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Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - March 25, 2025 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Commission hears public comments regarding the poor condition of a local dirt road affecting public safety. Public comments highlight the need for road paving and improvements to address increased traffic and adverse weather effects. The board also discusses the purchase of new cab and chassis trucks to enhance winter and construction operations, and approves local bridge funding applications for the Mazo Avenue and Y Avenue structures. This meeting provides insights into the county's efforts to improve road safety and infrastructure.

Chapters

Welcome and Zoom Participation Guidelines (00:00:12)
Introduction to the meeting with Zoom participation guidelines for public comment and technical support.

The meeting of the County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County begins with a welcome and a detailed explanation of Zoom participation guidelines. Participants are informed about how to address the board during public comment periods at the start and end of the meeting, with a maximum of three minutes for each comment. Instructions for using Zoom features like raise hand, mute/unmute, and chat for technical issues are provided.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:55)
Commissioner Thompson leads the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

Commissioner Thompson asks the attendees to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge is recited in unison, affirming allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:18)
The agenda for the meeting is presented for approval and is passed with no opposition.

The first item on the agenda is the approval of the agenda itself. A motion is made to approve the agenda as presented, with the opportunity for discussion offered to the audience and commissioners. Hearing none, a vote is taken, and the agenda is approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:48)
The minutes from the previous board meeting are reviewed and approved without opposition.

A motion is made to approve the minutes of the previous board meeting. After offering the opportunity for discussion to the audience and commissioners, and hearing none, a vote is taken. The minutes are approved unanimously.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:15)
Board approves payroll and vendor accounts as presented in the meeting packets.

A motion is made to approve the payroll and vendor accounts as found in the packets provided to the commissioners. After offering a chance for discussion and hearing none, a vote is taken and the motion carries without opposition.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:43)
Public comments are invited on issues not listed on the agenda, with several residents expressing concerns about road conditions.

An opportunity is provided for public comments on issues not on the meeting agenda. Several citizens, including a resident named Jim, express concerns about the deteriorating condition of a specific stretch of road, citing safety hazards and increased traffic as major issues. They urge the board to consider paving the road to address these concerns.
New Business: Approval of Resolutions and Local Bridge Funding Applications (00:15:38)
The board discusses and approves resolutions for local bridge funding applications under the local bridge program.

The managing director presents an overview of the local bridge program, which provides funding for maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of eligible bridge structures. The board is asked to approve resolutions for submitting applications for two bridge projects: the Mazo Avenue structure over the Kalamazoo River and the Y Avenue structure over the Portage River. After discussion, the board approves the resolutions.
Approval of Cabin Chassis Truck Purchase (00:18:39)
The board approves the purchase of cabin chassis trucks for use as snowplows and semi-tractors.

The managing director requests approval for purchasing two cabin chassis trucks, which will be used as snowplows in winter and as semi-tractors in other seasons. The trucks are part of a five-year equipment capital improvement plan. After questions and discussion among commissioners about the trucks' capabilities, the board approves the purchase.
Approval of Truck Components Purchase (00:26:55)
The board approves the purchase of necessary components for assembling the new trucks.

The managing director requests approval for purchasing components needed to complete the assembly of the new cabin chassis trucks. These components include hydraulic systems, plows, and other accessories. The purchase ensures that the trucks can be operational for winter snow plow service and summer hauling tasks. After discussion, the board approves the purchase.
Approval of Pulverizing and Roto Milling Services (00:31:29)
The board approves contracts for pulverizing and rotor milling services for road projects.

The managing director explains the importance of pulverizing and rotor milling in road construction and maintenance. The board is asked to approve contracts with several companies for these services, with the option for extensions. The contracts aim to improve efficiency in project completion by pre-approving vendors for services. After discussion, the board approves the contracts.
Approval of Climax Township Local Road Contracts (00:35:29)
The board approves local road contracts for Climax Township, covering several road improvement projects.

The managing director presents local road projects for Climax Township, highlighting the partnership with the township and a private citizen for funding road improvements. The board is asked to approve the contracts, which include a contingency project for gravel resurfacing. After discussion, the board approves the contracts for items A through H.