Below are independent notes prepared by Oko Environmental, LLC from the August 26, 2025 fact-finding meeting. These notes are provided for public information and transparency and do not replace official records maintained by Springfield Charter Township.
Date: August 26, 2025
Attendees:
- Ric Davis, Township Supervisor
- Gerry Fischer, Special Counsel
- Brian O’Mara, Environmental Consultant
- Mike Wilczynski, Professional Geologist
- Kara Okonewski, Oko Environmental
- Chris Todd, S.T.E.P. Representative
Key Points:
- Ric Davis provided “Plan of Direction for Review of Levy Application” to all meeting participants.
- Spring Township has negotiated a “pause” in Levy/Burroughs mining application timeline.
- Township leadership acknowledged challenges in the review process, including in zoning and regulations.
- Township leadership cautioned that, under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA), local authorities must exercise zoning authority carefully and compliantly. Failure to do so could expose the process to legal challenges, potentially weakening local control, though there is no automatic state intervention under the Act.
- Township officials emphasized the goal of making defensible, fact-based decisions.
Meeting Conclusion:
The meeting concluded with all participants acknowledging the responsibilities involved in the fact-finding process and agreeing to continue moving forward with a shared understanding of the task at hand. A future meeting is scheduled for September. In the meantime, Brian O’Mara, Mike Wilczynski, and Kara Okonewski will continue to review all information currently available on the Township’s website.
