Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - March 24, 2026 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

During the Kalamazoo County Road Commission Meeting on March 24, 2026, the commission addressed several key agenda items, including the approval of the preliminary plan for the Maple Hill Drive extension in Oshtemo Township. A County Engineer provided updates and introduced representatives from Discover Kalamazoo and other organizations involved in the project. The meeting also covered local road contracts for townships such as Alamo, Brady, Climax, Comstock, Oshtemo, and Pavilion, highlighting the use of grant funds and township contributions to improve local infrastructure. Public comments included appreciation for the road commission's assistance with a land agreement for a new fire station in Brady Township.

Chapters

Call to Order and Introduction (00:00:02)
Meeting called to order with a brief introduction by the road commission.

The meeting was called to order, and an initial introduction was provided by the road commission.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:08)
Guidelines for public comments were outlined, including time limits and virtual participation instructions.

The guidelines for public comments were detailed, including a three-minute limit per speaker and instructions for participating via Zoom, including using the raise hand feature and the phone audio controls.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:54)
The agenda was approved by the commissioners after a motion and discussion.

A motion was made by Commissioner Thompson to approve the agenda as presented. There was no discussion or opposition, and the motion carried.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:22)
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without corrections or deletions.

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. There were no corrections, additions, or deletions, and the motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Payroll and Accounts (00:02:54)
The payroll and vendor accounts were approved by the board after a motion.

A motion was made by Commissioner Kennedy to approve the payroll and vendor accounts, and it was supported. There was no discussion, and the motion was approved.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:34)
Public comments were invited on non-agenda items, and a supervisor expressed gratitude.

Randy Smith, Brady Charter Township supervisor, expressed appreciation for the road commission's assistance with a land agreement for a new fire station and praised the customer service he received.
New Business - Request Approval of Preliminary Plan for Maple Hill Drive Extension (00:05:38)
The board discussed and approved a preliminary plan for the Maple Hill Drive extension.

County Engineer Ryan Rinka presented the preliminary plan for the Maple Hill Drive extension in Oshtemo Township. The plan includes roundabouts and parking considerations. After discussion, the board approved the preliminary plan.
Approval of Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner Letter of Support (00:15:18)
The board approved a letter of support for a grant application by the Drain Commissioner.

The board discussed a request from the Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner for a letter of support for a grant application to improve the Parker Drain in Wakeshma Township. The board approved the letter of support to assist with the grant application.
Approval of City of Kalamazoo Letter of Support (00:19:48)
The board approved a letter of support for the City of Kalamazoo's stormwater capacity analysis grant application.

The board discussed and approved a letter of support for the City of Kalamazoo's grant application to conduct a citywide existing stormwater capacity analysis, aimed at improving infrastructure resilience.
Approval of City of Portage Letter of Support (00:22:38)
The board approved a letter of support for the City of Portage's grant application to enhance the Lake Center District.

The City of Portage requested a letter of support for a grant application to make the Lake Center District more pedestrian-friendly and encourage commercial activity. The board approved the support letter.
Approval of Alamo Township Local Road Contract (00:24:37)
The board approved the local road contract for Alamo Township, which includes ARPA funds.

The board discussed and approved the Alamo Township local road contract, which utilizes leftover ARPA funds from a previous project for current year road improvements.
Approval of Brady Township Local Road Contract (00:26:23)
The board approved the Brady Township local road contract, including EGLE grant funds.

The Brady Township local road contract, which includes EGLE grant funds and carryover projects from the previous year, was approved by the board.
Approval of Climax Township Local Road Contract (00:28:21)
The board approved the Climax Township local road contract with carryover EGLE grant projects.

The Climax Township local road contract, which includes carryover EGLE grant projects from last year, was discussed and approved by the board.
Approval of Comstock Township Local Road Contract (00:30:05)
The board approved the Comstock Township local road contract, funded by a township millage.

The Comstock Township local road contract, which benefits from a township-wide millage and includes PAR funds, was approved by the board.
Approval of Oshtemo Township Local Road Contract (00:32:02)
The board approved the Oshtemo Township local road contract, which includes a road millage and EGLE grant.

The Oshtemo Township local road contract, which includes funding from a township road millage and an EGLE grant, was discussed and approved by the board.
Approval of Pavilion Township Local Road Contracts (00:34:26)
The board approved two local road contracts for Pavilion Township, including a bridge removal project.

The board discussed and approved two local road contracts for Pavilion Township, one of which involves the design and removal of a bridge that has been closed for six years.
Discussion on Local Road Contracts and Project Flexibility (00:37:00)
The meeting discussed the flexibility in local road contracts, allowing unused funds to be allocated to new projects without additional board approvals.

The discussion highlighted the dynamic nature of local road contracts, emphasizing collaboration with townships to understand project priorities. If funds are saved on initial projects, they can be redirected to new projects without needing board re-approval, expediting the process.
Future Project Five-Year Plan (00:38:00)
Townships can prioritize projects in the capital improvement plan, with modifications made through collaboration.

The discussion outlined how townships are involved in prioritizing projects within the five-year capital improvement plan. This is done through an asset management approach, ensuring funds are used effectively while accommodating township priorities. Conversations with townships have led to modifications in project selection.
Approval of Pavilion Township Local Road Contract (00:39:01)
The Pavilion Township local road contract was approved by the board with no opposition.

The board unanimously approved the Pavilion Township local road contract. The process involved calling for a vote, where members expressed their approval with no objections.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:39:11)
An opportunity was given for public comment on non-agenda items, but no comments were made.

The meeting provided a second opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items. Despite the invitation, no comments were made by attendees either in person or online.
Managing Director's Report and Commissioners' Time (00:39:28)
The managing director was absent, so the report was skipped. Commissioners shared brief updates and upcoming meeting plans.

Due to the managing director being out of town, their report was skipped. Commissioners provided brief updates, including plans to attend upcoming conventions and reflections on past meetings.
Committee and External Meeting Reports (00:41:04)
Reports on recent committee meetings and external engagements were presented, covering bond approvals and meeting arrangements.

Commissioners reported on various committee meetings, highlighting the approval of bond issues for township projects and temporary meeting arrangements due to building damage. They also mentioned the Road Commission's support in providing facilities for other boards.
Township and Community Engagements (00:43:01)
Updates were given on interactions with townships and community groups, including concerns and appreciation received.

Commissioners discussed their attendance at various township meetings, addressing community concerns about road conditions and development projects. They also shared feedback from township boards and community groups, including expressions of appreciation for staff efforts.
Upcoming Highway Conference (00:45:01)
Details about the upcoming highway conference in Lansing were shared, highlighting networking and learning opportunities.

Commissioners shared their plans to attend the highway conference in Lansing, emphasizing the opportunity to network with other road commissions, learn about best practices, and discuss common challenges. The governor is expected to address the attendees.
Adjournment (00:46:00)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion, concluding the session.

After all agenda items were addressed and no further business was raised, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made and approved, officially concluding the session.