Van Buren, Charter Township of

The meeting commenced with an executive summary outlining the agenda. Key discussion items included the consent agenda covering housekeeping matters, bill payments, and credit card expenditures. Specific items for approval involved an election inspector pay increase and the combination of lots for the Smith farm sale related to a Subaru research and development building project. The board also addressed the annual approval of the current fee structure, a discussion regarding a memorial for Egypt Covington to be placed in Creek Park, and proposed new water and sewer rates for the upcoming year. Finally, the board considered a resolution concerning the reimbursement policy for employee travel, meal, and lodging expenses.

The meeting commenced with roll call, noting an excused absence for the Treasurer. Key agenda items included the consent agenda, which covered board meeting minutes, prepaid lists, and the approval of job descriptions for a Municipal Services Coordinator and a Planning and Zoning Specialist, alongside associated promotions for several employees. Unfinished business involved a discussion regarding a request from Todd Waller for excavation, soil removal, and off-site hauling to create a 5-acre agricultural pond, with staff recommending approval contingent on several conditions. New business included discussions on a personal service agreement for Matt Smith, the Van and Township Safe Streets for All Action Plan, a resolution to defer the review of new gasoline filling station applications (with intent to place a moratorium), and a proposed moratorium on soil removal/mining operations. Further new business covered the purchase of a Canon colorwave T Series printer, the selection of Serve Electric for generator installation at various pump stations and a water tower, and introductions of new personnel: Officer Stephanie Richards from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office as the new Community Liaison for Western Wayne, and internal promotions including one to Director as a current director is retiring. The board also addressed the renewal of township insurance, noting a favorable rate increase of 5.91% for 2025 due to a Health Care Savings Program.

The meeting included the introduction of the agenda by the Planning and Economic Development Director, followed by approval of the agenda and the minutes from the September 23, 2020 meeting. The primary focus was a public hearing and subsequent action item regarding zoning ordinance text amendments pertaining to medical marijuana caregivers under Michigan's 2008 act. The proposed amendments aim to limit these activities to home occupations, restricting them from commercial areas, drawing on precedents set by the Byron Township case. Discussion also covered a review of a proposed temporary land use event series called 'Small Business Saturdays' at the Walmart site, and brief updates on residential and airport projects.

The meeting began with a delay due to poor road conditions, after which the pledge of allegiance was recited and a roll call was conducted. The agenda was approved for discussion. A significant portion of the meeting involved extensive public comment concerning a proposed hyperscale data center project. Residents expressed strong disapproval, citing concerns over public health, air quality, safety, noise pollution, strain on infrastructure, and lack of transparency and community input in prior proceedings dating back to discussions in October 2024 and a vote in the spring of 2025. A commissioner also provided a formal statement seeking factual clarification in the official record regarding the scope of the previous PUD ordinance amendment vote. Correspondence included notices of upcoming planning commission meetings for the City of Belleville and Sumpter Township.

The meeting agenda included a consent agenda covering previous meeting minutes and routine bill payments, as well as the reappointment of two individuals to the Planning Commission for three-year terms expiring in 2027. A presentation was scheduled for the Housing Readiness Initiative. New business involved a discussion regarding an HVAC replacement quote for Fire Station Number Two and the adoption of the 2024 Vanir and Township Economic Development Strategy and Marketing Plan. The first reading of an ordinance to rezone property from M1 light industrial to M2 was also planned. During the public comment session, residents raised critical concerns regarding persistent, unresolved cyber security threats experienced by citizens, urging the establishment of a dedicated municipal cyber security team. Another resident brought attention to numerous dead trees along Sumpter Road that pose a safety hazard, requesting the board's assistance in motivating Wayne County to address the issue promptly. A third resident requested reconsideration of the policy requiring parental supervision for 15-year-olds at the Summit Recreational Facility, arguing for age-based policy rules given their son's maturity and commitment to fitness.