretary (present or not) will be the signatory on the minutes. Diederich commented that the Chairman would be more efficient with knowing what all was being discussed at the meeting. Director Yanz’s monthly report included the Red Ceder Jubilee, NEISA call volume continues to increase and look to hire additional paid-on-call and part-time staff. Two concerns from Yanz were the safety of the residents during a fireworks display at the Jubilee that was not permitted and inappropriate social media posts about NEISA. Diederich mentioned that the department is running smoothly as ever. At the end of the meeting, they sang Happy Birthday to Director Yanz and had an assortment of cupcakes. Diederich commented that the department is running smoothly as ever.

Payment of bills with discussion. Motion by Benjamin and seconded by Diederich to pay the bills. Supported by Griffes, Ream, Diederich, Benjamin and Whitehead.

No Correspondence

Griffes declared the meeting adjourned at 7:25pm.

_________________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk