Kalamazoo Township - December 09, 2024 Board of Trustees

Updated 1 day ago

On December 9, 2024, the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees interviewed candidates for a vacant Trustee position. The meeting included a work session to discuss important matters such as the appointment of board and resident committee positions, year-end budget adjustments, and strategies to enhance community engagement and outreach. Several candidates presented their qualifications and motivations for the Trustee role. After deliberation, the board voted to appoint Tony Kennedy as the new Trustee. The meeting also addressed the renaming and restructuring of the Communications Committee to include a focus on outreach, reflecting the board's commitment to proactive community engagement. Additionally, the board discussed the approval of final budget adjustments for the year and authorized financial institutions for Township funds. The meeting concluded with public comments from residents and reports from board members.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:08)
The meeting was officially called to order in the evening.

Good evening. We'll call this work session to order.
Interviews for Vacant Board of Trustee Position (00:00:17)
Candidates for the vacant Trustee position are interviewed by board members.

First on our work session agenda this evening are interviews for candidates for the currently vacant board of Trustee position. Each candidate will be asked to come forward to the podium and will be invited to make an opening statement. Board members may ask questions of each candidate.
Candidate Interviews - Andrew Standish (00:02:28)
Mr. Andrew Standish presents his background and qualifications for the Trustee role.

Andrew Standish discusses his background, family history, community involvement, and why he believes he could contribute to the board. He mentions his property ownership, connections to the community, and willingness to serve in any capacity.
Candidate Interviews - Jeffrey Brigham (00:06:04)
Mr. Jeffrey Brigham shares his experience and ideas for community engagement.

Jeffrey Brigham talks about his past experience in retail management, his ideas for increasing community involvement, and his desire to recognize outstanding citizens in the Township. He emphasizes the importance of community communication and engagement.
Candidate Interviews - Marion Bush (00:09:08)
Ms. Marion Bush outlines her diverse career and community service history.

Marion Bush presents her experience in law enforcement, real estate, and community mental health. She highlights her work with behavioral health, her roles in various boards and committees, and her dedication to community service and improvement.
Candidate Interviews - Michael Seals (00:16:31)
Mr. Michael Seals discusses his military, nonprofit, and governmental experience.

Michael Seals shares his background in the Navy, nonprofit work, and his achievements in local government, such as construction projects and intergovernmental cooperation. He emphasizes his commitment to community service and improving quality of life.
Candidate Interviews - Tony Kennedy (00:22:56)
Ms. Tony Kennedy expresses her commitment to community involvement and veteran support.

Tony Kennedy talks about her military background, current role aiding veterans, and her ongoing community projects. She stresses the need for accountability and resident engagement, and her desire to bring a veteran's perspective to the board.
Board Discussion on Trustee Appointment (00:29:50)
Board members discuss the selection of a candidate for the Trustee position.

The board discusses the qualifications of the candidates for the vacant Trustee position. They express gratitude for the candidates' interest and deliberate on the appointment, highlighting the importance of community service and engagement.
Discussion on Board Appointments (00:36:50)
Board members discuss qualities and components important for appointing a new Trustee.

The discussion focuses on the qualities that candidates bring to the board, including community involvement and budgeting experience. Members express the difficulty in making a decision and acknowledge the impressive backgrounds of all candidates. The need for a candidate who is willing to engage with residents and manage growth effectively is emphasized.
Consideration of Trustee Appointment Process (00:40:02)
Final notes on the process for appointing a Trustee to the vacant position are shared.

The board concludes the discussion on appointing a new Trustee. It is noted that a motion to appoint is expected during the board meeting, and if passed, the Trustee will be sworn in immediately. The importance of following proper procedures for motions during meetings is highlighted.
Corrections to Board and Resident Appointment Recommendations (00:40:50)
Corrections and edits to the appointment recommendations are presented for discussion.

Corrections to the board and resident appointment recommendations are discussed, including changes to appointees for various committees and the staggering of terms for the Zoning Board of Appeals. The need to ensure proper alternates and appointees for committees is emphasized.
Discussion on Township Parks Committee (00:47:05)
Board discusses the potential formation of a Parks Committee to enhance community engagement.

The board considers the formation of a Parks Committee to support the parks liaison role and engage residents in park maintenance and activities. The value of involving residents who are familiar with the parks and can contribute ideas for events and maintenance is discussed.
Proposal for Communications and Outreach Committee (00:52:00)
Proposal to rename and redefine the Communications Committee to focus on outreach.

The proposal is to rename the Communications and Engagement Committee to the Communications and Outreach Committee, emphasizing proactive community engagement. The importance of the board having a presence in the community and reaching out to residents is discussed.
Public Comment Period (00:59:02)
Residents are invited to provide public comments during the work session.

During the public comment period, residents provide feedback and express their interest in participating in various committees, such as the Parks Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. The engagement and willingness of residents to contribute to the community are appreciated by the board.
Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call (01:03:00)
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited and roll call is conducted to confirm attendance.

The meeting begins with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of board members to confirm their attendance. This marks the official start of the business meeting, ensuring all members are present and accounted for.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:07:23)
The board approves the consent agenda, including minutes and financial documents.

The consent agenda, which includes approval of previous meeting minutes, payment of bills, and financial documents, is presented and approved by the board. A minor correction is noted in the minutes regarding an item number.
Old Business: Board and Resident Appointments (01:14:04)
The board approves appointments to various committees, excluding some for individual discussion.

The board votes on the appointment of members to various committees, with the exception of police liaison, fire liaison, and communications committee roles, which are set aside for separate discussion. Corrections to the printed board packet are reiterated.
Discussion on Police and Fire Liaison Titles (01:14:50)
Board debates whether to change the titles from Commissioner to Liaison for clarity.

The board discusses the historical use of the titles Police Commissioner and Fire Commissioner versus the proposed Liaison titles. The discussion centers on clarity of roles and avoiding public confusion regarding the authority of these positions.
Appointments of Police and Fire Commissioners (01:17:12)
The board voted to appoint Clerk Mackey as Police Commissioner and Treasurer Miller as Fire Commissioner after a roll call vote.

During the meeting, there was a motion to appoint Clerk Mackey to the position of Police Commissioner and Treasurer Miller to the position of Fire Commissioner. The motion was put to a roll call vote, and it was passed unanimously. The board congratulated the newly appointed commissioners.
Renaming of Communications Committee (01:18:01)
The board discussed renaming the Communications Committee to the Communications and Outreach Committee to emphasize outreach.

A proposal was put forward to rename the Kalamazoo Township Communications Committee to the Kalamazoo Township Communications and Outreach Committee. This change was discussed with the intention of emphasizing the importance of outreach in the committee's work. The motion to rename the committee was passed after a roll call vote.
Approval of Year-End Budget Adjustments (01:21:19)
Superintendent Mor presented the request to approve final year-end budget adjustments, highlighting the importance of compliance.

The board discussed the request to approve final year-end budget adjustments. Superintendent Mor explained that these adjustments are necessary to ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards. The board discussed the need for future quarterly adjustments and voted to authorize the superintendent to make necessary year-end adjustments.
Resolution to Authorize Financial Institutions (01:33:12)
A resolution was approved to authorize the Township's financial institutions, aiming to streamline and manage funds efficiently.

The board considered a resolution to authorize the financial institutions where the Township holds its investments. Treasurer Miller explained the need to streamline the list of institutions for better management and reconciliation. The resolution was passed unanimously.
Appointment of Trustee Vacancy (01:34:55)
Tony Kennedy was appointed to fill the Trustee vacancy after a discussion and roll call vote by the board members.

The board discussed the process of filling the vacant Trustee position. After considering the candidates and holding discussions, a motion was made to appoint Tony Kennedy to the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees. The motion was passed after a roll call vote, and Tony Kennedy was congratulated and sworn in.
Board Member Reports (01:42:32)
Board members provided reports on recent activities, including events and meetings attended and future plans.

Each board member took turns giving reports on their recent activities and involvement in the community. They shared insights from events and meetings they attended, discussed issues within the Township, and highlighted future initiatives and plans. This segment allowed board members to update each other and the public on their work.
Superintendent's Report (01:51:16)
Superintendent Mor provided updates on Township operations, including improvements to meeting technology.

Superintendent Mor gave a report on Township operations, addressing recent comments about sound system technology. He announced that purchases have been made to improve the council's sound system, aiming for better participation in future meetings. The report also covered other operational updates and plans.
Public Comment (01:52:00)
The meeting included a public comment period where residents could express their views and concerns to the board.

During the meeting, a public comment period was held. Residents were given the opportunity to step up to the podium, introduce themselves, and provide feedback or express concerns on various Township matters. The board listened to the comments, which covered a range of topics.
Public Comments (02:01:26)
Public comments were addressed, but questions were not allowed during this session. Questions could be discussed after the meeting.

During the public comments section, attendees were reminded that questions could not be asked during the session. However, individuals were welcome to converse and ask questions after the meeting had concluded.
Adjournment (02:01:56)
The meeting concluded with no additional need for a closed session. Gratitude was expressed to all attendees.

As there was no need for a closed session, the meeting proceeded to adjournment. The superintendent expressed sincerest gratitude to everyone present in the room for their participation and attention during the meeting.