Kalamazoo Township - Board of Trustees - May 26, 2026 Board Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

In this Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees meeting, the board addresses ongoing issues at the Wildwood off Main apartments, with residents expressing concerns about safety and management practices. The board also receives an update from the Kalamazoo County Road Commission about the Safe Streets for All program, which includes tree trimming and road safety improvements on Ravine Road. Furthermore, the board appoints Police Chief Darien Smith to the Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch Authority Board. The meeting concludes with public comments and reassurances from the board to support residents within legal constraints.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:10)
The Township board of trustees business meeting is officially called to order.

The meeting commenced with the official call to order of the Township board of trustees business meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:16)
Trustee Martin Carol leads the board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustee Martin Carol leads the board in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the opening proceedings.
Roll Call (00:00:36)
Attendance of board members is confirmed; Trustee Glass is excused.

Clerk Mackie conducts a roll call to confirm the attendance of board members. Trustee Leonard, Trustee Martin, Treasurer Robinson, Supervisor Combs, Clerk Mackie, and Trustee Sherwood are present. Trustee Glass is excused following a motion and support.
Public Comments (First Session) (00:01:09)
Residents express concerns over apartment issues, illegal dumping, and disaster assistance.

Multiple residents speak during the first public comment period. Amber from Wildwood discusses issues with condemned apartments and management's response. Jeff Weissman raises concerns about illegal dumping in the Township. Joyce from the SBA outlines disaster loan assistance available. Marcus Johnson, also from Wildwood, describes his challenges with the apartment management. Cindy, another Wildwood resident, shares similar experiences.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:17:53)
The consent agenda is approved following a motion and support.

Clerk Mackie moves to approve the consent agenda as recommended by the superintendent and supervisor. The motion is supported and carried unanimously.
Public Hearing and Presentation (00:18:18)
Introduction of new police chief and leadership team to the board.

Superintendent introduces the new police chief, Darian Smith, and his leadership team to the board. Chief Smith introduces Lieutenant Derek Thompson and Administrative Sergeant Matt Davis, discussing their roles and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
New Business Item A: Participation in MEDC Program (00:23:00)
Resolution to participate in MEDC's Redevelopment Ready Communities program is adopted.

The board discusses and adopts a resolution to participate in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Redevelopment Ready Communities program. Superintendent and board members express support and outline the benefits of the program.
New Business Item B: Sale of Property Resolution (00:25:21)
Resolution to sell a township-owned parcel is adopted unanimously.

The board considers and adopts a resolution to sell a township-owned parcel to Edward C. Tarkowski. Discussion highlights the benefits of reducing blight and allowing the new owner to maintain the property more effectively.
New Business Item C: Appointment of Police Chief to Dispatch Board (00:28:08)
Police Chief Darian Smith is appointed to the county dispatch authority board.

The board approves the appointment of Police Chief Darian Smith to the Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch Authority Board and relevant committees, continuing the tradition of having the police chief serve in this capacity.
Public Comments (Second Session) (00:29:21)
Road Commission updates and feedback on safety and maintenance programs.

Dave Pawloski from the Kalamazoo County Road Commission provides updates on road safety and maintenance programs, including tree trimming and rumble strip installations. He discusses the Safe Streets for All program and responds to previous concerns raised by the board and residents.
Public Comments (00:32:38)
Discussion on safety and living conditions at Wildwood Apartments, with residents expressing concerns about mail delivery, trash, and structural safety.

Residents of Wildwood Apartments expressed urgent concerns about their living conditions. Issues highlighted included the lack of mail delivery by the postal service, trash accumulation at dumpsters, and dangerously unsafe stairs and balconies. Residents feel pressured to stay despite unsafe conditions due to tactics by the apartment office. They seek support in dealing with these issues and clarity on their rights regarding rent and safety.
Superintendent Comments (00:35:28)
Superintendent announced a clean audit with no internal control issues, and praised the diligence of the board.

The superintendent provided comments regarding the recent audit conducted, which resulted in a clean audit with no recommendations for internal control improvements. The superintendent expressed satisfaction with the thoroughness of the audit process and mentioned that hard copies of the audit report would be available soon. Praise was given to the board for their diligence in maintaining the organization's financial integrity.
Board Member Time (00:36:25)
Board members expressed appreciation for public comments and discussed legal limitations in addressing Wildwood Apartments issues.

During board member time, several trustees expressed their gratitude for the public comments received, particularly regarding the situation at Wildwood Apartments. Trustees acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by the residents and emphasized their support. However, they also highlighted the legal limitations of the township in directly intervening, as jurisdiction lies with the Kalamazoo Area Building Authority (KABA). They encouraged residents to continue voicing their concerns and reach out for assistance in navigating legal and ordinance issues.
Adjournment (00:45:57)
Meeting was adjourned following a motion and support from board members, with all in favor.

The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was made and supported by board members. The motion to adjourn was unanimously approved, with all board members voting in favor. This concluded the meeting.