Rachel Bernard

The meeting involved several critical agenda items conducted during a combined Regular Meeting and Public Hearing. Key discussions included a Special Land Use Application for Concord Event Centers, involving transitioning an existing equestrian center into an event facility with two ballrooms and retaining the interior arena for storage. A Revised Preliminary Site Plan Review for Evermore Historical Preservation PUD was also addressed, noting an increase in residential units from 44 to 72 and the property's new function as a Talent Incubator for Hospitality Management students. Furthermore, a Zoning Ordinance Amendment was reviewed to add 'Improved Surface' criteria to regulations concerning the storage of recreational and commercial vehicles on residential lots. The Commission recommended approval for the Special Use request contingent upon addressing water/sewer infrastructure, lighting, and parking lot surfaces, and approved the Evermore PUD site plan with conditions including paving specific access roads and defining berm requirements.

The key discussion item reviewed was the Royalton Township-United Federal Credit Union Reconciliation Statements for the month of December 2025. No formal action was taken on this review.

The primary discussion point during the Executive Committee Meeting was the review of the Royalton Township-United Federal Credit Union Reconciliation Statements for October 2025. No official action was taken regarding this review.

The meeting included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and associated payments for bills, tax disbursements, and payroll. Key discussions involved the Planning Commission's recommendation regarding revisions for the Royalton Farms 120-home development sketch plan and a request for the appointment of a Recording Secretary for the commission. New business featured the approval of the Site Condominium Sketch Plan for Royalton Farms. The Board also approved resolutions to set alternate dates for the July and December Boards of Review, approved the Poverty Exemption Income Guidelines and Asset Level Test Resolution, approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Berrien County Information Systems and the Royalton Township Fire Department, engaged legal services with Clark Hill, approved an Election Services for Early Voting Site Agreement with Berrien County, and approved the M-139 Water Extension to Equestrian Center. Furthermore, an ordinance establishing a two-tier fee structure, including escrow accounts for specialized review costs for applications like PUD projects and site plan reviews, was approved. Finally, Kellie Eldridge was appointed as the Recording Secretary for both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The meeting included the annual organization proceedings, establishing that future Annual Meetings will occur on the third Tuesday in January at 5:00 PM due to the MKL Holiday schedule shift. The Building Official provided an update on various township projects, including a planned 120-home development by Allen Edwin Homes, a 44-condo PUD with an event center, another large residential development on Hollywood Road, and the development of Concord Ridge Phases 2 & 3, collectively representing approximately 400 homes over six years. Updates were also given on the Equestrian Center changes, the anticipated opening of a gas station, and the approval of a water permit for Dickinson Road.