Oshtemo Township - Township Board - March 24, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

The Board considers a budget amendment for the fire department to upgrade radio communications, a proposal for installing EV charging stations at Township Hall, and changes to the ordinance on hawkers, peddlers, and solicitors. Public comments mainly concern the transparency of the battery energy storage system ordinance process and the need for an energy advisory committee. The meeting also highlights the importance of consistency in Township identity and signage. Trustee Cole emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to energy facility regulations, advocating for extensive investigation and community involvement in decision-making processes.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:12)
The meeting of the Oshtemo Township was officially called to order.

The Oshtemo Township meeting was officially called to order by the chair.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:22)
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was recited.

The members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, reaffirming their commitment to the Republic.
Roll Call and Remote Attendance (00:01:50)
Trustee Cole confirmed remote attendance due to medical reasons, as permitted by state guidelines.

Trustee Cole joined the meeting remotely, confirming her location in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and explaining her situation due to medical reasons. Attorney Porter clarified that remote attendance is allowed under the circumstances described by Trustee Cole.
Approval of the Agenda (00:04:03)
The agenda was presented for approval with no changes requested by members.

The agenda for the meeting was presented and opened for changes. Trustee Sikora moved for approval, with support from Treasurer Buszka, and the agenda was approved as presented on the website with a unanimous vote of 7-0.
Public Officials and Community Partner Updates (00:06:03)
Attorney Porter issued a public apology to Trustee Chapman and the public.

Attorney Porter took the time to publicly apologize to Trustee Chapman for previous comments made at a planning commission meeting and also apologized to the public and the board for his unprofessional behavior.
Work Session: Review of Burn Ordinance (00:07:37)
Fire department presented data and options regarding the township's burn ordinance.

Scott Fuller, Assistant Fire Marshal, presented a detailed review of the township's open burning ordinance. The presentation covered definitions, state laws, comparisons with neighboring jurisdictions, data on burn permits and complaints, and options for ordinance revisions. The intent was to address issues arising from increased development and associated burning practices. Various questions were raised regarding enforcement and the definition of terms like 'brush' and 'commercial burning'. Discussions also touched on potential changes to the ordinance to better manage residential and commercial burning.
Outside Fire Control Discussion (00:32:56)
Discussion on current practices and issues related to dispatching firetrucks for outside fires, with concerns over costs and effectiveness.

The discussion focuses on the current practice of dispatching firetrucks for outside fires and whether there are more cost-effective alternatives. Concerns were raised about fires getting out of control and the necessity of always dispatching a firetruck. Alternatives such as using brush trucks and assessing fires before dispatching were considered. The need for better documentation and understanding the origins of fires was also mentioned.
Ordinance and Options for Outside Fires (00:44:08)
Presentation on ordinance options for managing outside fires, including bans and rule revisions, and comparison with neighboring jurisdictions.

The presentation outlined several options for managing outside fires through ordinance changes. Options included a full ban, partial ban, commercial ban, rule revision, or doing nothing. Comparisons with neighboring jurisdictions were provided, highlighting different approaches to managing outside fires, such as permit systems and waste pickups. The presentation emphasized the importance of considering environmental stewardship and community needs in making decisions.
Discussion on Township Identity and Communications (00:53:00)
Presentation on developing a consistent township identity and communication strategy to enhance community engagement and trust.

The presentation focused on the importance of establishing a consistent township identity and communication strategy. It covered the need for clear messaging, defining the township's voice and audience, and using social media effectively. The goal is to build trust, enhance community identity, and support economic development through consistent and recognizable communication. Visual identity elements, such as logos and colors, were also discussed as part of the strategy.
Discussion on Font Usage and Document Design (01:02:45)
Discussion on using Adobe fonts for documents and the challenges of finding these on Windows systems.

The meeting started with a discussion about the choice of fonts, Montserrat and Proxima Nova, used in previous documents, praising their effectiveness in creating a visual hierarchy. However, the challenge of these fonts being Adobe-exclusive and not readily available on Windows was highlighted. Collibra was suggested as a default alternative.
Document and Form Design (01:03:53)
Overview of the process for designing various township documents and forms.

The staff is working on designing documents like letterheads, memos, PowerPoint templates, invoices, and even fax cover sheets. Despite the modern push, fax cover sheets are still considered necessary. The process aims to ensure consistency across all materials, modernizing business cards, and email signatures to reflect the township's brand.
Signage and Branding Guidelines (01:04:55)
Discussion on developing signage guidelines and the progress on the signage project.

The signage project is advancing, focusing on bringing consistency to signage across the township. The discussion emphasized the importance of having clear guidelines on sign shape, logo placement, color hierarchy, and readability. An audit of current signage revealed inconsistencies, which the project aims to address over several years.
Public Comments on Energy Storage and Transparency (01:23:08)
Residents express concerns over transparency and decision-making regarding energy storage systems.

Several residents provided comments concerning the proposed battery energy storage systems and the township's handling of related ordinances. Concerns centered around the transparency of closed sessions discussing the energy storage ordinance, the lack of public involvement, and the safety and environmental implications of such systems.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:36:33)
Board approves items in the consent agenda with a request for clarification on item C.

The board moved to approve items in the consent agenda, with one board member requesting further discussion on item C, regarding the Oshtemo Township February policing reports. The reports typically are available on the township's website for public access.
Job Description Revision for Operations Coordinator (01:38:25)
Proposal to revise the Operations Coordinator position to Operations Manager with a budget amendment.

The HR Director presented a proposal to revise the job description for the Operations Coordinator position, recommending a title change to Operations Manager. This change reflects the evolution of the position's responsibilities and includes a budget amendment for increased compensation.
Resolution on Employee Handbook Revisions (02:09:00)
The board reviewed proposed revisions to the employee handbook, focusing on clarifying internal security and field safety, including badge usage and conduct during offsite tasks.

The resolution involved reviewing revisions to the employee handbook. These revisions addressed internal security, specifying who can access certain areas and the use of identification badges for employees and visitors. The field safety section was enhanced to provide guidelines for employees interacting with the public while performing tasks offsite, particularly in parks. The revisions aimed to ensure staff are clear on how to handle situations that arise during their work, including when to contact law enforcement. There was a specific emphasis on the expectations for personal and social interactions, with a focus on maintaining professionalism.
Discussion on Security Changes (02:15:05)
Trustee Cole raised concerns about the language in the security changes policy, suggesting it felt like an overreach and proposed revisions for clarity.

Trustee Cole expressed her support for changes to security in the workspace, drawing on her experience in physical security. However, she felt that the language in section E of the policy was an overreach, particularly regarding limiting personal interactions between employees and the public. She suggested changes to ensure employees do not portray personal opinions as representative of the township's mission and to clarify that employees should not engage in harassing or combative conduct. The board discussed these suggestions, and it was agreed that the language would be revised and brought back for further review.
Budget Amendment for Wastewater Agreement (02:21:04)
The board discussed a budget amendment related to the Kalamazoo Regional Water and Wastewater Commission agreement, emphasizing the need for equalized rates and compliance with environmental standards.

Ms. Horner presented a budget amendment related to the Kalamazoo Regional Water and Wastewater Commission (KRWWC). The amendment is necessary to finalize a new water and wastewater agreement with the City of Kalamazoo. The agreement aims to ensure compliance with environmental and treatment standards and to establish equalized rates for all system users. The board discussed the amendment, with members highlighting the significant work done by the regional commission and its importance for the township's infrastructure projects. The amendment was approved after a brief public comment period with no comments.
Fire Department Budget Amendment for Radio Upgrade (02:26:49)
The board approved a budget amendment to upgrade the Oshtemo Fire Department's radio systems, ensuring compatibility with countywide dispatch and potential disaster response.

The board discussed a budget amendment for the Oshtemo Fire Department to upgrade its radio systems as part of a countywide initiative. The upgrade is necessary to meet new encryption standards and to ensure interoperability with other agencies during multi-jurisdictional events. The fire chief explained the funding process, including discounts from Motorola and reimbursements from dispatch. Trustee Cole emphasized the critical nature of the upgrade for communication during emergencies. The amendment was approved, ensuring the fire department would have the necessary funds to proceed with the radio upgrade.
Second Reading of Solicitors Ordinance (02:33:00)
The board conducted a second reading of the solicitors ordinance, incorporating public feedback and minor board-suggested amendments for clarity and enforcement.

The board conducted a second reading of the solicitors ordinance, which included incorporating public feedback and making minor amendments for clarity. Trustee Chapman suggested adding contact information for representatives of nonprofit organizations to the ordinance and discussed the need for displaying licenses during solicitation. The board agreed on the amendments and concluded that the ordinance's changes would not significantly impact legitimate nonprofit solicitation. Public comment was opened but no comments were made. The ordinance was approved with the proposed amendments.
EV Charging Stations Proposal (02:44:44)
The board reviewed a proposal for installing EV charging stations at Township Hall, highlighting cost considerations and potential locations for installation.

The board reviewed a proposal for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Township Hall. The proposal included an estimate for three charging stations but did not cover the cost of the chargers themselves. Different potential locations for installation were discussed, with varying costs based on electrical capacity and trenching requirements. The board plans to discuss the proposal further in the cemeteries, buildings, and grounds committee to make a recommendation on the installation.
Discussion on Chief's Vehicle and Charging Stations (02:48:30)
The board discussed the evaluation of sites for the chief's vehicle charging station, considering costs, maintenance, and potential locations.

The meeting included a detailed discussion about the installation of a charging station for the chief's vehicle. Three sites were evaluated, but only one was considered viable due to costs and feasibility. There were concerns about the availability of parking, the need for meter service upgrades, and directional boring to connect to the township hall. The board debated the cost-effectiveness of the fire station location and the need for a budget amendment. Further considerations included maintenance costs for gasoline versus electric vehicles, performance degradation with temperature, and the need for more information before making a decision. The urgency was noted as some departments are using personal vehicles for work. The discussion also covered the availability of electric and hybrid vehicles through the MyDeal program.
Public Comments (02:53:54)
Residents expressed concerns about charging station reliability, public access, and the need for local vendors.

During the public comment section, residents raised concerns about the reliability of electric vehicle charging stations, referencing a failed station at Fletcher Park. They questioned how to prevent similar issues at new installations and how to restrict public access to Township-installed stations. There were also suggestions to consider local vendors for the project to support the community.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (03:01:01)
Board members provided updates on various committee activities, including planning, parks, and police committee meetings.

Board members shared updates and reports from various committees. Trustee Chapman reported on the planning commission's progress on the master plan. Trustee Sikora detailed parks committee activities, including grant applications and upcoming events. Trustee Cole discussed the police committee's work and efforts to engage with local police chiefs for their insights. Treasurer Buszka and Clerk Firmer provided updates on financial settlements and election preparations.
Supervisor's Remarks (03:12:13)
The supervisor addressed staff compensation concerns and the board's approach to energy committee formation.

The supervisor addressed misconceptions regarding staff compensation, clarifying that staff are paid at the mid-level in comparison to peer entities, based on an independent study. The supervisor also commented on the proposal to form an independent energy committee, stating a preference to follow legal advice to use the planning commission for such matters. Concerns were raised about staff feeling apprehensive to bring issues before the board due to the current political climate and board conduct.