Oshtemo Township - Township Board - July 14, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 6 hours ago

During the Oshtemo Charter Township Board Meeting, the board addresses several key issues. They recognize Deputy Craig Copeland for his exemplary service and dedication to community policing. The board also deliberates on the proposal for an electric vehicle to be used by the fire chief, weighing the advantages and challenges. Additionally, the meeting includes a discussion on the request by Clark Logic Group to establish an Industrial Development District, with community members expressing concerns about potential tax abatements and impacts on local services. The meeting highlights the township's focus on community safety, sustainability, and economic development.

Chapters

Call to Order and Welcome (00:01:04)
The meeting was called to order and attendees were welcomed to the Asmo Charter Township regular board meeting.

The meeting commenced with an official call to order by the presiding officer, and a warm welcome was extended to everyone present at the Asmo Charter Township regular board meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:14)
Attendees were invited to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.

The meeting continued with the Pledge of Allegiance. The attendees stood to pledge their allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, affirming their commitment to the republic and its values.
Roll Call and Remote Attendance Identification (00:01:46)
Roll call was conducted, noting excused absences and identifying remote attendees. Five members were present with two absent.

The roll call was conducted to verify attendance. Trustee Cole was absent due to illness and Treasurer Buszka was on vacation. The present members were identified, confirming that five members were present with two absences.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:25)
The agenda was reviewed and approved with one amendment regarding a public hearing for the Clark Logic Group.

The board reviewed the meeting's agenda. One amendment was made regarding the discussion and consideration of an Industrial Development district for Clark Logic Group. The public hearing was adjusted due to a notification issue with a minority property owner. The amended agenda was approved unanimously.
Public Official and Community Partner Updates (00:04:09)
Updates were provided by the county commissioner, including the search for a new county administrator and issues related to judge appointments.

The county commissioner provided updates on current issues, including the departure of Dr. Catlin and the interim appointment of Deputy Director Terrell Cole. Budget talks were mentioned, focusing on the implications of two new judgeships recommended by the state. The commissioner shared a personal story about Deputy Copeland's reputation in the community.
Resolution: Recognition of Deputy Craig Copeland (00:08:35)
Deputy Craig Copeland was recognized for his exemplary service and dedication to the community.

Deputy Craig Copeland was formally recognized with a resolution for his outstanding contributions to the community. His actions, such as helping a resident with a mailbox and ensuring child safety seats were installed, were commended. The board adopted the resolution unanimously.
Resolution: Recognition of Erin Phillips (00:15:43)
Erin Phillips was recognized for her contributions to community safety and wellbeing.

Erin Phillips was honored with a resolution for her commitment to community safety through her role in the fire department. Her work in installing child safety seats and supporting public safety initiatives was highlighted as exemplary. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Public Comment on Consent Agenda (00:18:25)
Public comments were received on various topics, including concerns about tax abatements and community safety.

Several members of the public commented on the consent agenda and other non-regular session items. Key issues raised included concerns over tax abatements for Clark Logic Group, the impact on local schools and services, and the transparency of planning commission meetings. Residents expressed the need for more information on development projects and their implications for the community.
Public Comments on Environmental Concerns and Ordinance (00:34:10)
Residents express concerns over a proposed BESS site, its impact on water, air, and safety, and urge for a strong ordinance.

Residents, including a doctor, express deep concerns about the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site on South Van Cal. They emphasize the potential catastrophic impact on local hydrogeology and urge the board to craft a science-based ordinance. A six-page legal and scientific brief was provided to the board, and there was an attempt to serve a legal notice to the out-of-state landowner. Another speaker introduces their company involved in local developments, clarifying tax break misconceptions. Multiple residents voice concerns about taxes, environmental stewardship, and clarity on ordinances, urging transparency and accountability from the board.
Call to Order (01:05:20)
The meeting is called back to order at 6:35 PM after a break.

The chairperson calls the meeting back to order at 6:35 PM. The board is ready to proceed with the agenda after a brief pause.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:05:46)
The board approves the consent agenda items unanimously with two members absent.

The consent agenda items are presented for approval. No items were pulled for separate discussion. A motion to approve the consent agenda is made, seconded, and unanimously passed with five ayes and two absences.
Board Discussion on Energy Ordinance (01:06:17)
Discussion on the status of the draft energy ordinance, currently reviewed by the fire department.

The board discusses the current status of the draft energy ordinance. The draft is with the AMO fire department for review, particularly focusing on fire protection plans. An expert, Kevin Konecky, has been contracted to provide input on battery energy storage elements. Public comments and concerns have been collected and will be shared with the planning commission. A timeline for the ordinance is being worked on, with the target being the moratorium's end date.
Discussion on Public Comments (01:12:00)
Board addresses concerns from public comments, clarifying process and commitment to transparency.

The board addresses various concerns raised during public comments. Clarifications are given regarding the preparation of resolutions and the procedural steps involved in approving projects like a tax abatement. The board emphasizes its commitment to transparency and outlines the legal requirement for members to disclose conflicts of interest.
Moratorium on Solar Development Discussion (01:17:01)
Board considers the need for a moratorium on solar development projects to align with energy ordinance updates.

The board discusses whether to impose a moratorium on solar development projects while the energy ordinance, which includes considerations for industrial-scale energy projects, is being updated. Members agree on the importance of including all energy projects in ordinance discussions to avoid vulnerabilities.
Resolution Support for Michigan Supreme Court Appeal (01:19:19)
Consideration of renewing a resolution of support for an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court by a group of townships.

The board considers renewing a resolution of support for a group of townships appealing to the Michigan Supreme Court. The appeal concerns a case related to energy projects. The board discusses the timing and potential involvement, noting the uncertainty of when the Supreme Court will decide to hear the case.
Discussion on Resolution Language (01:20:59)
Board members discuss the language of a resolution expressing displeasure with state's stripping of local authority.

The discussion focused on whether the resolution's language needed changes. One board member asked for clarification on differences from a previous resolution related to a lawsuit they chose not to join but expressed displeasure with the rule-making process. The general consensus was that the language was fine, and it reaffirmed their position against the state stripping local units of authority.
Agenda Amendment Motion (01:23:14)
Motion to amend the agenda for the meeting was made and carried with a vote of five to two.

A motion was made by Trustee Chapman, supported by Trustee Kora, to amend the meeting agenda. The motion was put to a vote and was carried with five votes in favor and two against.
Discussion on Fire Department Replacement Vehicle (01:24:48)
The board discussed the potential purchase of an electric vehicle for the fire department, weighing risks and benefits.

Chief discussed the need for a new vehicle and presented the option of an electric vehicle (EV). Board members expressed concerns about the reliability of EVs in emergencies, particularly during power outages. Some members supported the move to an EV, citing its advantages and the chief's ability to charge it at home with a generator. Others were hesitant, preferring to wait for a comprehensive evaluation or a consultant's input on fleet electrification.
Continued Discussion on Vehicle Purchase and Fleet Electrification Plan (01:39:06)
The board agreed to bring back the vehicle purchase discussion to the next meeting and discussed planning for fleet electrification.

It was decided that the discussion on the fire chief's vehicle purchase would continue at the next board meeting, allowing absent board members to participate. The board also talked about the need for a consultant to evaluate the Township's fleet electrification plan, focusing on local emissions and fleet electrification instead of broader green energy projects.
Information Items: Hazardous Materials Report and Dispatch Calls (01:51:06)
The board reviewed the Kalamazoo County hazardous materials response team annual report and dispatch calls.

The annual report from the Kalamazoo County hazardous materials response team was presented, highlighting the countywide efforts to address hazardous material incidents. Additionally, the monthly report on dispatch calls was discussed, noting that the sheriff's department report for June was still pending.
First Reading of Text Amendments to Refuse Bin Ordinance (01:52:05)
The board conducted the first reading of proposed text amendments to the refuse bin ordinance, focusing on trash control.

Ordinance officer Alan presented the first reading of text amendments to the refuse bin ordinance. The amendments aim to address complaints about trash blowing around, particularly in commercial and multi-residential areas, by enforcing stricter control measures on refuse bins.
Ordinance Discussion on Screening Requirements (01:53:37)
Discussion on changing ordinance regarding screening requirements to ensure consistency in site plans, addressing issues with garbage management.

The discussion centered around updating the ordinance to require six-foot screening around dumpsters, consistent with new site plans. Currently, older complexes have inadequate screening, leading to garbage issues. The aim is to align all properties with current standards and improve garbage management.
Motion to Approve Ordinance Text Amendments (02:00:51)
A motion was made and voted on to approve the first reading of text amendments regarding refuse bins, setting it for a second reading.

The board discussed and moved to approve the first reading of amendments to the ordinance concerning refuse bins. This included setting guidelines for closing lids and ensuring proper maintenance. The motion passed with five ayes and two absent.
Public Comment on Local Control Resolution (02:01:04)
Public comments addressed concerns over the language and intent of a resolution supporting local control against the Michigan Public Service Commission.

The public comment period raised concerns about the language used in a resolution supporting local control. Citizens questioned if the resolution adequately addressed the loss of local control and if strong enough language was used to oppose the Michigan Public Service Commission's decisions. The need for clear communication and understanding of the resolution's implications was emphasized.
Resolution to Support Local Control Claim (02:06:26)
The board discussed and voted on a resolution to support a local control claim against the Michigan Public Service Commission, with concerns raised about the resolution's language.

The board considered a resolution to support a claim of local control against the Michigan Public Service Commission. Discussion included clarifying the changes made to the resolution's language and ensuring it reflected the board's stance. The resolution was adopted with a roll call vote, passing with five ayes and two members absent.
Resolution to Enter Closed Session (02:19:06)
A resolution was adopted to enter a closed session to discuss a real estate purchase with counsel.

The board passed a resolution to enter into a closed session to discuss details regarding a real estate purchase with legal counsel. The resolution required a roll call vote and was adopted unanimously by the members present.
Discussion on Property and Farm Value (02:27:08)
Discussion on the taxable value of a farm property and its investment implications.

The council discusses the taxable value of a farm property, its purchase, and the need for an investment to attract businesses. They highlight the importance of keeping industries local.
Clark Logic Proposal for Tax Abatement (02:28:44)
Clark Logic proposes a tax abatement as part of creating an industrial district.

Clark Logic requests a tax abatement for an industrial district, explaining that tenants meeting specific criteria could benefit. The discussion emphasizes the importance of keeping businesses in the local area.
Public Comments on Tax Incentives (02:29:34)
Public concerns and comments about tax incentives and their implications.

Members of the public express concerns about the use of tax incentives, questioning their effectiveness and potential benefits to local communities. They discuss the impact of these incentives on attracting businesses and the responsibilities that come with it.
Motion to Return to Open Session (02:34:12)
Motion to return to open session is passed with no opposition.

The board moves to return to open session after a closed session discussion. The motion is carried with five in favor and two absent. Members are asked to continue discussions in the hallway.
Public Comments on Electric Vehicles (02:35:01)
Public raises concerns about the cost and practicality of electric vehicles for emergency response.

Several members of the public comment on the potential purchase of an electric vehicle for the fire chief. Concerns include costs, practicality, and reliability, especially during emergencies or adverse weather conditions.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (02:46:35)
Board members provide updates on various committees and activities.

Trustees and board members share updates on their committee activities, including election commission processes, park events, and public works tours. They discuss upcoming events and issues faced by the community.
Supervisor's Closing Comments (02:51:00)
Supervisor provides final remarks and adjourns the meeting.

The supervisor concludes the meeting with final remarks, mentioning upcoming events and thanking participants. The meeting is then officially adjourned.