Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - October 6, 2026 Road Commission of Kalamazoo Regular Board

Updated about 10 hours ago

The Board heard public concerns regarding the removal of trees as part of road safety projects. Several residents expressed dissatisfaction with the communication and consultation process, prompting requests for more transparency and public hearings. The commission also approved the purchase of a skid steer loader from Carlton Equipment Company, highlighting its importance for various maintenance tasks. Updates on the Neighborhood Road Fund were presented, revealing unpredictability in funding due to ongoing legal challenges related to the tax. The meeting concluded with commissioner comments and plans for upcoming events.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:03:05)
The meeting of the Board of Commissioners for the county council was called to order.

The meeting was officially called to order, marking the start of the session for the Board of Commissioners for the county council.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:03:14)
Guidelines for public comments were outlined, including time limits and procedures for in-person and Zoom participation.

Administrative Assistant Selena Rider outlined the guidelines for public comments, stating that participants could address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting, with a three-minute limit per person. Comments should be made at the podium for proper audio capture. Zoom participants could use the raise hand feature, and their microphones would be managed by the host for technical issues.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:04:19)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by attendees.

Attendees were asked to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:05:01)
The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and approved by the commissioners.

Commissioner Davis moved to approve the agenda as presented, with support from another commissioner. The motion carried unanimously with no further discussion from the audience or online participants.
Approval of Minutes (00:05:34)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without corrections or additions.

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the last meeting by Commissioner Davis, with support. The minutes were approved as presented, with no corrections, additions, or deletions suggested by the audience or commissioners.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:06:14)
Payroll and vendor accounts were approved, noting a decrease in costs.

A motion was made to approve the payroll and vendor accounts. Discussion noted that the numbers were significantly lower due to the completion of seasonal projects. The motion carried with no opposition.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:08:18)
Several residents expressed concerns about tree removal projects and communication issues with the Road Commission.

Residents addressed the board regarding concerns about tree removal projects, the lack of public hearings, and communication issues. Specific grievances included unaddressed complaints and the need for better transparency and public involvement. Suggestions for improving trust and cooperation with the community were also made.
New Business: Bobcat Skid Steer Loader Purchase (00:16:19)
The purchase of a Bobcat skid steer loader was discussed and approved.

The Road Commission discussed the need for a new Bobcat skid steer loader for various maintenance tasks. A purchase through a cooperative program was proposed, and after a review of the quotes and benefits, the board approved the purchase.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (Second Session) (00:21:12)
Additional opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items was provided with no new comments.

The board opened the floor for any additional comments from the public on non-agenda items. There were no further comments from the audience or online participants.
Managing Director's Report (00:21:38)
Managing Director Travis Bartholomew provided updates on upcoming meetings, staff introductions, and funding updates.

Key dates for upcoming meetings and sessions were announced, a new staff member was introduced, and updates on funding, particularly regarding neighborhood road funds, were discussed. The director also mentioned attendance at upcoming conferences.
Commissioner's Time (00:31:01)
Commissioners shared updates on meetings attended and upcoming events.

Commissioners shared updates about meetings they attended, upcoming community events, and personal schedule conflicts with future meetings. They discussed the importance of public engagement and transparency.
Adjournment (00:35:58)
The meeting was adjourned with a motion and vote.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded. The motion carried unanimously, marking the end of the meeting until the next scheduled session.