Kalamazoo Township - Board of Trustees - October 28, 2024 Kalamzoo Township Board of Trustees

Updated about 7 hours ago

Many thanks and honors given to outgoing Township Supervisor Don Martin and other Trustees with a special appearance by MI State Senator Sean McCann. Public comments were made, with residents expressing gratitude and raising concerns about community issues. The board adopted the 2025 operating budget, following a public hearing with no issues raised. Discussions included the construction of a fire department workout room, with concerns about minimizing community room space. The meeting also featured public recognition of the service of departing board members Trustee Leuty, Trustee Miller, and Supervisor Martin, with legislative tributes presented by State Senator Sean McCann. The meeting concluded with board member comments and a reminder of the importance of continuous community involvement.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:13)
The meeting was called to order and attendees were welcomed to the regular meeting for October.

The meeting was officially called to order, and attendees were welcomed to the Charter Township of Kalamazoo regular meeting for October.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:26)
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Trustee Miller.

Trustee Miller led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:00:56)
Roll call was conducted, and all board members were present except for one who had stepped off the board.

Roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of board members. It was noted that one board member had stepped off the board to work full-time for the Township of Kalamazoo.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:14)
The agenda was reviewed, and a motion was made to remove item 8B, the MDOT contract resolution request.

The agenda was reviewed for any additions or deletions. A motion was made to remove item 8B, the MDOT contract resolution request, as the process was not complete.
Public Comments (00:02:05)
Public comments were invited, with several attendees expressing gratitude and sharing experiences related to the community and the board.

The public comment period was opened, allowing attendees to speak for three minutes each. Several individuals, including Jeff Sorenson, Tony Kennedy, and Clara Robinson, shared their gratitude and experiences with the board.
Consent Agenda (00:11:53)
The consent agenda, including payment of bills and meeting minutes, was reviewed and approved with revisions.

The consent agenda, which included the approval of payment of bills and meeting minutes from September, was reviewed. Trustee Ludi suggested revisions to the minutes, which were accepted. The consent agenda was then moved for adoption and approved.
Public Hearing on Operating Budget (00:13:46)
A public hearing was held to discuss the operating budget as published and presented.

The public hearing for the operating budget was opened to allow public comment on the budget as published and presented. No public comments were made during this time.
Old Business: Fire Department Workout Room (00:14:25)
Discussion on the fire department workout room request, including space considerations and public input.

The board discussed the request to construct a workout room for the fire department. Chief spoke about the space available, and board members discussed the impact on community rooms and public input. A motion was made and voted on regarding the construction and equipment purchase.
Public Hearing for Operation Budget Adoption (00:30:34)
The board discussed the adoption of the operating budget following the public hearing.

Following the public hearing, the board discussed the adoption of the operating budget. Board members commented on the format and presentation of the budget. A motion was made to adopt the budget, which was supported and carried.
Roll Call Vote (00:32:19)
The roll call vote was conducted for various trustees and officials, all responding with 'Aye.'

The meeting commenced with a roll call vote to confirm the presence and agreement of the board members. Each member responded affirmatively, indicating their attendance and readiness to proceed with the meeting.
Public Presentation from the State of Michigan (00:32:36)
State Senator Sean McCann presented legislative tributes to local trustees and officials for their service.

State Senator Sean McCann attended the meeting to present legislative tributes to Commissioner Lutie, Trustee Lutie, Trustee Miller, and Supervisor Martin. These tributes were signed by the county legislative delegation, including representatives and the governor, and recognized the recipients for their service to the community.
Board Member Comments (00:40:20)
Board members expressed gratitude for their service and discussed the importance of community engagement.

Board members took the opportunity to reflect on their service, express gratitude to their colleagues and the community, and highlight the importance of continued involvement and cooperation in local governance. They emphasized learning, growth, and working together to achieve community goals.
Voting and Election Updates (00:45:32)
Clerk Mackie provided information on voter registration, early voting, and absentee ballot procedures.

Clerk Mackie informed the board and the public about the procedures for early voting and absentee ballots. She encouraged eligible voters to check their registration status, utilize early voting options where available, and advised against mailing absentee ballots close to the election date to ensure they are counted.
Public Comment Session (00:49:45)
Public comments were made, encouraging outgoing members to share their knowledge and remain engaged.

During the public comment session, community members expressed gratitude to the outgoing board members and encouraged them to continue sharing their experience and knowledge with new members. The importance of maintaining the traditions and strength of the local governance structure was emphasized.
Adjournment (00:55:00)
The meeting was officially adjourned after all agenda items were exhausted.

Following the completion of all scheduled discussions and agenda items, the meeting was officially adjourned. Attendees were thanked for their participation, and the meeting concluded with the expectation of continued community engagement.