Oshtemo Township - June 10, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated 3 days ago

Ben Walker from Seber Tans Consultants presents the township's audit report, highlighting no concerns or recommendations. The board approves a resolution in support of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Discussion includes the fire department's at-fault non-resident motor vehicle policy to recover costs from non-residents involved in accidents. Additionally, the board considers amendments related to hardship financing for public sanitary sewer connections. The meeting also touches on updates from various township committees and departments, including public works and parks.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:01:46)
The meeting was opened with a welcome and call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting began with a welcome from the presiding officer, who called the meeting to order and invited attendees to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Remote Location Identification (00:02:27)
Trustee Chapman was excused, and no remote attendance was necessary for other members.

The presiding officer noted that Trustee Chapman was excused from the meeting, having notified in advance of his absence. All other members were present, so there was no need for remote location identification for this meeting.
Township Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:03:04)
A board member shared the core value of value-conscious decision-making.

The presiding officer reminded the board of the Township's mission, vision, and core values, inviting a member to share one of the core values. Trustee Cole shared the core value: value-conscious decision-making.
Approval of the Agenda (00:03:15)
The agenda was approved as presented with a motion and second by board members.

The agenda for the meeting was presented for approval. Trustee Kora made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, which was seconded by Trustee Ford. The motion passed with all in favor, except for one absence.
Public Comments and Updates (00:03:53)
Commissioner provided updates on road maintenance and medical debt relief program progress.

The meeting provided an opportunity for public, official, and community partner updates. A commissioner shared updates on road maintenance, highlighting Oshtemo's leadership in various maintenance categories. The commissioner also provided information on the upcoming launch of a medical debt relief program, expected to begin by the end of the month, with a dedicated website for FAQs.
Work Session: Draft Audit Presentation (00:06:35)
Ben Walker from Seabert Tans presented the draft audit, highlighting financial health and compliance.

Ben Walker from Seabert Tans presented the draft audit of the Township's finances. The audit received an unmodified opinion, indicating fair presentation of financial statements. Walker thanked Township staff for their cooperation and noted no adjustments were needed. The audit found no deficiencies in internal control, and the Township's financial health was discussed, along with compliance with budgets and processes. Questions from the board were addressed, and details of financial statement components were explained.
Discussion on Building Improvements and Equipment Vehicles (00:36:01)
Discussion on building improvements, equipment vehicles, and depreciation during the year.

The meeting covered topics related to building improvements, equipment vehicles, and the associated depreciation during the year. The tables discussed should tie directly into the assets listed on the balance sheet.
Approval and Next Steps for Audit Report (00:36:42)
Discussion on the approval and next steps for the audit report, including letters of representation.

Once the audit is accepted and approved, a letter of representations will be signed. Siegfried Crandall will submit the audit procedures report, and everything is on track to be submitted on time.
Preparation for USDA Bonds Single Audit (00:37:35)
Discussion on preparing for the USDA bonds single audit, including necessary documents and procedures.

The project manager in public works needs to be prepared for the single audit for the USDA bonds. Discussion on obtaining the federal award number and providing a list of procedures to ensure compliance.
Road Commission's Annual Report and Updates (00:40:16)
Road commission updates including annual report presentation, non-motorized easement, and traffic improvements.

Larry Auer, liaison commissioner, provided updates on the road commission's annual report, non-motorized Erie easement, Green Meadows traffic meeting, and federal funds for Safe Streets.
Traffic Light Timing Issues and Updates (00:43:07)
Discussion on traffic light timing issues at West Main and Ninth, impact of construction on timing.

Concerns were raised about traffic light timing at West Main and Ninth. It's suspected that timing changes were due to construction and detour routes. MDOT manages these signals, and ongoing adjustments are made.
Community Policing and Strategic Planning Updates (00:46:45)
Updates on community policing, strategic planning, and departmental budget presentations.

Discussion on community policing progress, including improved lighting and cameras in apartment complexes. Strategic planning sessions are planned before budgeting, with a focus on community goals and investments.
Utility Policy Committee and Wastewater Contract Progress (00:55:20)
Optimistic update on the wastewater contract progress with the Utility Policy Committee.

The UPC is working towards a unified rate contract for wastewater, similar to the water contract. There is optimism about reaching an agreement soon, which involves multiple users across the system.
Public Comments on Non-Regular Session Items (01:00:10)
Opportunity for public comments on non-regular session items, but no comments were made.

Public comments were invited for non-regular session items, but there were no comments from the attendees or online participants.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:00:35)
Approval of the consent agenda including meeting minutes, receipts and disbursements, and an appointment.

The consent agenda, which included the approval of previous meeting minutes, the receipts and disbursements report, and the appointment of Carrie Brenner to the Oshtemo DVA, was approved unanimously.
Fire Department Turnout Gear Grant Reimbursement (01:01:20)
Approval to reimburse funds used for turnout gear purchase covered by a state grant.

The board approved the reimbursement of funds used to purchase turnout gear for the fire department, which was covered by a state grant. The fire chief is on vacation, but the motion was straightforward and approved.
Resolution in Support of LGBTQ+ Pride Month (01:03:20)
Adoption of a resolution supporting LGBTQ+ Pride Month, recognizing contributions and promoting equality.

The board adopted a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, celebrating diversity and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, and promoting equality and justice. The resolution was read into the record and unanimously adopted.
Fire Department At-Fault Non-Resident Motor Vehicle Policy (01:07:11)
Approval of a policy to charge non-residents at-fault in motor vehicle accidents for fire department services.

The board approved a policy to charge non-resident individuals who are at fault in motor vehicle accidents for the fire department's response services. This aims to recover costs already covered by residents' taxes.
First Reading of Public Sanitary Sewer Hardship Policy (01:11:14)
First reading of a policy for hardship financing or deferment for public sanitary sewer connections.

The board conducted the first reading of a policy allowing hardship financing or deferment for public sanitary sewer connections. The policy aims to align with the Township's poverty guidelines and provides options for residents in need.
Adoption of Financing and Deferment Policy (01:13:46)
Discussion on adopting the sanitary sewer hardship financing and deferment policy, followed by a motion to accept the amendments and approve the policy.

The meeting included a discussion on adopting the public sanitary sewer hardship financing and deferment policy. Trustee Ford moved to accept the amendments for the first reading and approve the policy to set annual income and asset limitations. The motion was seconded by Clerk Farmer. There was no public comment or discussion, and the resolution was adopted by roll call with six votes in favor and one absent.
Audit Process and Acceptance (01:15:30)
The board discussed the audit process with no concerns raised by auditors and zero recommendations for improvement. A motion was made to accept the audit.

The next step in the audit process was discussed, noting that no concerns were raised by the auditors and there were zero recommendations for improvement. A motion was made by Clerk Farmer to accept the audit as presented, supported by Trustee Ford. There was no public comment or further discussion, and the motion carried with six votes in favor and one absent.
Public Comment (01:17:22)
Public comment was opened for any topic, but no comments were made in-person or online, so public comment was closed.

The floor was opened for public comment on any topic. Seeing none present at Township Hall and no hands raised online, public comment was closed.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (01:17:42)
Board members provided updates on various activities and initiatives, including tours, meetings, and upcoming events.

Board members gave updates on recent activities. Trustee Ford had no comments. Trustee Cole mentioned a wastewater treatment facility tour and the importance of learning about such processes. Trustee Kora discussed participating in a comprehensive plan discussion group and attending a public meeting on traffic calming, among other activities. Treasurer Boka reported on prepping personal property databases for court and tax bill preparations. Clerk Farmer updated on transit authority activities and an upcoming millage for bus line service. Supervisor Bell shared updates on HR activities and staffing progress.
Adjournment (01:24:02)
The meeting was adjourned following the updates from board members and the supervisor.

Following updates from the board members and the supervisor, the meeting was adjourned. The supervisor noted HR's active role in staffing and ongoing collective bargaining with the fire department. With no further updates, the meeting was ended by the supervisor.