Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - October 20, 2026 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 12 hours ago

The board discussed and approved the purchase of a new wood chipper to replace an older model, citing the need for better handling of larger wood sections. The meeting also included approval of a local road contract with Wakeshma Township. This project involves paving a gravel road to support traffic to a new methane digester, with funding from a dairy farm and a methane company. Additionally, public comments addressed election turnout statistics and parking concerns for county meetings. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming community events and recognition of veterans' services.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:34)
The meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County is called to order.

The Chair calls the meeting to order for the Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:38)
Attendees rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

All participants stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, affirming their loyalty to the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:21)
The agenda is presented, and a motion is made and seconded to approve it as presented.

The Chair introduces the agenda and asks for a motion to approve. A motion is made by Vice Chair Howard and seconded. The agenda is approved with no opposition.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:53)
Minutes from previous meetings are presented for approval and are approved as presented.

The minutes from three previous meetings are reviewed. A motion is made to approve them as presented. No corrections or objections are raised, and the minutes are approved.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:04:30)
Payroll and vendor accounts are reviewed and approved with some discussion on expenditures.

The Board reviews the payroll and vendor accounts. The Managing Director provides clarification on large expenditures and a typo in the agenda. A motion is made and seconded to approve the accounts as corrected, and it is passed.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:09:00)
Public comments are invited on non-agenda items. Commissioner Gisler shares voter turnout statistics.

The floor is opened for public comments on items not on the agenda. Commissioner Gisler shares statistics from the last presidential election regarding voter turnout and absentee voting.
New Business - Wood Chipper Purchase (00:13:57)
The Board discusses and approves the purchase of a new wood chipper from Vermeer Midwest.

The Managing Director presents a request to purchase a new Vermeer wood chipper to replace an older model. The Board discusses the specifications and benefits of the new model. A motion is made and seconded to approve the purchase including an extended warranty, and it is passed.
New Business - Wakeshma Township Local Road Contract (00:24:14)
The Board approves a local road contract for paving a gravel road in Wakeshma Township.

A local road contract is presented for approval to pave a gravel road in Wakeshma Township. The project is a partnership with a dairy farm and a methane company to provide an all-season road. The Board approves the contract contingent upon receiving funds from private contributions.
Managing Director's Time (00:32:14)
The Managing Director introduces new staff and reminds of upcoming events.

The Managing Director introduces a new Human Resources Specialist, Natasha Weimer, and announces that the Road Commission is fully staffed. He also reminds attendees of upcoming events and meetings, including the MPA conference and budget hearings.
New Business (00:33:34)
Introduction of new business items including speakers from Lee Upjohn Institute and a district court judge.

The meeting introduced new business items, featuring Lee Adams from the Lee Upjohn Institute who was scheduled to speak at the last meeting but could not due to an agenda mix-up. Additionally, Judge Christopher Heineke, a district court judge, was introduced as a guest speaker.
Annual Safety Day (00:34:06)
Announcement of the upcoming annual safety day event for the team, featuring multiple speakers and social events.

The managing director announced the annual safety day event scheduled for Friday, which will be an all-day event with many speakers and social events planned for the afternoon. The front office will be closed for the day, though emergencies can still be handled.
Veterans Recognition and Green Light Project (00:35:37)
Commissioner Kennedy discussed the community's Green Light Project for veterans and encouraged participation in Veterans Day events.

Commissioner Kennedy spoke about the Green Light Project, aimed at providing visible support and resources to veterans in the community during Veterans Day week. He encouraged community members to participate in related events and highlighted the annual celebration at the Michigan Armory National Guard.
Commissioner's Time (00:36:12)
Commissioners shared updates on their activities, meetings, and community engagement efforts.

During the commissioner's time, various commissioners shared their recent activities, including attending meetings with residents, participating in community events, and engaging with local organizations. They expressed appreciation for the staff and highlighted upcoming projects and meetings.
Adjournment (00:41:09)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion and a vote from the commissioners.

The chair called for a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded and passed unanimously by the commissioners. The meeting was officially adjourned.