Oshtemo Township - Joint Boards Meeting - September 15, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 18 hours ago

During the Oshtemo Charter Township Joint Boards Meeting of the Oshtemo Township Board, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Downtown Development Authority (DDA, South Drake Road Corridor Improvement Authority (SoDA), and Oshtemo Friends of the Parks, various updates were provided on local development projects, including efforts by the Downtown Development Authority and South Drake Corridor Improvement Authority. The meeting highlighted the progress of the USDA sanitary sewer expansion project, with specific phases and challenges discussed. The Friends of the Parks shared their activities and community engagement efforts, including upcoming events. The Planning Commission reported on the energy systems ordinance and the need to consolidate environmental ordinances. Procedures for handling public feedback were addressed, emphasizing transparency and accessibility. The meeting concluded with public comments and acknowledgments of the significant work by the board and commissions.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:14)
The meeting was called to order and attendees were invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting commenced with a call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. This established the formal beginning of the joint board meeting of the Oshtemo Charter Township.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:15)
The agenda was approved with the amendment of removing item three, as there was no remote location identification available.

The board discussed and approved the agenda for the meeting. It was noted that item three, which involved remote location identification, was struck from the agenda due to the absence of a Zoom option. The motion to adopt the amended agenda was passed without further additions.
Introductions (00:03:05)
Round table introductions of board members and committee representatives were conducted.

Each board member and committee representative introduced themselves, stating their role and association with various boards or committees. This included members from the Township board, planning commission, and other related entities, providing a comprehensive overview of the participants in the meeting.
Downtown Development Authority Update (00:05:16)
An update was provided on the Downtown Development Authority's efforts, including work with Consumers Energy for banner approvals and streetlight installations.

The Downtown Development Authority is actively working on projects such as securing approvals from Consumers Energy to install second banners on existing poles for a more visual impact during the holidays. Additionally, they are finalizing plans to install streetlights along Ninth Street, funded by the DDA to improve visibility and safety.
Friends of the Parks Update (00:08:04)
Friends of the Parks provided updates on leadership changes, community engagement, and park projects including the Fruit Belt Rail Trail.

The Friends of the Parks reported on leadership transitions. The group continues to support park programming, volunteerism, and fundraising. Notable projects include the Fruit Belt Rail Trail, where benches made from reclaimed materials have been installed, and various community events and cleanups have been carried out.
Planning Commission Update (00:12:43)
The Planning Commission is reviewing an energy systems ordinance and consolidating environmental ordinances, among other tasks.

The Planning Commission is carefully reviewing a draft of a new energy systems ordinance while consolidating existing environmental ordinances into a single, strengthened document. They are also working on zoning ordinance updates to facilitate housing and neighborhood development. Ongoing public input is being incorporated into these plans.
Sanitary Sewer Expansion Projects Update (00:23:51)
An update on the USDA sanitary sewer expansion projects was given, highlighting the progress in various neighborhoods.

The Township is progressing with the USDA-funded sanitary sewer expansion projects, with significant advancements in several neighborhoods. Phase one is complete, and phase two is underway, with multiple connections being established. The Township is addressing failed systems and offering hardship assistance to residents for sewer connections. Communication efforts have improved with a new texting program and website updates to keep residents informed.
Discussion on Drake Road Path Maintenance (00:33:04)
Discussion on the maintenance and repair plans for the Drake Road Path, including contractor approval and minor repairs along the path.

The board discussed the current status and future plans for the maintenance of the Drake Road Path. It was noted that the Township Board had previously authorized a non-motorized asset management plan. A contractor has been approved to help with minor repairs, especially for areas with historic damage. The discussion included the challenge of managing utility damage in the right of way and plans for spot repairs along the path.
Board Updates and Budget Planning (00:35:29)
Board members provided updates on budget planning and upcoming projects, including sewer work and city water flushing schedules.

Update provided on the current focus on budget planning, highlighting the challenges of determining financial allocations for the upcoming year. Update included the ongoing sewer work and the schedule for city water flushing in Oshtemo. Discussions included how the city informs residents about water-related activities.
Election Preparation Update (00:36:44)
Update on the preparation for the upcoming November election, including receipt of ballots and pending testing materials.

A board member shared that ballots for the November election have been received. The testing of voting machines is expected to be completed soon, pending the arrival of testing materials. This process ensures public accuracy and involves testing every tabulator and voter assist terminal.
Summer Tax Payment Processing (00:37:58)
Discussion on the unusual volume of summer tax payments and the processing challenges faced by the staff.

The Treasurer reported an unusually high volume of summer tax payments this year, resulting in extensive work for the staff. The processing of payments was hectic, with a significant number of checks and online payments being handled. There was a discussion on the challenges faced due to limited payment terminals and the need for timely processing.
Community Conversations and Planning Commission Meetings (00:40:36)
Update on the community conversations initiative and adjustments due to additional Planning Commission meetings.

The Township Board initiated community conversations to engage with residents. However, due to additional Planning Commission meetings to advance an ordinance, the November and December community conversations have been canceled. The board aims to continue fostering community engagement while balancing other priorities.
Public Comment Submission Procedure (00:42:09)
Discussion on creating a systematic procedure for handling and publishing public comments received by the board.

The board discussed the unprecedented volume of public comments received and the need for a structured procedure to handle them. A plan is being developed to publish public comments on the website, similar to how meeting minutes are handled. This aims to ensure transparency and accessibility while managing the high volume of feedback effectively.
Public Comment Session (00:53:54)
Public comments were made expressing appreciation for the Planning Commission's work and suggestions on ordinance handling.

During the public comment session, a resident complimented the Planning Commission for their detailed work on ordinance revisions. They also suggested handling energy-related ordinances separately for better clarity and management. Additionally, questions were raised about the status and purpose of an environmental board related to parks.
Adjournment (00:58:33)
The meeting was officially adjourned after all agenda items were discussed.

The meeting was adjourned following the completion of the agenda and public comment session. The chair thanked everyone for their participation and contributions to the discussions.