Kalamazoo Township - Board of Trustees - August 10, 2026 Board Meeting

Updated about 2 hours ago

In the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees Meeting on August 10, 2026, residents voiced strong support for preserving Grand Prairie Golf Course, sharing personal stories and community impacts, and urging the board not to sell the property. The board reassures there is no plan to sell, but management changes are being evaluated. Concerns about potential annexation by neighboring cities are addressed, with the board considering a feasibility study to protect township boundaries. Additionally, the board discusses a resolution to withdraw from the Kalamazoo County Supervisors Group, citing concerns over policy representation.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:11:40)
The meeting was called to order by the Board of Trustees. Attendees were welcomed and thanked for their presence.

The meeting began with a welcome from the Board of Trustees, thanking everyone for attending and announcing the start of the regular meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:11:52)
Trustee Glass led the meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board invited Trustee Glass to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited by all present.
Roll Call and Motion to Excuse Trustee Sherwood (00:12:20)
Roll call was conducted and a motion was passed to excuse Trustee Sherwood from the meeting.

Roll call was taken, noting the presence of Supervisor Combs, Treasurer Robinson, Trustee Martin, and Trustee Leonard. Trustee Sherwood was absent, and a motion was made and passed to excuse the absence.
Public Comments (00:12:46)
The meeting opened the floor for public comments, with two sessions available for attendees.

Attendees were informed that there would be two public comment sessions, one at the beginning and one at the end of the meeting, providing an opportunity for attendees to speak on various topics.
Golf Course Usage Discussion (00:13:20)
Community members shared personal stories and opinions on the use and value of the Grand Prairie Golf Course.

Several community members provided public comments about the importance of the Grand Prairie Golf Course, highlighting its use by both golfers and non-golfers, and expressing concern over potential changes or development of the area.
Safe Streets for All Update (00:27:43)
The Road Commission provided an update on the Safe Streets for All program, including tree management strategies.

Dave Pawloski from the Kalamazoo County Road Commission updated the board on the Safe Streets for All program, discussing tree removal plans and a new tree replacement policy aimed at balancing safety with environmental concerns.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:34:02)
The consent agenda items were presented and approved by the board without opposition.

Items on the consent agenda were reviewed and approved by the board, with all members voting in favor and no objections raised.
New Business - Appointment to Building Authority Commission (00:34:23)
Denise Ulrich was appointed to the Building Authority Commission, replacing former Police Chief Scott Jackson.

The board discussed and unanimously approved the appointment of Denise Ulrich to the Building Authority Commission, following the departure of Scott Jackson.
New Business - Proposed Closure of Riverside Drive (00:35:24)
The board discussed and approved the proposed temporary closure of Riverside Drive for an event.

The board reviewed the proposal for closing Riverside Drive between Lake and Carlton for an upcoming event, confirming that all procedures with the Road Commission had been followed, and approved the closure.
New Business - Township Supervisor's Group Opt-Out (00:36:12)
The board discussed opting out of the Township Supervisor's Group to retain autonomy in representing the Township's interests.

The board discussed and supported a resolution to opt out of the Township Supervisor's Group of Kalamazoo County, citing concerns about the group taking policy positions without the Township's explicit approval, ensuring the Township maintains control over its representation.
Discussion on Township Supervisor Participation (00:46:59)
The discussion focuses on the Township Supervisor's participation in meetings and public comment opportunities.

The Township Supervisor clarifies their ability to attend meetings and speak during public comment periods, despite not being a member of certain committees. The discussion includes considerations regarding bylaws and the Open Meetings Act.
Roll Call Vote on Resolution (00:48:12)
A roll call vote is conducted for a resolution, resulting in unanimous approval by the trustees, clerk, and treasurer.

The clerk oversees a roll call vote on a resolution, with all present trustees and officials voting 'aye.' The motion carries, and the resolution is set to be transmitted to the supervisors group.
Public Comment Session (00:48:50)
Residents and officials comment on various topics including road closures, property appraisals, golf course management, surveillance, and annexation concerns.

The public comment session includes discussions on road closure procedures by the Road Commission, concerns about property appraisals related to the golf course, and issues regarding surveillance systems in the Township. Residents express concerns about annexation and the importance of the Grand Prairie Golf Course to the community, especially for seniors and families.
Board Member Reports (01:18:43)
Board members provide updates and express gratitude to the community for their engagement and feedback on various issues.

Board members report on the recent election turnout, express their appreciation for public participation, and discuss their positions on the golf course management and community engagement. They emphasize the importance of public meetings and ongoing discussions to address community concerns.