Charter Township of Van Buren

The board discussed and approved Resolution 2022-04 regarding the adoption of the 2022-2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Additionally, the board approved Resolution 2022-03 to release a draft of the Sumpter Road Corridor Plan for review by neighboring communities and service providers. Presentations were delivered concerning the site and floor plans for a proposed Community Center and the 2021 Blight Control and Demolition Management Program. The board also addressed inquiries regarding the functionality of license plate cameras.

The meeting included discussions on the purchase of a fire department vehicle, 2020 fee schedules for water, sewer, and departmental services, and various appointments and re-appointments to the Environmental Commission. Additionally, the Board reviewed personal services agreements, updates to personnel policies regarding healthcare benefits, travel reimbursements, and contract exemptions. Procurement and renovation projects for the Belleville Area Museum and French Landing Park were discussed, along with a proposed zoning ordinance modification for residential parcels with lake frontage and the design of a new electronic message sign.

The board conducted public hearings regarding a request for a Public Act 328 Property Tax Exemption for the General Electric Company and an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate. Following the hearings, the board authorized the property tax exemption and the industrial exemption for the General Electric Company. Additional business included approving a personal services agreement for the DPW Superintendent, reappointing members to the Environmental Commission, and extending the moratorium on applications related to Medical Marihuana. The board also reviewed voucher lists and received various department reports and community announcements.

The Board held a public hearing to review the 2016 amended General Fund Budget, the 2017 proposed General Fund Budget, various Special Revenue Funds, and the 2017 proposed salary schedule. Discussions centered on the potential reallocation of Waste Management Landfill revenues into the General Fund to enhance transparency, as well as the drivers behind the current budget deficit, specifically citing rising healthcare costs and retroactive pay agreements for public safety personnel. Additionally, the board addressed plans for new official orientation and future budget processes, discussed a potential co-ownership opportunity with the Downriver Utility Wastewater Authority, and acknowledged the volunteer efforts regarding the placement of veteran flags in township cemeteries.

The board meeting addressed various agenda items, including the approval of a grant award for a Summer Youth Employment Program, the adoption of the Charter Township of Van Buren Zoning Ordinance, and the rezoning of a parcel on Alden Drive from General Commercial to Single-Family Residential. Additionally, the Board discussed a regional Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program, an Inter-Governmental Agreement with the City of Belleville for emergency dispatch and lockup services, and a proposed amendment to the General Code of Ordinances regarding Waterways. The Board also reviewed a budgetary report and discussed concerns regarding towing services and the potential acquisition of DNR property on Belleville Lake.