Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - June 2, 2026 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 1 hour ago

The board reviews public comments concerning tree removal as part of the Safe Streets for All project. There is a detailed financial audit presentation by Plant Moran, highlighting a clean audit and overfunded pension plans. The meeting addresses public concerns about tree removal, with discussions on potential tree replacement policies. Commissioners also talk about the benefits of the Safe Streets for All initiative, which aims to improve road safety and reduce power outages and wildlife collisions.

Chapters

Public Comment Guidelines (00:01:22)
The guidelines for public comments were discussed, including time limits and procedures for in-person and online participants.

Participants will have the opportunity to address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting. Public comments should be made at the podium to ensure proper audio. Statements or questions are limited to three minutes per person. For Zoom participants, the raise hand feature should be used, and telephone participants can use star nine to raise their hand. Microphones will be muted during the meeting except for public comments. The chat feature is for technical issues only.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:27)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the attendees of the meeting.

The attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance, pledging loyalty to the flag and the Republic, promising liberty and justice for all.
Approval of the Agenda (00:03:12)
The agenda for the meeting was approved unanimously without any objections.

A motion was made to approve the agenda as presented. There were no questions or objections from the audience or the commissioners. The agenda was approved unanimously with all in favor saying 'Aye' and none opposed.
Approval of the Minutes (00:03:41)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as presented with no corrections or objections.

A motion was made by Commissioner Thompson, supported by another member, to approve the minutes as presented. There were no corrections, additions, or deletions requested by the audience or commissioners. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:04:21)
The payroll and vendor accounts were approved after a brief discussion about lower vendor account numbers.

A motion was made to approve the payroll and vendor accounts as presented. Commissioner Davis inquired about the lower vendor account numbers, which were explained as a seasonal variation due to construction work invoicing. The accounts were approved with all in favor.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:06:15)
Public comments were made about tree cutting concerns and survey distribution for the transportation safety action plan.

Members of the public expressed concerns about the clear cutting of trees on Avery Road and questioned if a township can opt out of such projects. Another member asked about the distribution and return rate of surveys related to the transportation safety action plan, noting a lack of received surveys in their neighborhood.
County Commissioner Report (00:12:30)
Commissioner Gisler reported on upcoming ballot issues, a potential Ebola case, and an algae bloom in Austin Lake.

Commissioner Gisler discussed an upcoming childcare millage on the ballot, expressing concerns over increasing taxes. He also mentioned a potential Ebola carrier in the county and an algae bloom affecting Austin Lake. A presentation by Captain Jeff Baker on scams and fraud at a local diner was also announced.
Financial Statement Presentation (00:15:51)
A detailed report on the financial statements was presented, highlighting the audit process and financial health.

Jeanne Young and Jesse from Plant Moran presented the audit results, explaining the audit process, balance sheets, revenues, expenditures, and fund balances. The report showed a clean audit with no material weaknesses and highlighted overfunded pension and OPEB plans as positive financial indicators.
Discussion on Capital Assets and Depreciation (00:35:42)
Discussion on whether capital assets should be increasing or decreasing, with a focus on road projects and depreciation.

The meeting discussed the status of capital assets, particularly focusing on roads and the impact of depreciation. It was noted that the assets have increased, indicating more replacements were made than were used up. The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining and replacing assets to avoid degeneration of infrastructure.
Budget Planning and Debt Obligations (00:36:08)
Discussion on budget planning, debt obligations, and the importance of meeting financial commitments, including setting aside funds for future needs.

The conversation revolved around the need to plan for future spending by anticipating budgetary needs and setting aside funds for upcoming obligations. The importance of meeting debt commitments was emphasized, and the need to adjust the budget to accommodate changes and ensure financial stability was discussed.
Fund Balance and Financial Strategy (00:38:04)
Discussion on fund balance management, spending plans, and financial strategies for the upcoming year, including construction timing and cost factors.

The officials discussed their strategy for managing the fund balance, which involves planning to spend more than the incoming revenue due to specific timing of construction projects and associated costs. The strategy aims to ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently to meet the needs of infrastructure projects.
Road Commission's Financial Health and Audit (00:39:26)
Review of the Road Commission's financial health and the positive outcome of the recent audit, highlighting staff efforts despite personnel changes.

The meeting reviewed the Road Commission’s financial status, appreciating the clean audit results despite recent changes in accounting personnel. The discussion acknowledged the efforts of the staff and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive financial position to ensure continued operational success.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:46:14)
Public comments were invited on non-agenda items, with concerns about tree replacement and road project management raised by residents.

During the public comment section, residents expressed concerns about how trees are replaced when removed for road projects and questioned the criteria for selecting roads for clear cutting. Residents also inquired about the possibility of opting out of certain grants if community opposition exists.
Managing Director's Report (00:50:44)
Managing Director provided updates on tree removal and replacement policy, annual meeting plans, and Michigan Transportation Fund revenue trends.

The Managing Director updated on several items, including the development of a tree replacement policy in response to extensive removals planned under the Safe Streets for All project. Updates on planning for the annual meeting with the County Board and trends in Michigan Transportation Fund revenue were also provided.
Commissioner Time and Closing Remarks (01:00:32)
Commissioners discussed various issues, including public feedback on road projects, veterans' initiatives, and the importance of service requests.

During the commissioner time, various topics were discussed, including public concerns about road closures and project timelines, the need for community outreach for veterans, and the significance of submitting service requests for road issues. Commissioners also highlighted the benefits of the Safe Streets for All program.
Adjournment (01:09:11)
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made and passed, concluding the session.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and passed by the members present, officially ending the session.