REGULAR
MEETING
JUNE 9,
2026 – 7:00 PM
APPROVED
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Shaw with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Shaw, Barnhart-Smith, Rumsey, Slucter, Gardner, and Pray.
Absent: Myers
Gardner
moved, and Slucter seconded, to approve the agenda. The motion carried.
Pray
moved, and Rumsey seconded, to un-table the approval of the May 12, 2026
Regular Meeting Minutes. The motion carried.
Pray
moved, and Rumsey seconded, to approve the May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
as written. The motion carried.
Slucter
moved, and Pray seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried.
The General Fund consists of Voucher
#36643 through Voucher #36676, equaling $86,516.36 plus digital transfer and
payments of $7,324.72, for a Grand Total of $93,841.08.
Payroll Report consisting of Voucher #42849
through #42855 and direct deposits #DD6928 through #DD6972 plus digital
payments for a Grand Total of $109,689.04
Reports:
Sheriff’s Report: Deputy Dowen continued monitoring traffic and
event activity and provided an update on Sheriff's Office activities.
Planning Commission: Trustee Pray provided an update from the Planning Commission, noting that a public hearing regarding the Special Use Permit application for Sanctum of One God is scheduled for June 10, 2026.
Sewer Board: None
Emergency Service Department: Chief Miller reported on 1) Several significant calls, including a fatal motor vehicle accident in the 10000 block of Bishop Highway, where crews were required to extricate both the driver and passenger from a van.
Assessor/Preston Community Services: None
Public Service Department: Public Service Director Kyle Baker reported 1) the hazardous cherry tree near the chapel at Dimondale Cemetery was successfully removed, as well as the storm-damaged maple tree at West Windsor Cemetery. 2) They have been focusing on additional cemetery maintenance activities, included the removal of several smaller trees and shrubs that had been planted within rows of headstones. Baker explained that the potential for root damage to monuments and footings make such plantings problematic.
Supervisor’s Report: 1) Supervisor Shaw reported that she met with representatives of ITC regarding the Oneida-Sabine Lake transmission line project. She stated that ITC is entering the third phase of its public engagement process and plans to hold seven additional public information sessions in July. Property owners located within one mile of the potential routes will receive notification by mail. Information regarding the project, including route maps and opportunities for public comment, is available through links posted on the Township website. Additional updates will be provided later in the meeting under Unfinished Business. 2) Supervisor Shaw also announced that the Capital Region International Airport will celebrate its centennial anniversary with a public event on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will include aviation exhibits, youth airplane rides (weather permitting), vendors, food trucks, and other activities. Admission and parking are free. 3) Supervisor Shaw addressed the federal lawsuit involving the property located at 6801 Creyts Road by reading an official press release prepared by the Township's attorneys.
“Windsor
Charter Township is aware of the federal lawsuit concerning the property at
6801 Creyts Road in Dimondale, and the attention it has drawn. The lawsuit
frames this as a dispute over religious freedom. It is not. The Township
respects the right of every resident and congregation to worship freely. In
fact, religious worship services and Bible study are permitted at the property
today and have been for some time. The Township has recognized a prior lawful
nonconforming use of the building as a church, and it has not sought to
prohibit religious worship at the site.
The dispute that is the subject of the
lawsuit concerns something different: the operation of a commercial event and
wedding-reception venue, and whether building modifications to support that new
use meet the building, fire, and zoning requirements that protect everyone who
enters a place of public assembly. Those requirements apply equally to all
property owners in the Township, whether the use is religious or secular. The
property owner renovated the former church building and promotes it as an event
space for up to 225 guests.
Far from preventing activity at the
property, the Township has worked with the owner and its successive attorneys
for over a year. That work has included reviewing a special land use permit
application, conducting a fire-code inspection, issuing a temporary certificate
of occupancy when the owner’s then-attorney requested one, and recognizing the
building’s prior nonconforming use as a church.
The citations the Township issued arose
from public-safety concerns. The owner has admitted responsibility for three of
them. Those concerns stem in part from an event at the property that drew more
than 200 guests and over 100 vehicles—a gathering well beyond the occupancy
approved for the building under its temporary certificate of occupancy. While
some residents have voiced support for a church at the site, other residents
have concerns about the traffic and late-night activity new events bring to a residential
area, and about the consideration any property owner owes the neighbors who
live alongside it.
The Township has provided a path for the
property owners/operator to obtain a conforming land use for the property. In
December 2024, the owner applied for that permit but later withdrew the
application on their own accord—then taking the position no further approvals
were required. In January 2026, the owner resubmitted its earlier application
for a special land use permit, which is currently under review by the Township
Planning Commission.
Because this matter is now in active
litigation, the Township will present the full record to the court. A complaint
reflects one side of a dispute, but a complete record reveals all of it. The
Township is confident that it has acted lawfully, in good faith, and in the
interest of public safety.
The full press release was entered into the record and is attached to these minutes by reference.
Public Officials: Village Manager Danielle Tiedeman provided 1) An update on upcoming road projects within the Village. She reported that Hamilton and Ash Streets are scheduled to be repaved following the Fourth of July holiday. She also noted that repairs to Creyts Road are anticipated to begin in mid-August. Manager Tiedeman further reported that the proposed Holt Hwy project has been canceled due to cost considerations, eliminating concerns regarding traffic detours through the Village during the Creyts Road project. 2) Manager Tiedeman also announced a public event honoring eight retiring members of the Dimondale Lions Club. The celebration will be held this Thursday 6/11 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lions Park and will include a barbecue, cake, and a proclamation recognizing the retirees. The eight members collectively contributed approximately 350 years of volunteer service to the community and invited the public to attend.
Other Reports & Announcements: Trustee Pray announced that the Eaton County Historical Society will host a walking tour of Dimondale Cemetery on Sunday, June 14, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. She noted that Terry Hill, who has been involved in cemetery restoration and preservation efforts, will participate in the event portraying Tyler Hull. Dr. Tyler B. Hull was one of the most prominent citizens in the early history of Windsor Township. He became well known for his service to the community as a physician, educator, attorney, public official, and state legislator. The Dimondale Cemetery features a life-sized statue of Dr. Hull seated in a chair atop a pedestal more than twenty feet high. The monument has long been a local landmark and remains one of the most notable historic gravesites in the cemetery. The public is encouraged to attend.
Public Comment for Agenda Items: Public comment was heard.
Unfinished Business:
Clerk Barnhart-Smith reported that the Future Township Facilities Committee met to discuss long-term planning for Township facilities located at 9136 Bridge Highway. During the meeting, it became apparent that a site evaluation, conceptual layout, and planning study would be necessary before making recommendations regarding future development of the property.
Barnhart-Smith moved, supported by
Trustee Slucter, to approve a budget amendment in the amount of $20,000,
transferring funds from the Fund Balance to the Governing Body Miscellaneous
Account (101-101-956.000) for the purpose of conducting a site evaluation,
survey, conceptual layout, and planning study for the potential future Township
campus located at 9136 Bridge Highway, Dimondale, Michigan. Motion carried.
Supervisor Shaw provided an update on the ITC Oneida–Sabine Lake transmission line project. She reported that ITC is continuing its public engagement process and will hold additional open houses to gather community input on the proposed route alternatives. Residents within one mile of a potential route will receive mailed notifications. ITC anticipates narrowing the route options before submitting an application to the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2027. Construction is not expected until approximately 2030. Residents were encouraged to review project information on the Township website and participate in the public comment process. Supervisor Shaw also noted that she has invited ITC representatives to attend a future Township Board meeting to provide additional information and answer questions.
New Business:
The Board initially considered and approved the annual renewal of the Special Use Permits for Hub Distro of Lansing, Mitten Distro X, and Premier Meds based on information presented during the meeting. Following the vote, Trustee Pray noted that those Special Use Permit renewals were not the items currently before the Board and that the Planning Commission's recommendations under consideration were for Midwest X LLC Mini Storage, DJ Landscape, Fish Daycare, and Hawa Omar Daycare.
Upon review and discussion, the Board acknowledged that the incorrect Special Use Permit renewals had been presented for consideration. The Board then proceeded to consider the correct Planning Commission recommendations.
Following discussion, the Board determined that the motion had been made in error because the incorrect Special Use Permit renewals had been presented. By unanimous consent, the Board agreed that no action would be taken on the mistakenly presented renewals and proceeded to consider the correct Planning Commission recommendations.
Pray moved, seconded by Slucter, to
approve the annual renewal of the Special Use Permits for Midwest X LLC Mini
Storage and DJ Landscape.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Shaw, Barnhart-Smith, Rumsey, Slucter, Gardner, Pray
Nays: None.
Absent: Myers
Motion Carried.
Pray moved, seconded by Rumsey, to approve the existing Special Use
Permits for Fish Daycare and Hawa Omar Daycare and to extend the review period
from one (1) year to five (5) years, as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Shaw, Barnhart-Smith, Rumsey, Slucter, Gardner, Pray
Nays: None.
Absent: Myers
Motion Carried.
Public Comment on Any Subject: Public comment was heard.
With no further business, Supervisor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.
Meredith Barnhart-Smith, Clerk
Windsor Charter Township