Leroy Township

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Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                                                

Tuesday, September 10, 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 the 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, Richard Chaffee, Monica Moreno, Steve Moreno.

After review, Ream moved to accept the minutes of the August 13, 2024, Regular Board meeting as presented.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  Lindsay Utz expressed her concerns for the traffic safety, along M-52 at I-96, caused by Aldi delivery semi-trucks blocking the road.  The Supervisor will contact Brian Hitchcock, who sits on the Motor Carrier Enforcement Division Board.

The revised Sign Ordinance – Article 7 was reviewed and discussed.  The Supervisor tabled the ordinance until next month’s Board meeting, so the Board members could further review the ordinance, before adoption.

Richard Chaffee explained his plans to start up a winery, under a Planned Unit Development in the Agricultural Zoned district, of the Township. A preliminary plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission, on August 21, 2024, and was approved to send the conceptual PUD to the Township Board, for review and approval.  Benjamin moved to approve the next step of sending the plan back to the Planning Commission, for review.  Support, Ream.  Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  Motion passed 5-0.

Swan Fuel Service, Inc., proposal to install a 500 gallon propane tank and provide delivery services, for the new generator at the Township Hall.  Benjamin moved to contract with Swans. Support, Diederich.  Diederich-Yes. Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.

The motion passed.

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 8:07 p.m.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

_______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead Township Clerk

                                                                                                                   139

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, August 13, 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. Heidi Ream,

Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.  No Audience.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes of the July 9, 2024 Regular

Board meeting, as presented.  Support, Ream.  The motion passed.

After review, Diederich moved to accept the minutes of the August 7, 2024

Special Board meeting. Support, Benjamin. The motion passed.

The Planning Commission final copies of the Wind, Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems Ordinances, were presented and reviewed, by the Board.

Benjamin moved to adopt ORDINANCE #38, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZOINING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT AND REGULATE WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS AND TO AMEND SPECIAL USE PERMIT REGULATIONS.

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

Motion by Ream to adopt ORDINANCE #39, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZOING

ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS.

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

Diederich moved to adopt ORDINANCE #40, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE

ZONING ORDINANCE TO REGULATE UTILITY-SCALE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS.

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

The motion passed.

The NIESA report for July and August meetings were given by Diederich. The Board

has been discussing the Department Banking & Investing Policies to obtain the best

interest rates and security investments. Remodeling is being done on Station 62 to

house two full time ambulances.  The Board is considering upgrades to fire department

equipment with Stryker Corporation.

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

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

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

_______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

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LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, July 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, Heidi Ream, Loretta K.

Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.

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

Marguerite Martin.

After review, Ream moved to accept the minutes of the June 4, 2024 regular Board meeting.

Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

Julie Rudd, Williamston Area Senior Center President, spoke of the updates planned for the

center and the newly purchased building, at 500 Williamston Center Road, Williamston.

Marguerite Martin, a volunteer for the center, said she enjoys helping out and being in

touch with area residents attending the center programs.

A resolution to adopt a WASC millage proposal, to be placed on the November, 2024 ballot, was discussed. Diederich moved to review a newly revised resolution, to place the proposal on the November ballot. Support, Ream. Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed.

All Leroy Township property owners were not assessed for the Williamston Area Senior Center

millage, on their Winter 2023 tax bills.  After discussion, Ream moved to distribute the millage,

due to the Williamston Senior Center, for 2023 and not to exceed $40,000.00.  Support,

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

motion passed.

Ronald Hamlin has requested the release of a portion (2.50 acres) of Parcel #33-08-08-23-400-007 from the Farmland Development Rights Agreement (PA-116).  Property location is on

Frost Road, East of Searls Road.  Benjamin moved to allow the removal of said parcel from

PA-116.  Support, Ream.  Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-

Yes.  The motion passed 5-0.

The NIESA report for the June meeting was given by Diederich. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV)

was ordered by the NIESA Board, for $72,000.00.  Plans are being made for NIESA and other additional fire departments to burn a house for training, on Meridian Road.

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

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 8:04 p.m. Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

_______________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

138

LEROY TOWNSHIP SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 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:  Julie Rudd.

The special meeting was called to review and discuss the Williamston Area Senior Center millage proposal requested to be placed, on the 2024 November General Election ballot.

A few dates changes and wording updates, were proposed.  Motion by Ream to place the proposal on the ballot, with corrections.  Support, Diederich. Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed.

Ream moved to adjourn at 4:15 p.m. Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, June 4, 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, Heidi Ream,

R. Scott Diederich.  Member absent:  Loretta K. Benjamin.

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

The 2024-2025 contract with HSC Services, Inc., for assessing services, was

reviewed. The Annual Inspection of Property cost funds have been previously

adopted.  Motion by Diederich to accept the monthly contract amount of $2,100.00.  Support, Ream.  Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes,

Diederich-Yes.  The motion passed 4-0.

Article 9 Special Use Permits, Section 902 & 903 changes and additions were

reviewed.  Motion by Ream to approve the changes and additions to Article 9.

Support, Whitehead.  Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes.

The motion passed.

A telephone service quote from T-Mobile, was reviewed.  Diederich move to

accept the service contract.  Support, Ream.  Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes,

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

Diederich gave report from the, May 9, 2024, NIESA Board meeting.  UTV

proposed purchase was back on the agenda and it was recommended to move

the purchase for an off-road vehicle, for action.  An application has been

submitted for a grant, for the proposed remodeling project aims to address the

needs of Webberville, Station 2.

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

The motion passed.

Ream moved to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  Motion passed.

______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 – 7:00 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to or 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:  Julie Rudd, Jannet Bowman.

After review, Ream moved to accept the minutes, of the April 2, 2024, regular monthly

Board meeting.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

The Williamston Area Senior Center plan to place a millage proposal, on the November,

2024 ballot, was discussed.  Julie Rudd, WASC Executive Director, updated the Board on

the current status of the area Townships and the City of Williamston, moving to place the proposal on their ballots. 

Rodney and Ariel Andrews requested to place three cremation burials on their plot, in the

Webberville Cemetery.  Cemetery Ordinance #33, Section 12, states that a maximum of two

(2) cremation burials shall be allowed on one plot, unless permission is otherwise granted by

the Township Board.  After review, Benjamin moved to allow the Andrews to place three (3) cremation burials on their plot, in Block 7, of the Webberville Cemetery.  Support, Ream.

The motion passed.

HSC Services, Inc. contract for August 1, 2024 thru July 31, 2025, was reviewed.  The

decision on the contract was tabled, until next month, to further check on the previous contract

payments, for actual property visits and parcel updates.

NIESA report was given by Supervisor, Griffes.  A UTV purchase quote from Polaris Sales,

Inc., for $66,385.87, motion was denied. A purchase quote by MilPro Marine LLC, for an inflatable boat, at $15,525.00, motion passed.  Discussed the addition of an EV charging stations at NIESA. It was recommended that the Board of Directors not pursue costs for EV charging stations, at this time.

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

Whitehead moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Support, Benjamin. The motion passed.

_______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, April 2, 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, Heidi Ream, R. Scott

Diederich.  Absent:  Loretta K. Benjamin.

Also present:  Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno.

After review, Diederich moved to accept the minutes of the March 5, 2024, regular monthly

Board Meeting, as presented.  Support, Ream. The motion passed.

Ream moved to accept the minutes of the Annual Organizational Meeting, March 27, 2024,

as presented.  Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

Public comment:  A question was asked if a banner could be added to the Township website

home page, concerning the petitions being circulated, by Citizen’s for Local Control. Griffes

will contact the Township Attorney.

Correspondence from Ingham County Treasurer, Alan Fox, regarding the transfer of unsold reverted property, from the Treasurer to the Township, was reviewed.  After discussion, the Board agreed not to adopt the Ingham County Resolution, which objects to the transfer of

unsold property, under Public Act 123 0f 1999, from Ingham County to the Township.

Lawn Crafters 2024 Lawn Maintenance Proposal, was reviewed. A motion by Ream to
accept the contract, with the no addition of mulch in all beds and the elimination of the

monthly maintenance portion, for 2024.  Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

After review, Whitehead moved to accept the contract with Emjay Total Lawn Solutions, to

mow the Township Hall and Park lawns, for the 2024 season. Support, Ream. Motion passed.

Strong’s Lawn Service bid to mow and trim the cemetery, for the 2024 season, was discussed.

Motion by Whitehead to accept the bid from Strong’s Lawn Service. Support, Ream. The

motion passed.

A bid from G.W. Seal Coat to seal the parking lot was reviewed and it was decided that it could wait another year, because it was sealed in 2023.

NIESA report for the March 14, 2024, regular meeting, was given by Scott Diederich. The Board

discussed M Class transfer guideline policies. Two quotes reviewed for a new boat and a new UTV, with no action taken. Appointments were made to the Personnel & Finance Committees.

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

Ream moved to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

______________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, March 5, 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, Heidi Ream, Loretta K.

Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich. 

Also present:  Steve Moreno, Lindsay Utz, Dennis Dyko.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the minutes, of the February 6, 2024, regular monthly

Board meeting, as presented.  Support, Ream. The motion passed.

Public comment:  Steve Moreno mentioned that the Planning Commission upcoming meetings are not being listed, on the Township website.

TruGreen Contract for fertilizing the Township office lawn was discussed. Benjamin

moved to take the contract off the table.  Support, Ream. The motion passed.

The 2024 Road Projects were reviewed. Roads being considered for repair are Meech Road,

1 mile with Wheatfield Township, VanOrden Road, from Elm Road to Wallace Road, House

Road, from Frost Road to Dennis Road.  Motion by Griffes to budget $350,000. for road

repair projects for 2024.  Support, Diederich. The motion passed.

Removal of property from PA-116, for Tommy Bowen, was reviewed. Mr. Bowen wasn’t

sure how he would like to move forward. It was determined additional information is needed.

After review, Whitehead moved to adopt Resolution #2024-03, to establish Township

Officers Salaries based on the increase in the cost of living and additional responsibilities.

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

The motion passed 5-0.

Scott Diederich gave a report on the last NIESA February 8, 2024 meeting. Officers were

elected, revenue sharing check for $20,000 was received from the Village of Webberville,

and two temporary ambulances are currently, at the Webberville Station.

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.

A letter was received from the Ingham County Treasurer, Alan Fox. Ream will email Mr.

Fox for more information, about adopting a resolution, on foreclosed Township parcels.

Benjamin moved to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. Support, Ream. The motion passed.

_______________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

                                                                                                          125

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