Request for Clarification on Public Comment Procedures for Mining Ordinance Changes

Following the October 8 Township Board meeting, I contacted Supervisor Ric Davis and the Township Board seeking clarification on the next steps for the Mining Control Ordinance revisions.

During that meeting, Clerk Sean Miller described the previous ordinance draft as “obsolete” and stated that public comment would not reopen until a new draft was available.

With the first reading now postponed for a third time, I requested additional information regarding the timeline, public notification procedures, and opportunities for resident participation.

Timeline and Public Notification

I asked whether the Township has established a tentative deadline for completing the new draft or whether the first reading will continue to be postponed until it is ready.

I also asked how residents will be notified when the revised ordinance becomes available. My recommendations included announcements on the Township website’s homepage, a series of resident emails with clear instructions and deadlines, physical notices at Township offices, and announcements during public meetings.

Public Review and Comment Period

I requested clarification on how much time residents will have to review the revised ordinance before its first reading and what the public comment process will look like afterward.

This included whether an online submission form would be available again and whether the Township would consider offering physical forms for residents without reliable internet access or technical resources.

I also requested a minimum 60-day public comment period, noting that the previous comment window was only five days, leaving residents with limited time to review the proposed changes and prepare meaningful feedback.

Reviewing and Incorporating Public Feedback

Another important concern is what happens to comments after they are submitted.

I asked who will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating public comments, whether all Township Board members will receive copies, and how the Township will demonstrate that resident feedback was considered during the revision process.

While I understand that not every recommendation can be incorporated, a documented process explaining how comments were evaluated and which recommendations influenced the ordinance would provide residents with greater transparency and accountability.

Supervisor Davis’s Automatic Email Response

After sending my email, I received the following automatic response from Supervisor Davis:

Automatic reply: Mining Ordinance Questions

Thank you for your email.
I am currently out of the office. During my absence, please direct any Township-related correspondence or inquiries to Diana Walls at dwalls@springfield-twp.us.

Thank you for your understanding.
Ric Davis
Township Supervisor
Springfield Charter Township

The automatic response did not provide an explanation for Davis’s absence or an anticipated return date. The message directed Township-related correspondence and inquiries to Supervisor Deputy Diana Walls.

I will continue following the ordinance revision process and share additional information as it becomes available. My objective is to advocate for residents to receive adequate notice, sufficient time to review proposed changes, and a clear understanding of how their feedback is evaluated and considered.

Resident involvement is essential to this process, and meaningful participation requires more than an opportunity to comment. It requires the time, access, and transparency needed to help shape decisions that will affect our community for years to come.