Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - July 14, 2026 Road Commission of Kalamazoo County

Updated about 5 hours ago

At the July 14 Road Commission of Kalamazoo County meeting, the County's approach to tree removal for road safety improvements was the major discussion point once again, considering more feedback from residents. The meeting covers the proposed tree replacement policy, which includes cost-sharing with property owners for tree replacement after road projects. Additionally, the board supports refining the clear zone approach, reflecting specific road characteristics rather than a uniform standard, to balance safety with environmental and aesthetic concerns. Public comments highlight concerns about tree removal on specific roads like U Avenue and Portage Road, and the impact on local residents. Other topics include road maintenance updates and safety during chip seal projects.

Chapters

Approval of Agenda (00:00:01)
The agenda for the meeting was approved by unanimous vote, with no opposition. The motion to approve carried.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda as presented. A vote was called, and all members in favor said 'Aye', with no members opposing, resulting in the motion carrying.
Approval of Minutes (00:00:28)
Corrections were discussed for the minutes, including attendance and additional comments not reflected in the minutes.

The discussion for approval of minutes included corrections and additions. Commissioner Davis noted a discrepancy in the attendance list, and Vice Chair Stehouwer mentioned comments regarding tree removal and safe streets that were missing from the minutes. The motion to approve the minutes with these corrections carried.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:01:46)
The payroll and vendor accounts were approved after a brief discussion, where Vice Chair Stehouwer commented on staff performance during a holiday weekend.

A motion was made to approve the payroll and vendor accounts as presented. Vice Chair Stehouwer thanked the staff for their work during a storm-affected holiday weekend. With no further comments or questions, the accounts were approved by unanimous vote.
Approval of Expense Reports (00:02:25)
Commissioner Stehouwer's expense report was approved after some discussion on the process of including expenses in the minutes.

The expense report for Commissioner Stehouwer was presented for approval. There was a discussion on the novelty of including such reports in the minutes, with Commissioner Gisler noted for his frugality. The motion to approve the report carried unanimously.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:05:00)
Several residents provided comments on road construction issues and the lack of communication and notification from the Road Commission.

During the public comment section, residents expressed concerns about ongoing road work, including issues with dust, grading, and ditch steepness affecting mowing. They also criticized the lack of communication and notification about the project's timeline and specifics.
Old Business - Tree Replacement Policy Discussion (00:22:36)
The board discussed the draft tree replacement policy, emphasizing cost-sharing and native species, with public input highlighting concerns over specifics and funding.

A draft tree replacement policy was discussed, proposing a cost-sharing framework for tree replacement as part of road projects. The public expressed concerns about the lack of concrete details and funding assistance for residents. Commissioners discussed potential partnerships and grant opportunities to aid residents financially, proposing further review and evaluation of the policy.
Tree Replacement Policy Discussion (00:38:06)
Discussion on the implementation of an annual cost share program for tree replacement, including guidelines for replacement tree spacing and budget allocations.

The board discussed the draft policy for an annual cost share program aimed at replacing trees removed due to road widening and federally funded projects. The policy allows the replanting of up to two trees for each tree removed, with specific guidelines on tree placement and spacing to ensure healthy growth. Staff will develop an annual species list, cost sharing guidelines, and budget allocations for the program. The policy limits participation to trees removed for preservation or structural projects, excluding routine maintenance removals. Implementation depends on available revenue, with annual funds allocated by the board.
Clear Zone Width Refinement Proposal (00:45:08)
Proposal to refine clear zone width standards based on specific corridor characteristics instead of a single standard for all roads, aiming to balance resident concerns with safety.

The managing director presented a proposal to refine clear zone widths to reflect each road corridor's specific characteristics, such as traffic speed, volume, and roadside slope, rather than applying a uniform standard. This approach aims to reduce the number of mature trees removed while maintaining safety benefits. Staff received feedback from residents, some of whom oppose tree removal, and have proposed this as a middle ground. The proposal does not require a formal amendment to the federal grant but seeks board support to proceed with this refined approach across the program.
Public Comments on New Business (01:09:27)
Public comments were received regarding the new business proposal, with residents expressing concerns about tree removal and the need to preserve corridor aesthetics.

During the public comment section, several residents expressed their concerns and opinions about the tree removal and clear zone refinements. They highlighted the importance of maintaining the aesthetic value of certain road corridors and questioned the necessity of removing trees that contribute to the scenic character of the area. Residents also inquired about specific projects and requested more information on plans for their local roads.
Discussion on Cost Implications and Public Comments (01:14:55)
Commissioners discuss the cost implications of staff work and public comments about reallocating funds.

Commissioner Davis and others discuss how reallocation of funds for different projects might affect costs. There are public comments regarding cutting back and reallocating funds. The discussion includes consideration of extra staff work required and whether savings can be redirected towards other infrastructure improvements. They also consider the limitations of funding sources like federal grants and how these might not cover certain costs like tree replacement.
Federal and State Grants for Engineering and Corridor Review (01:19:03)
Discussion about the eligibility of engineering costs for federal and state grants and corridor reviews.

The commissioners discuss whether engineering costs or corridor review costs are eligible for federal or state grants. There is uncertainty about whether these costs can be covered by grants and a mention that typically, federal aid projects do not include engineering costs. Additional consulting engineering to assist with certain projects is considered.
Rumble Strips and Bicycle Club Consultation (01:19:57)
The board discusses rumble strips and consultations with local bicycle clubs regarding road safety.

There is a discussion regarding the installation of rumble strips on roads and how they impact bicyclists. It is emphasized that there was a consultation with local bicycle clubs and avid bikers to address concerns and balance safety needs with those of cyclists. The consultation process has been ongoing for several years, and the board supports the conclusions reached in collaboration with bicycle clubs.
Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (01:22:01)
Public comments include concerns about local road projects, flooding, and the bidding process.

Several members of the public provide comments on non-agenda items. Concerns are raised about local road projects, including ditching, flooding issues, and the bidding process for contractors. There is discussion about the distribution of dirt from construction sites and the procedures for stump grinding. Public sentiment about communication and transparency is also expressed.
Discussion on Portage Road and Public Perceptions (01:26:35)
Public perception of the Road Commission's priorities on Portage Road is discussed.

A member of the public expresses concerns about the Road Commission's priorities on Portage Road, emphasizing that it's a neighborhood with many residences and schools, and urging the board to consider the impact of clear-cutting trees on local residents. There is a sentiment that the commission is focused on moving traffic quickly rather than community concerns.
Clarification on Public Petitions and Tree Removal (01:27:41)
Clarification is provided about public petitions regarding tree removal and related issues.

Clarifications are made in response to comments from the board that misinterpret public petitions. It is emphasized that petitions were primarily about opposing tree removal, with secondary concerns being interpreted as unrelated issues. The importance of understanding these petitions correctly is highlighted.
Managing Director's Report on Infrastructure Projects (01:29:38)
The managing director provides updates on various road and infrastructure projects in the area.

The managing director reports on road projects, including chip sealing and dealing with issues from last year’s projects where emulsions did not meet specifications. Updates on current projects, challenges faced, and monitoring efforts are shared. The report also covers ongoing maintenance and improvements planned for local roads.
Discussion on Speed Limits and All Season Roads (01:35:00)
Clarification of speed limit authority and the characteristics of all season roads is given.

There is a detailed explanation of how speed limits are set by the Michigan State Police based on traffic studies and driver behavior. The Road Commission does not have authority to set speed limits. The characteristics and purposes of all season roads are also discussed, particularly in relation to handling heavy traffic loads during seasonal changes.
Comments on Power Lines and Traffic Signals (01:44:02)
Procedures for dealing with downed power lines and traffic signals during outages are discussed.

The board discusses the procedures when trees are downed with power lines involved, emphasizing safety and coordination with the power company. When traffic signals are out, the public is advised to treat intersections as four-way stops, though legally the main road has the right of way. These protocols ensure public safety during outages.
Commissioner's Time and Committee Reports (01:47:00)
Commissioners provide updates on various committee meetings and local events.

Commissioners report on their attendance at local township meetings and other community events. Discussions cover topics such as battery storage, data centers, and community feedback on road safety and tree preservation. Committee reports highlight ongoing community engagement and the commissioners' involvement in local governance.
Public Comments and Bicycle Infrastructure Discussion (01:49:50)
A commissioner discusses citizen feedback and personal observations regarding bicycling conditions in the area, emphasizing the importance of service requests.

The commissioner highlights the importance of listening to public comments specifically related to bicycling infrastructure. They mention personal experiences bicycling in various locations in the area and how they use this feedback to inform their understanding and actions. They emphasize the use of formal service requests as a mechanism for documenting citizen concerns and ensuring a response.
Acknowledgments and Township Updates (01:52:25)
Update on recent township meetings and congratulations to Kalamazoo Township for their new hall. Mention of collaboration with the conservation district.

The commissioner reports on attending meetings in Brady and Texas Townships, providing updates to the boards. They extend congratulations to Kalamazoo Township on the groundbreaking of their new Township Hall and express appreciation for conservation district collaboration, looking forward to future projects like tree planting.
Community Engagement and Emergency Response (01:53:00)
Discussion on community involvement in storm outage responses and fire department grants for road closure signs.

The commissioner thanks community members for reaching out about Texas Township storm outages and commends staff for their response. They highlight a county grant for fire departments to acquire road closure signs for power line incidents and suggest further collaboration on tree-related issues with the county.
Adjournment (01:54:55)
The meeting is adjourned following a motion and approval by attending members.

With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting is proposed and approved by the members present. The meeting officially ends with an acknowledgment of the adjournment.