Oshtemo Township - August 26, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board deliberates on the topic of compensation adjustments for township staff, leading to an eventual decision to adopt a 100% market-rate adjustment effective immediately. The discussion highlights a commitment to investing in staff and maintaining competitive salaries. Additionally, the board reviews updates on the township's sewer expansion projects and the associated budget implications. Several zoning ordinance amendments are also introduced, including changes to the mixed-use district requirements and temporary outdoor event approvals. The meeting concludes with a decision to enter a closed session to discuss the collective bargaining agreement.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:09)
The meeting was officially called to order.

The meeting officially started as the chairperson called the meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:12)
The attendees participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Welcome (00:00:38)
The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The chairperson gave a warm welcome to all attendees at the regular session Township board meeting for Oshtemo Charter Township.
Remote Location Identification (00:00:50)
Verification of remote attendance was conducted.

The chair checked for remote attendance as permitted by statute and confirmed all members were present in person, closing item 3.
Core Value Sharing (00:01:05)
A trustee shared a core value of the Township.

A member of the board shared a core value of the Township, emphasizing honesty and integrity: 'We do not opt escape. We say what we mean, and we do what we say.'
Approval of the Agenda (00:01:36)
The agenda was approved as presented.

The board considered any changes to the agenda. With no changes proposed, a motion was made and supported to approve the agenda, which was then passed unanimously.
Public Officials and Community Partner Updates (00:02:09)
No updates were presented from public officials or community partners.

The chair invited updates from public officials and community partners, noting the absence of regular attendees and no online participation, closing the item without updates.
Work Session: Compensation Adjustments Discussion (00:02:35)
A detailed discussion on compensation adjustments and HR recommendations took place.

The board engaged in a continued discussion regarding compensation adjustments and HR recommendations. The HR director presented updated information, including proposed changes to the compensation policy and pay grade structure based on prior feedback, aiming for consensus and possible motion. The conversation covered topics such as years of service, pay grade slots, budget implications, and the potential impact of cost of living adjustments. Board members posed questions, discussed the rationale behind changes, and expressed positions on the proposed adjustments, particularly concerning the multiplier and start date for the new compensation structure.
Discussion on Job Descriptions and Compensation Policy (00:32:54)
Discussion on updating job descriptions and ensuring duties align with pay grades. Feedback form allows reevaluation at any time, with market data review every three years.

The discussion centered around the importance of aligning job descriptions with actual duties performed by employees, which affects their pay grades. A new policy allows employees to submit a feedback form at any time to request reevaluation if they believe their duties are not accurately reflected in their job description. This process will occur every three years routinely, but employees can initiate it sooner if necessary. The goal is to ensure that employees are fairly compensated for the work they perform, and that job descriptions are accurate and up-to-date.
Compensation Committee's Data and Recommendations (00:41:02)
Concerns raised about data used by the compensation committee. Discussion on trust in data and decision-making process for employee compensation adjustments.

There was a lengthy discussion about the data used by the compensation committee to determine appropriate compensation levels for employees. Several members expressed concerns that the data might be skewed due to comparisons with municipalities that have a significantly higher tax base. The committee emphasized that they hired experts to provide this data, and there was a debate on whether to trust the data or conduct further analysis. The decision was made to proceed with caution and ensure any changes are based on solid information.
Public Works Budget and Infrastructure Costs (00:45:03)
Presentation on rising infrastructure costs and budget challenges. Discussion on road fund, sewer fund, and strategic planning for public works projects.

The Public Works Director presented an update on the current state of infrastructure costs, which have been rising due to contractor availability and increased demand. The presentation covered the road fund, sewer fund, and general fund contributions to public works projects. The director emphasized the need for strategic planning to ensure projects are completed efficiently and within budget. The board discussed the challenges of managing these funds and the importance of setting clear priorities for future work.
Upcoming Sewer Projects and Funding Strategy (00:57:00)
Update on sewer project phases and funding. Discussion on ensuring projects are self-sustaining and coordinated with road work.

An update was given on the phases of upcoming sewer projects, with a focus on ensuring these projects are self-sustaining and well-coordinated with road work. The board discussed the funding strategy, which includes contributions from the road fund, general fund, and connection fees. The director highlighted the need for a resilient funding strategy to cover both new installations and maintenance of existing infrastructure. There was also discussion on the need to keep connection costs low to encourage uptake of services.
Sewer Expansion Update (01:03:12)
Discussion on the commitment to phase two of the sewer expansion and prioritization in the budget.

The board reaffirmed their commitment to phase two of the sewer expansion. They discussed the need to prioritize projects in the budget and ensure alignment with the community's master plan. Feedback from the board was sought to strategize spending.
Public Comments (01:18:48)
Public comments on consent agenda and non-regular items, including concerns about battery energy storage systems.

Members of the public were invited to comment on items on the consent agenda or non-regular session. A resident expressed concerns about battery energy storage systems, citing noise, safety, and environmental risks, and urged caution.
Approval of Minutes with Amendments (01:22:20)
Approval of minutes with a correction regarding remote attendance and voting eligibility.

The board discussed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting with an amendment to reflect a member's remote attendance and ineligibility to vote, rather than being marked absent.
Township Hall Sanitary Sewer Connection (01:22:34)
Budget amendment to fund sanitary sewer connection for Township Hall to avoid septic system use.

The Public Works department requested a budget amendment to connect Township Hall to the sanitary sewer system, eliminating the need for septic pumping. The connection had been budgeted for in previous years but was excluded this year due to bond uncertainties.
Demolition of DDA Buildings (01:25:49)
Budget amendment to allocate funds for demolition of buildings on DDA property due to liability issues.

The DDA requested a budget amendment to reallocate funds for the demolition of buildings that pose safety and liability concerns. The buildings have been prepared for demolition, including asbestos abatement and utility disconnection.
Green Meadow Road Paving Project (01:32:23)
Approval of budget amendment for Green Meadow road paving and traffic calming measures.

Due to the unavailability of experimental materials for a previously planned project, the board approved a budget amendment to pave Green Meadow Road and implement traffic calming measures, aligning with the maintenance cycle of surrounding roads.
Appointment of Traffic Engineer (01:38:50)
Appointment of an in-house traffic engineer to improve traffic control and planning.

The board discussed appointing an in-house traffic engineer to enhance traffic management and planning, utilizing existing expertise within the public works department. This appointment would allow for better coordination with the road commission and local projects.
Resolution to Appoint a Traffic Engineer (01:42:00)
The board discusses the appointment of a traffic engineer, addressing issues related to parking and ordinance enforcement.

The board expresses gratitude to Sharon for accepting the role of traffic engineer. They discuss past issues with parking on certain roads and the need for ordinance enforcement. The resolution aims to enable action on these issues, ultimately allowing tickets to be issued to violators once proper signage is in place. The motion to adopt the resolution is moved and supported, followed by a roll call vote.
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments (01:45:00)
The planning director presents proposed zoning ordinance text amendments focusing on mixed use districts and traffic impacts.

Planning Director Jodi Stefforia presents a series of zoning ordinance text amendments. These amendments target mixed use districts and aim to address traffic impact concerns, ensuring that development does not lead to road network failure. The amendments also include updates on planned unit development phasing and temporary outdoor events. The board discusses these changes and sets the ordinance for first reading.
Commercial District Setback Amendments (01:51:00)
Amendments to setback requirements for commercial districts are discussed, allowing reduced setbacks for certain low-impact uses.

The board reviews amendments to setback requirements in commercial districts. Specific low-impact uses, such as offices and child care centers, are proposed to have reduced setbacks when adjacent to residential areas. The amendments aim to address issues raised by recent variance requests and ensure appropriate neighborhood transitions. The motion to accept the amendments for first reading is made and seconded.
Compensation Adjustments and Budget Amendment Discussion (02:00:00)
The board discusses compensation adjustments, budget amendments, and a compensation performance review policy, with differing opinions.

The board engages in a discussion on compensation adjustments and budget amendments. There are varied opinions on the impact of these changes on the township's budget and staff morale. Some members express a willingness to support the adjustments to maintain staff morale, while others express concerns about taxpayer implications. The discussion emphasizes the balance between investing in people and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Closed Session for Collective Bargaining Agreement (02:04:00)
The board moves to a closed session to discuss a collective bargaining agreement with legal counsel.

Attorney Porter explains the need for a closed session to discuss the collective bargaining agreement with outside legal counsel. The board votes to enter the closed session, indicating their agreement to proceed with the discussion in private.
Return to Open Session and CBA Adoption (02:37:00)
The board returns to open session and adopts the collective bargaining agreement previously discussed.

After the closed session, the board returns to open session. A motion is made to adopt the collective bargaining agreement that was discussed, and it receives support. The board votes in favor of adopting the agreement, concluding the session.