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Southwest Michigan Building Authority
August 7, 2020
The SMBA special meeting was held via Conference Call. Chair Dusty Farmer called the meeting
to order at 8:33 a.m.
Present:
Dusty Farmer, Board Chair, Oshtemo Representative
Carol DeHaan, Cooper Representative
Jeff Sorensen, Cooper Representative
Larry Stehouwer, Citizen at Large Representative
Also present were Building Official Garrett Reitenour, SMBA Attorney Jim Porter, and
Administrative Assistant Kyle Gibson acting as recording secretary.
Absent:
Grant Taylor, Oshtemo Representative
Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items
No public comment was provided.
Board Discussion of SMBA Vehicle Replacement
Building Official Reitenour advised the board that the original plan to purchase the new truck
using SMBA’s name and Oshtemo Township’s government purchasing code, as SMBA does not
have such a code, failed as GM rejected it. Therefore, Building Official Reitenour requested that
Oshtemo Township purchase the vehicle on SMBA’s behalf to obtain the discounted pricing,
and have Oshtemo Township sell the truck to SMBA.
Motion by Jeff Sorensen, second by Larry Stehouwer to allow Oshtemo Township to purchase
the vehicle with government pricing and immediately reimburse the Township for the full
incurred cost. Also moved to approve and make any necessary budget amendment(s).
Board discussion continued with Stehouwer asking about the process for the sale of the current
truck and advising he is aware of an interested party. Chair Farmer asked that staff determine
the method of sale and advise the board. Building Official Reitenour asked if there was a
required method of divesting the asset. Attorney Porter advised that there was not, and that
the board had the authority to make such a decision.
A roll call vote was taken showing:
Yes: Dusty Farmer, Carol DeHaan, Jeff Sorensen, Larry Stehouwer
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Grant Taylor
The motion was carried 4-0, with 1 Absent.
Other Business
Jeff Sorensen advised the board that Cooper Township is moving forward with litigation against
a township resident that has failed to obtain the proper permits and has illegally transferred
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property without a certificate of occupancy. Building Official Reitenour and Jeff Sorensen held
a brief discussion regarding the property.
No board action was taken.
Chair Farmer Adjourned the meeting at 8:43 a.m.
Next Regular Meeting – August 28th – 8:30 a.m.
