Kalamazoo Township - Board of Trustees - March 23, 2026 Board Meeting

Updated about 9 hours ago

The board addresses the vacancy in the treasurer's office and considers appointing Trustee Robinson to the role until the November election. The meeting also covers updates on the new community campus, with presentations from architects and construction managers. Additionally, the board assigns members to various committees, including the Brownfield Authority and Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study. Public comments highlight concerns about the treasurer's vacancy and the community campus project.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:07)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo Township board of trustees is officially called to order.

At seven o'clock, the meeting of the Kalamazoo Township board of trustees is officially called to order.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:14)
Trustee Glass leads the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States.

Trustee Glass leads the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States. The board members and attendees participate.
Roll Call (00:00:38)
Roll call of board members is conducted; Trustee Robinson is excused.

A roll call of the board members is conducted. Present are Trustee Sherwood, Supervisor Combs, Trustee Glass, Clerk Mackie, and Trustee Leonard. Trustee Robinson is absent and is formally excused from the meeting after a motion and support.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:02)
The agenda is reviewed; additions and deletions are discussed and approved.

The agenda is reviewed with the opportunity for additions and deletions. A motion is made to add the treasurer vacancy and next steps to the new business section of the agenda. The motion carries with a vote.
Public Comment Period 1 (00:01:35)
Public comments are made regarding issues with the treasurer's office and board governance.

During the first public comment period, residents express concerns about the treasurer's office, including the failure to appoint a deputy treasurer and issues related to the handling of municipal funds. Resignation letters and accusations of governance issues are read aloud.
Consent Agenda (00:07:22)
Consent agenda items are reviewed and approved by the board.

The consent agenda is presented by Clerk Mackie, who moves to approve it as recommended by the superintendent and the supervisor. The motion is supported and passes with a majority vote.
Public Hearing and Presentation (00:07:47)
A presentation on the new community campus project is delivered by architects and construction managers.

Superintendent introduces guests from ABB and What Architects who give a detailed presentation on the new community campus project. They discuss the design, budget, sustainability features, and timeline for the new building, including its use of materials, energy efficiency, and future expansion capabilities.
Construction Timeline Discussion (00:29:03)
The committee discussed the construction timeline, with emphasis on moving in before winter. Approval processes are underway.

The committee is aiming for a two-year construction timeline, with considerations for moving in furniture and setting up. There are approvals and various stages to go through before finalizing the start date, but there is confidence in meeting the timeline. The clerk emphasized the importance of a clear timeline for planning, especially around election year.
HVAC System Specifications (00:31:01)
Discussion on HVAC system options, focusing on efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. Consideration of grants for future improvements.

The meeting involved a detailed discussion on the HVAC systems, with a focus on rooftop units and the potential for future energy efficiency improvements. There was a discussion about the possibility of securing grants to upgrade to more sustainable systems such as geothermal or solar in the future. The importance of reducing the building's carbon footprint was emphasized.
Parking and Site Planning (00:44:00)
Extensive parking is planned, with over 100 spots. Considerations for overflow and snow removal were discussed.

The site will have extensive parking facilities with over 100 spots, including secure parking for police vehicles. The planning includes considerations for overflow parking and snow removal. The site is not landlocked, allowing for potential expansion if needed.
Boardroom and Meeting Spaces (00:49:04)
Discussion on the boardroom design, capacity, and its use for community events. Plans for multiple meeting rooms and training spaces.

The boardroom is designed to seat over 100 people, with the intention of hosting community events as well as board meetings. The design includes carpet squares for flexible seating arrangements. Additional conference rooms and a training room are planned to accommodate various administrative and police training needs. The facility aims to be a community space, not just for meetings.
Accessibility and Facilities (00:56:57)
The new building will be fully accessible, including an elevator and ADA-compliant restrooms.

The building will feature an elevator and accessible restrooms to ensure compliance with ADA standards. The design includes two-level parking to accommodate accessibility needs. The building is planned to be fully accessible to all community members, providing equal access to all facilities.
Building Facilities and Technology Discussion (00:57:06)
Discussion about the building's layout, technology, and facilities, including workout areas, sound systems, internet access, and public comment arrangements.

The meeting covered the layout of the building, including the shared workout facility and private shower locker. Technology in the building was discussed, such as internet meeting outlets, TV monitors, and video conferencing capabilities. The importance of sound systems and adequate power outlets for meetings was highlighted. The setup for public comment, including podiums and accessibility, was also addressed.
New Business Items Introduction (01:07:07)
Introduction to new business items for the evening, aiming for efficient handling of these items.

The chairperson introduced the agenda for new business items that needed to be addressed during the meeting, emphasizing the goal of moving through these items as expeditiously as possible.
Motion to Authorize Supervisor for Rezoning Agreements (01:07:37)
A motion was made to authorize the Township supervisor to sign conditional rezoning agreements for specific properties.

The board discussed a motion to authorize the Township supervisor to sign conditional rezoning agreements for properties contiguous to a gravel mining operation. The rezoning would change the zoning from R-2 single and two-family residential districts to I-2 general industrial district. The motion was supported and passed after a roll call vote.
Board Committee Assignments Approval (01:09:52)
Approval of board committee assignments for various vacancies, including brownfield authority and transportation study positions.

A motion was made to approve the recommendation for board committee assignments to fill vacancies. Assignments included Trustee Ashley Glass as alternate for brownfield authority, Trustee Colleen Leonard as primary for Kalamazoo area transportation study, and Trustee Craig Sherwood as fence viewer. The motion was supported and approved by voice vote.
Treasurer Vacancy Discussion (01:10:59)
Discussion on how to address the vacancy in the treasurer's position, considering appointment options and implications for board stability.

The board discussed the vacancy in the treasurer's position, including the possibility of appointing Trustee Robinson to the role. The discussion covered the importance of experience, competency, and the implications for the board and township finances. The conversation touched on the potential need for a special election and the importance of ensuring stability for the township. The board considered the impact on staff capacity and financial responsibilities if Trustee Robinson were appointed.
Appointment of Trustee Robinson (01:26:25)
Discussion on appointing Trustee Robinson to a new role and the implications for her current duties and compensation.

The board discussed the potential appointment of Trustee Robinson to a new role, which would require adjusting her current staff duties and compensation. The discussion included the need to fill the resulting Trustee vacancy and the timeline for such an appointment.
Soliciting Interest for Trustee Vacancy (01:31:02)
Consideration of soliciting interest from the public for the expected Trustee vacancy after appointing the new treasurer.

The board considered the process for filling a Trustee vacancy that would occur if Trustee Robinson is appointed treasurer. They discussed soliciting interest from the public, particularly from those involved in other boards and commissions, to ensure a timely appointment.
Board Reports (01:36:33)
Board members provided brief updates and reports, with no significant new information shared.

Each board member provided a short report. Trustee Sherwood mentioned the arrival of spring. Other trustees had no significant updates.
Superintendent Report (01:37:33)
The superintendent reported briefly, with details not captured in the transcript.

The superintendent gave a report, but specific details were not included in the transcript provided.
Public Comment Period (01:37:36)
Public comments were made regarding the appointment process and other township issues.

Several members of the public provided comments. Topics included concerns about transparency in the appointment process, potential financial issues, and the importance of public involvement in township decisions.