Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - September 24, 2024 Board of County Road Commissioners

Updated 5 days ago

During the Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting on October 5, 2023, the board addresses serious safety concerns raised by residents regarding the intersection of B Avenue and Riverview Drive in Cooper Township, where multiple fatalities have occurred. Residents, including those personally affected by the accidents, plead for immediate action to improve visibility and safety. Additionally, the board discusses local road contracts with Kalamazoo Township, rescinding a previous contract and approving new road projects aimed at improving drainage and infrastructure. The board also touches on budget preparations and ongoing hiring efforts for the road commission.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:00)
The meeting commenced with a welcome from the chair and instructions for remote participation were provided.

Good afternoon. Welcome to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners for the County of Kalamazoo. First item, calling to order. Ms. Rider read the remote participation instructions.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:23)
Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance together.

Thank you. Would you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:15)
The agenda for the meeting was approved unanimously by the board members present.

First item here would be approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion please? So moved. I have a motion from Vice Chair Pulaski with support from Commissioner Dickson for approval of the agenda. Any questions or comments? All those in favor please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? Same sign. We have approved the agenda.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:33)
The minutes from the previous meetings were reviewed and approved by the board.

Next item would be approval of the minutes for the following meetings. Do I have motion please? So moved. Support. I have a motion from Commissioner Borman with support from Vice Chair Pulaski for approval of the minutes. Any questions or comments or corrections? No. All those in favor please signify by saying aye. Aye. We have approved the minutes.
Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:28)
Several members of the public addressed the board regarding safety concerns at a dangerous intersection.

We've reached the first portion in our meeting where we are open to public comment on non-agenda items. Roseanne Nik Deno, Kimberly Noble, Donald Carrier, and Marcus Anderson, among others, spoke about the dangerous intersection at B Avenue and Riverview Drive, urging the board to take action to improve safety and prevent further accidents.
New Business (00:20:23)
Discussion of new business items including rescinding a road contract and approving others for Kalamazoo Township.

New business items included a request to rescind the Kalamazoo Township local road contract, approval of a new local road contract for Arlington Street, and a collaborative agreement for drainage improvements at Arlington Street and Jefferson Avenue. Each item was discussed and approved by the board.
Managing Director's Report (00:25:31)
The managing director provided updates on current projects, safety studies, and staffing needs.

The managing director reported on ongoing projects as the construction season winds down, safety studies related to intersections with high accident rates, preparations for winter, and staffing needs for open positions within the organization.
Commissioner's Time (00:29:00)
Commissioners provided updates on their activities and upcoming meetings.

Commissioners shared updates from meetings they attended, discussed ongoing road safety and improvement projects, and plans for future meetings and agenda items.
Discussion on Traffic Enforcement and Road Safety (00:33:43)
Commissioners discussed concerns about traffic enforcement, road safety, and the need for law enforcement to enforce speed limits and traffic signs.

Commissioner Boorman expressed concerns about traffic safety on B Avenue in Riverview, emphasizing the importance of engineering, education, and enforcement. The discussion highlighted frustrations with speeding and disregard for stop signs, and acknowledged the role of law enforcement in addressing these issues.
Board Work Session Planning (00:34:44)
The board discussed potential topics for an upcoming work session, including a review of speed limit laws following a presentation at the Commissioner's conference.

Chair Brennan and other board members discussed the need to plan for an upcoming work session. Topics suggested included a review of speed limit laws, inspired by a presentation at the Commissioner's conference which was not well understood by some members.
Community and Township Meetings (00:35:18)
Update on attendance at local township meetings and acknowledgment of community concerns regarding traffic and road projects.

A board member reported on recent attendance at township meetings and acknowledged the community's concerns about traffic and road projects. The board assured the public that while changes take time, they are listening to the community's frustrations and are working on solutions.
Adjournment (00:36:29)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion and unanimous approval by the board members.

After discussions and reports, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made and approved by all board members present. The meeting was officially adjourned with the members expressing agreement.