REGULAR MEETING
JULY 22, 2025 – 7:00 PM
APPROVED
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Shaw with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Shaw, Barnhart-Smith, Rumsey, Myers, Pray, Gardner, and VanElls.
Absent: None
Shaw
moved and Rumsey seconded to amend the agenda to add Closed Session – Written
Attorney Opinion under New Business. The motion carried unanimously.
Shaw
moved, and Barnhart-Smith seconded to approve the amended agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Pray
moved, and Barnhart-Smith seconded to approve the minutes of the previous
meeting as written. The motion carried unanimously.
Reports:
Sheriff’s Report: None.
Planning Commission: The agenda for next month includes a Special Use Permit for Guinea Road Storage.
Sewer Board: 1) The Sewer Board welcomes new member Paul Newhouse.2) The next meeting will be at the Waste Water Treatment Plant on August 21st, at 6 pm.
Emergency Service Department: Chief Miller reported: 1) Significant Runs. 2) The department received notification from the Prosecutor’s Office that 47-year-old Leo Krepps, who was arrested and scheduled to stand trial next week in connection with the Diamondback Motorcycle Club Fire on Christmas Day 2023, has accepted a plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2025, in Eaton County.
Assessor/Preston Community Services: 1) The July Board of Review met earlier today and reviewed/corrected 13 items. 2) The Building Department has issued 38 permits since the last meeting.
Public Service Department: 1) Year-to-date, there have been 13 burials and six cremations. 2)There has been 18 foundations poured this month.
Supervisor’s Report: 1) As of Friday, the agreement for the Grand Pointe subdivision water project is now in the hands of our attorneys for review. Also, a meeting with the bond counsel is being coordinated and is working on the specific wording for the special assessment. 2) Progress continues on finalizing the REU Purchase Policy. Discussions have also taken place with potential developers who may require REUs. 3) Supervisor Shaw addressed the public to affirm that efforts are ongoing to move the Tarrington project forward. She introduced Matthew Kuschel of Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, and Rhodes, one of the attorneys assisting with the matter, to provide context on the core zoning considerations involved.
Other Reports & Announcements: None
Hear Public Present for Agenda Items:
Austin Hamilton reiterated that they are a legitimate church and that the purpose of purchasing the building was to operate as such, in accordance with the ordinance. The church has been financially impacted by not being allowed to operate for the past nine months and has expressed a willingness to waive any just compensation claims if allowed to reopen as a church.
Dennis Green voiced personal support for the Hamilton family, stating they deserve the support of the Board.
Dr. Greg Popwitz is a longtime resident with property behind the church. Questioned why a change in ownership would impact use, stating he doesn’t understand the reasoning.
Phillip Dob questioned the issue, noting that all churches have weddings.
Beth Cowles has been a neighbor to the Tarrington for two years. Shared that she has had no complaints and believes the property is well-maintained.
Pitrico Medina – Expressed support, stating the group is cooperating and contributing to the community’s sense of safety and faith. Quoted scripture: “Who is your neighbor?”
John Williams – Pastor of "Scatum of One God" Church. Offered to clarify questions regarding the legitimacy of Hamilton’s church.
Norm White, who lives across from the church, expressed appreciation for the improvements made and described the new owners as kind and neighborly.
Ken Bur commented that the new owners seem like neighbors already.
Octavia Hend shared that the church members are friendly and greet everyone regularly.
Saylori Lavallii – Expressed strong community support, saying “everyone wants this” and described the situation as positive.
Eliza Hamilton explained that it took eight months to secure a fire inspection and stated that an invitation to the Building Department to visit the property was declined and emphasized ongoing efforts to find a resolution over the past nine months.
Alica Morris voiced excitement about the opportunity for fellowship.
Paul Headmark identified himself as Eliza’s father. Criticized what he perceived as obstruction of religious liberty, referencing the Pledge of Allegiance and legal concerns. Urged the Board to consult legal counsel.
Donald Hamilton clarified that the church was operating at the time of purchase in January 2024 and reiterated the desire to operate as any other church.
Tori Hart described the Hamiltons as caring individuals.
Pam Durman suggested that attorneys should not be involved in this matter.
Wendy Bloomington, a regular attendee at Bible study, described the situation as “petty.”
Gary Buzazi noted the church’s long-standing operation and zoning status, and stated it should not be delayed further.
Denise Nixon shared that an internet search of “The Tarrington” indicated it was a wedding venue, and suggested this could be the root of the issue.
Teresa Hartel commended the Hamiltons for their hard work.
Saylori Lavallii (again) responded that searching on church.net shows worship services, and reiterated his support.
Chris Stall urged the Board not to hinder or delay church operations.
Beth Cowles (again) asked if she could make a motion as a resident.
Austin Hamilton (again) expressed confusion, stating that all issues raised have been addressed.
Motion by Rumsey, seconded by
Barnhart-Smith, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, moving $13,000 from
Contingency to IT Capital Outlay, for the purchase to update the EMS and Fire
software with the company First Due.
Roll Call Vote:
Yea - Shaw, Rumsey, Barnhart-Smith, Myers,
Pray, Gardner, VanElls
Nay – None
Motion Carried 7-0.
Unfinished Business:
Interstate Capital Development Update: Greg
Dillian, Bob Kranjak, and Dan Hoffman of Interstate
Capital provided an update on the property they are in the process of
purchasing, located between Nixon Road and Pinch Highway. The original proposal
included speculative buildings; however, following extensive research—including
environmental assessments—Interstate Capital has revised its development plans.
In recognition of existing wetlands and with a commitment to being good neighbors,
the company intends to preserve several natural features on the site. A
proposed 425 Agreement is currently under review by the City of Lansing and the
Township’s legal counsel.
New Business:
Motion by Shaw, seconded by Rumsey, to enter into Closed Session
under Section 8(h) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976,
MCL 15.268(h), to consider a written legal opinion from the township attorney,
which is exempt from disclosure under state law.
Roll Call Vote:
Yea - Shaw, Rumsey, Barnhart-Smith, Myers,
Pray, Gardner, VanElls
Nay – None
Motion Carried 7-0.
The Board entered Closed Session at 8:30 pm.
Motion by Myers, seconded by VanElls, to adjourn the Closed Session
and return to Open Session at 9:52 p.m.
Roll Call Vote:
Yea - Shaw, Rumsey, Barnhart-Smith, Myers,
Pray, Gardner, VanElls
Nay - None
Motion Carried 7-0.
Motion by VanElls, seconded by Myers, to direct the Zoning
Administrator to review the prior non-conforming use at 6801 Creyts Road.
Motion Carried 7-0.
Hear Public Present on any subject: Public Comment Heard.
With no further business, Supervisor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 10:29 pm.
Meredith Barnhart-Smith, Clerk
Windsor Charter Township