WINDSOR
CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD
SPECIAL
MEETING
PUBLIC
HEARING
PROPOSED
GRAND POINTE SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS
SPECIAL
ASSEMENT DISTRICT
WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 25, 2026 – MEETING ROOM
PROPOSED
The
meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Supervisor Shaw, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Shaw, Rumsey, Barnhart-Smith, Pray, Myers, and
Slucter
Absent: Gardner
Also
Present: Asst Chief Fabijancic
Barnhart-Smith moved, seconded by Rumsey,
to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Supervisor
Shaw called to order a public hearing for the Proposed Grand Pointe Subdivision
Improvements Special Assessment District at 7:11 PM.
Supervisor
Shaw, along with Chris Patterson, Township Attorney, presented the proposed
project. The project addresses a failing privately owned community well
currently supplying the subdivision. The existing system includes undersized
pipes and aging wells. The project aims to provide safe, reliable, and
affordable drinking water by connecting the subdivision to the Lansing Board of
Water and Light (BWL) system.
Richard
Robbins, 10350 Lafayette Lane, inquired whether the previously discussed
setback distance from the house includes the service hookup or applies only to
the installation of the water main. He also requested clarification regarding
what is included in the distance measurement, particularly as it relates to the
meter.
Supervisor
Shaw stated that, based on information from the Board of Water and Light and
Wolverine Engineering, this method represents the fairest and most equitable
way to divide costs across the special assessment district. He explained that
some homes closer to the road may require more complex service connections,
potentially increasing costs, while others located further back with more
direct connections may incur lower costs. For this reason, an average is used
to ensure equitable cost distribution.
Steve
Fuller, 10173 Baron Blvd, asked whether the averaging method was used to
calculate all costs and whether the estimated $18,000 assessment includes
connection to individual homes.
Chris
Patterson, Township Attorney, explained that the project includes installation
of a water main along one side of the roadway, resulting in both “short side”
and “long side” service connections. Costs are averaged based on lineal footage
to ensure equitable distribution among benefiting properties. He stated that
the Special Assessment includes all connection-related costs, including
installation of the water main, service lines, meter installation, and
applicable BWL connection fees. The assessment also includes the cost of a
licensed plumber to connect service from the meter to the home’s existing
plumbing. Mr. Patterson noted that no additional costs are anticipated beyond
the assessment; however, if internal plumbing requires upgrades, those costs
will be the responsibility of the homeowner.
Jill
Baker, 10289 Lafayette Lane, inquired as to the exact dollar amount of
the assessment.
Supervisor
Shaw stated that the remaining balance after the grant, estimated at
$1,592,365, will be divided among 87 properties, resulting in an approximate
assessment of $18,300.05 per parcel. Property owners may pay in full or in
installments over up to ten years with interest.
Jill Baker, 10289 Lafayette Lane, asked about the interest rate.
Supervisor Shaw explained that installment payments will be made annually and that details, including interest rate and number of installments, will be established in the tax roll resolution.
Jeff Raymond, 10050 Burgundy Blvd., asked how interest is compounded annually.
Supervisor Shaw reiterated that installment payments, including interest, will be made annually and that full details will be outlined in the final resolution.
Steve Fuller, 10173 Baron Blvd, asked how the Special Assessment is ratified and whether opposition could prevent the project.
Mr. Patterson explained that more than twenty percent of property owners must submit a signed petition opposing the assessment to halt the process.
Vince Hall, 7410 Noel Ave, stated he was not opposed but asked about general neighborhood support.
Board Response: Many residents have expressed support for the project.
Supervisor Shaw emphasized that the purpose of the hearing is to gather public input.
Kathleen Kiester 7417 Noel asked about voting rights when multiple owners are listed on a deed.
Mr. Patterson explained that calculations are based on record owners and must comply with statutory requirements.
Steve Fuller, 10173 Baron Blvd, asked whether a connection to the water main is mandatory.
Supervisor Shaw stated that a connection is not required; however, future connection costs would not be included in the group rate and would be the responsibility of the homeowner.
Mr. Patterson added that new private wells may not be permitted where public water is available, making connection the most practical option.
Patty Pisano, 10250 Lafayette Lane, requested background on the project and funding.
Supervisor Shaw stated the project includes a $2 million grant secured through prior efforts and legislative support, and that the Township has applied for an extension.
Joanna Dunn, 10345 Lafayette Lane, asked about the grant expiration.
Supervisor Shaw clarified that the grant expires June 30 and efforts are underway to ensure full utilization.
Jill Baker, 10289 Lafayette Lane, asked about the project timeline and the Road Commission's involvement.
Supervisor Shaw stated construction is expected to begin mid-May, with completion anticipated by early November.
Chris Schultz, 10195 Burgundy Blvd, asked about enforcement and participation.
Supervisor Shaw stated that all properties within the district are subject to the assessment.
Richard Hall asked about the percentage required to halt the project.
Mr. Patterson explained the statutory threshold and potential next steps if met. Supervisor Shaw asked if there were any property owners present who objected to the project.
A motion was made by Slucter and supported by Pray to record that
no objections were raised. The motion carried unanimously.
Jill Baker, 10289 Lafayette Lane, asked how costs are determined before project completion.
Supervisor Shaw explained that estimates are used, with major water work expected earlier and road work completed before the first frost.
With no further comments,
Supervisor Shaw closed the public hearing at 8:03 PM.
Slucter
moved, seconded by Myers, to adopt Resolution 26-006 to proceed with the Grand
Pointe Subdivision Improvements Project; approve the plans and estimated costs;
establish the Grand Pointe Subdivision Improvement Special Assessment District;
and direct the Township Supervisor to prepare the Special Assessment Roll.
Roll
Call Vote:
Resolution
Declared Adopted.
Rumsey moved, seconded by Slucter, to adopt
Resolution No. 26-007 to place the proposed Grand Pointe Subdivision
Improvement Special Assessment Roll on file with the Township Clerk and to
schedule a public hearing for April 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Windsor
Charter Township Emergency Services Building, with notice to be provided in
accordance with Act 188
Roll
Call Vote:
Resolution
Declared Adopted.
With
no further business, Supervisor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Meredith
Barnhart-Smith, Clerk
Windsor
Charter Township