Kalamazoo Township - January 26, 2026 Board of Trustees Meeting

Updated about 7 hours ago

In the Township Board of Trustees Regular Meeting on January 26, 2026, the board addressed several key issues. Public comments highlighted concerns over the recent censure of a board member, with discussions on transparency and board procedures. The board moved to rescind a previous resolution that increased the supervisor's pay, citing procedural irregularities and the supervisor's own disapproval of the increase. Additionally, the board appointed Don Martin and Mike Seals to the Planning Commission and discussed the merits of the Township's app and public engagement. The meeting also included approval of a new Township calendar and discussions on public safety commendations.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:34)
The meeting begins with a welcome and the call to order by Supervisor Combs, acknowledging the challenging weather conditions.

Supervisor Combs officially opens the meeting, thanking attendees for braving the weather to be present.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:46)
Board members and attendees participate in the Pledge of Allegiance led by a designated leader.

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by all present, reinforcing a sense of national unity and respect.
Roll Call and Excusal of Absences (00:01:07)
Roll call is conducted and Trustee Robinson is noted as absent, with a motion passed to excuse the absence.

Board members announce their presence. Trustee Ryan moves to excuse Trustee Robinson's absence, and the motion is supported and passed unanimously.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:33)
The agenda for the meeting is confirmed with no additions or deletions proposed by the board members.

Supervisor Combs asks for any changes to the agenda. Seeing none, the agenda is accepted as presented.
Public Comments - Session 1 (00:01:43)
Public comments are invited, with speakers congratulating the board on recent actions and expressing concerns about board decisions.

Several members of the public step forward to provide comments, including praise for the board's actions to protect the Township and concerns over perceived inconsistencies in board decisions.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:09:08)
The consent agenda is approved with a motion and support, passing unanimously among board members.

Clerk Mackie moves to approve the consent agenda as recommended, which is supported by another board member and passed with all in favor.
New Business - Motion to Rescind Supervisor's Pay Increase (00:09:31)
The board discusses and votes on rescinding a previous resolution to increase the supervisor's pay, which passes unanimously.

Supervisor Combs introduces a resolution to rescind the pay increase that was passed while he was absent, explaining his position against it. The board discusses and then votes, passing the repeal unanimously.
Appointments to Planning Commission (00:13:19)
Don Martin and Mike Seals are appointed to the Planning Commission following a motion, support, and discussion clarifying the number of applicants.

The board discusses appointments to the Planning Commission. Two applicants, Don Martin and Mike Seals, are appointed to the commission with unanimous support.
Appointment to Dispatch Authority Committees (00:14:33)
Scott Jackson is appointed to the Kalamazoo County Dispatch Authority Committees with a congratulatory note on his new role as police chief.

The board moves to appoint Scott Jackson to the dispatch authority committees, acknowledging his new role as police chief. The motion is supported and passes unanimously.
Approval of Township Calendar and Holidays (00:16:15)
The board approves the full Township calendar and holidays with an amendment to adjust February meeting dates for a special event.

Clerk Mackie explains the need to approve the calendar including all statutory bodies. An amendment is proposed to change the February meeting date to allow attendance at a local event, which is passed unanimously.
Resolution to Reset MERS Contributions (00:20:05)
The board discusses and approves a resolution to reset MERS contributions immediately with unanimous support.

Superintendent explains the need to reset MERS contribution percentages immediately rather than phasing in changes. The board discusses and votes on the resolution, which passes unanimously.
Board Member Reports (00:22:03)
Board members provide updates and congratulate new appointments, emphasizing community engagement and support during winter.

Each board member shares updates, including congratulations to new appointments and acknowledgments of community support in snowy conditions. Discussions on road conditions, neighborhood support, and upcoming board activities are shared.
Superintendent's Report (00:31:02)
The superintendent provides a brief report, thanking the board and community for ongoing support.

Superintendent acknowledges the work done by the board and community, noting the importance of collaboration and support.
Public Comments - Session 2 (00:31:47)
Final public comments are made, with residents expressing gratitude for first responders and clarifications on board actions.

Residents provide additional comments, including personal experiences with first responders and appreciation for the board's transparency in decision-making.