Oshtemo Township - June 24, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board addresses critical issues such as budget amendments for blight cleanup and vehicle maintenance. The legal department requests an additional $100,000 to address blight issues on several properties, while the fire department seeks funds for vehicle maintenance following an unexpected expense. The board also approves zoning ordinance updates related to accessory dwelling units, parking regulations, and transportation and mobility, to better align with community needs and modern standards. Notably, the board is informed about the appointment of the township supervisor to a new authority related to a sports complex development in Kalamazoo. The meeting concludes with updates from various board members on ongoing community initiatives.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:45)
The meeting began with a welcome from the meeting chair, introducing attendees to the Oshtemo Charter Township regular board meeting.

The meeting chair welcomed everyone to the Oshtemo Charter Township regular board meeting, marking the start of the session.
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:51)
The meeting was called to order, and attendees were invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.

The chair called the meeting to order and invited everyone to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a customary practice at the beginning of such meetings.
Remote Location Identification (00:01:20)
Discussion on remote attendance protocol took place. Trustee Cole was noted to join late in person, eliminating the need for remote location identification.

The meeting addressed the protocol for remote attendance, stating that Trustee Cole would join in person, thus negating the need for remote location identification under the current circumstances.
Township Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:01:40)
Trustee Chapman shared a core value of the Township, emphasizing value-conscious technology as part of the Township's mission and vision.

A segment of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Township's mission, vision, and core values. Trustee Chapman highlighted the importance of providing the best value-conscious technology available, reflecting on the Township's strategic priorities.
Approval of the Agenda (00:02:23)
The agenda was reviewed with two amendments proposed: moving a legal department presentation to July and adding a budget amendment from Asmo Fire Department.

The board reviewed the agenda for the evening. Two amendments were proposed: postponing the legal department's AGV presentation to July due to its detailed nature, and adding an additional budget amendment from the Asmo Fire Department, which had been communicated via email.
Public Officials and Community Partner Updates (00:04:03)
Updates from public officials and community partners were scheduled, with some members delayed due to traffic, prompting a move to the work session.

The meeting intended to provide updates from public officials and community partners. However, due to delays from some members, the session continued with the work session agenda, focusing on departmental presentations.
Work Session: Departmental Presentations (00:05:02)
The board entered a work session to hear presentations on departmental achievements, goals, and visions as part of the budgeting process.

In the work session, the board received presentations from various department heads, highlighting their achievements, goals, and visions. This process is part of the annual budgeting cycle, where departments share their progress and future needs to align with the Township's strategic plan.
Assessor's Department Presentation (00:07:00)
Christine Biddle presented the Assessor's Department achievements and plans, focusing on appraisals, statutory compliance, and future goals.

Christine Biddle, the Township Assessor, detailed the department's responsibilities, including appraising properties, maintaining assessment records, and complying with statutory requirements. She outlined ongoing tasks such as property inspections and collaboration with legal on Tax Tribunal appeals, as well as future goals like land value analysis and technological enhancements.
Building Department Presentation (00:13:08)
Ted Hanson presented the Building Department's accomplishments and goals, emphasizing customer service, permit processing, and future improvements.

Ted Hanson, the building official, discussed the Building Department's first year after transitioning from Simba. He highlighted accomplishments in customer service and permit processing efficiency. Hanson outlined future goals such as reviewing the fee schedule, improving field technology, and establishing a business registry.
Building Department Capacity and Enforcement (00:33:48)
Discussion on building permits, enforcement of contractor licensing, and capacity issues in the building department.

The discussion begins with concerns about contractors and homeowners not pulling permits for renovations like roofing, leading to uninspected work. It was noted that the building department is at full capacity, and there are issues with unlicensed contractors performing work without permits, which could potentially involve legal action against homeowners due to their responsibility as property owners.
Introduction of Ordinance Enforcement Officer Alan Miller (00:36:22)
Introduction of Alan Miller, the new ordinance enforcement officer, outlining his work and collaboration with Rod, his part-time colleague.

Alan Miller is introduced as the new ordinance enforcement officer, working with Rod, who is part-time. Alan explains how they have split the workload and effectively communicate to ensure smooth operations. He is excited about his role and is open to feedback about his work pace.
Ordinance Enforcement Report (00:37:08)
Alan Miller reports on various ordinance enforcement activities, including blight, noise complaints, and rental housing inspections.

Alan Miller provides a comprehensive report on the enforcement actions taken on various ordinances, such as addressing blight, handling noise complaints, enforcing plant overgrowth and grass ordinances, and conducting rental housing inspections. He emphasizes the importance of these activities in maintaining community standards and details the process of how these issues are managed.
Technology and System Improvements (00:39:03)
Discussion on improvements made in technology and systems for better case tracking and online payments.

Alan describes the technological and system improvements made in the ordinance enforcement department, such as transitioning from Excel spreadsheets to using a comprehensive program for case tracking and scheduling inspections. He also talks about implementing online payment systems for inspections, which have streamlined the process for both the department and the residents.
Liquor Control and Licensing (00:42:43)
Changes in liquor control inspection frequency and form usage for efficiency.

Alan discusses changes in the liquor control and licensing inspections, moving from monthly to quarterly inspections, and utilizing a fillable PDF form to streamline the process. This change was made after consulting with the Liquor Control Commission, making the process more efficient by reducing redundancy and allowing for quicker updates and submissions.
Signage Enforcement (00:45:00)
Efforts to reduce unauthorized signage in public right-of-ways by contacting businesses directly.

Signage enforcement efforts involved removing unauthorized business signs from public right-of-ways and contacting companies to inform them of ordinance violations. Alan's proactive approach in making phone calls to businesses has led to a noticeable decrease in unauthorized signs, improving the community's visual appearance.
Rental and Apartment Inspections (00:46:24)
Progress and challenges in inspecting rental apartments as per ordinance requirements.

Alan reports on the status of rental and apartment inspections, highlighting the backlog and the efforts to catch up on overdue inspections. He explains the detailed process of inspecting complexes, issuing reports, and ensuring compliance with the ordinance, which involves significant time and resource commitments.
Homeless Encampments and Property Trespassing (00:48:33)
Addressing homeless encampments and trespassing issues at the Kale Avenue Group site.

Alan reports a decrease in homeless encampments and describes efforts to address trespassing issues at the Kale Avenue Group site, including removing hunting equipment and posting new signs to prevent unauthorized access. This collaboration with law enforcement ensures that the area remains secure and reduces illegal activity.
Community Policing and Collaboration (00:52:14)
Collaboration with community police officers to address local issues like traffic and crime.

Alan discusses the collaboration with community police officers to address local issues, such as traffic enforcement and crime reduction. He highlights a recent meeting with apartment complex managers to improve safety and maintenance, demonstrating the importance of working closely with law enforcement to enhance community well-being.
Vision and Goals for Ordinance Enforcement (00:56:29)
Future goals include expanding property inspections and improving illegal dumping enforcement.

Alan outlines his vision for the ordinance enforcement department, which includes expanding rental and motel inspections, improving the management of illegal dumping, and fostering positive community relationships. He emphasizes the need for additional resources to achieve these goals and enhance the overall quality of life in the community.
Presentation by Discover Kalamazoo (01:02:42)
Jane Goosh presents Discover Kalamazoo's plan for a new sports facility, highlighting youth sports and economic impact.

Jane Goosh, president and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo, discusses the importance of growing visitor spending through youth sports activities. She outlines a multi-year project to establish an indoor hard court facility for basketball and volleyball, funded by an incremental hotel assessment. The location has been finalized in the city of Kalamazoo, surrounded by Oshtemo Charter Township. The project aims to bring positive economic benefits to the community.
Public Comment (01:23:46)
Opportunity for public to comment on meeting topics, but no public comments were made.

During the meeting, a period was opened for public comments. However, there were no public comments made at this time.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:24:03)
The board approves the consent agenda unanimously with one member absent.

The board discusses the consent agenda and votes to approve it. The motion is carried with six votes in favor and one member absent.
Budget Amendment for Legal Department (01:24:31)
Attorney Porter discusses a $100,000 budget amendment for property cleanups due to ordinance enforcement.

Attorney Porter presents a budget amendment for the legal department to ensure funds are available for property cleanups. The amendment is for $100,000 to cover cleanup costs for properties that have been abandoned or need ordinance enforcement.
Budget Amendment for Fire Department (01:27:21)
The fire department requests a budget amendment for vehicle maintenance and new equipment.

The fire chief requests a budget amendment to cover unexpected vehicle maintenance costs and to outfit a new pickup truck. The amendment includes transferring funds for essential vehicle maintenance and operational readiness.
PEG Access Revenue Letter (01:42:00)
Discussion on sending a letter to support PEG access revenue in light of declining cable subscriptions.

A letter is proposed to be sent to address the decline in PEG access revenue due to a decrease in cable subscribers. The letter aims to support the public media network and highlight the financial impact on the township.
Second Reading of Sewer Hardship Amendments (01:44:14)
Second reading of amendments to the public sanitary sewer hardship financing and deferment text.

The board conducts the second reading of the proposed text amendments for public sanitary sewer hardship financing and deferment, aiming to clarify and update the policy.
Discussion on Ordinance Number for Sewer Hardship Financing (01:49:28)
The board discussed the importance of sticking with the original ordinance number for the sanctuary sewer hardship financing and adopting text amendments.

The meeting clerk highlighted the discussion about the original ordinance number for sanctuary sewer hardship financing. It was emphasized that compliance sections are for convenience and not ordinance numbers. A motion was made to accept for the second reading and adopt the text amendments to the public sanitary sewer hardship financing or deferment. The motion, proposed by Trustee Kora and seconded by Trustee Ford, passed with six in favor and one absent.
Brownfield Tax Increment Finance Policy Amendment (01:51:03)
Discussion on amendments to the Brownfield Tax Increment Finance (TIFF) policy, including community reimbursement agreements and the application of community benefits.

The board reviewed amendments to the Brownfield Tax Increment Finance (TIFF) policy, noting that the policy is a new initiative and requires adjustments as it is applied. Amendments discussed included the application of community benefits agreements to all Brownfield TIFF plans and the potential change to community reimbursement agreements. The board emphasized the need for transparency and the importance of ensuring all information is available to the public. A motion to adopt the text changes to the Brownfield policy was made, and the resolution was adopted with five in favor and one opposed.
Consideration of First Reading of Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance (02:06:00)
The board considered the first reading of an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential and village commercial districts, discussing various stipulations and potential impacts.

The ordinance would allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in residential and village commercial districts, provided there is a one or two-family home on the property. The ordinance includes stipulations on the size and appearance of ADUs and seeks to provide affordable housing options. Discussion included the potential impact on housing availability and the importance of ensuring the ADUs are aesthetically compatible with the neighborhood. A motion to accept the ordinance for the first reading and set for a second reading was made and passed with six in favor and one absent.
Discussion on Off-Street Parking Requirements (02:23:55)
The planning department reviewed off-street parking requirements, suggesting a shift from minimums to maximums to reduce paving.

The discussion focused on the planning department's comprehensive review of off-street parking requirements, suggesting a shift from minimums to maximums to reduce paving. The conversation included examples of how other communities are adopting similar measures and the potential impact on new projects and existing sites. The planning commission played a significant role in this discussion.
Ordinance Amendments for Parking and Drive Aisles (02:28:14)
Proposed ordinance amendments include changes to parking requirements and drive aisle widths, with flexibility for deviations.

The proposed amendments to the ordinance include adjustments to parking requirements and drive aisle widths, with provisions for flexibility in deviations. The planning commission recommends these changes to allow developers to justify deviations if necessary, with criteria established for review.
Zoning Text Amendments: Transportation and Mobility Ordinance (02:31:31)
Zoning ordinance amendments align with the transportation and mobility ordinance, eliminating redundant language.

The zoning text amendments aim to align with the transportation and mobility ordinance by eliminating redundant language related to private streets, driveway spacing, and design requirements. The planning commission supports these changes to streamline the ordinances.
Motion to Enter Closed Session (02:33:23)
A motion was made and approved to enter a closed session regarding real property transactions.

The board moved to enter a closed session to discuss matters related to the lease, sale, or transfer of real property. The motion was approved following a roll call vote.
Public Comment and Meeting Adjournment (02:37:52)
Public comments were invited, but none were received. The meeting was adjourned.

The floor was opened for public comment, but no comments were received from the public either online or in person. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.