Oshtemo Township - Township Board - August 25, 2026 Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

During the Oshtemo Township Board meeting on August 25, 2026, the board addressed several key issues. The Kalamazoo Housing Department presented a funding request for the Kalamazoo County Winter Shelter program, prompting a discussion on the township's potential participation and funding allocation. Additionally, the board reviewed the Consumer's Energy streetlight contract, which involved reconciling billing and updating the lighting inventory. The board also approved a liquor license for Nosh Restaurant and Bar, a new local dining establishment. Throughout the meeting, public comments were made regarding the energy ordinance, with residents expressing concerns about environmental and safety issues related to a proposed battery storage project. The board emphasized the importance of public input and ongoing discussions to refine local policies and ordinances.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:28)
The meeting was called to order by the chair.

The meeting was officially called to order, signaling the start of the proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:32)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees.

The attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.
Appointment of Chair (00:00:52)
A motion was made and passed to appoint the deputy supervisor as chair for the meeting.

A motion was made to appoint the deputy supervisor to chair the meeting. The motion was supported and passed with all in favor.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:47)
The agenda was approved as presented, with a note to discuss the smoke issue on Sixth Street in the future.

The agenda for the meeting was approved without modifications. A member noted the absence of a discussion on the smoke issue on Sixth Street and requested it be included in the next meeting's agenda.
Presentation: Winter Shelter Funding Request (00:02:33)
A presentation was given on the need for winter shelter funding in Kalamazoo County, with a request for township participation.

Willa DiTaranto, the deputy director from the Kalamazoo Housing Department, presented a request for Oshtemo Township to join a partnership to fund winter sheltering for the unhoused in Kalamazoo County. The presentation included background on the reasons for homelessness, the efforts made last winter, and the need for additional resources this coming winter.
Discussion on Winter Shelter Funding (00:12:01)
Board members discussed the winter shelter funding request, expressing support but needing more details and oversight.

Board members expressed general support for the funding request but raised concerns about oversight and past issues with similar initiatives. They discussed the potential for township involvement and the importance of ensuring effective use of funds.
Presentation: Oshtemo Fire Department Monthly Report (00:25:00)
The Oshtemo Fire Department presented their monthly report, highlighting a busy month and departmental achievements.

The Fire Chief presented the monthly report for the Oshtemo Fire Department, noting a high number of incidents and highlighting the department's activities and staff achievements. The report included statistics on call types and highlighted a firefighter's training and contributions.
Discussion of Dangerous Intersection (00:31:59)
Concerns were raised about the dangerous intersection at H Avenue and Sixth Street. The Road Commission is responsible for it and conducts annual reviews to improve safety.

The discussion centered around the dangerous intersection at H Avenue and Sixth Street, which is under the jurisdiction of the Road Commission. The site distance is poor, and one direction is stop-controlled while the other is not. Suggestions were made to clear site triangles to improve visibility. The Road Commission tracks accidents to analyze and apply for funding for improvements such as roundabouts or realigning skewed intersections. There is no current project for this intersection, but it may be considered in the future as part of annual reviews.
Public Events and Fire Department Participation (00:35:02)
The Fire Department participated in public events, including a concert, by sending a truck and firefighters, which was well received by the community.

The Fire Department's participation in public events was discussed, highlighting their presence at a recent music concert in the park. Firefighters distributed small helmets to children, which was appreciated by the community. Plans to expand this engagement at future events were mentioned. The chief was thanked for the department's involvement.
Public Comment on Consent Agenda (00:36:03)
Several residents expressed concerns during the public comment session, including issues with burning, battery projects, and tree removal affecting the rural character of the area.

During the public comment period, residents voiced various concerns. Issues were raised about the burning of materials and its impact on air quality and safety. Concerns about a proposed battery project were discussed, with residents questioning its environmental benefits and potential risks. The removal of trees for a road project was criticized for conflicting with the area's rural character and master plan. Residents called for more public participation and transparency in township decisions.
Public Comment - Toxic Smoke Issue (01:04:37)
A resident expressed concerns about ongoing toxic smoke affecting her neighborhood, causing health issues for her and her elderly neighbors.

A resident spoke about the ongoing issue of toxic smoke in her neighborhood, which has been affecting her and her elderly neighbors' health. The smoke, described as petroleum-based with a heavy, oily smell, has made it difficult for residents to breathe, especially those with asthma. The resident filed grievances but has not received any follow-up from the authorities.
Consent Agenda (01:20:36)
The board approved the consent agenda, including meeting minutes and a second reading of the wastewater service ordinance, with no items removed.

The board discussed and approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting minutes from the regular meeting on August 9 and the second reading of the wastewater service ordinance. There were no requests to remove any items from the consent agenda.
Board Discussion - Energy Ordinance (01:21:16)
The board discussed updates on the energy ordinance, with input from the planning commission and public comments being considered.

The board received an update on the energy ordinance draft from the planning commission. The ordinance is still in development, with public comments being incorporated. A case challenging moratoriums was mentioned, and the board was advised to monitor its implications. The board emphasized the importance of public input and collaboration in drafting the ordinance.
Fire Department Budget Amendments (01:33:03)
The fire department requested budget amendments for station improvements, equipment maintenance, and fuel costs, all of which were approved by the board.

Chief McComb presented three budget amendments for the fire department: (1) funds for a dumpster enclosure at station two, (2) reallocation for equipment maintenance and training supplies, and (3) additional funds for increased fuel expenses. The board discussed the amendments and approved them unanimously.
Winter Shelter Funding Request (01:39:13)
The board discussed a funding request for a winter shelter but decided to table the decision until more information is available and the full board is present.

During the board meeting, a funding request for a winter shelter was discussed. Some members expressed concerns about prioritizing local needs and the use of millage funds. It was suggested to table the decision until more information is available and until a full board can deliberate on the request.
Liquor License Approval - Nosh Restaurant and Bar (01:41:37)
The board approved a liquor license for Nosh Restaurant and Bar, utilizing an existing license from a previous establishment at the same location.

The board discussed and approved a liquor license for Nosh Restaurant and Bar. The new owners plan to offer a fine dining experience and agreed to use an existing liquor license from the previous establishment, which leaves two licenses available for future use.
Board Deliberation and Liquor License Approval (01:45:09)
The board discussed and approved the liquor license request for Nosh Restaurant and Bar LLC with a unanimous vote.

During the board deliberation, members expressed excitement about the new endeavor in the community, emphasizing that reusing an existing liquor license is beneficial for the township. A motion was made to approve the liquor license request for Nosh Restaurant and Bar LLC, which passed with a unanimous vote of five to zero.
Resolution for Consumers Energy Streetlight Contract (01:45:47)
A resolution was discussed for a new streetlight contract with Consumers Energy, aiming to streamline streetlight billing and inventory management.

The board discussed a resolution for the Consumers Energy streetlight contract. Zach Pearson provided background on streetlight projects and inventory reconciliation. The township worked with Consumers Energy to update the streetlight inventory, addressing billing inaccuracies. The resolution aims to streamline billing and inventory processes and set a starting point for future amendments.
Public Comment (02:00:03)
Residents provided public comments on various issues, including environmental concerns and community engagement in ordinance creation.

During the public comment session, residents expressed concerns about environmental issues, the safety of new technologies, and the importance of community involvement in creating ordinances. Suggestions for improving public meetings, such as displaying ordinance text on screens, were also made. The board acknowledged the feedback and noted the importance of transparency and public input.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (02:10:41)
Board members shared updates and expressed appreciation for public participation and feedback in ongoing township projects.

In the board member comment section, members shared updates on township activities and expressed gratitude for public engagement in meetings. They emphasized the significance of public input in shaping ordinances and acknowledged the challenges faced in addressing community concerns. The board reiterated its commitment to transparency and collaboration with residents.