Leroy Township

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Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, March 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, Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich, Gina Whitehead

Absent: Loretta K. Benjamin

Also present: Dennis Dyko, Steve Moreno.

February 4, 2025, meeting minutes approved. Motion by Ream and seconded by Diederich. Motion passed.

Old Business about the 2025 Local Road Program was discussed. Meech Rd repair costs will be shared by Wheatfield and Leroy Township. Diederich asked if this needed the Board’s approval. No approval was needed due to it already being budgeted.

Planning Commission Meeting minutes discussion was given by Planning Commission member Dyko due to the absence of Benjamin. Meeting was short and to the point. Public comments were given by Griffes about the development north of Aldi’s. The village council is open to the idea of sewer expansion. Members were elected for Chairman (Utz) and Secretary (Moreno). The property on the northwest corner of Dietz and Howell Roads was discussed concerning zoning changes and a public hearing will be scheduled. Minutes were approved. Meeting adjourned.

NIESA meeting minutes were present by Diederich. Discussion was about the renewal of the village DDA in Webberville and will be discussed further at their March 14 meeting. One policy is being rewritten Lexipol Policy 214 Purchasing and Procurement. King Training Innovations LLC are providing props and more hands-on training for the firefighters. Diederich mentioned that he is

working on becoming chairman in the future.  The Board strongly supports his decision.

Payment of bills with discussion about Locke Township fee. Griffes questioned the invoice and Whitehead responded with having costs from working with surrounding municipalities for election requirements, such as legal ads in The Lansing State Journal and early voting. Motion by Ream and seconded by Whitehead. Supported by Griffes, Ream, Diederich and Whitehead.

Paper recycling for the Township and its residents is being worked on by Ream and Whitehead. Discussion about paper use around the office and it being an issue was agreed upon by the Board. Granger, who is already our waste pick up, has recycling services that are available to us also. The Board decided the Township will start with a small container and go from there. More discussion at Annual Meeting at the end of the month will be scheduled.

No Correspondence

Motion to adjourned by Diederich and seconded by Ream.  Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm.

_________________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                   151

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, February 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, Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich and Gina Whitehead

Absent: Loretta K. Benjamin

Also present: Dennis Dyko, Steve & Monica Moreno and Spencer Crandall

January 7, 2025, meeting minutes approved. Motion by Diederich and seconded by Ream. Motion passed.

Old Business with VC3 Email Migration was discussed and the board was satisfied with the progress.  February 10-13, 2025, VC3 will proceed with the 365 cutovers.

Resolution 2025-01

It was discussed that the Township Board salaries were adjusted in March 2024 and will be resolved April 1, 2025. The resolution was motioned by Ream and supported by Whitehead.

Roll call vote: Griffes, Ream, Diederich, Whitehead

Resolution adopted.

Resolution 2025-2

2025 Poverty Exemption was brought to the board. No discussion. The Resolution was motioned by Ream and supported by Diederich.

Roll call vote: Griffes, Ream, Diederich, Whitehead

Resolution adopted.

2025 Local Road Program was discussed. Griffes is going to contact the road department to determine what the board has agreed on for 2025. Meech Rd from Holt Rd to Frost Rd, Risch Rd from Howell Rd to Dennis Rd, and the entire length O’ Hanlon Court. Public comments were made about Culver Hill being in poor condition and there was no second coat applied to the road surface, and they were wondering why this never occurred. Gramer Rd was mentioned to be resurfaced in 2026.

Chaffee planning fees were discussed. It was stated that Rich Chaffee was told about the fees, and he said that the fees were a little high but was going to pay the fees that he agreed to, and the Township will be paying the rest. In the future it will be in the ordinances and will be discussed at Annual Meeting in March.

PURE GREEN service agreement was discussed, and changes were made to get rid of the early spring services and keeping the spring, early summer, summer, early fall and winterizing. Earl will be contacting Dave at PURE GREEN to discuss the agreement.

NIESA meeting minutes discussed with main focal points such as credit card bills, shop with a hero program and the kids being very happy and giving to their parents instead of getting something for themselves, NEISA/Department of Works assured that fire hydrants are full and working properly. Diederich also commented about continuing to being an officer.

Z-Solutions phone system quote was discussed with Spencer Crandall in the audience letting the Board know what we are receiving. The Township will also receive a wireless phone that was not on the initial quote with an additional cost to be paid as invoiced. Motioned by Diederich and seconded by Ream. Motion passed.

Payment of bills with no discussion. Motion by Ream and seconded by Diederich. Supported by Griffes, Ream, Diederich and Whitehead

Correspondence was that the Williamston School Board of Education are optimistic about housing and student enrollment even though a lot of the students are home schooled. They are eager to continue learning more about how housing is included in municipal strategic planning.

Motion to adjourned by Ream and seconded by Diederich.  Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm

_____________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                   149

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, January 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, Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich and Gina Whitehead

Absent: Loretta K. Benjamin

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

December 3, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion by Ream and seconded by Diederich. Motion passed.

Old Business with Parking Lot Repair was discussed and Earl has been in communication with Thomas Benjamin.

VC3 email proposal was presented by Whitehead. The amount of a one-time payment and then a monthly payment for the software updates discussed. Diederich questioned if this was in the budget, Griffes responded with having money set aside for office requirements. Motion by Ream and seconded by Whitehead. Motion passed.

McKenna/Chaffee Fees will continue to be paid by the Township. Public comments made that with the revenue and taxes that would be paid to the Township, that having Rich Chaffee pay for the legal fees was not necessary. A planning commission work session is on February 19, 2025, and be discussed further with Rich Chaffee and the Township Planner.

Griffes appointed new Planning Commission member Jordan Hitchcock and remove Travis Nack. Motioned by Griffes and seconded by Diederich. Motion passed: Griffes, Ream, Diederich and Whitehead

Griffes appointed Wilma Whitehead to the Board of Appeals and removed Keith Eldred. Motioned by Griffes and seconded by Diederich. Motion passed.

Griffes appointed R. Scott Diedrich to the Board of Appeals. Motioned by Griffes and seconded by Ream. Motion passed.

T-Mobile telephone contract was discussed and is going to be terminated.

Z-Solutions and VC3 are being quoted for the township telephone services. Motion by Griffes and seconded by Whitehead. Motion passed.

NEISA board meeting on December 12, 2024, was discussed. Diederich talked about budget approval, CPR manikins being donated to the Williamston and Webberville School Districts for educational purposes, approving 2025 resolutions and 2024 budget amendments, and the Drake Accounting letter of engagement. All approved.

Payment of bills with no discussion. Motion by Griffes and seconded by Whitehead. Supported by Griffes, Ream, Diederich and Whitehead

No Correspondence

Motion to adjourned by Ream and seconded by Diederich.  Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm

________________________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

147

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                        

Tuesday, December 3, 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 Trustee, R. Scott Diederich.

Board members present:  Heidi Ream, R. Scott Diederich and Loretta K. Benjamin and

Gina Whitehead

Absent: Earl L. Griffes

Also present:  Rich Chaffee, James and Lindsay Utz, Steve and Monica Moreno, Dennis Dyko.

Rich Chaffee was present to discuss Bella Vista Winery.  Discussed current project status including alcohol licenses (have 3 approved), food truck in the future and having the driveway on South Dietz Road with parking lot. Benjamin moved to approve application materials summited by Rich Chaffee.

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

The motion passed.

NIESA report given by Diederich, for the November 12, 2024, meeting. Budget was passed.  Received many thanks from the community and surrounding area for I-96 accident in November.

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

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

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:27 p.m.  Support, Ream.  Motion passed.

____________________________________

Gina Whitehead, Leroy Township Clerk

                                                                 145

Leroy Township Board Meeting                                                                    

Tuesday, November 12, 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,

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

Also present:  Gina Whitehead, Steve and Monica Moreno, Thomas Benjamin.

Thomas Benjamin presented a quote for the spray patching to repair pot holes

and spider cracks, in the Township Hall parking lot.  After discussion, Griffes moved to hire Benjamin Tractor Repair to repair the parking lot and not to

exceed $5,800.  Support, Diederich. Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

The semi-trucks parked on M-52 waiting to enter Aldi’s while blocking traffic,

was discussed again.  The newly elected Webberville Village President, Sam Schulte, realizes the problem and hopes to find a solution.

A proposal from BS&A Software for software and services for cloud upgrade,

was reviewed.  The initial setup and annual fee costs were significantly higher

than the current fees and with mixed reviews from current users, the Board

decided to wait and see later.

NIESA report given by Diederich, for the October 10, 2024, meeting.  The 2025

meetings will still be held on the second Thursday, at 7:00 p.m.  Director Michael Yanz’s current performance evaluations have been good, with all open department positions filled, a 3% wage increase and continued progression of the Leroy Station upgrades.

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

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

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

___________________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                144

Leroy Township Board Special Meeting

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – 1:00 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

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

Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.

A letter from the Township Attorney’s stating their opinion of the Michigan Public Service Commission’s interpretation of CREO, which is an ordinance that provides

for the development of energy facilities, within a local unit of government. Township legal firm recommends that the Township contest the order and initiate an appeal against the MPSC for acting outside the scope of its limited authority, on PA 233.

After further discussion, Diederich moved to authorize Foster, Swift to file an appeal

or other appropriate legal action to challenge the MPSC’s October 10, 2024 order concerning PA 233.  Support, Ream.  Benjamin-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 1:27 p.m.  Support, Ream. The motion passed.

_________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Leroy Township Clerk

                                                            143

Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, October 1, 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, Loretta K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich. Absent:  Heidi Ream.

Also present: Gina Whitehead, James & Lindsay Utz, Steve Moreno, Norm Grant.

After review, Diederich moved to accept the minutes of the September 10, 2024, Regular Board meeting, as presented.  Support, Benjamin.  The motion passed.

The Planning Commission approved the amended Sign Ordinance and was sent

to the Township Board for review and consideration for approval.  Diederich questioned the height of free standing signs in the Commercial zoned districts.

After further discussion, Benjamin moved to strike R-1 zoning and allow others

in Agro-Tourism, with an approved P.U.D., in Section 708: Signs Permitted in the AG, RA, R-1 and MP Districts 1a: Non- Residential Uses.  Support, Diederich. Diederich-Yes, Griffes-yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed.

The semi-trucks parking on M-52 waiting to enter Aldi Warehouse updates were

discussed.  There are no definite solutions to the problem, at this time.

The annual audit was reviewed prior to the Board meeting.  After discussion,

Benjamin moved to accept the 2024-2025 annual audit, as presented. Support,

Diederich. The motion passed.

Diederich gave the report on the NIESA Board meeting, held September 12, 2024.

The Building & Equipment 2025 Budget shows NIESA has sufficient end-of-year funds to support the Stryker Equipment purchase, of approximately $600,000.

Cashed out a bond and renewed Flagstar Bank CD.

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

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

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:48 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  Motion passed.

________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

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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

                                                                                  137

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