Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - February 10, 2026 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 2 hours ago

The Board approves road contracts for Cooper and Texas Townships, highlighting funding sources and project details. The meeting addresses a major solar farm project in Richland Township, involving road use agreements with Consumers Energy. Equipment needs for chip seal projects are also a focal point, with discussions on distributor acquisition and application challenges. The board also considers extended road funding and legislative updates. This meeting offers insights into local infrastructure development and management strategies.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:17)
The meeting for the Board of County Road Commissioners for Kalamazoo County is called to order.

The Chair calls the meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners for the County of Kalamazoo to order at 3:00 PM.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:25)
Guidelines for public comments are explained, including time limits and procedures.

Ms. Reger explains the public comment guidelines. Participants can address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. For Zoom participants, use the raise hand feature to speak.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:25)
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by those present at the meeting.

The Chair asks all present to rise if able for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:01)
The agenda for the meeting is approved with no objections.

A motion is made by Commissioner Kennedy to approve the agenda as presented. The motion is supported and carries with all in favor.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:43)
The minutes from the previous meeting are approved without correction.

A motion is made by Vice Chair Auer to approve the minutes from the previous meeting as presented. The motion is supported and carries with all in favor.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:25)
The payroll and vendor accounts are approved for payment.

Commissioner Thompson makes a motion to approve the payroll and vendor accounts. The motion is supported and carries with no opposition.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (First Opportunity) (00:04:09)
Public comments are given on non-agenda items, including airport flights and county administration recognition.

John Gessler, a county commissioner, comments on new flights at the airport and recognizes the county administrator for his achievements. He also mentions a meeting for responsible government.
New Business: Request Approval of Various Agreements in Texas Township (00:07:52)
Approval is requested for agreements related to the Texas Township road and drainage projects.

Managing Director discusses Texas Township's new road, Longhorn Drive, and related drainage and sidewalk agreements. The board is asked to approve these agreements with Texas Township for project development.
New Business: Request to Rescind and Approve Revised Cab and Chassis Purchase (00:16:42)
The board is asked to rescind a previous purchase and approve a revised cab and chassis purchase including warranties.

Managing Director explains the need to rescind a previous approval of two cab and chassis purchases to include warranty costs and specification changes, resulting in a revised total cost.
New Business: Request Approval of Cooper Township Local Road Contract (00:21:24)
The board is asked to approve the local road contract for Cooper Township.

Managing Director presents the Cooper Township local road contract, highlighting grant funding, Township contributions, and road commission contributions. The board is asked to approve the contract.
New Business: Request Approval of Texas Township Local Road Contract (00:26:23)
The board is asked to approve the Texas Township local road contract.

Managing Director presents the Texas Township local road contract, noting significant Township contributions. The board is requested to approve the contract for the upcoming construction season.
Request Approval of County Road Association Director's Ballot (00:29:01)
The board is requested to approve Tom Danella for the CRA board of directors ballot.

The County Road Association seeks to fill an open seat, with Tom Danella from Huron County Road Commission as the nominee. The board is asked to approve the ballot.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (Second Opportunity) (00:30:44)
A second opportunity for public comments on non-agenda items is provided.

The Chair offers a second opportunity for public comments on non-agenda items. No comments are made by those present or online.
Managing Director's Time (00:31:06)
Updates on upcoming meetings and collaboration with road commissions are provided by the managing director.

The managing director provides updates on the calendar, including upcoming meetings, conferences, and collaborative efforts with other road commissions regarding seasonal weight restrictions.
Road Commission Seasonal Weight Restrictions (00:32:31)
Discussion on the seasonal weight restrictions and Kalamazoo County's involvement.

The meeting begins with a brief discussion on the seasonal weight restrictions for roads and Kalamazoo County's participation in these plans.
Asphalt Demotion Bids and Vendor Issues (00:32:45)
Discussion on high bids for asphalt demotion and issues with vendors and materials.

The board discusses the recent bid opening for asphalt demotion, noting high bids and issues with vendors. There are concerns about chip seal performance and communication with vendors about quality control. The board is considering options like rebidding or working with existing vendors to resolve these issues.
Chip Seal Program and Equipment Needs (00:41:00)
Discussion on the chip seal program, equipment needs, and vendor relations.

The board discusses the challenges with the chip seal program, particularly the dependency on a single supplier and the need to purchase additional equipment. There is a plan to amend the budget to acquire more distributors to improve the program's resilience and effectiveness.
Public Comments and Questions (00:48:00)
Public comments and questions from commissioners regarding ongoing projects.

The commissioners ask questions and provide feedback on the issues discussed, including the asphalt demotion bids and the chip seal program. There is a discussion on possible recommendations and future actions.
Solar Farm Project in Richland Township (00:52:00)
Discussion about the impacts and agreements related to a new solar farm project.

The board discusses the upcoming solar farm project by Consumers Energy in Richland Township. The project is expected to last two years, and there are concerns about the impact on local roads. The board is working with Consumers Energy to draft a road use agreement and is considering potential road improvements.
Commissioner Reports and Committee Updates (00:59:00)
Commissioners provide updates on committee activities and community engagement.

Commissioners provide updates on various committees and community activities, including veteran services, park improvements, and upcoming meetings. They also discuss participation in regional and state-level transportation meetings.