On the agenda: Williamstown Additional Merged Documents for September 9, 2026 Board Meeting — Data Center (Sep 9)

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WILLIAMSTOWN TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
August 26, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The Williamstown Township Planning Commission convened at 6:30 pm at the Township Hall,
4990 Zimmer Road, Williamston, MI. Chair Eidt called the meeting to order.
Chair Eidt led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Chair Eidt, Commissioners Cutshaw, Mark, Flore, Porter, Weston, Tocarchick, Thorp
and Trustee Creagh.
ABSENT: None
Quorum established.
ALSO PRESENT: Planning Consultant Chris Doozan of McKenna and Sheryl Monette, Planning
Assistant.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Creagh second by Mark to approve the agenda.
Motion approved 9-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Tocarchick suggested some grammar corrections.
Motion by Cutshaw, second by Porter to approve the Meeting Minutes for 7/22/2026 as
amended.
Motion approved 9-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Opened at 6:32 pm
None
Closed at 6:32 pm
SPECIAL TOPIC
Parliamentary Procedures- Tabling Versus Postponing
Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, reviewed his July 20th, 2026, letter to the Planning Commission
1

regarding Parliamentary Procedures. Reviewed Tabling versus Postponing
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Data Center Regulations
Motion by Tocarchick, second by Weston, to move the Data Center Ordinance from the table and
place on the agenda.
Motion approved 9- 0.
Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, reviewed his August 3rd letter to the Planning Commission
regarding Updated Zoning Revisions Regarding Data Centers and reviewed the new revisions to Data
Center Ordinance.
Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, reviewed his August 5th, 2026, letter to the Planning Commission
regarding Letter from Jon Harpst regarding Data Center Zoning.
Discussion ensued. Trustee Creagh spoke about the MTA sample Ordinance. Commissioner Mark and
Weston along with Planning Assistant, Sheryl Monette attended the Webinar put on by MTA on Data
Centers and spoke about information presented. It was mentioned that the City of Williamston has
recently passed a Data Center Ordinance. Planning Assistant was asked to obtain copy of the City of
Williamston Ordinance and send it to the Planning Commission with the MTA sample ordinance with
next month’s meeting packet. Chris Dooazn, Planning Consultant will review each and compare to
the Draft Data Center Regulations.
Motion by Creagh, second by Weston, to postpone action on the Data Center regulations until a
review and comparison of the MTA Ordinance is complete.
Motion approved 9- 0.

ZONING ORDINANCE REVIEW PHASE 5
Mark-up of Article 8.00, Site Development Standards Applicable to Specific Uses
Motion by Weston, second by Mark, to move Article 8.00, Site Development Standards Applicable
to Specific Uses from the table for discussion and action.
Motion approved 9- 0.

2

Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, reviewed his July 28th, 2026, letter to the Planning Commission
regarding revision to Article 8 after correcting the subject line. Article 8.00 was reviewed and edits
were made. Discussion ensued about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). Some of the Planning
Commission members felt that ADU’s were intended to allow residents to age in place or to allow
family members to reside in ADU and not to be utilized as rental units. Others were in favor of the
ordinance stating that it addressed affordable housing needs.
Motion by Tocarchick, second by Porter to keep the language as is Article 8.00 regarding ADU’s
and allowing them to be used as rental units.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Commissioner Tocarchick, Commissioner Weston, and Commissioner Porter.
Nays: Commissioner Chair Eidt, Commissioner Mark, Commissioner Flore, Commissioner Thorp,
Commissioner Cutshaw, and Trustee Creagh.
Motion failed 3-6.

Motion by Mark, second by Cutshaw to change the language in Article 8.00 to “that is occupied
by either persons that are a family member, caregiver or gratuitous guest.”
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Commissioner Chair Eidt, Commissioner Mark, Commissioner Flore, Commissioner Thorp,
Commissioner Cutshaw, and Trustee Creagh.
Nays: Commissioner Tocarchick, Commissioner Weston, and Commissioner Porter.

Motion approved 6- 3.
Motion by Mark, second by Cutshaw, to send Article 8.00 as amended to the Township Board for
their initial review.
Motion approved 9-0.
ZONING ORDINANCE REVIEW PHASE 6
Mark-up of Article 9.00, Performance Standards
Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, reviewed the draft of Article 9.00, Performance Standards.
Discussion ensued.
Mark-up of Article 10.00, Establishment of Zoning Districts
Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, reviewed the draft of Article 10.00, Establishments of Zoning
3

Districts.
Motion by Tocarchick, second by Mark, to send Article 9.00 and 10.00 to the Township Board for
their initial review.
Motion approved 9-0.
NEW BUSINESS
ZONING ORDINANCE REVIEW PHASE 7
Review Recommendation for a new approach for Articles 11.00 through 22.
Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, reviewed his August 3rd letter to the Planning Commission
regarding a new approach for Article 11.00 through 22.00. Discussion ensued. Mr. Doozan will
begin work on the creation of the table with the review of Articles 11.00 through 22.
PLANNING AND BOARD REPORTS AND REVIEW
Township Board. Trustee Creagh stated at the last Township Board meeting the Board approved a
Resolution opposing ITC high-voltage powerlines in the Township, approved the Deer Management
Program, discussed the Harvest Festival and approved the zoning revision of Article 8.02- Keeping
of Farm Animals. Chris Doozan, Planning Consultant, attended the Board Meeting to review the
Ordinance Review process. Request for a report from the Code Enforcement Officer was made by
Trustee Creagh for the Planning Commission. Trustee Creagh as the Planning Assistant, Sheryl
Monette to follow up with the Township Supervisor with obtaining the report for future meetings.
Planning Commission Chair. Chair Eidt brought forth concerns from the Township Supervisor.
Included in the meeting packet is the amended Planning Commission Meeting Schedule along with
the Notice of Distribution from Bath Charter Township for their comprehensive plan.
Discussion ensued about reviewing Bath Charter Township Comprehensive Plan.
Motion by Mark, second by Porter to have Commissioner Tocarchick review Bath Charter
Township Comprehensive Plan report findings at the next Planning Commission meeting.
Motion approved 8 - 0.
*Commissioner Tocarchick abstained
Planning Commissioners:
Commissioners Mark- Stated he suggested a subcommittee of the Township Board and the Planning
Commission be formed to review the ordinances.
Commissioners Thorp- Gave a recap of a meeting that was organized by some Township Residents
and held at the Township Hall on Monday, August 24th.
4

Planning Staff. Sheryl Monette, Planning Assistant. Stated as a reminder that MTA has webinars and
training courses that the Planning Commissioners may take. There has been a FOIA request. An email is
needed from the Planning Commission Members to either Kim VanErp or Planning Assistant reporting
any communication they had regarding the Bappert rezoning application outside of the meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE: Notice of Distribution from Bath Charter Township
PUBLIC COMMENT
Opened at 8:30 pm
None
Closed at 8:30 pm
REVIEW
Chair Eidt reviewed the Planning Commission’s actions from the meeting:
-

Approved the meeting minutes 7/22/2026
Had a Special Topic- Tabling versus Postponing.
Postponed action on the Data Center Ordinance until next month so a comparison can be
made with MTA ordinance.
Discussed ADU’s
Reviewed and amended Article 8.00 and approved that it be sent to the Township Board
for their initial review.
Reviewed Article 9.00 and 10.00 and approved that those be sent to the Township Board
for their initial review.
Discussed a new approach to Article 11.00 through 22.
Discussed having a Joint Subcommittee of the Township Board and Planning Commission to
review the ordinance and will make that recommendation to the Township Board.

ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Weston, second by Mark to adjourn the meeting.
Motion approved 9-0
Meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM
______________________________________
Sheryl Monette
Recording Secretary

______________________________________
Donna Tocarchick
Planning Commission Secretary

5

Adopted March 14, 2018
Amended February 10, 2021

Williamstown
Township
Neighborhood Road Policy

Document Definitions and Acronyms
Neighborhood:

A neighborhood includes all phases within a platted
subdivision, all phases within a condominium
development or a generally recognized area that is
considered to be a cohesive community. These roads are
not eligible for Federal, State or County funding. The
final page of this policy indicates recognized
neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Street/Road:

The public streets/roads within the Neighborhood, as
defined above. Examples of this type of road would
include Rodeo Trail, Sandstone, and White Pine.

Benefiting Property Owner:

The legal owners of the property as shown on the current
property tax record card. If there is more than one owner
name listed, all listed property owners must sign any
Letter of Intent or petition. “Owner” means a person,
sole proprietorship, partnership, association, firm,
corporation, or other legal entity, possessed of the most
recent fee title or a land contract vendee's interest in the
land as shown by the records of the Ingham County
Register of Deeds.

SAD:

Special Assessment District pursuant to Public Act 188
of 1954.

Road Improvement Area:

The area in which road improvements will be
undertaken. The same as the SAD area.

ICRD:

Ingham County Road Department

LOI:

Letter of Interest

Williamstown Township Neighborhood Road Policy
I.

PURPOSE

Across Michigan there is a recognized lack of public funding available for the repair, replacement
or improvement of local roads. Specifically, relevant to this policy are those public roads located
in subdivisions, site condominium developments or other neighborhoods Neighborhoods which
are under the legal jurisdiction of the Ingham County Road Department (ICRD). As a result of
inadequate funding at the State and County level, the cost associated with improving
Neighborhood Roads falls to the individual property owners who benefit from the improvements
to Neighborhood Roads. The limited amount of betterment funds available through Ingham County
are dedicated to be used by the Township to improve priority and minor local roads, which are
used by the larger population within the community.
The lack of funding is certainly undesirable. However, the fact remains that Neighborhood Roads
will continue to deteriorate, and the Township funds will not be enough to cover the expense of
maintaining the 16.5 miles of Neighborhood Roads along with the 27 miles of Priority and minor
Local Roads. This policy is intended to give property owners an option for improving their own
Neighborhood Roads.
Specifically, this policy establishes the process by which Williamstown Township will facilitate
the creation of Special Assessment Districts (SAD) pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954, as
amended, to fund the improvement of Neighborhood Roads, when requested by Benefitting
Property Owners of properties with more than 50% of the road front footage within the Road
Improvement Area.
This policy formalizes the opportunity for property owners to improve their roads and spread the
cost of doing so over a maximum of ten (10) years or the useful life of the project, whichever is
less. When funds are provided by the ICRD, the State of Michigan, or the Federal Government for
the purpose of funding improvement of Neighborhood roads, such funds shall be distributed
equally between Neighborhoods which have an approved SAD. If no such funding is provided by
the ICRD, the State of Michigan, or the Federal Government, or if the Township deeps the funding
inadequate, The the Township may provide assistance of up to $800.00 per buildable or built out
lot within the SAD to assist the residents with the project. No Township assistance will be available
more than once every 10 years to a SAD district for resurfacing or conversion to a gravel road.

The Township will typically need to issue bonds to pay the costs associated with the improvement.
The Township will coordinate with the Ingham County Road Department (ICRD) to determine the
necessary work to be contracted out or completed by the ICRD. This process has been discussed
with the ICRD and developed with agreement of their staff. It is necessary to recognize that this
policy is dependent on the cooperative effort by the ICRD, that resurfacing is not mandated by the
Township, and this cooperative arrangement could be revoked by the ICRD at any time, which
could result in the termination of this program.
II.

SCOPE

This policy applies to the improvement of all public Neighborhood Roads under the jurisdiction
of the Ingham County Road Department, which are typically located in subdivisions, site
condominium developments or other similar Neighborhoods.
III.

POLICY

Timeline and Required Steps to be completed:
1. Letter of Interest (LOI)
A Neighborhood interested in improving their roads shall submit to the Township a
Letter of Interest (LOI) requesting the establishment of a Road Improvement Area.
The LOI shall contain the names, addresses, and signatures of at least 1050% of the
total Benefitting Property Owners and shall be on the form provided herein as Exhibit
1.
Prior to obtaining signatures on the LOI, interested property owner(s) shall contact the
Township to obtain a map of the Neighborhood which will constitute the Road
Improvement Area. Each parcel within the Road Improvement Area designated on the
map may be equally assessed for the Road Improvement unless the Township
determines that this creates disproportionate or unreasonable results. Subdivision Open
Space that is currently not assessed will not be assigned an assessment for the Road
Improvement. The following criteria will be used by the Township in determining the
road improvement area:
i.

The parcels within a Neighborhood accessing the neighborhood
Neighborhood road(s) will be included in the Road Improvement Area. This
will include all phases of a development and/or the logical inclusion of an
area as a generally recognized Neighborhood.

ii.

Individual roads, subdivision phases or similar shall not be addressed
independently within a Neighborhood. All public roads within the
Neighborhood will be addressed as part of a Road Improvement Area unless
the Ingham County Road Department or the Township has determined that
certain Roads within the Neighborhood do not need to be addressed in the
near future.

After submitting the Letter of Interest (LOI), the Township shall verify whether the
LOI is valid and contains the signatures of at least 1050% of the Benefitting Property
Owners. All Neighborhoods that have submitted a valid LOI will advance to the next
step in this process.
2. Initial Cost Estimates
After receipt of a valid LOI, the Township will request that the Ingham County Road
Department (ICRD) develop cost estimates for the road improvement project. The
initial estimates will be based on current or expected pricing and estimated material
cost. Initial estimates will include a contingency that is anticipated to be sufficient to
cover any unexpected costs that may arise during construction. It is difficult to
anticipate every conceivable condition that could be encountered during a road
construction project. However, every attempt will be made to identify issues during
this step.
The ICRD will present one (1) or two (2) cost estimates based on the type of
construction/improvement necessary and will give a description of recommended
work for both. Estimated costs will be based on the most recently available similar
unit costs. Expected life for the road(s) to return to current condition will be based
on available experience with similar roads and projects. Typically, the two estimates
will be based on projects to provide a 7-10 year life or a 15 -20 year life.
3. Neighborhood Information Meeting
The Township and ICRD shall hold one information meeting for Benefitting Property
Owners of the proposed Road Improvement Area, as follows:
i.

The meeting will be held at the Township Hall on a date and time selected

by the Township.
ii.

Notice of the meeting will be mailed at least fourteen (14) days in advance
to each property owner within the proposed Road Improvement Area.

iii.

A handout will be generated and disseminated to those in attendance
regarding information on the project and the estimated costs.

iv.

After the meeting, a copy of the handout will be mailed to each property
owner within the proposed Road Improvement Area.

4. Petition Circulation & Submission Requirements
After the public information meeting, property owners within the proposed Road
Improvement Area may circulate petitions to establish an Special Assessment District
(SAD) for road improvement. The Township Board's intent regarding this process is
stated:
The improvement of Neighborhood Roads using this Neighborhood Local Road
Improvement Process policy shall be considered a grassroots effort undertaken by
the property owners of the proposed Road Improvement Area. The Board is providing
this policy and support for the convenience of those property owners so that they
have an opportunity to cause roads within their Neighborhood to be improved. The
Board is offering this as a service to owners, at the owner's option, and is not
imposing road improvement on any Neighborhood. However, if a valid petition for
road improvements is received by the Board, the project will may go forward
i.

All petitions to establish a Special Assessment District must be
submitted to the Township no later than 60 days of receiving the
petitions from the Township. To be valid, a petition(s) must contain the
signatures of Benefiting Property Owners who own property with more
than 50% of the road front footage within the proposed Road
Improvement Area. Petition signatures and form will be validated by the
Township. The Township Board may extend this deadline.

ii.

There is no opportunity provided by Public Act 188 of 1954 to remove
one's name from a valid Special Assessment District (SAD) petition once
an individual has signed it. It is the property owner's responsibility to

know and understand this prior to signing a petition described by this
policy
5. Need And NecessityFirst Public Hearing and Need and Necessity
Once the petitions are validated by the Township, the Township Board will hold
the required public hearing regarding "need and necessity" and to hear any
objections to the petition, the proposed project, and to the proposed SAD pursuant
to Public Act 188 of 1954. The Board may, following the hearing find that the
project is necessary and needed and the Road Improvement Area project will move
forward and pass a resolution to approve the completion of the proposed
improvements, the plans and estimated cost of the project, and the sufficiency of
the petition under Public Act 188 of 1954.
6. Final Project Design and Bidding
The Ingham County Road Department (ICRD) or an engineering firm designated
by the Township Board will work to finalize the road improvement design and
plans.
7. Construction Phase
It is ICRD and Board policy to make bidding documents available to pre-qualified
construction contractors who have been previously vetted by the ICRD and the
most responsive bidder will be selected by the ICRD, or the Board in conjunction
with the engineer hired to prepare the construction plans, to perform the road
improvement work.
If the lowest qualified and responsive bid for construction phase comes in 10%
higher than the initial construction estimate for the chosen project type, the
Township will issue notices to all properties on the assessment roll and hold another
public hearing to ascertain input on whether the contract should be awarded and the
project move to construction.
8. Second Public Hearing and Establishment of Special Assessment District (SAD)
Roll
At or following a second public hearing, The the Township Board will adopt a
resolution scheduling the required public hearing regarding the establishment of the

SAD rollvote to approve the assessment roll as presented or as amended, pursuant
to Public Act 188 of 1954.
The SAD roll shall pass all costs associated with design, engineering, construction
and bonding onto the Benefitting Property Owners. The Roll roll shall be adjusted
as needed to reflect the actual costs after project completion.
In the event that an SAD has been established, and the SAD roll remains
outstanding at the time Township voters approve a Township Road millage, the
Township Board has discretion to amend the SAD roll to reduce the total assessed
amount and the amounts of future installment payments as permitted by public Act
188 of 1954. When considering whether to amend an SAD roll, the Township Board
will evaluate the related neighborhood Neighborhood road improvement project to
determine the extent to which project costs are eligible to be paid for from the
Township road millage.
IV.

Time Schedule
Steps in
creation
of SAD
1

2

Activity

Prior to obtaining signatures on the Letter Of of Interest (LOI), interested
property owner(s) shall contact the Township to obtain a map of the
Neighborhood which will constitute the Road Improvement Area.
A Neighborhood interested in improving their roads shall submit to the
Township a Letter of Interest (LOI) requesting the establishment of a
Road Improvement Area.

3

The township Township will validate review the signatures on the Letter of
Interest. If LOI is valid, township will request cost estimates from Ingham
County Road Department or engineering firm chosen by the Township.

4

Ingham County Road Department (ICRD) and/or engineering firm will
provide cost estimates.

5

The Township and ICRD shall hold one information meeting for
Benefitting Property Owners of the proposed Road Improvement Area.

6

Petitions must be submitted to the Township no later than 60 days of
receipt from the Township. To be valid, a petition(s) must contain the
signatures of Benefiting Property Owners owning more than 50% of
the road front footage within the proposed Road Improvement Area.
Petition signatures and form will be validated by the Township.

7

Township will validate review the signatures on the petitions.

8

The Township Board will hold the required public hearing regarding
"need and necessity" and to hear objections to the petition, the proposed
project, and to the proposed SAD pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954.

9

Ingham County Road Department will usually finalize the road
improvement design and plans to be included in the bidding process of
County projects.

10

At or following the second public hearing, The the Township Board will
adopt a resolution scheduling the required public hearing regarding the
establishment of the SAD roll,vote to approve the assessment roll as
presented or amended pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954.

Neighborhood

Road

Neighborhood

Road

1 Baan-Gan-Aka

Daggertail Ln.
Swallowtail Ln .
Monarch Ln.
Skipper Ln.
Brookshire Ct.

17 Pebblebrook

Agate Way
Cinnabar Dr.
Feldspar Dr.
Granite Rd.
Jadestone Dr.
Newman Rd.
Petoskey Dr.
Quarton Rd.
Rocky Hill Dr.
Ruby Way
Sandstone Dr .
Topez Dr.
Courtside Dr.
Glencoe Dr.
Selwood Ct.
Southbury Ln.
James Ave
Lay
Manning
Oliver Dr.
Congdon Dr.
Wilfors Dr.
Rodeo Tr.

2 Brookshire Estates
3 Cherry Ridge
4 Cedar Vale Estates

5 Cherry Valle

Sand Cherry Ln.
Wild Cherry Dr.
Blossey Dr.
Cedarvale Dr .
Thatcher Dr.
Cherry Valle Ln.
Fruitbelt Ln.

6 Damon
7 Pheasant Run
8 Ebright
9 Golf View

Damon Rd.
Deer Trail
Ebright
Golfview Dr.

18 Pine Knoll

10 Harvey

Harvey Rd.

19 Quinlan

11 Hiddenview

Charlsfield Ln.
Hiddenview Ln.
Knollridge Ln.
Woodcove Ln.
Woodpass Ln.
Countryside
Gladie Ln.
Evening Star
Twin Ponds Ln.

12 Larkin Acres

13 Maple Shade

Maple Shade Dr.
Red Maple Dr.

14 Meadowdale

Meadowdale Dr .

15 Oakleaf

Burr Oak Ct.
Corkwood Tr.
Live Oak Tr.
Oak Bark Tr.
Redbud Tr.
Blossom Dr.

16 Orchard Park

20 Red Cedar Manor

21 Rodeo
22 Steeplechase
23 Smith Estates

24 Williamstown
Estates

Briddlewood
Trotters Ln
Sunrise Dr.

Cygnet Ct
Goldfinch Ln
Osprey Ave
Warbler Way

25 Windybrook
26 Woodview

Joann Ln
Ferrins Way
Forest Oak Tr.
Park Wood Dr.
White Pine Dr.

Adopted March 14, 2018
Amended February 10, 2021

Williamstown
Township
Neighborhood Road Policy

Document Definitions and Acronyms
Neighborhood:

A neighborhood includes all phases within a platted
subdivision, all phases within a condominium
development or a generally recognized area that is
considered to be a cohesive community. These roads are
not eligible for Federal, State or County funding. The
final page of this policy indicates recognized
neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Road:

The public streets/roads within the Neighborhood, as
defined above. Examples of this type of road would
include Rodeo Trail, Sandstone, and White Pine.

Benefiting Property Owner:

The legal owners of the property as shown on the current
property tax record card. If there is more than one owner
name listed, all listed property owners must sign any
Letter of Intent or petition. “Owner” means a person,
sole proprietorship, partnership, association, firm,
corporation, or other legal entity, possessed of the most
recent fee title or a land contract vendee's interest in the
land as shown by the records of the Ingham County
Register of Deeds.

SAD:

Special Assessment District pursuant to Public Act 188
of 1954.

Road Improvement Area:

The area in which road improvements will be
undertaken. The same as the SAD area.

ICRD:

Ingham County Road Department

LOI:

Letter of Interest

Williamstown Township Neighborhood Road Policy
I.

PURPOSE

Across Michigan there is a recognized lack of public funding available for the repair, replacement
or improvement of local roads. Specifically, relevant to this policy are those public roads located
in subdivisions, site condominium developments or other Neighborhoods which are under the legal
jurisdiction of the Ingham County Road Department (ICRD). As a result of inadequate funding at
the State and County level, the cost associated with improving Neighborhood Roads falls to the
individual property owners who benefit from the improvements to Neighborhood Roads. The
limited amount of betterment funds available through Ingham County are dedicated to be used by
the Township to improve priority and minor local roads, which are used by the larger population
within the community.
The lack of funding is certainly undesirable. However, the fact remains that Neighborhood Roads
will continue to deteriorate, and the Township funds will not be enough to cover the expense of
maintaining the 16.5 miles of Neighborhood Roads along with the 27 miles of Priority and minor
Local Roads. This policy is intended to give property owners an option for improving their own
Neighborhood Roads.
Specifically, this policy establishes the process by which Williamstown Township will facilitate
the creation of Special Assessment Districts (SAD) pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954, as
amended, to fund the improvement of Neighborhood Roads, when requested by Benefiting
Property Owners of properties with more than 50% of the road front footage within the Road
Improvement Area.
This policy formalizes the opportunity for property owners to improve their roads and spread the
cost of doing so over a maximum of ten (10) years or the useful life of the project, whichever is
less. When funds are provided by the ICRD, the State of Michigan, or the Federal Government for
the purpose of funding improvement of Neighborhood roads, such funds shall be distributed
equally between Neighborhoods which have an approved SAD. If no such funding is provided by
the ICRD, the State of Michigan, or the Federal Government, or if the Township deeps the funding
inadequate, the Township may provide assistance of up to $800.00 per buildable or built out lot
within the SAD to assist the residents with the project. No Township assistance will be available
more than once every 10 years to a SAD district for resurfacing or conversion to a gravel road.

The Township will typically need to issue bonds to pay the costs associated with the improvement.
The Township will coordinate with the ICRD to determine the necessary work to be contracted out
or completed by the ICRD. This process has been discussed with the ICRD and developed with
agreement of their staff. It is necessary to recognize that this policy is dependent on the cooperative
effort by the ICRD, that resurfacing is not mandated by the Township, and this cooperative
arrangement could be revoked by the ICRD at any time, which could result in the termination of
this program.
II.

SCOPE

This policy applies to the improvement of all public Neighborhood Roads under the jurisdiction
of the Ingham County Road Department, which are typically located in subdivisions, site
condominium developments or other similar Neighborhoods.
III.

POLICY

Timeline and Required Steps to be completed:
1. Letter of Interest (LOI)
A Neighborhood interested in improving their roads shall submit to the Township a
Letter of Interest (LOI) requesting the establishment of a Road Improvement Area.
The LOI shall contain the names, addresses, and signatures of at least 50% of the total
Benefiting Property Owners and shall be on the form provided herein as Exhibit 1.
Prior to obtaining signatures on the LOI, interested property owner(s) shall contact the
Township to obtain a map of the Neighborhood which will constitute the Road
Improvement Area. Each parcel within the Road Improvement Area designated on the
map may be equally assessed for the Road Improvement unless the Township
determines that this creates disproportionate or unreasonable results. Subdivision Open
Space that is currently not assessed will not be assigned an assessment for the Road
Improvement. The following criteria will be used by the Township in determining the
road improvement area:
i.

The parcels within a Neighborhood accessing the Neighborhood road(s) will
be included in the Road Improvement Area. This will include all phases of
a development and/or the logical inclusion of an area as a generally
recognized Neighborhood.

ii.

Individual roads, subdivision phases or similar shall not be addressed
independently within a Neighborhood. All public roads within the
Neighborhood will be addressed as part of a Road Improvement Area unless
the Ingham County Road Department or the Township has determined that
certain Roads within the Neighborhood do not need to be addressed in the
near future.

After submitting the Letter of Interest (LOI), the Township shall verify whether the
LOI is valid and contains the signatures of at least 50% of the Benefiting Property
Owners. All Neighborhoods that have submitted a valid LOI will advance to the next
step in this process.
2. Initial Cost Estimates
After receipt of a valid LOI, the Township will request that the Ingham County Road
Department (ICRD) develop cost estimates for the road improvement project. The
initial estimates will be based on current or expected pricing and estimated material
cost. Initial estimates will include a contingency that is anticipated to be sufficient to
cover any unexpected costs that may arise during construction. It is difficult to
anticipate every conceivable condition that could be encountered during a road
construction project. However, every attempt will be made to identify issues during
this step.
The ICRD will present one (1) or two (2) cost estimates based on the type of
construction/improvement necessary and will give a description of recommended
work for both. Estimated costs will be based on the most recently available similar
unit costs. Expected life for the road(s) to return to current condition will be based
on available experience with similar roads and projects. Typically, the two estimates
will be based on projects to provide a 7-10 year life or a 15 -20 year life.
3. Neighborhood Information Meeting
The Township and ICRD shall hold one information meeting for Benefiting Property
Owners of the proposed Road Improvement Area, as follows:
i.

The meeting will be held at the Township Hall on a date and time selected
by the Township.

ii.

Notice of the meeting will be mailed at least fourteen (14) days in advance
to each property owner within the proposed Road Improvement Area.

iii.

A handout will be generated and disseminated to those in attendance
regarding information on the project and the estimated costs.

iv.

After the meeting, a copy of the handout will be mailed to each property
owner within the proposed Road Improvement Area.

4. Petition Circulation & Submission Requirements
After the public information meeting, property owners within the proposed Road
Improvement Area may circulate petitions to establish an SAD for road improvement.
The Township Board's intent regarding this process is stated:
The improvement of Neighborhood Roads using this Neighborhood Local Road
Improvement Process policy shall be considered a grassroots effort undertaken by
the property owners of the proposed Road Improvement Area. The Board is providing
this policy and support for the convenience of those property owners so that they
have an opportunity to cause roads within their Neighborhood to be improved. The
Board is offering this as a service to owners, at the owner's option, and is not
imposing road improvement on any Neighborhood. However, if a valid petition for
road improvements is received by the Board, the project may go forward
i.

All petitions to establish a Special Assessment District must be
submitted to the Township no later than 60 days of receiving the
petitions from the Township. To be valid, a petition(s) must contain the
signatures of Benefiting Property Owners who own property with more
than 50% of the road front footage within the proposed Road
Improvement Area. Petition signatures and form will be validated by the
Township. The Township Board may extend this deadline.

ii.

There is no opportunity provided by Public Act 188 of 1954 to remove
one's name from a valid SAD petition once an individual has signed it. It
is the property owner's responsibility to know and understand this prior
to signing a petition described by this policy

5. First Public Hearing and Need and Necessity
Once the petitions are validated by the Township, the Township Board will hold
the required public hearing regarding "need and necessity" and to hear any
objections to the petition, the proposed project, and to the proposed SAD pursuant
to Public Act 188 of 1954. The Board may, following the hearing find that the
project is necessary and needed and the Road Improvement Area project will move
forward and pass a resolution to approve the completion of the proposed
improvements, the plans and estimated cost of the project, and the sufficiency of
the petition under Public Act 188 of 1954.
6. Final Project Design and Bidding
The Ingham County Road Department (ICRD) or an engineering firm designated
by the Township Board will work to finalize the road improvement design and
plans.
7. Construction Phase
It is ICRD and Board policy to make bidding documents available to pre-qualified
construction contractors who have been previously vetted by the ICRD and the
most responsive bidder will be selected by the ICRD, or the Board in conjunction
with the engineer hired to prepare the construction plans, to perform the road
improvement work.
If the lowest qualified and responsive bid for construction phase comes in 10%
higher than the initial construction estimate for the chosen project type, the
Township will issue notices to all properties on the assessment roll and hold another
public hearing to ascertain input on whether the contract should be awarded and the
project move to construction.
8. Second Public Hearing and Establishment of Special Assessment District Roll
At or following a second public hearing, the Township Board will vote to approve
the assessment roll as presented or as amended pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954.
The SAD roll shall pass all costs associated with design, engineering, construction
and bonding onto the Benefiting Property Owners. The roll shall be adjusted as
needed to reflect the actual costs after project completion.

In the event that an SAD has been established, and the SAD roll remains
outstanding at the time Township voters approve a Township Road millage, the
Township Board has discretion to amend the SAD roll to reduce the total assessed
amount and the amounts of future installment payments as permitted by public Act
188 of 1954. When considering whether to amend an SAD roll, the Township Board
will evaluate the related Neighborhood road improvement project to determine the
extent to which project costs are eligible to be paid for from the Township road
millage.
IV.

Time Schedule
Steps in
creation
of SAD
1

2

Activity

Prior to obtaining signatures on the Letter of Interest (LOI), interested
property owner(s) shall contact the Township to obtain a map of the
Neighborhood which will constitute the Road Improvement Area.
A Neighborhood interested in improving their roads shall submit to the
Township a Letter of Interest (LOI) requesting the establishment of a
Road Improvement Area.

3

The Township will review the signatures on the Letter of Interest. If LOI is
valid, township will request cost estimates from Ingham County Road
Department or engineering firm chosen by the Township.

4

Ingham County Road Department (ICRD) and/or engineering firm will
provide cost estimates.

5

The Township and ICRD shall hold one information meeting for
Benefiting Property Owners of the proposed Road Improvement Area.

6

Petitions must be submitted to the Township no later than 60 days of
receipt from the Township. To be valid, a petition(s) must contain the
signatures of Benefiting Property Owners owning more than 50% of
the road front footage within the proposed Road Improvement Area.
Petition signatures and form will be validated by the Township.

7

Township will review the signatures on the petitions.

8

The Township Board will hold the required public hearing regarding
"need and necessity" and to hear objections to the petition, the proposed
project, and to the proposed SAD pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954.

9

10

Ingham County Road Department will usually finalize the road
improvement design and plans to be included in the bidding process of
County projects.
At or following the second public hearing, the Township Board will vote
to approve the assessment roll as presented or amended pursuant to Public
Act 188 of 1954.

Neighborhood

Road

Neighborhood

Road

1 Baan-Gan-Aka

Daggertail Ln.
Swallowtail Ln .
Monarch Ln.
Skipper Ln.
Brookshire Ct.

17 Pebblebrook

Agate Way
Cinnabar Dr.
Feldspar Dr.
Granite Rd.
Jadestone Dr.
Newman Rd.
Petoskey Dr.
Quarton Rd.
Rocky Hill Dr.
Ruby Way
Sandstone Dr .
Topez Dr.
Courtside Dr.
Glencoe Dr.
Selwood Ct.
Southbury Ln.
James Ave
Lay
Manning
Oliver Dr.
Congdon Dr.
Wilfors Dr.
Rodeo Tr.

2 Brookshire Estates
3 Cherry Ridge
4 Cedar Vale Estates

5 Cherry Valle

Sand Cherry Ln.
Wild Cherry Dr.
Blossey Dr.
Cedarvale Dr .
Thatcher Dr.
Cherry Valle Ln.
Fruitbelt Ln.

6 Damon
7 Pheasant Run
8 Ebright
9 Golf View

Damon Rd.
Deer Trail
Ebright
Golfview Dr.

18 Pine Knoll

10 Harvey

Harvey Rd.

19 Quinlan

11 Hiddenview

Charlsfield Ln.
Hiddenview Ln.
Knollridge Ln.
Woodcove Ln.
Woodpass Ln.
Countryside
Gladie Ln.
Evening Star
Twin Ponds Ln.

12 Larkin Acres

13 Maple Shade

Maple Shade Dr.
Red Maple Dr.

14 Meadowdale

Meadowdale Dr .

15 Oakleaf

Burr Oak Ct.
Corkwood Tr.
Live Oak Tr.
Oak Bark Tr.
Redbud Tr.
Blossom Dr.

16 Orchard Park

20 Red Cedar Manor

21 Rodeo
22 Steeplechase
23 Smith Estates

24 Williamstown
Estates

Briddlewood
Trotters Ln
Sunrise Dr.

Cygnet Ct
Goldfinch Ln
Osprey Ave
Warbler Way

25 Windybrook
26 Woodview

Joann Ln
Ferrins Way
Forest Oak Tr.
Park Wood Dr.
White Pine Dr.