Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - May 19, 2026 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 1 hour ago

In the Kalamazoo County Road Commission Board Meeting on May 19, 2026, the Assistant County Engineer presented an update on the Safe Streets Initiative. The project, aiming to enhance road safety in Kalamazoo County, focuses on reducing lane departure accidents by implementing rumble strips and improving clear zones by removing trees that pose safety hazards. The board discussed the impact of these measures on reducing serious and fatal accidents, and addressed public concerns about tree removal and compliance with federal and state regulations.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:00)
The meeting of the Board of County Road Commission of Kalamazoo County was officially called to order.

The chair called the meeting to order, officially beginning the session of the Board of County Road Commission for Kalamazoo County.
Public Comment Guidance (00:01:09)
Guidelines for public comments were provided, including time limits and procedures for both in-person and virtual participants.

Public comments can be made at the beginning and end of the meeting. Statements are limited to three minutes per person. For Zoom participants, the raise hand feature is used, while phone participants use star nine to raise hand and star six to mute/unmute.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:10)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by attendees as a part of the opening formalities.

Participants rose and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, honoring the nation and its values.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:52)
The agenda for the meeting was approved without any objections after a motion and seconding by the commissioners.

A motion to approve the meeting agenda was made and seconded. There were no questions or objections from the audience or commissioners, and the agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:23)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously after being moved and seconded by commissioners.

A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made and seconded. There were no corrections, additions, or deletions from the audience or commissioners, and the minutes were approved by unanimous vote.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:58)
The payroll and vendor accounts were presented and approved after discussion about the high expenses due to ongoing maintenance work.

A motion to approve the payroll and vendor accounts was made and seconded. Commissioner Davis inquired about the high expenses, which were attributed to ongoing maintenance work. The accounts were approved unanimously.
Approval of Expense Report for Commissioner (00:04:23)
The expense report for Commissioner Stehouwer was approved after clarification on the amount and discussion.

A motion to approve the expense report for Commissioner Stehouwer was made and seconded. Commissioner Kennedy sought clarification on the amount, which was confirmed to have been communicated via email. The report was approved unanimously.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:06:29)
The public had an opportunity to comment on non-agenda items, but no comments were made at this time.

The floor was opened for public comments on non-agenda items. No attendees in the building or online chose to make comments during this time. The chair noted another opportunity would be provided later in the meeting.
Presentation: Safe Streets for All Project Update (00:07:03)
Assistant County Engineer Jim Hos presented an update on the Safe Streets for All project, covering objectives, progress, and future plans.

Jim Hos, Assistant County Engineer, provided a detailed presentation on the Safe Streets for All initiative. The project aims to enhance road safety through various improvements, focusing on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes. The presentation covered past actions, current progress, and future timelines, including community engagement efforts and environmental considerations.
Questions and Discussions (00:23:38)
Commissioners asked questions and discussed various aspects of the Safe Streets for All project, including methodology, public engagement, and environmental impacts.

Following the presentation, commissioners engaged in a discussion with Jim Hos, asking questions about the project's methodology, the effectiveness of proposed safety measures, the process of public engagement, and the potential environmental impacts. Clarifications were provided on how safety improvements would be implemented and measured, and how residents' concerns were gathered and addressed.
Clear Zone Improvements Discussion (00:31:54)
Discussion on the meaning and implications of clear zone improvements, including the removal of obstacles like trees and boulders to enhance road safety.

The meeting addressed questions regarding the meaning of 'clear zone improvements', which involve removing obstacles such as trees and boulders from the right of way to improve safety. The discussion clarified that these improvements aim to reduce accidents by ensuring there are no fixed objects that could pose a threat if a vehicle leaves the road.
Rumble Strips and Lane Departure Safety (00:33:06)
Discussion about the effectiveness of rumble strips in preventing lane departure accidents and the considerations for their placement regarding bike traffic.

The conversation focused on the effectiveness of rumble strips in preventing vehicles from leaving the road. It was noted that data supports their effectiveness in reducing accidents. There was also discussion about not placing rumble strips where they might interfere with bicycle traffic, to ensure safety for all road users.
Tree Removal Survey and Community Feedback (00:35:11)
Overview of the tree removal survey process, community feedback mechanisms, and the criteria for tree removal in clear zones.

The survey process for identifying trees for removal in clear zones was explained. The meeting discussed how community feedback is integrated into the decision-making process, and how hazardous trees are identified through accident reports. There was an emphasis on the importance of community input and the ongoing dialogue with residents about tree removal.
Federal Highway Funding and Project Scope (00:38:00)
Explanation of the federal highway funding requirements for clear zone and rumble strip projects and the constraints on altering project scope.

The discussion included details about the federal highway funding requirements, emphasizing that the grant is contingent on the execution of both clear zone improvements and rumble strips. It was made clear that significant changes to the project scope could jeopardize funding.
Community Considerations and Environmental Clearances (00:41:00)
Discussion on incorporating community concerns and obtaining necessary environmental and historical clearances for tree removal projects.

The meeting covered how community concerns are considered in the planning of tree removal projects, alongside obtaining necessary environmental and historical clearances. The importance of balancing regulatory requirements and community feedback was highlighted.
Accident Data and High-Risk Areas (00:44:00)
Presentation of accident data to identify high-risk areas for the implementation of safety projects, including rumble strips and tree removal.

A detailed presentation of accident data was given to identify high-risk areas for safety improvements. The discussion highlighted specific corridors with a high incidence of serious and fatal accidents, justifying the need for targeted safety interventions such as rumble strips and tree removal.
Grant Timeline and Project Completion (00:47:12)
Review of the grant timeline and the necessity to complete the project within five years to meet federal requirements.

The timeline for completing the safety project funded by the federal grant was reviewed. It was emphasized that the project must be completed within five years, by July of the final year, to comply with grant requirements.
Public Input and Project Updates (00:50:00)
Discussion on how public input was used in the planning process and the commitment to provide ongoing project updates to the community.

Public input was discussed as a crucial component of the project planning process. The meeting affirmed the commitment to keep the community informed with regular updates and to incorporate public feedback into the planning and execution of safety projects.
New Business: Engineering Reimbursement Approval (01:00:00)
Approval of the licensed professional engineer reimbursement request, a routine annual request for state funds.

The board discussed and approved the annual request for reimbursement from the state for licensed professional engineers. This routine item ensures the continued funding of engineering positions within the county.
New Business: Preliminary Plan Approval for Development (01:02:05)
Request for preliminary plan approval for the Prairie Glen site condominium development in an existing residential neighborhood.

A new development project, Prairie Glen, was introduced, which will add eight lots to an existing neighborhood. The board discussed the preliminary plan and the impact on the local community, assessing the development's alignment with existing zoning and infrastructure.
Approval of Preliminary Plan for Prairie Glen Site Condominiums (01:02:31)
The board reviewed and approved the preliminary plan for Prairie Glen Site Condominiums, including lot separation and utility plans.

The board discussed the preliminary plan for Prairie Glen Site Condominiums located in Schoolcraft Township. The plan includes separation between lots on the west side for potential future public road extension. Each lot will utilize individual well and septic systems approved by the county health department. The staff recommended approval of the plan, and a motion was made and carried to approve the plan.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (01:04:54)
Public comments were invited on non-agenda items, including concerns about tree removal and federal grants.

During the public comment period, a resident expressed concern about tree removal along MN Avenue, questioning whether federal or state laws were being followed. The resident requested clarification on the rules and the possibility of reviewing the proposal. The board responded that the Road Commission policy and federal rules with the grant were being followed and offered to provide a copy of the presentation.
Managing Director's Time (01:11:08)
The Managing Director provided updates on upcoming township meetings, chip seal crew activities, and an engineering public meeting.

The Managing Director informed the board about a township supervisors meeting scheduled for the next day where the same presentation would be made. Updates were given on the chip seal crew's preparation for the upcoming season and an upcoming public informational meeting about a roundabout project.
Commissioners' Time and Committee Reports (01:12:22)
Commissioners shared reports from recent meetings and events, including park commission updates and public health concerns.

Commissioner Kennedy reported on attending the park commission meeting and discussed playground equipment funding. Commissioner Davis warned about an increase in tick population and related health risks. Commissioner Thompson attended township board meetings and commented on the need for public information. Vice Chair Stay Heller and other commissioners also thanked the staff for their presentation and community engagement.
Adjournment (01:17:02)
The meeting was formally adjourned following a motion and vote by the commissioners.

The board moved to adjourn the meeting. A motion was made and seconded, and the meeting was adjourned following a unanimous vote.