Oshtemo Township - October 8, 2024 Township Board

Updated about 8 hours ago

The Oshtemo Charter Township Regular Board Meeting on October 8, 2024, covers several key issues. The board discusses preparations for the upcoming November election, including absentee voting and precinct arrangements. The meeting addresses options for the police contract, with discussions about adding community policing officers and a detective sergeant to better serve Oshtemo. Budget amendments are proposed and debated, particularly concerning employee recognition and education allocations. Public comments highlight concerns about township development plans and street connectivity issues, prompting board members to propose a future dialogue with the community. The meeting includes updates from the fire department on capital improvement plans and concludes with board member comments addressing recent community feedback.

Chapters

Adjournment (00:03:32)
The meeting is adjourned after completing all items on the agenda, with no further business to discuss.

The chairperson declares the meeting adjourned, as there is no further business to discuss. The meeting concludes with a note on the brevity of the session.
Welcome and Opening Remarks (00:08:10)
The meeting begins with a welcome to all attendees and an introduction to the OMO Charter Township regular board meeting.

The chairperson welcomes everyone to the OMO Charter Township regular board meeting, setting the stage for the proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:08:27)
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by all attendees as a formal start to the meeting.

Attendees are invited to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a common practice in government meetings to show respect and unity.
Public Comment (00:09:22)
Opportunity for the public to comment on any issues or concerns. No public comments were made.

Public comment is invited, allowing members of the community to voice their concerns or opinions. However, no one came forward to speak.
Public Official Updates (00:10:11)
Updates are provided by public officials, including discussions on the upcoming budget and a new veterans program.

Public officials are invited to give updates. Topics include budget discussions, a new housing initiative, and a veterans honor rewards program. Commissioner Dilu and others provide insights and updates.
Consent Agenda (00:14:17)
Approval of meeting minutes and financial receipts and disbursements are handled under the consent agenda.

The board reviews and approves the consent agenda, which includes meeting minutes and financial transactions. The motion to approve is carried unanimously.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department Update (00:14:52)
Discussion and presentation on the Sheriff's Department's monthly update and contract options for law enforcement services.

Representatives from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department present an update, including contract discussions for police services. Options for community policing and detective assignments are reviewed, with board members asking questions and discussing potential contract terms.
Discussion on Police Special Assessment and Community Policing Officers (00:39:45)
Discussion on structuring police special assessment district and role of community policing officers.

The board discusses the police special assessment district where higher users of police services pay more. They deliberate on the role of Community Policing Officers (CPOs) in high call areas and whether one CPO is sufficient for neighborhood disputes and building relationships.
Introduction of Captain Bishop and Promotion Acknowledgment (00:42:21)
Captain Bishop and new undersheriff are introduced; promotion acknowledged.

Captain Bishop and the newly promoted undersheriff are introduced to the board. Acknowledgments of their roles and promotions are given. They express gratitude for the opportunity to speak and offer to follow up with the board on any questions.
Police Protection Agreement Discussion (00:43:23)
Discussion on the upcoming police protection agreement and its components.

The board discusses bringing back a police protection agreement for a vote at the next meeting. They consider adding Community Policing Officers and detectives, discussing costs and the impact on the community.
Sheriff's Department Monthly Report and Crime Discussion (00:59:03)
Review of sheriff's department monthly report and discussion on crime issues.

Sergeant Johnson presents the sheriff's department monthly report, highlighting issues such as thefts, shots fired, and scams. The board discusses the importance of locking cars and addressing rising crime rates.
Budget Amendments Discussion (01:12:24)
Discussion on quarterly budget amendments and approval process.

The board moves on to discussing quarterly budget amendments, including public education line adjustments and the Fruit Belt Trail project. They consider motions for approval and discuss the details of each amendment.
Motion Approval (01:16:28)
The motion was approved with a unanimous vote of seven to zero.

A motion was presented and voted on, resulting in a unanimous approval with seven votes in favor and none against.
Budget Amendment from Planning Director (01:16:44)
A budget amendment was proposed for repayment related to the Drake path.

The planning director, Jody Ria, presented a budget amendment proposal. This amendment is for the repayment of a commitment made for the Drake path, involving funds from the soda board. The soda board can decide to pay a different amount as per their memorandum of understanding with the Township board.
Quarterly Budget Amendments (01:18:36)
Quarterly budget amendments were discussed and approved unanimously.

The board reviewed the quarterly budget amendments, which reflect adjustments by department heads. A motion to approve these amendments was made and passed unanimously.
Compensation and Performance Review Policy (01:22:07)
Discussion on updating the compensation and performance review policy took place.

HR Director Sarah Fester presented changes to the compensation and performance review policy. The proposed updates aim to streamline performance reviews and incorporate market assessments into salary adjustments. The board discussed the draft policy and provided feedback.
Draft Budget Discussion (01:46:04)
Final review and discussion of the draft budget for public evaluation.

The board conducted a final discussion and inspection of the draft budget, which has been reviewed in previous meetings. The budget will be prepared for public evaluation after this discussion.
Employee Recognition and Training Budget Discussion (01:52:01)
Debate on budgeting for employee recognition versus education and training.

The board engaged in a detailed discussion about the budget allocation for employee recognition and engagement activities compared to education and training. The importance of both areas was acknowledged, and adjustments to the budget were considered to ensure adequate support for recognition and professional development.
Discussion on Voter Registration and Signature Requirements (02:19:04)
Discussion on the process of voter registration, signature requirements, and related documentation.

The board discussed the process of what documentation is needed for voter registration, specifically focusing on the initial signature required from voters when they first register in the township. Questions were raised about the distinction between different types of documents and the requirements for maintaining these records.
Consultant for Basketball Court at Flesher Field (02:20:10)
Discussion on hiring a consultant for building a basketball court at Flesher Field.

The board discussed the need for hiring a consultant to assist with the planning and construction of a basketball court at Flesher Field. The discussion included the benefits of using a design professional to minimize risk and ensure accurate project specifications and bidding. It was noted that using a consultant is standard practice for such projects to ensure quality and adherence to the master plan.
Concerns about Funding a Lobbyist (02:23:24)
Discussion on the concerns and purpose of funding a lobbyist to manage road funds.

The board had an extensive discussion about the proposal to fund a lobbyist to help manage road funds and influence state law. Concerns were expressed about the appropriateness and effectiveness of using township funds for this purpose, and the potential need for building a coalition with other townships. The discussion also touched on the need for professional accountants and the challenges involved in changing state law.
Supervisor's Budget and Staffing (02:36:04)
Review of the supervisor's budget, staffing positions, and changes in salary allocations.

The board reviewed the supervisor's budget, discussing the included positions such as HR director, finance director, and administrative support. A formula error affecting the receptionist's salary was noted, and the decision was made to exclude the community development director position for this budget year, with plans to revisit it once staff have settled into their roles.
Fire Department Capital Improvement Plan (02:42:24)
Introduction to the fire department's capital improvement plan and future budget considerations.

Fire Chief McComb presented the capital improvement plans for the fire department, outlining revenue and expenditure projections for station maintenance, equipment replacement, and future construction projects. The discussion included plans for replacing a command car and acquiring a new EMS response pickup, as well as considerations for future fire station construction.
Public Comment Session (02:58:27)
Public comment session open for residents to address the board with their concerns and suggestions.

The board opened the floor for public comments, allowing residents to speak for up to four minutes each. Several residents took the opportunity to introduce themselves, express their concerns, and engage with the board on various issues affecting the community. The session emphasized the importance of public engagement and feedback in the governance process.
Public Comments (03:01:34)
Residents voiced concerns about development, sewer issues, and trust in the board during the public comment session.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments. Residents expressed their concerns about various issues affecting their community. Key topics included responsible growth and rural preservation, as residents urged the board to consider their mission and vision statements. There were frustrations about the board's perceived lack of responsiveness to public input. Concerns were raised about development plans, including the need for noise barriers and maintaining neighborhood character. Sewer project issues were also highlighted, with questions about costs and transparency. Trust in the board was questioned, with calls for better communication and accountability.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (03:30:50)
Board members provided updates and responses to public concerns, emphasizing the need for improved communication and dialogue.

Following the public comments, board members took the opportunity to address various points raised by the residents. They acknowledged the disconnect between the board and the community and stressed the importance of better communication. There was a proposal to hold a community dialogue session to facilitate open discussion and address specific issues. Board members also provided updates on ongoing projects and committee activities. They reassured residents about the board's commitment to listening and responding to community needs, and expressed a desire for more constructive engagement with the public.
Public Comments (03:41:09)
Community members express concerns and call for a dialogue for better understanding and compromise.

The community members expressed their frustrations and concerns about various issues. The need for a dialogue to find compromises was highlighted, as the current format does not allow for effective back-and-forth communication. The importance of question-and-answer sessions was emphasized for better understanding and collaboration.
Board Member Apology (03:44:00)
A board member apologizes for inappropriate behavior at the previous meeting and commits to moving forward.

A board member apologized for their behavior at the previous meeting, acknowledging it was inappropriate. They expressed a commitment to moving forward in a positive and cooperative manner. The member mentioned the upcoming meetings and the importance of working together.
Future Discussions (03:44:21)
Suggestion for more casual round table discussions to address township issues and property tax concerns.

A suggestion was made for future board discussions to be more like round table discussions, to better understand issues such as property values, tax rates, and services. This approach aims to foster better decision-making and understanding between the board and the community.
Committee Reports (03:45:40)
Report on recent events and recognition of contributions from community members and organizations.

Reports were given on recent events, including a sponsor and volunteer recognition luncheon and a Fire Prevention and Community Services Day. The contributions of community members and organizations were recognized and appreciated during these events.
Tax and Payment Updates (03:46:20)
Updates on tax payments, online payment options, and clarification on sewer payment processes.

Updates were provided on tax payment processes, including the percentage of online payments and options available for residents. Clarifications were made regarding sewer payments, emphasizing that upfront payments are not insisted upon and payment plans are available.
Board Member Comments (03:48:32)
Discussion on the need for healing and leadership training within the board and community.

Board member comments focused on the need for healing within the community and the board, especially regarding development issues. The idea of round table discussions was revisited, and the need for board leadership training due to the township's growth was mentioned.
Citizens Police Academy Experience (03:51:13)
A board member shares their experience at the Citizens Police Academy, highlighting the SIM training.

A board member shared their experience attending the Citizens Police Academy with the sheriff's department. They participated in SIM training, which included live and video simulations, and humorously noted their poor performance, concluding they should not pursue law enforcement.
Adjournment (03:52:49)
The meeting is adjourned with a lighthearted note about the board member's police academy experience.

The meeting was adjourned with the board member ending on a happy note, sharing their experience at the Citizens Police Academy, which brought smiles to the attendees. The meeting concluded with thanks to the participants.