Most of the controversy sparked by a news release distributed by Niles Township Supervisor Jim Kidwell seems to have been squelched. The release, distributed to reporters last week, announced that an investigation was under way for an alleged violation of township policy by Township Treasurer Jim Ringler.

But Niles Township Attorney Mary Lasata Spiegel told the township board Monday that an investigation completed by Miller Canfield, a Kalamazoo law firm, concluded that “no violation of policy occurred.”

The township policies apply to employees but not to elected officials, Spiegel said. The firm also concluded that even if the policies did apply to elected officials, Ringler still would not have been in violation.

Kidwell asked Spiegel if the firm discovered any criminal offenses from the investigation. Spiegel said Miller Canfield was only investigating for violation of township policy.

Spiegel made the announcement after a 45-minute closed session meeting of the township board at the end of the regularly scheduled board meeting. The board then voted unanimously to have the law firm send a summary report of the investigation to the township.

The board also passed a resolution to have Spiegel begin drafting a set of policies and procedures for township elected officials, which the township currently does not have. Having such procedures was “a strong recommendation” from the representative of Miller Canfield.

Last week Kidwell told the Star that the investigation began because Township Zoning Administrator Stefanie Woodrick filed a complaint against Ringler after a confrontation that left her “uncomfortable and intimidated.”

The news release stated that Ringler allegedly “tried to intimidate the Niles Charter Township zoning administrator into making illegal zoning changes.”

According to the release, the zoning changes would have financially benefited Ringler, who works as a real estate broker for Grubb & Ellis/Cressy & Everett.

Ringler told the Star last week that the allegations were “unfounded and untrue” and called the press release “defaming.” He declined comment after the board meeting Monday.

Earlier in the meeting on Monday, Kidwell attempted to table an item on the agenda regarding the discussion of the press release. But the other board members said he couldn’t do that since the agenda had already been approved.

During the discussion, several board members expressed frustration with not being notified about the news release.

“The board should have been better informed before it was released to the public,” said Trustee Gary Conover. “No one has actually seen the complaint or grievance. We have nothing to go on. I feel slighted.”

Trustee Dick Cooper clarified to the public that the board was not involved with the news release. Township Clerk Marge Durm-Hiatt said the township does not have a policy regarding who is authorized to distribute news releases or whether they have to be approved by the board.

“It (a news release policy) is something we should probably have,” she said.

During public comment, township resident Herschel Hoesey lashed out against Kidwell’s decision to distribute the press release, arguing it came out of a “personal vendetta” against Ringler.

Hoesey said actions like that create “a hostile environment” at the township. He also said he would like to organize a recall effort against Kidwell.