Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - December 17, 2024 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 14 hours ago

The board approved the purchase of a bale processor for efficient mulching, discussed the installation of dynamic speed feedback signs in Texas Township, and reviewed upcoming projects like the Sprinkle Road improvements. Public comments addressed local road safety concerns in Cooper Township, including issues with a sharp curve and speed limit adjustments. The board also honored outgoing Chair Tom Brennan for his service, highlighting his contributions to road safety and infrastructure. The meeting concluded with the election of new board leadership for the upcoming year.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:06)
Welcome to the regularly scheduled meeting of the board of county road commissioners for Kalamazoo.

The meeting begins with a welcome to attendees, noting that this is a regularly scheduled meeting of the board of county road commissioners for the county of Kalamazoo.
Remote Participation Information (00:00:16)
Ms. Roger reads information about remote participation as per the open meetings act.

Details are provided on how participants can join the meeting remotely, including instructions for using Zoom and telephone audio to provide public comments.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:22)
Participants are invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by those present as part of the opening protocol of the meeting.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:13)
The agenda for the meeting is approved by the board members.

A motion is made by Commissioner Bozman and supported by Commissioner Stayer to approve the meeting agenda. The motion is carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:35)
Minutes from the December 3rd board meeting are approved after motion and support.

The board approves the minutes of the previous meeting held on December 3rd. The motion is moved by Commissioner Stay Hower and supported by Commissioner Bozman.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:02)
The board approves the payroll and vendor accounts as presented, following a motion.

A motion from Vice Chair Pawlowski with support from Commissioner Bosma leads to the approval of payroll and vendor accounts, ensuring timely payments.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:30)
Public comments are invited for non-agenda items, allowing community members to voice concerns.

The board opens the floor for public comments on non-agenda items. Supervisor Jeff Sorensen from Cooper Township raises issues about road safety and speed limits.
Discussion on Legislative Appropriations (00:09:00)
Tim Culver provides an update on legislative appropriations and political dynamics in the state house.

An update is given regarding the dynamics in the state legislature concerning appropriations bills, with insights into party politics affecting legislative processes.
Request Approval of Bale Processor Purchase (00:11:40)
The board discusses and approves the purchase of a bale processor for cost-effective mulching.

A motion is made to approve the purchase of a bale processor following a discussion on its benefits for mulching and compliance with construction requirements.
Approval of MDOT Contract for Sprinkle Road (00:19:07)
The board approves an MDOT contract for the Sprinkle Road project, funded by safety grants.

A contract with MDOT for a road project on Sprinkle Road is approved, with funding from safety grants, enhancing road infrastructure.
Approval of Traffic Control Agreement with Texas Township (00:21:42)
The board approves a cost agreement with Texas Township for permanent traffic control installations.

A cost agreement is approved for the installation and maintenance of dynamic speed feedback signs in Texas Township, funded by the township.
Election of Board Chair and Vice Chair (00:24:29)
The board elects David Klowski as Chair and Larry Stay Hower as Vice Chair for the next year.

Following nominations and acceptance, the board elects new leadership for the upcoming year with unanimous consent.
Approval of 2023 Meeting Schedule (00:27:55)
The board approves the meeting schedule for the upcoming year, maintaining current practices.

A motion is approved for the 2023 meeting schedule, accommodating existing practices and conflicts with other county meetings.
Appointment of Chief County Engineer (00:30:22)
Ryan Minka is approved as the Chief County Engineer to fulfill statutory duties.

The board appoints Ryan Minka as the Chief County Engineer, fulfilling legal requirements and ensuring leadership in engineering practices.
Proclamation Honoring Commissioner Brennan (00:31:52)
The board discusses a proclamation to honor Tom Brennan for his service.

A proclamation is proposed to honor Commissioner Brennan for his significant contributions and service on the board, emphasizing his impact and leadership.
Honoring the Road Commissioner (00:33:14)
Recognition of Tom Brennan, the Road Commissioner, and presentation by Tim Culver from Representative Matt Hall's office.

This agenda item involves honoring Tom Brennan, the Road Commissioner, for his service. Tim Culver from Representative Matt Hall's office is present to make a presentation in this regard.
Motion and Vote on the Honor (00:33:55)
Motion made by Commissioner Bomo and supported by Vice Chair Pulaski to approve the honor for Tom Brennan. Vote passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bomo, with support from Vice Chair Pulaski, to approve the honor for Tom Brennan. The motion passed unanimously after a brief discussion and vote.
Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (00:35:23)
Public comment section for non-agenda items was opened, but no comments were made by the public at this time.

During this portion of the meeting, the floor was opened for public comments on non-agenda items. However, there were no comments or questions from the public.
Managing Director's Report (00:35:39)
Managing Director reports on recent events, including a successful hosted event and upcoming financial reports.

The Managing Director provided updates on recent events, including a successful hosted event at the Road Commission. He also mentioned that the November financial report is available and reminded everyone about the Road Commission's holiday closure.
Commissioners' Reports (00:37:18)
Commissioners report on various meetings attended and issues discussed, including snow plow safety and environmental health concerns.

Commissioner Bosal and others reported on meetings they attended, discussing topics such as snow plow safety, local road funding, and environmental health issues related to air quality and emissions.
New Business and Appointments (00:45:09)
Discussion on new appointments for commissioners and the importance of thoughtful selection of candidates.

The board discussed the process of appointing new commissioners, emphasizing the importance of selecting qualified candidates. There was also a mention of ongoing interviews and the anticipation of results.
Adjournment (00:50:28)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion and unanimous vote, concluding the session.

The meeting came to a close with a motion to adjourn, which was supported and passed unanimously by all present members, thus officially ending the session.