Oshtemo Township - March 31, 2026 Township Board Joint Board Meeting

Updated about 9 hours ago

The Oshtemo Charter Township Joint Board Meeting brings together various township bodies to share updates and listen to public comments. Key topics include updates on public works projects such as the KL Avenue bridge replacement and the Ninth Street sidewalk project. Public concerns are raised about transparency and potential impacts of a proposed megawatt battery energy storage system. The meeting also covers updates on planning commission activities, zoning ordinance developments, and the progress of the Fruit Belt Rail Trail. Township board members discuss the importance of community engagement and address questions about the ordinance drafting process regarding energy systems.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:34)
The Oshtemo Charter Township joint board meeting was called to order.

The meeting officially began with the chair calling it to order, marking the commencement of the session.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:50)
Participants were invited to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The chair invited all attendees to join in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited by all present, reaffirming their loyalty to the flag and the country.
Roll Call and Introductions (00:01:18)
Members of various township bodies introduced themselves, stating their affiliations.

A round table introduction was conducted where each member present introduced themselves and their affiliations with different township bodies, including the planning commission, zoning board of appeals, and others.
Public Officials and Community Partner Updates (00:03:04)
No updates were provided from public officials or community partners.

An opportunity was given for any public officials or community partners present to provide updates, but none were given at this time.
Public Comment Opportunity (00:03:19)
Residents expressed concerns over township projects and transparency.

A segment was dedicated to public comments where several residents voiced their concerns about ongoing projects like the battery energy storage systems, transparency in board decisions, and the impact on their community and property values.
Board Updates (00:14:56)
Updates on public works projects were provided, including bridge and sewer projects.

Zach Pearson, project manager, provided detailed updates on various public works projects happening in the township, such as the KL Avenue bridge replacement, sanitary sewer expansion, non-motorized paths, and sidewalk constructions.
Planning Department Updates (00:21:57)
Updates on planning commission initiatives and future plans were discussed.

Jodi Stefforia from the planning department provided updates on the master streets plan, energy systems legislation, and upcoming zoning ordinance overhauls to align with the comprehensive plan.
Zoning Board of Appeals Update (00:31:33)
A recent interpretation case was discussed by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Zoning Board of Appeals recently handled an interpretation case regarding a proposed land use under the nonprofit educational, recreational, and business centers category in rural residential districts.
Zoning Board of Appeals Update (00:33:06)
Update on the role and activities of the Zoning Board of Appeals, including site plan reviews and zoning ordinance adjustments.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in Oshtemo has been conducting site plan reviews for permitted uses due to the Planning Commission's workload. The ZBA's role is to assess and suggest adjustments to zoning ordinances when certain situations don't fit the standard regulations.
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Report (00:34:04)
Report on the Downtown Development Authority's activities, including banner and streetlight projects and grant program expansions.

The DDA is working with Consumers Energy to add additional banners to utility poles and is also seeking to install streetlights on South Ninth Street. They have expanded their grant program to include security cameras, which benefit businesses and the Sheriff's department.
South Drake Corridor Improvement Authority Update (00:36:00)
Update on the South Drake Corridor Improvement Authority's revenue and grant program for security cameras on Drake Road.

The South Drake Corridor Improvement Authority has limited revenue but has created a grant program to help businesses along Drake Road install security cameras. They plan to send out letters to eligible businesses to apply for the grant, which helps improve security and community involvement.
Oshtemo Friends of the Park Report (00:39:36)
Report on the activities of Oshtemo Friends of the Park, including music events, trail benches, and volunteer efforts.

Oshtemo Friends of the Park is organizing 'Music in the Park' events with local bands. They are also working on installing benches along the Fruit Belt Trail using wood from the Drake Farmstead. Volunteer groups continue to grow, focusing on park improvements and invasive species removal.
Board of Review Discussion (00:45:02)
Discussion on the role of the Board of Review in addressing tax questions and appeals from residents.

The Board of Review is set up by state statute to handle questions and complaints about property taxes. Many residents appeal their taxes, often due to changes in property value assessments. The board helps residents understand their tax assessments and any changes due to property sales.
Township Board Updates (00:47:32)
Updates from various Township Board members on parks, election processes, and maintenance projects.

Board members provided updates on park projects, including the Fruit Belt Trail and Fletcher Field playground improvements. They discussed the upcoming election and changes to absentee ballot processing. Maintenance projects such as the flagpole area redesign were also mentioned.
Road Design Approval (01:03:52)
Discussion about the tentative approval for the road design on Maple Hill with on-street parking.

The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County has given tentative approval for the road design extension on Maple Hill, which will include on-street parking. However, the traffic study results are still pending, and there is a concern about how it might impact the design.
Capital Improvement Planning (01:05:07)
A report on a continuing education session regarding capital improvement planning attended by a board member.

A board member attended a continuing education session on capital improvement planning, which was three hours away. The session was valuable, and the member plans to formalize an internal process with the staff to improve the township's capital improvement process.
Audit and Budget Preparation (01:05:36)
Audit processes and upcoming budget work discussions, including meetings on AGVs and capital projects.

It's audit time at the township hall, with the treasurer and other staff working on the audit. Budget work will begin earnestly in June, with meetings planned around AGVs and capital projects involving department heads.
Board Retreat Scheduling (01:06:08)
Announcement of the township board retreat dates available to the public at the township hall.

The dates for the township board retreat have been scheduled and will be available to the public. The retreat is planned to be held at the township hall.
Meeting Adjournment (01:06:51)
The meeting was adjourned with a thank you to attendees and confirmation of the next meeting date.

With the updates concluded, the meeting was adjourned. Attendees were thanked, and it was noted that the next meeting will be in a couple of weeks or sooner.