Leroy Township

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

                                                                                                                                                141

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

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