Regular Meeting
July 28, 2026 – 7:00 PM
PROPOSED
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 Slucter.
Absent: None
Pray moved, seconded by
Gardner, to approve the agenda as written. The motion carried unanimously.
Barnhart-Smith moved, seconded by Slucter, to approve the minutes as written. The motion carried unanimously.
Reports:
Sheriff’s Report: The Sheriff’s Office reported generally quiet activity within the Township. Additional patrol activity was expected during July due to speed-enforcement grant funding, including enforcement in and around the Village of Dimondale.
Planning Commission: The Planning Commission will discuss the Tarrington Special Land Use Permit application at its August 12, 2026 meeting.
Sewer Board: The Sewer Board approved funding for system repairs. The Township is also awaiting the EGLE permit necessary to repair or replace a system pipe.
Emergency Services Department: Chief Miller reported that
the ambulance is again in the shop following replacement of much of its
emissions system. He noted that continued diesel-related repair issues may
require the Township to consider replacement in the future. The ambulance purchased
in 2022 cost approximately $250,000, and current replacement costs are expected
to be substantially higher.
Assessor/Preston Community Services: No report.
Public Service Department: No report.
Supervisor’s Report: 1) Supervisor Shaw reported that construction on the Grand Pointe Subdivision water main project has begun. Road signage indicates the neighborhood is closed to through traffic while construction is underway. 2) Supervisor Shaw provided additional background regarding previously purchased excess Residential Equivalent Units (REUs). 3) Supervisor Shaw also reported meeting with Eaton County officials regarding the Township’s contracted sheriff patrol budget. Preliminary figures indicated a possible increase for 2027. 4) The Supervisor further reported on ongoing property concerns in the Pats Drive area. The Township has received complaints regarding uninhabitable properties and a business operating from a garage near Lansing Road. The owner has been contacted and advised that the site will need to be cleaned up. 5) Information regarding the August 4, 2026 election, including Eaton County millage information and related materials, was made available.
Other Reports & Announcements: None
Hear Public Present for Agenda Items: None
Unfinished Business:
Barnhart-Smith moved, seconded
by Slucter, to adopt Ordinance No. 53, granting Consumers Energy Company, its
successors and assigns, the right and authority to construct, maintain, and
commercially use electric lines and related facilities within public places in
Windsor Charter Township and to conduct a local electric business for a period
of thirty years.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes –
Myers, Pray, Slucter, Barnhart-Smith, Gardner, Rumsey, and Shaw.
Nays – None.
Absent – None.
Motion carried.
New Business:
Township Retirement Plan Transition: Rumsey moved, seconded by
Barnhart-Smith, to authorize the transition of the Township retirement plan
provider from John Hancock to Voya Financial as of January 1, 2027.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Myers, Pray, Slucter, Barnhart-Smith,
Gardner, Rumsey, and Shaw.
Nays – None.
Absent – None.
Motion carried.
Legal Services Authorization Policy: A draft policy was presented to formalize procedures for engaging Township legal counsel, consistent with auditor recommendations. Following discussion, the policy was referred to the Legal Committee for review before further Board action.
Credit Card Policy: A draft Township credit card policy was presented
in response to auditor recommendations. Myers moved, seconded by Slucter, to
move the draft credit card policy into final form and approve it.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes – Myers, Pray, Slucter, Barnhart-Smith, Gardner, Rumsey, and
Shaw.
Nays – None.
Absent – None.
Motion carried.
Zoning Board of Appeals Appointment: Barnhart-Smith moved, seconded
by Slucter, to appoint Tony Piper to fill the vacant position on the Zoning
Board of Appeals. Motion carried.
Hear Public Present on Any Subject: Public
comment was heard.
With no further business, Supervisor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Meredith Barnhart-Smith, Clerk
Windsor Charter Township