Southwest Michigan Building Authority
February 23, 2017
The SMBA meeting was held at the Oshtemo Township Hall, Chair Jeff Sorensen called the meeting to
order at 8:30 a.m.
PRESENT:
Jeff Sorensen, Chair, Cooper Representative
Deb Everett, Secretary, Oshtemo Representative
Libby Heiny-Cogswell, Oshtemo Representative
Carol DeHaan, Treasurer, Cooper Representative
Larry Stehouwer, Citizen at Large
Also present were Building Official Jerry Reitenour, Attorney James Porter, and Administrative
Operations Assistant Crystal Bartel.
Motion by Stehouwer, second by DeHaan to approve the minutes of the January 12th regular and
February 2nd special meetings. Carried 5-0.
Financial Report
Mr. Reitenour presented the financial report year to date; permits are on pace with time of the year, a
busy year is anticipated with several large projects in Oshtemo and Cooper Townships. Motion by
Everett, second by Heiny-Cogswell to accept the report. Carried 5-0.
Building Official Report
Mr. Reitenour raised a concern with swimming pool projects and the need to verify all components are
met; i.e., required barrier, usually fencing, access points through a door or window property alarmed.
After lengthy discussion consensus was to require an affidavit signed by the property owner that all
required safety measures will be provided; Attorney Porter will provide a draft at the March meeting.
Mr. Reitenour advised the employee HSA has been established, copies of the 2015 building, plumbing,
rehabilitation, mechanical and property maintenance codes will be provided to Cooper Township.
Motion by Stehouwer, second by DeHaan, to require a homeowner affidavit as discussed. Carried 5-0.
Purchase of Copier and Plotter
Ms. Bartel presented proposals for purchase of a copier and plotter.
Motion by Stehouwer, second by DeHaan to approve the purchase in the amount of $12,400.
Carried 5-0.
Contractor/Employee Reviews
Mr. Reitenour advised he had reviewed the contracted inspectors work and provided them with input.
He requested Ms. Bartel’s 90-day training period be considered complete since she came to SMBA with
expertise not expected and provide her with an increase now.
Motion by Heiny-Cogswell, second by Sorensen to accept Mr. Reitenour’s recommendation. Carried 5-0.
Other Business
Retirement Plan – Attorney Porter advised the retirement plan set up has been completed with
Greenleaf Trust.
Motion by Stehouwer, second by Everett to approve establishment of the retirement plan and fund the
employer portion retroactive to the start date of SMBA, October 6, 2016. Carried 5-0.
Board Member Comments
Mr. Sorensen inquired if membership in the Homebuilders Association had been acquired. Mr.
Reitenour advised he has the application and will be moving forward with it.
Ms. Heiny-Cogswell commented she would like to see a schedule/timeline of Mr. Reitenour’s training
plan for Building Inspector Garrett Reitenour.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Next meeting – March 23, 2017 – 8:30 a.m.
