Michael Blackburn

The agenda for this meeting included public comment time, the potential acceptance of the draft minutes from the March 3, 2026, meeting, and new business focusing on property valuation, classification, and poverty exemption appeals for 2026 only. The minutes from the prior meeting involved the adoption of the agenda, discussion regarding statutory or policy changes such as Bulletin #16 of 2025, a briefing on the assessment roll covering home-based businesses, personal property requirements, and two poverty exemption appeals, and the formal reception of the assessment roll from the Assessor. The prior meeting also included the election of the Chairperson and members signing the Board of Review Training Report.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items. Discussion topics covered instructions for conducting business, review of statutory or policy changes for the current year, and a briefing from the Assessor regarding the Assessment Roll. New business involved possible actions to formally receive the Assessment Roll from the Assessor, elect the Chairperson, and have members sign the Board of Review Training Report (Form 5731). The agenda also referenced possible action regarding the draft minutes from the December 9, 2025, Board of Review Meeting. Discussions related to the December 9, 2025, minutes included the approval of seven exemption and appeal cases, primarily concerning Poverty Exemptions and Mutual Mistakes of Fact. Additionally, the 2026 meeting schedule and proposed 2026 Guidelines were adopted during the December 9th session.

Key discussions and possible actions during this meeting included a presentation on the Park Road Pathway and Paving Project by OHM. Reports featured Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) Updates, including notices regarding forestry work on Leforge Rd and safety improvements planned for Dexter-Ann Arbor Road. Unfinished business involved discussion and possible action on the Road Advisory Committee Charge and the 2026 WCRC Local Road Funding Packet, along with a presentation outline for Board of Trustees regarding road funding. New business covered the 2026 RAC Tasks & Projects. Correspondence addressed concerns regarding a broken street sign, jurisdiction over which falls to WCRC, and follow-up on E Delhi Road concerns, reiterating that WCRC handles maintenance for local roads and that paving is not currently feasible due to high costs. The committee also prepared for a presentation to the Board of Trustees on road funding strategies.

The meeting agenda included various actions, such as payment of bills, receipt of FOIA appeals, personnel actions including completion of an introductory period and authorization for a new position, and authorizations for external support and services. Key discussions and possible actions involved authorizing Plante Moran for transitional support to the Finance Team, authorizing additional funds for snow removal, addressing the repair of Pump #2 at the Wagner Booster Station, authorizing OHM Engineering to review and rate sewer videos, consideration of constructing a permanent wall for private office space, approval of a revised Managed IT Services Agreement, appointments to the Parks, Pathways, and Preserve Committee, and consideration of the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority Second Amended Articles of Incorporation. New Business included the affirmation of a 5-Year Utility Rate Model and a Year 3 Increase to Water and Sewer Rates, a presentation from the Dexter Senior Center, changes to job titles and salary grades, and consideration of real property purchase. A Public Hearing was scheduled regarding the Proposed FYE2027 Budget of Scio Township. Public comments addressed concerns regarding FOIA request handling timelines, employee conduct, the new geothermal HVAC system's efficiency and funding, proposed changes to supervisor duties, employee turnover, and compensation assumptions.

The meeting agenda included standard items such as roll call, adoption of the agenda, communications, public comment periods, and reports. Key substantive discussions centered on the ongoing development of a Data Center Overlay District ordinance, including establishing criteria for designation, defining technical terms like Hyperscale Data Center and WUE, and setting stringent standards for noise, energy supply (requiring 50% self-supply via Behind-the-Meter Generation for large facilities), and water usage. The commission also addressed a New Business item regarding Site Plan SP#25013 A2Custom for a new building, recommending approval subject to several conditions related to engineering compliance and landscape preservation. Furthermore, discussions took place regarding the update of Engineering Standards, exploration of sustainable infrastructure requirements such as WaterSense fixtures and MDOT Type IL cement, and ongoing work by the Multi-Modal Committee to address transit service restructuring.