Oshtemo Township - May 27, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board discusses and approves budget amendments for the DDA banner program, legal expenses, and vehicle barn improvements. A presentation on vehicle barn improvements is given, and a second reading of the dog waste ordinance is approved. The board also reviews a resolution on planning and zoning fees and discusses storm response and community involvement. Updates from the finance director, clerk, and other committee members are also presented.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:25)
The meeting was called to order and attendees were invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting began with a welcome, and the chairperson called the meeting to order. Attendees were invited to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:36)
Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

All attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, pledging loyalty to the flag of the United States of America and the republic it represents.
Remote Location Identification (00:01:00)
Trustee Cole joined remotely but was ineligible to vote per statute.

Trustee Cole joined the meeting remotely. While she was able to participate in discussions, she was ineligible to vote due to the remote attendance statute.
Township Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:01:24)
A core value about environmental consideration was shared with the attendees.

A trustee shared a core value focused on considering the environment through practices that reduce impacts. This was part of the township's mission and vision statement review.
Public Official and Community Partner Updates (00:01:54)
No public official or community partner updates were provided during this meeting.

The agenda item for updates from public officials and community partners was opened, but there were no updates provided either in person or online.
Public Comment on Non-Regular Session Items (00:02:14)
There were no public comments on non-regular session items from attendees.

The chairperson invited public comments on non-regular session items. There were no comments from attendees in the gallery or online.
Consent Agenda and Approval of Minutes (00:02:40)
The meeting minutes were discussed and approved after a clarification on attendance.

The consent agenda included meeting minutes which were pulled for discussion due to a discrepancy regarding attendance. After clarification, the minutes were approved with a motion and a vote.
Fire Department Presentation (00:05:20)
The fire department presentation was postponed due to a scheduling misunderstanding.

A presentation from the fire department was scheduled, but due to a misunderstanding and their response to a call, the presentation was postponed to a future meeting.
Budget Amendments (00:07:14)
Several budget amendments were presented and approved, including one for the DDA banner program.

The board discussed and approved several budget amendments, including transferring funds for the DDA banner program and legal department expenses related to ongoing court appeals.
Vehicle Barn Improvements (00:12:37)
A project for vehicle barn improvements was discussed and a budget amendment was approved.

A presentation on vehicle barn improvements was given, detailing the request for professional services and coordination with various departments. The board approved the budget amendment for the project.
Ordinance on Removal and Disposal of Dog Feces (00:23:37)
The second reading of the ordinance on dog feces disposal was approved without public comment.

The board conducted a second reading of an ordinance requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets. The ordinance was approved following a motion and a vote, with no public comments received.
West Main Village Rezoning (00:26:09)
The rezoning request for West Main Village mixed-use district was approved.

The board approved the rezoning request for the West Main Village mixed-use district. This was the first rezoning of its kind, and the board looked forward to future detailed plans.
Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule Resolution (00:28:34)
A resolution to amend the planning and zoning fee schedule was discussed and adopted.

The board discussed a resolution to establish an amended planning and zoning fee schedule, which included new fees for TIF and accessory dwelling units. The resolution was adopted after discussion.
Roll Call (00:34:22)
Roll call was conducted. Trustees Cole and Chapman were absent. The resolution was adopted with a vote of five to zero.

Clerk Farmer conducted the roll call. Trustees Cole and Chapman were absent. Trustee Kora, Trustee Ford, Treasurer Bka, and Supervisor Bell all voted yes. The resolution was adopted with a vote of five to zero.
Resolution to Enter Closed Session (00:34:45)
A resolution was proposed to enter into a closed session to discuss the purchase of real property, pursuant to the Open Meetings Act.

A resolution was proposed to enter into a closed session regarding the purchase of real property. This was done pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, which allows closed sessions for discussions about the purchase or sale of real property.
Motion to Enter Closed Session (00:35:16)
Motion to enter closed session was made and supported. Roll call vote adopted the resolution five to zero with two absent.

A motion was made by Trustee Ford and supported by Trustee Kora to enter into a closed session to discuss the purchase of real property. Clerk Farmer read the roll call: Trustees Cole and Chapman were absent. Trustee Ford, Trustee Kora, Treasurer Bka, and Supervisor Bell all voted yes. The resolution was adopted with a vote of five to zero, and the board entered into closed session.
Return to Open Session (00:37:03)
The board moved to return to open session after the closed session. Motion carried with a vote of five to zero with two absent.

After the closed session, Trustee Ford moved to return to open session, supported by Treasurer Bka. A voice vote was taken, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of five to zero, with Trustees Cole and Chapman absent.
Motion to Proceed as Discussed in Closed Session (00:37:29)
A motion was made to proceed as discussed in the closed session. The motion carried with a vote of five to zero with two absent.

Clerk Farmer made a motion to proceed as discussed in the closed session, which was seconded by Trustee Ford. A voice vote was taken, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of five to zero, with Trustees Cole and Chapman absent.
Public Comment (00:37:57)
Public comment was opened. No public comments were made in person or online, so public comment was closed.

The floor was opened for public comments. No one in the gallery or online had any comments, so the public comment session was closed.
Committee Updates (00:38:15)
Committee updates were provided by various trustees, including community involvement and upcoming events.

Trustee Ford shared a story about community support after recent storms. Trustee Kora reported on attending various community and parks meetings, highlighting the upcoming Story Walk celebration. Treasurer Bka discussed tax bills and franchise fee declines. Clerk Farmer talked about early voting and upcoming decisions for the board.
Supervisor's Report (00:45:40)
The supervisor reported on storm response, community feedback, and the status of ongoing projects and initiatives.

The supervisor discussed the response to the recent storm and community feedback regarding damage and cleanup. A second yard waste voucher was provided to residents. The supervisor also attended community open houses and addressed ongoing projects such as the mixed-use district ordinance.
Adjournment (00:52:42)
The meeting was adjourned by the supervisor after all agenda items were addressed.

After all agenda items were discussed, the supervisor adjourned the meeting.