Oshtemo Township - October 13, 2026 Oshtemo Township Board

Updated about 2 hours ago

The Board continues to consider the proposed 2027 budget, which is prepared for public review and includes considerations for maintaining current fire and police special assessment district (SAD) rates. The board also considers the implications of potential changes to the police contract with Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office and discusses the possibility of establishing an independent police department. Additionally, the board evaluates a letter of support for an Alan Edwin housing project which transitions from rental to ownership, promoting generational wealth. Public comments are heard on a variety of topics, including the impact of solar fields and the need for transparency in budget decisions. The meeting also highlights community updates such as the impact of traffic calming measures and ongoing discussions about a new fire station.

Chapters

Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:13)
The meeting began with a welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting opened with a welcome to the attendees, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Remote Location Identification (00:00:47)
Identification of remote locations was deemed unnecessary as all members except one were present.

The identification of remote locations was considered, but since Treasurer Buszka was excused and the rest of the board was present, it was not needed.
Township Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:01:06)
A core value of public service was shared, emphasizing welcoming customers and valuing their input.

A member of the body was invited to share a core value of the Township. Trustee Cole shared the core value of public service, highlighting the importance of welcoming each customer and valuing their input.
Approval of the Agenda (00:01:24)
The agenda was approved with several amendments, including adding and removing items.

The agenda was approved after several amendments were proposed. Changes included adding a new item on energy ordinance and moratorium updates, renaming a public comment item, and pulling a budget amendment item for future discussion. The motion to approve the amended agenda was supported and passed.
Public Officials and Community Partner Updates (00:02:58)
County Commissioner DeLeeuw provided updates on budget meetings and community announcements.

County Commissioner Mr. DeLeeuw shared updates on the final special budget meeting scheduled for the upcoming Friday, the open portal for citizens to apply for the childcare fund task force, and the creation of a new portal for volunteering at animal control. There was also a discussion about changes to holidays and stipends for county employees. Commissioner DeLeeuw answered questions from Trustee Sikora regarding holiday swaps and additional stipends.
Work Session: Energy Ordinance and Moratorium Updates (00:08:51)
Updates on the energy ordinance and moratorium were provided, including process and public input.

Trustee Chapman, representing the Planning Commission, provided updates on the energy ordinance and moratorium. The first draft has been reviewed, incorporating public comments, and the next step is to compile this information for a second draft. Discussions also included issues with ads disrupting live streams of Planning Commission meetings.
Work Session: Continued Budget Discussion (00:12:37)
The budget discussion continued with updates and proposed changes to various funds and projects.

The board continued discussions on the budget, covering revenue projections, changes to millage rates, and allocations for various township facilities and projects. Key updates included the addition of HR legal fees, strategic planning funds, and adjustments to the parks fund. There was also discussion on potential changes to the management of township buildings and associated costs.
Review of Police Special Assessment Districts (SADs) and Budget (00:39:32)
The board reviewed the police budget, focusing on the use of fund balance to cover expenses. Discussions included whether to start a township police force, the implications of media coverage, and the need for further evaluation by the police committee.

The board reviewed the current police budget, noting that the use of the fund balance will be necessary to cover expenses. They discussed the implications of potentially starting a township police force, with some members surprised by recent media coverage suggesting this possibility. The board emphasized that the idea is still under committee discussion and the decision has not been made. The need to manage the fund balance while considering future SAD increases was debated, and the importance of communicating clearly with the public about these issues was highlighted.
Fire Department Budget and Future Planning (01:00:03)
The board discussed the fire department budget, emphasizing the need for a new fire station. They explored options for financing and the challenges of finding suitable real estate for new stations.

The discussion centered around the fire department's budget and planning for future needs, particularly the construction of a new fire station. The deputy chief explained the challenges of finding appropriate real estate for a new station, given the need to be strategically located near areas of high call volume. The board considered financing options, including the potential use of special assessment districts (SADs) and millages, to cover the costs of new facilities and additional staffing. The board is committed to developing a proactive plan rather than reacting to capacity issues as they arise.
Maintenance and Facilities Budget Discussion (01:04:07)
The board discussed the maintenance budget, particularly the need to replace the generator at the maintenance garage. A budget amendment will be considered to address this need.

The board addressed the facilities budget, specifically the replacement of the generator at the maintenance garage. The maintenance director explained the urgency of replacing the generator and proposed discussing a budget amendment at the upcoming cemeteries, buildings, and grounds committee meeting. The board agreed on the importance of addressing this issue promptly to ensure continued operation of vital facilities.
Discussion on Replacement of Generator (01:06:53)
The discussion focused on the necessity and urgency of replacing an old generator at a facility due to its failure and end-of-life status.

The board discussed the need to replace a failing generator at a facility. The generator, which is critical for handling additional loads from new installations like a gate, has reached its end of life and recently failed. The members debated whether a generator is necessary for facilities without critical services but concluded on the importance of backup power to prevent issues such as freezing in plumbing systems.
Public Comment on Non-Regular Session Items (01:10:11)
Public comments were invited on non-regular session and consent agenda items, covering topics like solar panel installations and budget concerns.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments on non-regular session items and consent agenda items. A resident expressed support for solar panel installations on farmland, emphasizing environmental benefits and preserving farmland. Another resident criticized the budget process, calling for transparency and questioning the necessity of additional taxes. Concerns about large reserve funds and the impact of property taxes on affordable housing were also raised.
Consent Agenda Discussion and Approval (01:18:18)
The board reviewed and approved items on the consent agenda, with one item pulled for further discussion.

The board discussed the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes, a disbursements report, an appointment recommendation, and a letter of support. An agenda item, a letter of support for an Alan Edwin project, was pulled for separate discussion. The remaining items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously.
Hardship Advisory Review Committee Recommendations (01:39:47)
The board considered and approved recommendations from the Hardship Advisory Review Committee for sewer connection assistance.

Project Manager Zach Pearson presented recommendations from the Hardship Advisory Review Committee for two applicants needing assistance with sewer connections. Both applicants met the ordinance requirements for hardship assistance. The board approved the recommendations, allowing coordination with contractors for the sewer connections.
Letter of Support for Alan Edwin Project (01:44:28)
The board discussed a letter of support for an Alan Edwin project focused on affordable home ownership, and approved it unanimously.

Trustee Chapman highlighted the importance of the letter of support for an Alan Edwin project, which shifted focus from rental to home ownership to help build generational wealth. The project aims to provide home ownership opportunities below market rates. The board discussed and unanimously approved the letter of support.
Budget and Fire SADS Discussion (01:48:41)
The board discussed the draft budget, specifically the proposed fire SADS, and addressed questions about revenue projections.

The board resumed budget discussions, focusing on the fire Special Assessment Districts (SADS) included in the draft budget. Questions about revenue projections were addressed, clarifying that projections account for potential reductions due to exemptions and property changes. The board aimed to finalize decisions to prepare for public hearings on the SADS.
Discussion on Fire SADS and Millage Rates (01:51:15)
The board discussed the fire SADS, agreeing to maintain current millage rates for another year.

The board members discussed the Special Assessment Districts (SADS) for fire services. They noted that the current residential and commercial rates have been in place for two consecutive years, and this would be the third year. The consensus was to maintain the current millage rates and not increase them at this time.
Kalamazoo Community Fund Grant and Budget (01:53:15)
Discussion on handling the Kalamazoo Community Fund Grant and its absence from the budget.

The board discussed the Kalamazoo Community Fund Grant, which is grant revenue not included in the budget despite being the township's fund. They debated whether to bring it to the board for a budget amendment when purchasing equipment. The consensus was to keep the fund for future plans and studies.
Draft Budget Review and Questions (01:54:59)
Board members asked questions regarding the draft budget, focusing on various departments and projects.

Board members reviewed the draft budget, with questions directed to the public works director about grant requests and funding for road projects. Discussions included the expectations for budget changes at the public hearing, with emphasis on maintaining project funding flexibility.
Fire Department Training Budget (02:06:28)
Discussion on the necessity of the fire department's training budget and its breakdown.

Trustees inquired about the fire department's training budget, questioning the necessity of each training category. The deputy fire chief explained the categories of training, including licensure, fundamental skills, specialty skills, and professional development. The department is looking to host training to reduce costs.
Motion to Move Budget for Public Review (02:09:59)
The board passed a motion to move the budget forward for public review.

A motion was made and seconded to move the draft budget forward for public review. The motion passed with six votes in favor and one absent. The board emphasized the importance of public feedback and the potential for budget adjustments at the upcoming public hearing.
Resolution to Enter Closed Session (03:01:09)
The board adopted a resolution to enter a closed session to discuss a written opinion of counsel.

A resolution was adopted to enter a closed session to discuss a written opinion of counsel. The vote was unanimous among present members, and the board moved into closed session.
Return to Open Session (03:01:11)
The board returned to open session after the closed session.

After the closed session, a motion was made and seconded to return to open session. The board returned to open session unanimously.
Public Comment and Meeting Adjournment (03:02:03)
The board opened the floor for public comment and adjourned the meeting.

After returning to open session, the board opened the floor for public comment. With no public comments made, the board proceeded to board member comments and committee updates. The meeting was adjourned following these updates.