Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - October 22, 2024 Board of County Road Commissioners

Updated about 12 hours ago

The Kalamazoo County Road Commissioners convene their regular meeting in October 22, 2024 to discuss various road projects and improvements. Key topics include the approval of construction plans for left turn lanes on G Avenue and the extension of Beatrice Drive. Public participants express gratitude towards outgoing members and discuss concerns about road conditions affecting bicyclists and local infrastructure. The board also hears a presentation from Mitsubishi Electric, highlighting an innovative data collection partnership using vehicle-mounted cameras to enhance road safety and maintenance. The meeting concludes with updates on ongoing projects and preparations for the winter season.

Chapters

Welcome and Remote Participation Information (00:00:00)
The meeting begins with a welcome and information on participating remotely, including using the chat for technical issues only.

The meeting starts with a welcome to the board of county road commissioners meeting and details about remote participation. Participants are informed about using the chat feature for technical issues and how to use Zoom for public comments.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:23)
The board members and attendees participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting includes a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by the board members and attendees.
Approval of the Agenda (00:02:14)
The board approves the agenda for the meeting after a motion and second from commissioners.

A motion is made by Commissioner Bozeman and supported by Commissioner Stayer to approve the agenda. The motion is carried without opposition.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:36)
The board approves the minutes from the previous meeting with no corrections or comments.

A motion is made by Commissioner Stayhower and supported by Commissioner Bosma to approve the previous meeting's minutes. The motion passes unanimously.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:05)
The board approves the payroll and vendor accounts with no additional questions or comments.

Vice Chair Peloski moves, and Commissioner Bosma supports the approval of payroll and vendor accounts. The board approves the motion with no opposition.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:31)
Members of the public are invited to comment on non-agenda items, with several individuals expressing thanks and raising issues.

The public comment section allows individuals to address the board on non-agenda items. Mr. Kirk thanks Ms. Johnson for her work, Mr. Crum discusses a permit application for a lift station, and others comment on road safety and infrastructure issues.
Presentation on Urban Hawk Platform (00:17:59)
Mitsubishi Electric representatives present the Urban Hawk Platform for data collection and road maintenance.

Anique Sarker and Mike Nazel from Mitsubishi Electric present the Urban Hawk Platform, which uses vehicle-mounted cameras to collect road data and identify issues like potholes and damaged signs. The platform integrates with GIS and work order systems for efficient road maintenance.
Traffic Analysis Presentation (00:30:44)
Discussion on traffic interactions, near misses, and infrastructure issues on county roads, focusing on West Q Avenue.

The presentation covered an analysis of traffic interactions such as vehicles following or passing each other, including motorcycles. It highlighted near misses and how they are evaluated based on speed and direction. The analysis used boxes for resolution and identified hotspots, with West Q Avenue being a significant area of concern due to frequent rear-end incidents. The goal is to provide engineers with data to implement mitigation measures and monitor effectiveness.
Committee Questions and Comments (00:33:06)
Committee members raised questions about the iterative learning capabilities of the system and its application to road sign inventory and winter conditions.

Commissioner Bmore asked about the system's ability to learn iteratively. The response explained that the system releases models iteratively, improving over time. Another question addressed the system's operation in winter conditions, discussing challenges with snow and pothole detection. The conversation also touched on the potential applications in neighborhoods for monitoring driver behavior.
Road Safety and Autonomous Technology Discussion (00:37:00)
Discussion on leveraging autonomous vehicle technology for traffic analysis and road safety, including detecting traffic control deficiencies.

The discussion explored how technology from autonomous vehicles can be used for traffic hotspot analysis. It considered the implications of having technology that understands road conditions and alerts for safety. The conversation included the potential for this technology to reveal missing traffic signs or control measures by analyzing traffic behavior.
New Business: Final Construction Plans (00:43:04)
Presentation of final construction plans and request for approval, focusing on highway safety improvements and public meetings.

The managing director presented final construction plans developed with Whiteman and Associates for highway safety improvement projects. These include widening, paving, and drainage improvements. The project is funded by highway safety improvement program funds. Approval of the plans and holding public informational meetings were recommended.
New Business: Beatrice Drive Extension (00:46:08)
Approval requested for Beatrice Drive extension, including deeds, easements, and drainage agreements in Texas Township.

The managing director requested approval for the extension of Beatrice Drive, involving a warranty deed, temporary easement, and drainage agreement. The extension is part of ongoing development in Texas Township, with plans for further extensions. The board was asked to accept the deed and approve the agreements for the managing director's signature.
New Business: Schoolcraft Township Road Contract (00:50:07)
Approval requested for Schoolcraft Township local road contract focusing on crack filling and asset management.

The managing director recommended approval of a local road contract with Schoolcraft Township for road crack filling and asset management. This contract aims to preserve road quality and extend the lifespan of infrastructure. The board was asked to approve the contract for the chair's signature.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:51:05)
Opportunity for public comments on topics not listed on the agenda, including online participants.

The chair opened the floor for public comment on non-agenda items, inviting both in-person and online participants to address the board with any concerns or comments they may have that were not covered in the agenda.
Managing Director's Report (00:51:21)
Updates on ongoing projects, winter preparation, and a call for job applications, as well as acknowledgments to vendors and township meetings.

The managing director provided updates on various ongoing projects, including road paving and winter preparation. The report highlighted the organization's hiring efforts and expressed gratitude to vendors for supporting safety day activities. The director also mentioned attending a township supervisors meeting and emphasized the importance of community engagement.
Commissioners' Reports and Comments (00:56:01)
Commissioners shared updates from their respective meetings and interactions with community members, highlighting road conditions and township concerns.

Commissioner Borgman reported on wellhead protection discussions and road turnaround concerns. Commissioner Staar shared concerns from builders about utility work permits in winter. Vice Chair Polanski reported on township meetings and expressed appreciation for community support. The chair noted positive feedback from the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club regarding road improvements.
Review of Commissioner's Conference (01:02:44)
Discussion on the recent commissioner's conference, including negative feedback on the site and issues raised about road safety.

The meeting began with a review of the commissioner's conference. Managing directors attended, and there were negative comments about the site. Discussions also covered the upcoming highway conference and road safety issues, including violent threats to road crews.
Road Safety Concerns (01:03:29)
Concerns about violent threats to road crews and personnel were discussed, emphasizing the need for awareness and prevention.

There were reports of violent threats against road crews and personnel, particularly during temporary road closures. Although no legal actions were necessary locally, it remains a concern that needs attention.
Civics Coffee Event (01:04:11)
Announcement about the upcoming Civics Coffee event in Lotton, with Jeff speaking as an honored guest.

The meeting announced the Civics Coffee event to be held in Lotton, where Jeff will be one of the honored guests. This is part of ongoing civic engagement efforts.
Adjournment (01:04:54)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion and support, with all in favor.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and supported. All members present were in favor, and the meeting was officially closed.