Leroy Township

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING                                                                                      101

Tuesday February 7, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.

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

The meeting of the Leroy Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the

Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

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

Absent:  Loretta K. Benjamin.

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

The minutes of the January 10, 2023 monthly meeting were reviewed.  Ream moved to

accept the minutes as presented.  Support, Diederich.  The motion passed.

James Utz questioned if the Township Attorney and Planner were going to receive a

draft copy of the updated Wind Ordinance, before the joint meeting, of the Township Board

and the Planning Commission.  Board agreed that would be helpful for review, prior to the meeting.  Dennis Dyko stated that the large number of people in the audience, at Planning Commission work sessions, causes the meetings to drag on.

The 2023 Local Road Program project suggestions, were discussed.  This year’s Matching

Program total allocation available is $45,000.00. The Board members will drive the roads that

are considered a priority, before next month’s Board meeting.

After review of the 2023 Poverty Exemption Income Guidelines and Asset Test Resolution, Diederich moved to adopt Resolution #23-01, with the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  Support, Ream. Griffes-Yes,

Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  Motion passed 4-0.

Diederich gave the monthly N.I.E.S.A. report for January, 2023.  The Training Policy for the

Department members was passed, reestablishment of the special recognition awards ceremony

was discussed and the retirement of Deputy Chief, Rod Pfiester was recognized.

After review, of the Resolution to Establish Township Officers Salaries, Diederich moved to

adopt Resolution #23-02, that the salaries shall be increased based on the increase of the

cost of living and/or additional responsibilities.  Support, Ream.  Ream-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Griffes

-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed.  The 2023 Organization Meeting is scheduled for

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

The monthly bills were submitted to the Board for review.  Motion by Ream to pay all bills as

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

W&L Quality Cleaning, LLC gave notice that they will be retiring, at the end of February.

The Clerk will put an ad in the local newspaper and they will be reviewed, at the March meeting.

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

Wilma J. Whitehead, Township Clerk

LEROY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING                                                                           99

Tuesday, January 10, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.

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

The meeting of the Leroy Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

Members present:  Earl L. Griffes, Wilma J. Whitehead, Heidi Rea, Loretta K.

Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.

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

The renewal of the Wind Ordinance Moratorium, for an additional six months,

was discussed.  Motion by Benjamin to renew the moratorium, in effect until August 14, 2023.  Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed 5-0.

The Township Future Land Use changes were reviewed.  Discussion included

that the Planning Commission receive information and direction from the Township Board, before the Commission proceeds with changes, to the Zoning

Ordinance.  Griffes will contact the Township Planner to set up a time to hold

a joint meeting, of both the Township Board & Planning Commission.

The buyback of Cemetery Plots was discussed.  The Clerk presented information

on the cost of the plots that dated back to 1994, when plots were sold for $300.00 each and will be used as a basis, prior to that year.  Plot buy backs will

be determined on an individual basis.  Benjamin moved to allow the Clerk to buy back three requested plots, in the front sections, of the Webberville Cemetery.

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

Yes.  The motion passed.

The monthly bills were submitted to the Board for payment.  Motion by Benjamin

to pay all bills as presented.  Support, Ream.  Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes, Diederich-Yes, Ream-Yes.  The motion passed.

Motion by Whitehead to adjourn at 7:31 p.m. Support, Benjamin.  Motion passed.

________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                  97                                                                       

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 – 7:00 p.m.

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

The meeting of the Leroy Township Board was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

by Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

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

Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.

Also present:  James Utz, Dennis Dyko, Tom Smith, Marilyn Smith, Judy

Barton, Scott MacGuidwin.

The minutes of the November 1, 2022 monthly meeting were reviewed. 

Benjamin moved to accept the minutes as presented.  Support, Ream. The

motion passed.

Public comment:  Judy Barton and Scott MacGuidwin were present to discuss

the proposed updates to the Township Wind Ordinance.  The suggestion was for

the Township to contract with Mike Homier, from Foster, Swift, Collins &

Smith, P.C. to write up a separate Wind & Solar Ordinance. Also, next month

the Board will be considering the extension, of the current Wind

Ordinance Moratorium.

After further discussion, Diederich moved to accept the 2021-2022 Annual

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

-Yes, Whitehead-Yes.  The motion passed 5-0.

The Planning Commission met on November 30, 2022, to review a Rezoning

Request, from MAZ Logistics, to rezone 2525 E. Grand River, Williamston.

The Commission recommended to the Board to rezone the parcel from C-1 to

C-3. The owners plan on using the property for a truck terminal for their current

six trucks, with plans for an additional four.  After review, Benjamin moved

to rezone the property to C-3 to be in compliance, for the intended use.  Support,

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

The motion passed 5-0.

The Planned Unit Development Agreement, for Thomas & Marilyn Smith, owners

of Ocimeae Lavender Farm, at 3123 N. Gramer Road, was reviewed. The Planning Commission recommended that the draft P.U.D. contract be sent to the Board,

as written. There were changes in Section 2, Page 2 relating to the specific useful features of the property (c-h) since the original application was submitted. Benjamin moved to accept the P.C. recommendation to approve the agreement.  Seconded,

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

The motion passed.

The monthly N.I.E.S.A. report was given by Griffes. The 2023 Departmental Budget was approved.  Webberville DDA Revenue Sharing Agreement was discussed.  Director Yanz was given authority to prepare and deliver a proposed agreement to the Webberville DDA, for approval.

After review, Benjamin moved to accept the snow removal contract with

Webster & Griffes, Inc. for the 2022-2023 Season.  Snowplowing, salting and

partial salting of hill, were all increased by fifteen dollars per occurrence, along

with fuel surcharges, as warranted. Support, Ream. The motion passed.

Discussed the requested buyback of cemetery plots, in the original front Sections 1-4, of the Webberville Cemetery.  Tabled until the January meeting.

The bills were submitted by the Clerk.  After review, Ream moved to pay all

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

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 8:24 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  Motion passed.

______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                                                                95

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, November 1, 2022 – 7:00 p.m.

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

The meeting of the Leroy Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

by the Supervisor, Earl L. Griffes.

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

K. Benjamin, R. Scott Diederich.

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

The minutes of the October 4, 2022 monthly meeting, were reviewed.  Benjamin

moved to accept the minutes as presented.  Support, Ream.  Motion passed.

The annual Township Audit was reviewed and tabled until further questions can be answered, by the Township Auditor.

The parcel on the Northwest corner of N. M-52 and E. Grand River Avenue is currently being cleared, for a tree service company.  The property is zoned Agricultural, with the proposed use, being a Use Permitted by Right.

Trustee, Diederich gave the N.I.E.S.A. report for the October 13, 2022 meeting.

The 2023 NIESA meeting schedule was received by the Board, with the second

Thursday of each month, as the scheduled date.  Also, discussed a current certificate of deposit mature date of 12/02/2022, the Revenue Sharing Agreement and the Department’s Budgets, for 2023.

A request to allow off road vehicles to operate on local roads, by a Township resident, was discussed.  The Township Attorney and Insurance Agency will

be contacted for any legal and liability issues that may affect the Township.

Motion by Benjamin moved to pay all bills as presented, the Election Workers

and all regular bills that are due yet this month.  Support, Ream. Benjamin-Yes,

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

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

________________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                93

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

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

The meeting of the Leroy Township Board 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:  Dennis Dyko, James Utz, Lindsay Utz.

Public comment:  Dennis Dyko commented on the Consumer’s Power gas lines

being planned, for the 2023-2024 calendar year.  The local easements are ready for next spring, when area work is scheduled to begin.

Supervisor, Griffes explained why and how this year’s road projects were

chosen.  He met with Ingham County Road Department and decided to

chip & seal the newly paved roads to protect them, before starting any

additional roads repairs.

The 2021-2022 Audit was discussed.  The Township Auditor stated that

a couple of budget items need reviewing. Tabled until next month’s meeting.

The plans to plant trees, in the new sections (Blocks 7 & 8) of the Webberville

Cemetery, were discussed.  After review, Whitehead moved to accept the

contract with Peterson Farms, to transplant approximately 34 trees.  Support,

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

The motion passed 5-0.

Griffes gave the N.I.E.S.A. report, for the September meeting.  The patching and sealing of the Williamston Station parking lot is going to done, with no major repairs.  Lots owned by N.I.E.S.A., adjacent to the old fire hall is being listed for $80,000.00.  Cashed a certificate of deposit to purchase an ambulance. A Personnel Committee meeting was held for an exit interview, for a twenty-four month employee.

After review, a motion by Benjamin to pay all bills as presented.  Support, Ream.

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

motion passed.

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:33 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  The motion

passed.

_______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                                             91

Leroy Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

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

The meeting of the Leroy Township Board 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.  Absent:  Heidi Ream.

Also present:  Shelly Hall, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Dennis Dyko.

The minutes of the August 9, 2022 monthly meeting were reviewed.  Benjamin

moved to accept the minutes as presented.  Support, Diederich.  Motion passed.

The Planning Commission minutes for the rezoning of property, at 3537 E. Grand River, Williamston, were reviewed.  The Commission recommended to the Board

to rezone the property, owned by R. Scott Diederich, from C-3 to C-2.  Motion by Benjamin to rezone parcel #33-08-08-04-300-027, 5.65 acres, from C-3 to C-2.

Support, Whitehead.  Benjamin-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. Diederich-Abstained.  Ream-Absent.  The motion passed 3-0.

Benjamin gave Planning Commission report.  Property on the corner of Howell

and Dietz Roads, owned by R. Hamlin, plan on returning to Agricultural

zoning. The Wind Turbine Ordinance was reviewed and discussed.

NIESA report given by Scott Diederich.  Williamston station parking lot is in need

of repair and not in this year’s budget.  Vacant lot owned by NIESA, 2 acres, zoned commercial and residential, is being put on the market.  The student grants are

going well, the class fee is being paid, but student class time is not.

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

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

Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:28 p.m.  Support, Diederich.  Motion passed.

____________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

---

Leroy Township Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Township Hall – 1685 N M-52, Webberville, MI.
The meeting of the Leroy Township Board 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. Absent: Heidi Ream.
Also present: Shelly Hall, Steve Moreno, Monica Moreno, Dennis Dyko.
The minutes of the August 9, 2022 monthly meeting were reviewed. Benjamin
moved to accept the minutes as presented. Support, Diederich. Motion passed.
The Planning Commission minutes for the rezoning of property, at 3537 E. Grand
River, Williamston, were reviewed. The Commission recommended to the Board
to rezone the property, owned by R. Scott Diederich, from C-3 to C-2. Motion by
Benjamin to rezone parcel #33-08-08-04-300-027, 5.65 acres, from C-3 to C-2.
Support, Whitehead. Benjamin-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. Diederich-
Abstained. Ream-Absent. The motion passed 3-0.
Benjamin gave Planning Commission report. Property on the corner of Howell
and Dietz Roads, owned by R. Hamlin, plan on returning to Agricultural
zoning. The Wind Turbine Ordinance was reviewed and discussed.
NIESA report given by Scott Diederich. Williamston station parking lot is in need
of repair and not in this year’s budget. Vacant lot owned by NIESA, 2 acres, zoned
commercial and residential, is being put on the market. The student grants are
going well, the class fee is being paid, but student class time is not.
After review, Benjamin moved to pay all bills as presented. Support, Whitehead.
Diederich-Yes, Griffes-Yes, Benjamin-Yes, Whitehead-Yes. The motion passed.
Motion by Benjamin to adjourn at 7:28 p.m. Support, Diederich. Motion passed.

---

Wilma J. Whitehead
Township Clerk

                                                                                                                                                89

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.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­______________________

Wilma J. Whitehead

Township Clerk

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.

---

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