Oshtemo Township - October 24, 2024 Oshtemo Township Planning Commission

Updated 5 days ago

The Oshtemo Township Planning Commission reviewed zoning ordinance amendments related to warehouses and distribution centers. The Commission discussed changes to setback requirements, particularly concerning environmental impacts such as diesel emissions from trucks. The Commission also considered definitions and distinctions between warehouses and distribution centers, with input from local industry representatives. The future land use map and its implications for industrial expansion in the township are also reviewed, along with public comments and other updates. The meeting concluded with the approval of the 2025 meeting schedule.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:22)
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

The meeting commenced with the attendees reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, pledging loyalty to the flag of the United States of America and the principles it represents: liberty and justice for all.
Approval of the Agenda (00:00:40)
The agenda was reviewed and approved without any changes or additions.

The chair asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. Hearing none, a motion was made and supported to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously with a verbal vote of 'aye' from all members present.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:01:13)
There were no public comments on non-agenda items at the meeting.

The floor was opened for public comment on items not listed on the agenda. There were no participants who wished to speak, and the meeting continued to the next agenda item.
Approval of the Minutes (00:01:24)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without any alterations.

The chair inquired if there were any changes or comments on the minutes from the last meeting. With no objections or amendments proposed, a motion to approve the minutes as presented was moved, supported, and passed with all members voting 'aye'.
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments (00:01:56)
Discussion on zoning ordinance text amendments related to warehouses and miscellaneous items.

The meeting included a detailed discussion on proposed zoning ordinance text amendments focusing on warehouses, distribution, and fulfillment centers. Amendments addressed issues such as setbacks, environmental health impacts, and definitions of warehouses and fulfillment centers. The discussion also covered conditions for rezoning and site plan reviews. There was no action taken, and the matter was for discussion only.
Discussion on Warehouses and Distribution Centers (00:34:35)
The meeting focused on the ordinance related to warehouses, the demand for new warehouses, and the differences between warehousing and distribution centers.

The discussion centered around the current ordinance regarding warehouses in the township and the increasing demand for warehouse space. Concerns were raised about the language of the ordinance, specifically the use of the term 'commodities'. The possibility of dropping 'commodities' from the ordinance was discussed to allow for more flexibility in what could be stored in warehouses. The conversation also touched upon the rise of distribution and fulfillment centers and their impact on land use.
Future Land Use and Industrial Zoning (00:45:00)
The commission discussed future land use plans, potential industrial zoning expansions, and challenges in accommodating large structures.

The discussion covered future land use plans, particularly in relation to industrial zoning. The commission considered areas of potential expansion for industrial use and the challenges posed by limited available land for large warehouse or distribution structures. The conversation also touched upon community reactions to proposed changes and the importance of strategic planning for future growth.
Ordinance Amendments and Zoning Discussions (00:52:00)
Amendments to zoning ordinances were discussed, focusing on setbacks, EV incentives, and land use accommodations for fulfillment centers.

The planning commission reviewed proposed amendments to the zoning ordinances, which included changes to setbacks for buildings, considerations for accommodating distribution and fulfillment centers, and the potential for incentives to encourage the use of electric vehicles. The discussion acknowledged the challenges in providing sufficient land for large distribution centers and the need for flexibility in zoning to adapt to industry changes.
Public Comment and Industry Input (01:01:00)
Attendees were invited to the podium to discuss proposed changes and provide input on items such as setbacks, EV incentives, and warehousing definitions.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments and input from industry representatives. Topics included the proposed setbacks for warehouses and distribution centers, the idea of incentivizing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) within zoning ordinances, and clarifications on the definitions of warehouses versus distribution centers. Industry representatives provided insights into the practical implications of the proposed changes and how they could affect warehousing operations.
Discussion on Warehouse Operations (01:13:00)
Discussion on the logistics of warehouse storage and distribution, focusing on storage averages and efficiency.

The discussion centers around warehouse operations, covering topics such as the average storage time for products, the efficiency of product movement, and the logistics of distribution. The benefits of quick product turnover for employment and operational efficiency are highlighted. Concerns about excessive storage times and their impact on job creation are also discussed.
Guest Presentation on Trucking Logistics (01:14:00)
Guest speaker explains the logistics of trucking operations, including routing and efficiency.

A guest speaker provides insights into trucking logistics, explaining why goods are routed through distribution centers instead of direct delivery. Factors such as driver hour limitations and route optimization are discussed. Examples of how goods are distributed from hubs to final destinations are provided, explaining the rationale behind current logistics practices.
Public Comment Opportunity (01:19:00)
A chance for public comments on the discussed agenda items and warehouse operations.

The meeting opens the floor to public comments, allowing attendees to voice opinions or ask questions about the warehouse operations and logistics discussions. This segment is an opportunity for community engagement and feedback on the topics covered during the meeting.
Updates on Master Plan (01:25:00)
Discussion about the Alamo Township Master Plan and its public comment period.

The commission discusses the Alamo Township Master Plan, focusing on the future land use map and its compatibility with the township's plans. The public comment period for the master plan is mentioned, and there is a proposal to send a response acknowledging the opportunity to comment, noting no specific comments at this time.
Approval of Meeting Dates (01:28:00)
Approval of proposed meeting dates for the upcoming year, including adjustments for holidays.

The commission reviews and approves the meeting schedule for the upcoming year, with a note about adjustments made to avoid conflicts with holidays and other standing commitments. The schedule maintains the second and fourth Thursdays for meetings, with considerations for commission members' availability.