Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission

Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission - March 26, 2026 Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

The Commission considers a rezoning request for properties from agricultural to rural residential and a site plan extension for Maple Hill Auto Group, with Mr. Vandenberg explaining delays due to changes in building plans and regulatory processes. Public comments focus on a closed session regarding legal counsel and the request for more transparency. Additionally, there are discussions about potential ordinance amendments related to lighting and zoning. The meeting highlights community engagement and continued concerns about battery energy storage systems and transparency.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:40)
The meeting of the planning commission was officially called to order after a quorum was established.

The chairperson officially called the meeting to order, marking the beginning of the planning commission's proceedings after confirming that a quorum was present.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:49)
The attendees were invited to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

The chairperson requested everyone to stand and join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, an act of patriotism and respect for the nation.
Approval of Agenda (00:03:15)
The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and approved by the commission members with no additions or deletions.

The chairperson asked if there were any changes to the agenda, and upon hearing none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as published. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:44)
Katie Schneider objected to a planned closed session, citing concerns about the Open Meetings Act and transparency.

During the public comment section, Katie Schneider expressed her objection to the planned closed session, questioning the legal grounds for it under the Open Meetings Act. She argued for transparency and asked for clarification on the exemption being cited for the closed session.
Approval of Minutes (00:08:11)
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved without any corrections.

The chairperson asked if anyone had corrections to the minutes from the previous meeting. With no corrections proposed, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes, which passed unanimously.
Public Hearing: Rezoning Request (00:09:04)
A rezoning request for land on West H Avenue was discussed, focusing on changing from agricultural to rural residential zoning.

The applicant, Steven Deree, requested a rezoning of land on West H Avenue from agricultural to rural residential. The planning staff recommended approval, citing consistency with the master plan and surrounding land uses. Public comments were invited, and the commission discussed the request before voting to recommend approval to the Township board.
Public Hearing: Zoning Ordinance Amendments (00:19:22)
Proposed amendments to zoning ordinances, including lighting provisions and administrative reviews, were presented and discussed.

The planning staff presented several proposed amendments to the zoning ordinances. Key changes included updates to outdoor lighting provisions, administrative review processes, and amendments based on day-to-day ordinance application. Public comments were solicited, and the commission voted to recommend approval of the amendments to the Township board.
Site Plan Extension: Maple Hill Auto Group (00:25:54)
Maple Hill Auto Group requested a one-year extension for their site plan and special use approval due to design changes and regulatory delays.

Jim Vandenberg of Maple Hill Auto Group explained the need for a one-year extension on their site plan and special use approval. Factors included a change in building design mandated by the franchise, as well as delays in brownfield and road commission approvals. The commission discussed the request and voted to grant the extension.
Closed Session (00:35:51)
The commission voted to enter a closed session to discuss a legal opinion with counsel, requiring a roll call vote.

The commission moved to enter a closed session to discuss a legal opinion from counsel. Despite objections from a public commenter, the commission believed the session was warranted and conducted a roll call vote to proceed with the closed session.
Closed Session (00:37:00)
The meeting went into a closed session to discuss confidential matters, with the participants agreeing to reconvene once the session was over.

The meeting entered a closed session, where private discussions were held. Attendees were informed that they would return to the open session once the closed session was completed.
Return to Open Session (00:58:18)
A motion was made and seconded to return to open session, which was approved unanimously, allowing the meeting to proceed with the open agenda.

The meeting resumed its open session following a motion to return to open session, which was unanimously approved by all present members. This allowed the meeting to continue with its public agenda items.
Public Comment Period (00:58:38)
Numerous citizens expressed their concerns, particularly about transparency and energy systems, and requested more interaction from the board during public comments.

During the public comment period, several citizens raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the board's meetings and decision-making processes. Many expressed dissatisfaction with the inability to ask questions and receive answers during meetings. Specific issues discussed included the construction of a cell tower, approval of battery energy storage systems, and the formation of an energy committee. Citizens asked for more engagement from the board and clearer communication on these issues.
Energy Systems Update (01:17:27)
An update was provided on the development of an energy systems ordinance, emphasizing ongoing research and the incorporation of best practices.

An update was given on the progress of drafting an energy systems ordinance, which includes provisions for sound modeling and manufacturer quality control reports. The ordinance is being developed with input from scientific experts to ensure best practices are followed. The update clarified that no work on the ordinance occurred in closed sessions and that a public review process will occur before it is finalized.
Environmental Protection Regulations Update (01:23:10)
The board is consolidating environmental protection regulations into one comprehensive ordinance to improve clarity and enforcement.

The board is working on consolidating all environmental protection regulations into a single ordinance. This effort aims to strengthen environmental protection language, including clear-cutting and stormwater management, and make it easier for developers to understand and comply with regulations. The update emphasized the need for comprehensive rules to guide environmental protection efforts across the township.
Adjournment (01:24:54)
The meeting was officially adjourned after all agenda items were discussed, concluding the session.

After all items on the agenda were addressed, the meeting was formally adjourned. This marked the end of the session, with no further business to discuss.