Oshtemo Township - Township Board - March 10, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 1 hour ago

The board receives an update on the indoor youth and amateur sports facility project, including its economic benefits and collaboration with local entities. A major issue with tax assessments is discussed, where a software glitch resulted in some properties not being properly assessed, prompting corrective actions. The meeting also addresses updates on local road maintenance projects and infrastructure improvements, as well as plans for installing electric vehicle charging stations at township facilities. Additionally, the board considers amending the Hawkers, Peddlers, and Solicitors Ordinance to address issues with unauthorized selling outside commercial businesses. The meeting concludes with board member updates and plans for future township improvements.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:14)
The meeting was called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was officially called to order, and attendees were invited to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:01:46)
All board members were present for the meeting, so remote location identification was deemed unnecessary.

A roll call was conducted, confirming that all members of the board were present, making remote location identification unnecessary for this meeting.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:52)
The agenda was approved with a change to move the budget amendment from the consent agenda.

The agenda for the meeting was reviewed. A request was made to move item C, the budget amendment, off the consent agenda. The amended agenda was then approved by the board.
Public Official and Community Partner Updates (00:03:25)
Updates were provided on various community projects, including an indoor sports facility, with a focus on collaborative efforts and future impacts.

Updates from public officials and community partners were given, including a detailed presentation on the indoor youth and amateur sports facility project. The presenter discussed site plans, community feedback, traffic concerns, and future development impacts. The project aims to benefit local youth and is funded by the visitor economy. Several board members expressed concerns and sought clarification on traffic management, public safety, and fiscal impacts on the township.
Discussion on Community Ice Rink and Tourism Master Plan (00:29:45)
Discussion on the community ice rink and tourism master plan, focusing on collaboration and feasibility studies to improve local sports and tourism infrastructure.

The meeting discussed the community's involvement in ice rink projects and a tourism master plan. The focus was on collaboration with local organizations to address the community's ice needs. A feasibility study was commissioned, making this the number two priority in the community. There is also a plan to engage in a tourism master plan to enhance sports tourism and other assets needed in Kalamazoo County.
County Commissioner Update (00:35:00)
County Commissioner Dale DeLuz provided updates on labor contracts, transitional housing, hazardous waste facility funding, and veterans treatment court.

Commissioner Dale DeLuz updated on several county issues. Labor contracts were signed with the Sheriff's department and juvenile home. The landing place family transitional housing is set to open next month after mold remediation. Support was received for state funding for a new household hazardous waste facility. Additionally, the veterans treatment court aims to assist veterans in navigating the criminal justice system.
Road Commission Report and Public Concerns (00:41:00)
Discussion on road maintenance issues, quality control concerns, and upcoming joint meeting with the road commission.

Commissioner Larry Stay Hower from the road commission addressed road maintenance issues and quality control concerns raised by residents. He acknowledged frustrations with road peeling and assured that quality control measures are being evaluated. A joint meeting is planned to discuss these issues further.
Public Comments on Development and Traffic Concerns (00:45:00)
Public comments focused on development concerns, traffic issues, and the impact on local farms and residents.

Residents expressed concerns about the impact of new developments on traffic and local farms. The discussion included worries about traffic congestion, environmental impacts, and the need for objective traffic studies. There were also calls for more resident involvement and transparency in development projects.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:53:03)
The consent agenda, including meeting minutes and receipts, was approved unanimously by the board.

The board reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting minutes from the previous session and receipts and disbursements. The motion to approve was carried unanimously.
Appointments to Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals (00:59:00)
Appointments of Grace Engles to the Planning Commission and Dr. Meg Blake Kovic to the Zoning Board of Appeals were approved.

The board considered and approved the appointments of Grace Engles to the Planning Commission and Dr. Meg Blake Kovic to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both candidates were commended for their qualifications and dedication to community values.
Discussion on Invoices and Payables (01:00:25)
Discussion about invoices that could be payable through November and issues with the current system that prevent testing after fixes.

The board discussed challenges with processing invoices payable through November. It was noted that testing any fixes is currently not possible due to ongoing issues with the county. The assessor provided ideas on how to address these challenges, including generating self-reports similar to transit systems. Concerns were raised about communication with BSNA, the software provider, and a plan to manually verify parcels in October was suggested.
Parcel Assessment Issues and BSNA Software Concerns (01:00:34)
Detailed discussion on issues with parcel assessments due to software communication errors, affecting special assessments on properties.

The board addressed significant issues regarding parcel assessments, particularly concerning special assessments that were missed due to communication errors between BSNA's assessing and tax modules. It was revealed that several properties retained exemptions they no longer qualified for after being sold, due to these errors. The board discussed the need for better checks and balances on their part, as residents might not be aware of these issues. The treasurer and assessor had communicated with BSNA, but had difficulties obtaining a useful report to address the problem. A comprehensive review of the parcels was undertaken to correct the errors.
Root Cause Analysis and Resolution Plan for Tax Roll Issues (01:11:00)
The board emphasized the need for a root cause analysis and a resolution plan for the ongoing tax roll issues.

The board discussed the necessity for a root cause analysis to identify exactly what went wrong with the parcel assessments and what caused the problem. A resolution was needed to ensure the issue does not recur. The board requested a detailed report on the root cause and resolution before the next set of tax bills are issued. They planned to have further discussions with BSNA to resolve the issue at the software level and prevent future occurrences. Offers to assist in these discussions were made to ensure public trust in the township's tax processes.
Public Hearing on Text Amendments to Hawkers and Solicitors Ordinance (01:35:39)
First reading of an ordinance amendment to address issues with unauthorized solicitation by minors in the community.

Attorney Porter introduced a text amendment to the hawkers, peddlers, and solicitors ordinance following reports of minors stealing and reselling candy bars without authorization. The amendment aims to require licenses for for-profit solicitors and registration for charitable activities, allowing officers to question unlicensed and unregistered solicitors. The ordinance also targets parents aiding their children's unauthorized sales activities. The amendment seeks to give law enforcement more authority to address these issues effectively.
Discussion on Amending Hawker's and Peddler's Ordinance (01:38:40)
The board discusses the proposed amendment to the hawker's and peddler's ordinance to address issues with unauthorized sales and to ensure legitimate charities are not impeded.

The board deliberated on the need to amend sections of the hawker's and peddler's ordinance. Concerns were raised about juveniles reselling goods unlawfully outside businesses. The amendment aims to give officers tools to address these issues without affecting legitimate charities like the Girl Scouts. Discussion included personal anecdotes of concerning encounters with young sellers, the role of community policing, and clarification on how religious and charitable organizations would be affected.
Public Comments on Ordinance Amendment (01:47:55)
A resident expresses concerns over the ordinance amendment, highlighting potential privacy issues with minors' information being registered for solicitation purposes.

Katie Schneider, a resident and parent, spoke during the public comment period about the proposed ordinance amendment. She acknowledged the intent to solve issues with unauthorized sales but expressed concerns about requiring minors' information for registration, raising privacy and policy issues. She questioned how lists of minors would be stored and protected, and whether such data might become public records subject to FOIA requests. The board responded by discussing potential modifications to the ordinance to address these concerns.
Board Response and Further Discussion on Ordinance Amendment (01:52:33)
The board considers modifications to the ordinance language to avoid unintended consequences and addresses privacy concerns raised by the public.

Following public comments, the board continued discussing the ordinance amendment. They debated the practicality of requiring schools to provide lists of students and acknowledged the need to protect minors' privacy. Suggestions included only registering the person in charge of soliciting, rather than all participants. The board emphasized the need for flexibility and understanding in enforcement to avoid targeting legitimate organizations while addressing unauthorized activities. They planned to revise the ordinance language accordingly.
Motion to Approve Ordinance Amendment with Revisions (02:01:50)
A motion is made to approve the first reading of the ordinance amendment, incorporating suggested revisions to address privacy and registration concerns.

The board moved to approve the first reading of the revised hawker's and peddler's ordinance amendment. The revisions included changes to registration requirements, focusing on identifying the organization and the person in charge rather than collecting detailed lists of minors. The motion was passed with six votes in favor and one opposed.
Discussion on Moratorium for Commercial Data Centers (02:03:02)
The board discusses and votes on a moratorium on commercial data centers, aiming to address concerns and developments in this area.

The board reviewed a proposed moratorium on commercial data centers within the township. No public comments were made on this issue, and the board members had no further questions. A motion was made and passed to accept the moratorium, indicating the board's intent to pause new developments in data centers while further considerations are made.
Communication Strategy for Energy Storage and Data Centers Ordinances (02:03:59)
The manager discusses plans to improve public communication regarding the township's approach to battery energy storage and data center ordinances.

The township manager outlined a plan to enhance communication with the public regarding the ordinances related to battery energy storage and data centers. This includes publishing intended plans and drafts on the township website to keep the community informed about progression and changes in these areas.
Consideration of Local Road Maintenance Projects (02:04:50)
Discussion on local road maintenance projects, coordination with sewer expansions, and budget amendments for effective road management.

Ms. Horner presented the board with information on local road maintenance projects for the year. The discussion covered the selection of projects, coordination with sewer expansion efforts, and the need for a budget amendment to accommodate the planned road work. The board emphasized the importance of strategic planning to maximize the effectiveness of maintenance efforts.
Discussion on Rubber Chip Seal Project and Grant Funding (02:09:25)
Discussion about the ongoing rubber chip seal project using ground tires as aggregate, and the availability of grant funding for the project.

The board discussed the rubber chip seal project, where ground tires are used as part of the aggregate. There is grant funding available for this project, and the Township has a policy not to do major road maintenance where water or sewer expansion is planned. Penny Lane is one such road, but they are trialing the rubber chip seal to extend its life.
Public Comment on Road Projects and Marijuana Tax Funding (02:10:50)
Public comments were invited on the road project discussions, and the impact of potential changes to marijuana tax funding on road funding was considered.

The board invited public comment on the road projects. Commissioner St. Howard closed the public comment and then the board deliberated on the potential impact of repealing the marijuana tax on road funding. The repeal would not affect this year's budget but could impact future projections.
Discussion on Road Commission's List of Unmet Needs and Prioritization (02:11:48)
The board discussed the list of unmet needs from the Road Commission, focusing on prioritization and funding for future road projects.

The board discussed the Road Commission's list of unmet needs, how they are prioritized based on PACER ratings, and the types of road funding available. They also talked about refining the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and how future road projects might be funded.
Approval of Preventive Maintenance Projects and Budget Amendment (02:15:15)
The board approved a motion to proceed with preventive maintenance projects and a related budget amendment.

The board discussed a budget amendment related to preventive maintenance projects. Trustee Ford moved to approve the amendment, supported by Trustee Sakura. The board voted unanimously to approve the motion.
Approval of Township and County Contract Resolution (02:17:57)
The board approved a resolution for a contract with the County Board of Public Works, including bond details and financial responsibilities.

Ms. Horner presented a resolution and contract with the County Board of Public Works regarding bonds for construction projects. The contract has been reviewed by multiple attorneys. The board discussed the interest rates and terms before approving the resolution through a roll call vote.
Budget Amendment for KL Avenue Non-Motorized Path Construction (02:22:27)
The board discussed and approved a budget amendment for the KL Avenue non-motorized path construction, segment M.

Ms. Warner explained the need for a budget amendment related to the KL Avenue non-motorized path construction. The project is nearing completion, and the amendment covers the remaining balance due to MDOT for construction costs and engineering. The board approved the budget amendment.
Discussion on Maintenance Budget Item from Consent Agenda (02:25:47)
The board discussed a maintenance budget item related to infrastructure replacement plans and committee roles.

Trustee Sakura raised questions about the infrastructure replacement plan and the role of the Buildings, Cemeteries, and Grounds Committee in monitoring these plans. The board discussed the need for updated asset management plans and how the committee could be involved.
Proposal for Meeting Room Upgrades Including Timer System (02:29:36)
The board considered a proposal for meeting room upgrades, including a timer system for public comments.

The IT director presented a proposal for meeting room upgrades, including a new timer system for public comments that connects to the microphone system. The board discussed the benefits of having a visible timer for speakers and agreed to consider it.
Updates on Vehicle Acquisitions and Public Works (02:40:41)
Discussion on the vehicle acquisition process and upcoming meetings with public works regarding efficiencies and AI tooling.

The meeting included updates on vehicle acquisitions, particularly the progress with fitting vehicles and soliciting other quotes. There were no updates on the MI deals vehicles. A future meeting is planned with public works to discuss efficiencies and workflows, as well as potential AI tooling.
Planning Commission and Community Concerns (02:41:40)
Trustee Chapman provided updates on the Planning Commission meeting and expressed concerns for neighboring communities affected by a tornado and those in harm's way.

Trustee Chapman announced the upcoming Planning Commission meeting and shared thoughts and considerations for communities affected by a recent tornado and service members in harm’s way. He emphasized the importance of keeping these issues in public consideration.
Involvement in Community Meetings and Events (02:42:28)
Trustee Sakura discussed her involvement in regional water, wastewater, and road commission meetings, and upcoming parks events.

Trustee Sakura attended various regional commission meetings and highlighted her involvement. She mentioned the upcoming Friends of the Parks board meeting and other parks-related events. She also expressed interest in updates on the flagpole project.
Upcoming May Election and Transit Authority Updates (02:44:06)
Clerk Farmer announced a May election for certain precincts and shared updates on transit authority activities.

Clerk Farmer corrected previous information about precincts involved in an upcoming May election, highlighting precincts two through nine. Updates on transit authority activities were also shared, including discussions on operations and budget considerations.
Tax Collection and ADA Compliance Initiatives (02:45:29)
Treasurer Boucha discussed tax collection processes and new ADA digital accessibility compliance requirements.

Treasurer Boucha explained the tax collection process and timeline. She highlighted the new ADA digital accessibility compliance requirements that affect digital communications across social media and websites, and the associated cost discussions.
Township Website and Public Works Updates (02:47:26)
Supervisor Bell discussed plans for a new township website, ADA compliance, and public works projects including vehicle garage and signage updates.

Supervisor Bell provided updates on the township's website development plans, ensuring ADA compliance is included. Public works updates included the vehicle garage project going out to bid, discussions on new signage for Township Hall, and updates on the flagpole and landscape projects.
Adjournment (02:51:22)
The meeting was adjourned after final comments from the supervisor.

The meeting concluded with final comments from Supervisor Bell, thanking everyone for their time and service, and officially adjourning the meeting.

Oshtemo Charter Township (30 Episodes)

Updated about 1 hour ago

Gavel to Gavel coverage of the Board meetings for Oshtemo Charter Township