Oshtemo Township - May 27, 2026 Oshtemo Township Board of Trustees

Updated 1 day ago

The Oshtemo Charter Township Board Meeting covers a range of topics including organizational and staffing changes within the township departments, with the HR Director presenting recommendations for new positions and realignments, specifically focusing on parks, maintenance, and building departments. The board approves these recommendations with budget amendments. Public comments raise concerns about industrial burning on Sixth Street and the potential installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in residential areas. Public safety and environmental impact are primary concerns. The board discusses the need for a comprehensive facilities plan and capital improvement strategy to address aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance. The meeting also includes updates on local infrastructure projects and community events.

Chapters

Welcome and Opening (00:00:20)
The meeting begins with a welcome to the ASMO charter township regular board meeting.

The chairperson welcomes everyone to the ASMO charter township regular board meeting, setting the tone for the evening's proceedings.
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:30)
The meeting is officially called to order, and attendees participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The chairperson calls the meeting to order and invites everyone to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call and Remote Attendance Verification (00:01:07)
Attendance is taken, with one member attending remotely and the rest in person.

The clerk verifies remote attendance eligibility, and all members are accounted for, with Clerk Dusty Farmer attending remotely and the other six members present in person.
Township Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:01:34)
A member shares a core value of the township, emphasizing the importance of addressing difficult questions.

A member of the board shares the township's mission, vision, and core values, highlighting that difficult questions are not marginalized.
Approval of the Agenda (00:01:57)
The agenda is approved without changes, following a motion and a vote.

The chair invites members to propose changes to the agenda. With no changes suggested, a motion to approve is made and seconded, followed by a unanimous vote in favor.
Public Officials and Community Partner Updates (00:02:35)
Time is reserved for updates from county officials and community partners, though none are present.

The agenda reserves time for updates from public officials and community partners. However, no county commissioners or road commission representatives are present to give updates, so the item is closed.
Work Session - Planning and Administrative Updates (00:03:12)
Informational items related to planning processes and administrative updates are presented.

The work session begins with informational presentations from the Planning Director and other officials, covering topics like project approval processes and updates to administrative plans.
HR Presentation on Organizational Structure and Staffing (00:04:10)
HR Director presents recommended changes to organizational structure and staffing, including job description revisions.

The HR Director presents a memo detailing recommended changes to organizational structure, focusing on the parks, building, and maintenance departments. Changes include revising job descriptions and restructuring reporting lines to better align with current operations.
Budget Amendments Discussion (00:31:02)
Discussion on budget amendments, funding reallocations, and departmental responsibilities.

The board discussed various budget amendments and how funds were identified and reallocated from different departmental salary lines to cover new financial needs. There was a particular focus on ensuring that budgeted funds for unfilled positions were used efficiently. Issues regarding the restrictions on building fund usage were also addressed, and the need to comply with legal and financial regulations was emphasized.
Parks and Maintenance Roles and Responsibilities (00:50:03)
Review of administrative roles and responsibilities within parks and maintenance departments.

The meeting continued with a discussion on the roles and responsibilities of the parks and maintenance administrative staff. There was a debate over the proper allocation of tasks such as park rentals and how these duties align with existing job descriptions. The board also considered the implications of reallocating these responsibilities and the need for job description updates if duties were to shift.
Organizational Structure and Staffing (01:00:06)
Examination of organizational structure and staffing issues, including reporting lines and job descriptions.

The board examined the current organizational structure, focusing on the reporting lines for various positions, including the operations manager and building department coordinator. Discussions included how these roles fit within the broader organizational chart and whether the current structure supports efficient operations. The conversation also touched on the historical delays in addressing staffing issues and the processes involved in making these changes.
Public Comment on Burning and Air Quality (01:10:06)
Public concern over industrial and commercial burning affecting air quality in the township.

A resident, John Newman, expressed concerns during public comments about the impact of industrial and commercial burning near his home on Sixth Street. He reported issues with heavy smoke entering his home, causing discomfort and potential health risks. The resident sought the board's attention to address these air quality concerns and enforce regulations to mitigate smoke pollution.
Public Comments on Smoke and Environmental Concerns (01:13:46)
Residents express concerns about smoke from industrial activities affecting their health and environment.

Residents, including Carl Ashton, report issues with smoke and ash from nearby industrial activities, affecting their health and quality of life. They have invited township officials to witness the impact firsthand.
Public Comments on Battery Storage Facilities (01:15:00)
Concerns raised about battery storage facilities in residential areas, focusing on safety and community impact.

Residents, including Joe Gemmel, express concerns about the placement of battery storage facilities in residential areas, citing safety risks from lithium-ion battery fires and the need for proper zoning to protect the community.
Public Comments on Ordinance and Zoning Issues (01:24:00)
Discussion on ordinance changes and zoning, with emphasis on preventing industrial projects in residential zones.

Residents discuss the need for ordinances that prevent industrial projects, such as battery storage, from being placed in residential areas. They emphasize maintaining local control over zoning to protect the community.
Public Comments on Site Plan Review and Consent Agenda (01:28:00)
Questions raised about the inclusion of site plan review process in the agenda and consent agenda items.

Residents inquire about the reasoning behind including the site plan review process in the meeting agenda and seek clarification on consent agenda items, specifically regarding staffing changes for upcoming elections.
Discussion on HR Recommendations and Staffing Changes (01:32:00)
Board discusses proposed HR recommendations for staffing and organizational changes, including budget amendments.

The board discusses HR recommendations for staffing changes, including the creation of an Operations Manager position. Concerns are raised about job descriptions and compensation alignment. The proposal includes budget amendments to support these changes. The board debates the merits and implications of these organizational adjustments.
Discussion on Operations Manager Role (01:46:29)
Discussion about the role of the operations manager and concerns about the supervisor's duties being performed by others, leading to a vote against the changes.

The meeting included a discussion on the role of the operations manager and whether someone was doing the supervisor's job. Concerns were raised about the perception and appropriateness of these changes, leading to a decision by Mr. Sikora to vote against the proposed changes.
Motion and Vote on Operations Manager Role (01:47:05)
A vote was held on the changes to the operations manager role, resulting in four votes in favor and three against, thus carrying the motion.

Following the discussion about the operations manager role and the supervisor's duties, a motion was put forward to vote on accepting the changes. The motion received four votes in favor and three against, and therefore, the motion was carried.
Public Comment Session (01:48:01)
Public comments were invited, where several citizens raised concerns about local issues, such as industrial burning on Sixth Street and the battery storage plant.

During the public comment session, citizens were invited to express their concerns. John New Heis raised the issue of industrial burning on Sixth Street, urging the board to ban such activities. Jim Hopkins expressed concerns about the safety of a battery storage plant. Other comments included concerns about the flag not being at half-staff on Memorial Day.
Committee Updates (02:02:38)
Various trustees and officials provided updates on committee activities, including maintenance, infrastructure planning, and financial audits.

The trustees and officials provided updates from their respective committees. Trustee Sakura reported on a meeting about maintenance and infrastructure, highlighting issues such as the Grange Hall septic system failure and the need for a capital improvement plan. The supervisor mentioned the kickoff of the RX Kids program and upcoming strategic plan meetings.