Oshtemo Township - Township Board - April 14, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

The board deliberates on enhancing community engagement, particularly in relation to the battery energy storage issue, suggesting informal sessions with board members to facilitate dialogue. They approve budget amendments for blight cleanup services, addressing long-standing issues with non-compliant properties. The board also receives updates from Detective Adam Kem on local crime statistics, highlighting trends in violent and property crimes. Additionally, the board discusses potential ordinance amendments and the Township's involvement in a lawsuit concerning battery energy storage regulations. The meeting reflects the board's commitment to addressing community concerns and maintaining public safety.

Chapters

Call to Order and Welcome (00:01:02)
The meeting is called to order and attendees are welcomed. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited.

The Oshtemo Charter Township regular board meeting is officially called to order, and attendees are welcomed. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by those present.
Remote Location Identification (00:01:52)
Identification of remote location for attendance. Full attendance makes remote location unnecessary.

The board identifies the remote location for attendance as per statute, but notes that since there is full attendance, a remote location is not necessary.
Township Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:02:08)
Discussion on Township mission, vision, and core values. Commitment to quality fire and police protection is emphasized.

A member of the board is invited to share a core value of the Township. Trustee Cole reads a statement committing to quality fire and police protection, and an update from the fire department is anticipated at the next meeting.
Approval of the Agenda (00:02:37)
The agenda is reviewed for changes and then approved by motion and vote with no opposition.

The members of the board are asked if there are any changes to the agenda. There are no changes requested, and a motion to approve the agenda as presented is made by Trustee Kora and supported by Trustee Chapman. The motion carries with unanimous approval.
Public Official and Community Partner Updates (00:03:23)
Updates from public officials and community partners, including a groundbreaking ceremony attended by the governor and appointments to local boards.

County Commissioner Ulu provides updates, including the governor's attendance at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new project funded by state and local contributions. Updates also include the appointment of a township resident to the county transit authority and an upcoming women's veterans conference in Kalamazoo.
Public Comment (00:08:44)
Public comments on the consent agenda or non-regular session items. A resident discusses the burn ordinance and shares a personal story.

A resident provides comments regarding the burn ordinance, expressing uncertainty about the ordinance's direction and sharing a personal anecdote about a neighborhood tradition of ensuring burn permits are called in. The resident cautions against making ordinance changes without thorough consideration and study.
Consent Agenda (00:13:51)
Consent agenda items are reviewed and approved. Items include meeting minutes, financial reports, and updates.

The consent agenda is reviewed, containing the meeting minutes of the regular meeting, the receipts and disbursements report, the Oshtemo Charter Township Identity Guide, and the West Main Non-motorized Path Maintenance update. The board approves the consent agenda items A through D without opposition.
Sheriff's Office Report (00:15:45)
Report from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, covering calls for service, crime statistics, and community relations efforts.

Detective Adam Kem presents a report from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, detailing calls for service, crime statistics such as violent crimes and property crimes, and community relations efforts. The presentation includes a discussion of trends in crime, efforts to educate the community on crime prevention, and updates on recent cases.
Public Safety Report (00:32:51)
Discussion on retail fraud, organized crime, shootings, partnerships, and ongoing investigations.

The meeting involved discussions on the impact of police presence on retail fraud numbers, the low percentage of organized retail crime, and recent major incidents including a homicide where suspects are in custody. Updates on shooting incidents and the role of partnerships with federal agencies in handling gun cases were also provided.
Hawking Ordinance (00:44:54)
Introduction of an ordinance to address unauthorized selling on business property.

An ordinance was introduced to combat the unauthorized selling or hawking by juveniles on business property. The ordinance aims to discourage this activity by holding parents of juveniles accountable and has been effective in reducing such incidents in the township.
Rezoning Request (00:50:16)
Discussion on a rezoning request for a parcel from agricultural to rural residential.

A rezoning request was considered for a parcel including two homes, from agricultural to rural residential, to facilitate a land division. The planning commission found the criteria for the rezoning were met.
Text Amendments (00:51:01)
Consideration of quarterly text amendments for planning department ordinances.

The board considered quarterly text amendments for the planning department, addressing issues such as outdoor lighting provisions, indoor recreation uses, assembly halls, and home occupation provisions. These amendments aim to update and clarify existing ordinances.
Quarterly Budget Amendments (00:55:00)
Review and approval of quarterly budget amendments for various departments.

The board reviewed and approved quarterly budget amendments, including adjustments for professional fees and computer equipment for new hires. These amendments ensure departments remain within their budgets and address any unforeseen expenses.
Blighted Properties Budget Amendment (01:00:00)
Request to transfer funds for contracted services to address blighted properties.

A request was made to transfer funds for contracted services to address blighted properties. This approach was agreed upon to manage the budget effectively and address blight on a case-by-case basis.
Discussion on Property Compliance Issues (01:03:34)
Discussion on three properties with compliance issues, efforts to resolve them, and the legal process involved.

The meeting discussed ongoing compliance issues with three properties that have been unresolved for over a year. The properties have been cited in court, found responsible, and fined. The legal office issued a compliance order, allowing the use of a contractor for cleanup. The goal is to avoid having taxpayers bear the cost of cleanup, and if property owners don't pay, the cost will be added to their property taxes. The board asked questions about the reasons for non-compliance and efforts made to resolve the issues.
Public Comment Opportunity (01:13:18)
Opportunity for public comments on the property compliance action item.

The floor was opened for public comments on the action item regarding property compliance. No public comments were made.
Motion for Budget Amendment for Blight Cleanup (01:13:43)
Motion to approve a budget amendment for contracted services to provide blight cleanup services.

A motion was made to approve a budget amendment to allocate funds for contracted services to clean up the blighted properties. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously with a vote of seven to zero.
Closed Session for Personnel Matter (01:14:28)
Board moves to enter a closed session to discuss a personnel performance evaluation as requested by an employee.

A resolution was read to enter a closed session to discuss an employee's personnel performance evaluation, as requested by the employee. The resolution was adopted with a vote of seven to zero, and the board entered closed session.
Return to Open Session (01:48:53)
Motion to exit closed session and return to open session was made and approved.

After the closed session, a motion was made to exit the closed session and return to open session. The motion was seconded and approved with a unanimous vote.
Topics for Board Discussion: Park Ranger Reporting Structure (01:49:24)
Discussion on proposed changes to the reporting structure and duties of the park ranger position.

The board discussed a proposal to change the reporting structure of the park ranger from the maintenance director to the parks director, along with updates to the job description to reflect additional duties and certifications acquired by the staff member. The board was informed that this proposal would be brought to the next meeting for approval.
Community Engagement Proposal (01:52:32)
Proposal to enhance community engagement through informal meetings with board members to discuss relevant issues.

A proposal was made to improve community engagement by holding informal meetings with up to three board members and residents to discuss issues like battery energy storage. These sessions would facilitate dialogue outside of formal board meetings. The proposal emphasized that this would be board work, not staff work, and aimed to address community calls for better engagement.
Discussion on Planning Commission Independence (02:07:55)
A detailed discussion on the importance of maintaining the independence of the planning commission and avoiding interference from the board.

The meeting included a discussion on the board's interaction with the planning commission. It was emphasized that board members should not interfere with the planning commission's process. There was concern about the potential for biasing planning commission members or staff by asking questions in public forums. It was noted that a community in the county violated state law by directing the planning commission through an advisory committee. The board supports public input but wants to maintain control over the public record to ensure a strong ordinance against energy companies.
Public Comment (02:15:55)
Public comments were made by local residents, expressing concerns about planning processes and community engagement.

Residents Bruce Gothe, Rob Morrison, Danina, and others made public comments. Bruce Gothe expressed frustration with the township attorney's approach and emphasized the importance of community engagement. Rob Morrison appreciated the community engagement discussion and noted the need for more public forums on energy issues. Danina clarified her previous statements about a proposed site for a battery facility, highlighting environmental and community concerns that were overlooked in a newspaper article.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (02:29:02)
Board members provided updates on various projects and committees, including a focus on non-motorized path regulations and community engagement.

Board members gave updates on their activities. Trustee Ford discussed his project on non-motorized path regulations. Trustee Kora reported on various meetings and projects, including the flagpole project and trail work. Trustee Cole refrained from further comments. Trustee Chapman mentioned an informative planning commission meeting. Treasurer Buszka and Clerk Farmer provided updates on financial and transit matters, respectively. Supervisor provided updates on upcoming meetings and projects, including the police committee and Youth Sports Complex Authority.
Ordinance Update on Battery Energy Storage (02:39:54)
The board was updated on the progress of a revised ordinance regarding battery energy storage. It is anticipated that the next draft will be available in June, as coordinated with the planning director and township attorney.

During the meeting, an update was provided to the board and the public about a revised ordinance concerning battery energy storage systems. The planning director and township attorney are working together to have a new draft ready by June. Although this is the current goal, it was noted that it is not a definite promise, but rather a target that has been set for the development of the ordinance.
Adjournment (02:40:27)
The meeting was concluded with final remarks and then adjourned. Attendees were thanked for their participation.

The meeting concluded with the final remarks from the speaker, who noted that their comments were ended. The meeting was then formally adjourned. Attendees were thanked, marking the official end of the meeting session.