Cheri Bell

The primary focus of this meeting was conducting a public hearing and considering a resolution recommending the adoption of the Oshtemo 2045 Comprehensive Plan and the Master Streets Plan. The Commission also addressed revisions to the West Main Villages Mixed Use District schematic plan, ultimately denying the revised conceptual plan due to concerns about scale, density reduction (shifting from duplexes to single-family homes), and inconsistency with the Mixed-Use District intent, specifically regarding the inclusion of a large Kroger store and fueling station. Updates were provided regarding the upcoming presentation on the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The Board Meeting addressed several key items, beginning with the approval of the agenda. The consent agenda, which included approval of the February 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes, a Letter of Support for HHW, and West Port Village Phase 3 Step 3 Final Plan approval, was unanimously approved. The Deputy Fire Chief presented the monthly Fire Department Report. The Board subsequently approved four budget amendments: $2,000 for new hire expenses, $10,000 for exercise equipment, $6,000 for training supplies, and an amendment for GIS consultant services. A moratorium on commercial data centers was accepted for first reading, with the second reading set for March 10, 2026. Land redescription approval and variances were granted for Lots 104 and 103 of Country Club Village #3, subject to subsequent formal application. The Board approved a Change in Service Request for Progressive Companies from carryover funds. Furthermore, an agreement was approved with Progressive Companies for $80,000 to update the Zoning Ordinance and Transportation & Mobility Ordinance. A closed session was held to discuss written opinion of counsel, followed by a motion to proceed as discussed. The meeting concluded after public comment.

The Board Meeting included several key discussions and actions. The agenda was approved with amendments, including the removal of an item and the addition of a discussion regarding a moratorium on data centers. Updates were provided by the State Representative regarding budget activity and by the Kalamazoo County Commissioner. A presentation was given on the Neighborhood Sanitary Sewer Expansion, detailing lessons learned from Phase 1 and project highlights for Phase 2. The Board adopted a resolution celebrating Black History Month. The Building Department provided an update on permit activity. Following a discussion, the Board approved entering into an agreement with outside legal counsel to handle traffic pretrial cases for a flat fee of $250 per month. Budget amendments were approved for reallocating unspent sanitary sewer project funds and for Phase 2 sanitary sewer communications. Further discussion addressed the 2026 Township Vehicle Purchase. The Board also approved a budget amendment for tree removal and landscape architecture consultation for the north side of the Township Hall. Regarding Commercial Data Centers, the Board decided to bring back a prepared memo for consideration at the next meeting.

Key discussion topics for the upcoming meeting include the election of officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer), review of the Treasurer's Report covering Fiscal Year 2025 through February 2026, and discussion and possible action regarding the 2026 Budget. Further items include a discussion and possible action on the grant program, updates on the 2026 meeting dates, the Drake Road Nonmotorized Path update including 2025 user counts, and the 2025 Annual Synopsis.

The meeting agenda was approved, with the minutes from the December 23 meeting added to the consent agenda for approval. Key discussions included updates from the Road Commissioner. The Board considered and approved job descriptions for the Fire Department Driver Operator and Accountant positions. Furthermore, the Board reached a consensus to move forward with implementing the Red Med Box program, pending a future budget amendment, and agreed to proceed with planning a holiday event at the Township Hall. An update was also provided regarding the Board Strategic Retreat, noting that the consultant would be contacting members for interviews.