Oshtemo Township - Township Board - December 23, 2025 Oshtemo Township Board

Updated about 3 hours ago

The board discusses the resolution to request county assistance for sewer system improvements and plans to use Kalamazoo County Board of Public Works bonds for funding. They address the extension of the police protection contract with Kalamazoo County, ensuring favorable terms for the township. The board also reviews and adjusts the 2023 meeting schedule, considering holidays and budget discussions. Public comments include concerns about sewer connection fees and the planning of the youth sports facility in the area. The meeting concludes with board member comments and holiday wishes.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:10)
The meeting of the Asmo Charter Township Board is welcomed and called to order.

The chair welcomes everyone to the meeting and officially calls the meeting to order, inviting attendees to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:23)
Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.

Attendees participate in the Pledge of Allegiance, reciting the pledge as a group to show respect and patriotism.
Remote Location Identification (00:01:01)
Discussion on remote location identification for remote attendance when permitted by statute.

The board confirms the presence of all members and determines that remote location identification is not necessary as the full board is present.
Township Mission, Vision, and Core Values (00:01:17)
A member shares the core values of the Township, emphasizing sustainability.

A body member discusses the importance of meeting present needs without compromising future generations, highlighting the Township's commitment to sustainability and responsible governance.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:41)
The agenda is reviewed, and a single change is made before approval.

The board reviews the agenda for any additions or changes. After discussion, a change is made regarding meeting dates, and the agenda is approved with this amendment.
Public Officials and Community Partner Updates (00:03:39)
Opportunity for updates from public officials and community partners, none provided.

The board invites any public officials or community partners present to provide updates to the board. Seeing none, the chair closes this item.
Public Comment on Consent Agenda or Non-Regular Session Items (00:04:01)
Public comments are invited on consent agenda or non-regular session items, several community members speak.

Community members provide comments on various topics including planning commission meetings, website updates, and transparency issues. Concerns and questions are raised about planning and zoning processes, as well as board transparency and communication.
Board Response to Public Comment (00:10:07)
Board members respond to public comments, clarifying procedures and addressing concerns raised.

The board addresses concerns raised during public comment, explaining procedures for meeting cancellations, changes to board packets, and limitations on public comments during meetings. They emphasize the importance of transparency and ongoing communication with the public.
Resolution on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (00:17:06)
Resolution supporting the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and promoting disability-inclusive communities is read and adopted.

A board member reads a resolution into the record that supports the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and promotes disability-inclusive communities. The resolution is adopted with unanimous support.
Resolution Establishing Planning Department Fee Schedule (00:21:01)
Resolution to update planning department fee schedule, including changes for special land use and other planning fees.

The planning director presents proposed changes to the planning department's fee schedule, including adjustments for special land use and sign permit fees. Public comments and board deliberation occur regarding fairness and transparency of fees, with suggestions for further review.
Budget Amendments (00:36:32)
Discussion and approval of budget amendments for carryover funds and departmental needs.

The board reviews budget amendments related to carryover funds for the Fruit Belt Trail project and necessary purchases for staffing in the legal department. The amendments are discussed in detail and prepared for board approval.
Public Comment on Budget Amendments (00:39:27)
The board asked for public comments on the proposed budget amendments, but there were no comments from the public.

The meeting opened the floor to public comments regarding the budget amendments included in the board packet. No members of the public came forward to comment on the proposed amendments.
Approval of Budget Amendments (00:40:01)
The board unanimously approved the budget amendments with a vote of 7 to 0.

After confirming there were no public comments, the board moved to approve the budget amendments as presented. The motion was supported and passed unanimously with all members voting in favor.
Discussion on Police Protection Agreement (00:40:09)
The board discussed a one-year extension to the police protection agreement and negotiations with the county.

The board considered the draft police protection agreement, discussing the negotiation process with Sheriff Fuller and county administration. They agreed on a one-year extension at current rates, ensuring fair and open discussions about future expenses. The board highlighted the importance of not committing to all costs without further discussion and the potential to start their own police force if necessary.
Public Comment on Police Protection Agreement (00:49:02)
Public comments were invited regarding the police protection agreement, with one comment supporting the idea of a local police department.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments on the police protection agreement. One member of the public expressed interest in the township considering its own police department. No further comments were made, and the board closed public comment on this item.
Resolution to Extend Police Contract (00:50:00)
The board moved to extend the current police contract for one year with anticipated step increases.

The board discussed extending the current police contract for one year, considering anticipated step increases. The motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. The county board will take action on this in their second January meeting.
Presentation on Sanitary Sewer Expansion (00:52:03)
The public works director presented on the ongoing neighborhood sanitary sewer expansion projects and funding strategies.

Anna Horner, the public works director, presented on the township's sanitary sewer expansion projects. She discussed project delays, funding strategies, and coordination with the county for bond issuance. The board considered a resolution to request county assistance, which would involve using the county's favorable credit rating to secure bonds at better rates. The board discussed the financial and logistical aspects of the project moving forward.
Public Comment on Sanitary Sewer Expansion (01:12:07)
The board invited public comments on the sanitary sewer expansion, but there were no comments from the public.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments regarding the sanitary sewer expansion projects. No members of the public came forward to comment on this item, and the board closed public comment.
Board Deliberation on Sanitary Sewer Resolution (01:12:15)
The board deliberated on the resolution for county assistance with the sanitary sewer project and passed it unanimously.

The board discussed the resolution to request county assistance for the sanitary sewer project. They appreciated the public works department's efforts to explore funding options and ensure project affordability for residents. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. The project will return for further consideration.
Discussion on Meeting and Committee Dates (01:15:02)
The board discussed adjusting meeting and budget-related dates to allow more time for discussions.

Trustee Kora suggested adjusting the township's meeting schedule to allow more time for budget discussions, proposing moving budget-related meetings at least a month earlier. The board considered how to better structure meetings for efficiency and effectiveness in reviewing and adopting the budget.
Budget Discussion and Planning (01:17:15)
Board discusses the process and timing for budget planning, emphasizing early discussions to avoid last-minute decisions.

The board engaged in a detailed discussion about the budget planning process. There was a strong emphasis on starting discussions earlier to avoid making decisions at the last minute. They discussed having two meetings dedicated to rate setting and budget forecasting, the challenges of getting a draft budget prepared by September, and how the absence of a finance manager has impacted the process. The board also considered the value of presentations from department heads and how to make the best use of meeting time while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Approval of Meeting Dates (01:39:02)
Board approves the meeting dates for the upcoming year, including adjustments for holidays and special budget meetings.

The board reviewed and approved the meeting dates for the upcoming year. Adjustments were discussed for meetings that coincide with holidays, specifically moving meetings from Monday to Wednesday following a holiday. There was a discussion on whether to label meetings specifically as budget or general meetings, with a consensus to keep flexibility. The board will remove specific budget labels from the calendar and approve a separate budget calendar in January.
Public Comment (01:45:00)
Residents express concerns about sewer connection fees and the board's communication with the public.

During the public comment section, a resident expressed dissatisfaction with a board member's previous comments about sewer connection fees, suggesting they were inappropriate and lacked sensitivity to the residents' struggles. The resident highlighted the significant financial burden the fees placed on homeowners and requested more thoughtful communication from the board.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (01:48:08)
Board members reflect on the past year and discuss ongoing projects, extending holiday wishes to the community.

Board members shared reflections on the past year, acknowledging personal and professional growth. There was appreciation expressed for the board's ability to communicate despite disagreements. Members provided updates on various projects, including concerns about a planned youth sports facility and its impact on traffic and the environment. Holiday greetings were extended to the community and thanks given for the opportunity to serve.
Project Update Coordination with Jane (01:56:30)
Discussion on scheduling meetings with Jane for project updates before ZBA consideration.

The board discussed the option to meet with Jane for an update on the project's status before it is considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Three members can meet at a time, and the meetings will be facilitated for those interested. Jane is also expected to provide a full update in a work session early next year.
Budget Meeting Attendance (01:58:25)
Anna attended the Road Commission budget meeting and proposed a joint meeting.

Anna attended the Road Commission budget meeting in person, while another member attended online. During public comments, it was proposed that the nationals board host a joint meeting with the Road Commission board, which they were open to scheduling.
Vehicle Garage Fencing Project (01:58:58)
The Vehicle Garage fencing project is set to go out to bid in February.

The fencing project for the Vehicle Garage is getting ready to go out to bid in February. This is a significant step forward for the project.
Fire Station Grant Update (01:59:20)
Discussion on the status of a million-dollar grant for the fire station.

A million-dollar grant for the fire station was discussed, with hope expressed that funding will be restored despite potential issues. There is a fully executed contract with the state, and efforts will be made to preserve the funding.
New Generator Installation (02:00:23)
The maintenance department installed a new generator after delays.

The Township administrative side of the building received a new generator after months of waiting due to supply chain issues. The maintenance team had kept the old generator operational during this time. The project was completed under budget.
Winter Newsletter Distribution (02:01:00)
The Winter newsletter will be mailed out by early January.

The Winter edition of the township newsletter is at the printer and will be mailed out to residents by the first week of January, possibly reaching mailboxes by the start of the new year.
Meeting Adjournment (02:01:27)
The meeting was adjourned after wishing everyone a happy holiday season.

The meeting concluded with the adjournment and well-wishes for the holiday season.