Oshtemo Township - Township Board - April 22, 2025 Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board reviews the Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy, focusing on criteria for housing and infrastructure projects. The board also approves public infrastructure projects, including a sanitary sewer expansion and new streetlight installations. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to discussing a controversial requirement from the Michigan House of Representatives for a compliance letter on immigration policy, which affects the township's ability to apply for state grants. The board expresses concern over this requirement and plans to send a response to the state legislature.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:29)
The meeting is officially called to order, signaling the start of the proceedings.

The meeting is officially called to order, signaling the start of the proceedings. The chairperson initiates the meeting and sets the agenda for discussion.
Amendment and Approval of Agenda (00:00:40)
Discussion on amending the agenda and motion for its approval. Amendments include adding new items and modifying existing ones.

Discussion on amending the agenda and motion for its approval. Amendments include adding new items such as brownfield tax increment financing policy, resolution for construction contract, and enhanced GRA grant requests. A motion is made and supported to approve the amended agenda.
Roll Call (00:02:25)
Roll call to confirm attendance of board members. Some members are noted as absent.

Roll call to confirm attendance of board members. It is noted that Treasurer Bouch and Trustee Cole are absent. Clerk Dusty Farmer joins virtually from Oshtemo Township.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:37)
Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by attendees, showing respect for the flag and country.

Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by attendees, showing respect for the flag and country. This is a traditional part of the meeting proceedings.
Remote Location Identification (00:03:16)
Acknowledgement of remote attendance by certain members, permitted by statutes.

Acknowledgement of remote attendance by certain members, permitted by statutes. Clerk Dusty Farmer identifies her location as Oshtemo Township.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:03:53)
Discussion of the township's mission, vision, and core values, emphasizing decision-making based on community value.

Discussion of the township's mission, vision, and core values, emphasizing that decisions are made based on the value they provide to the township and its residents. Trustee Ford shares a core value.
Public Official and Community Partner Updates (00:04:12)
Updates from public officials and community partners, including a report from the road commissioner.

Updates from public officials and community partners, including a report from the road commissioner, Larry Stay Hower. Larry shares that the annual report is available both in print and online, highlighting the road commission's work.
Work Session: Brownfield Tax Increment Financing Policy (00:05:06)
Work session to discuss the brownfield tax increment financing policy, including sustainable development and housing criteria.

Work session to discuss the brownfield tax increment financing policy, including sustainable development and housing criteria. Planning Director Jodi Stefforia presents a draft policy aimed at creating a level playing field for tax increment financing, with input from various authorities and representatives.
Continued Discussion: Brownfield Tax Increment Financing Policy (00:20:53)
Continued discussion on the brownfield tax increment financing policy, focusing on sustainable development and housing incentives.

Continued discussion on the brownfield tax increment financing policy, focusing on sustainable development and housing incentives. The board debates the priority of different investment criteria and the importance of affordable housing in the context of tax increment financing.
Discussion on Sustainable Development and Township Infrastructure (00:32:32)
Discussion focused on sustainable development and township infrastructure priorities.

The meeting opened with a discussion on sustainable development and infrastructure priorities within the township. Members debated the importance of development criteria and the role of public works in ensuring infrastructure supports future developments. There was an emphasis on designing infrastructure that serves not only the current development but also future expansions, particularly concerning sewer and water systems.
Housing Development and Rent Control Policies (00:40:47)
Detailed examination of housing development activities, rent control, and income-qualified housing.

The board discussed housing development activities with a focus on income-qualified housing and rent control. The conversation included the implications of rent control sunset clauses, financial impacts on developers, and the community benefits of maintaining rent control. Members expressed concerns about the longevity of rent control benefits versus developer profits and the potential for increasing housing supply through market rate developments.
Diversity of Housing Types and Accessibility Standards (00:50:58)
Exploration of diverse housing types and accessibility standards in new developments.

The board explored the importance of introducing a diversity of housing types to meet community needs, including single-family, multi-family, and cottage courts. Discussion also covered accessibility and visitability standards, emphasizing the need for developments to exceed ADA requirements, particularly for single-family homes. The board sought to incentivize housing types that align with community desires and provide accessibility beyond what's legally required.
Public Comment on Non-Regular Session Items (01:15:00)
Opportunity for public comment on items not included in the regular agenda.

Members of the public were invited to comment on non-regular session items. However, no public comments were made during this time.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:16:08)
Approval of consent agenda items, with one item tabled for future discussion.

The board reviewed and approved the consent agenda items, which included meeting minutes, a budget amendment, and certificates. Item E, regarding the job description for the finance manager, was tabled for further discussion at the next board meeting.
Conditional Award of Construction Contract for Sanitary Sewer Expansion (01:19:01)
Discussion on the conditional award for a construction contract for sewer expansion.

The board discussed a resolution to conditionally award a construction contract for the USDA neighborhood sanitary sewer expansion project. The award is conditional on the closing of bonds to secure funding for the project. The public works director outlined the project scope and bid details, emphasizing the community impact of the expansion.
Public Works Project Update (01:20:07)
Discussion on public works project, upcoming meetings, and construction plans post-bond closing.

The meeting discussed the public works project, with meetings for neighborhoods planned post-bond closing. Construction to begin soon, with postcards sent to property owners. The checklist from USDA is mostly complete. Municipal finance advisors ensure debt repayment capability with current revenue streams.
Streetlight Projects and Energy Efficiency (01:30:31)
Presentation and resolution on new streetlight projects, discussing energy efficiency and budget impacts.

Zach presented two new streetlight projects based on resident feedback. South Ninth Street and Essex Plat are the focus, with adjustments made for lighting efficiency and resident feedback. The board discussed energy efficiency improvements and the financial impact, highlighting long-term savings from LED conversions.
Resolution on Streetlight Contract Changes (01:39:00)
Board resolution to authorize changes to the standard lighting contract with Consumer's Energy.

A motion was made to adopt a resolution authorizing Consumer's Energy to make changes to the standard lighting contract for Oshtemo Township. The board discussed the benefits of LED conversions and energy savings. The resolution was adopted with a roll call vote of 5 to 0.
Brownfield Tax Increment Financing Policy Discussion (01:40:12)
Board discussion on the brownfield tax increment financing policy with focus on job creation and transportation.

The board resumed discussions on the brownfield tax increment financing policy. Points included promoting multimodal transportation, job creation, and wage criteria for new jobs. Suggestions were made to simplify job creation criteria and focus on accessible public transportation. The board sought input from experts present.
Mixed Use Development Discussion (01:53:37)
Discussion on mixed-use development, job creation, and zoning options.

The meeting started with a discussion on whether businesses should pay twice the minimum wage and the number of jobs they should create. Concerns were raised about the attractiveness of mixed-use development in the Township, and the zoning options available. The discussion included striking certain language for brevity and clarity and ensuring that development aligns with the Township's goals.
Functional Obsolescence and Brownfield Criteria (01:56:02)
Consideration of functional obsolescence in redevelopment plans and criteria for brownfield incentives.

The committee discussed the criteria for functional obsolescence, particularly for buildings vacant or underutilized for two years or more. The importance of having clear definitions and ensuring that buildings qualify for TIF programs was highlighted. Examples were given of how certain buildings might be considered functionally obsolete and the need for standards to prevent misuse of the program.
Public Space Improvements (02:07:12)
Discussion on the importance of public space improvements and how they should be substantial.

The meeting reviewed the criteria for public space improvements, emphasizing the need for substantial contributions such as open spaces, plazas, and community gardens. There was a debate on what constitutes a public benefit versus a private amenity and how developers could propose enhancements to score additional points for their projects.
Prioritization of Public vs. Private Amenities (02:11:22)
Debate on prioritizing public space improvements over private site amenities in developments.

Discussion centered on how public space improvements should be prioritized over private amenities like grill stations in developments. Concerns were raised about using public funds for private benefit and the importance of providing public amenities that benefit the wider community. The committee considered the implications of prioritizing different types of improvements and the potential impact on development.
Discussion on Enhancement Grant Resolutions (02:18:24)
Review of the requirements for enhancement grant resolutions and the implications for local compliance.

The committee discussed a new requirement from a state representative for local municipalities to comply with federal immigration laws in order to qualify for enhancement grants. Concerns were raised about the legality and ethics of such requirements, and the potential impact on the Township's ability to fund projects. The discussion highlighted the tension between practical funding needs and political considerations.
Discussion on Funding Requests and Compliance Requirements (02:26:02)
Discussion on the differences in funding request requirements between the House and Senate, including compliance letters and policies.

The discussion revolves around the process of making funding requests to both the House and Senate. It highlights the differences in requirements—specifically, the House's insistence on a compliance letter and policy submission, which the Senate does not require. Concerns are raised about the legality of these requirements and their implications for the Township. Suggestions are made to involve the attorney general for further investigation.
Public Comment (02:41:22)
Public comment session where Teresa Searles commends the board's evaluation of brownfield policies and offers suggestions for consideration.

During the public comment section, Teresa Searles, a senior brownfield specialist, speaks on behalf of Fish Beck and the county brownfield redevelopment authority. She praises the board's thoughtful evaluation of brownfield policies and offers several points for consideration, such as the level of private investment and infrastructure improvements not covered under current policies.
Committee Reports and Board Comments (02:44:07)
Committee updates and board member comments on various projects and community initiatives.

Board members provide updates on committee activities and share personal comments. Mr. Secora reports on the Friends of the Parks and the progress of the storybook walk project. Trustee Chapman discusses the integration of bike paths for safety and the need for community identifiers. Clerk Farmer expresses regret over missing the work session and appreciation for the board's efforts.
Supervisor's Office Report (02:49:16)
Supervisor's report on upcoming strategic planning and facility evaluation due to space constraints.

The supervisor provides updates from the office, announcing plans for strategic planning scheduling and a facility evaluation to address space constraints. The report includes challenges with hiring and space for new employees and mentions progress in open position hirings. The need for a facility evaluation is emphasized due to current issues with space and building conditions.
Adjournment (02:52:09)
The meeting is concluded with thanks to staff and acknowledgment of their hard work.

The meeting is adjourned with the supervisor thanking attorney Porter for leading during their absence and expressing gratitude for the staff's hard work amidst their busy schedules.