Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - June 3, 2025 Road Commission of Kalamazoo County Board

Updated about 3 hours ago

The board reviewed financial audits presented by Plante Moran, including a single audit due to a federal grant. The board approved multiple road contracts with local municipalities such as Comstock Township, Richland Village, Schoolcraft, and Vicksburg. An intergovernmental agreement was established with the Kalamazoo County Office of Emergency Management for equipment storage. Public comments addressed concerns over road repairs and spending priorities.

Chapters

Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:02)
Public comments can be made at the beginning and end of the meeting, limited to three minutes per person, with guidelines for in-person and Zoom participation.

The meeting begins with an overview of public comment guidelines. Participants can address the board at both the beginning and end of the meeting for non-agenda items. Comments should be made at the podium for audio clarity, and each speaker is limited to three minutes. Those participating via Zoom can use the raise hand feature, and the host will manage unmuting. The chat is reserved for technical issues.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:05)
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by the attendees.

Attendees are asked to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge is recited, honoring the flag of the United States of America and the ideals it represents.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:51)
The agenda is approved with a motion and support, and no additions are made.

The board moves to approve the meeting agenda. Commissioner Thompson moves to approve, and Davis supports. There are no additions or changes to the agenda. The motion carries unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:18)
The minutes from the previous meeting are approved without any corrections.

The board considers the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion to approve is made by Vice Chair Auer and supported by Thompson. There are no corrections or comments from the commissioners or the audience, and the motion to approve the minutes carries.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:02:49)
The board approves the payroll and vendor accounts with no discussion or opposition.

Commissioner Davis moves to approve the payroll and vendor accounts, and the motion is supported. There are no questions or comments from the audience or commissioners. The motion to approve carries with all in favor.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:24)
An opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items is provided, with no comments made.

The board opens the floor for public comment on non-agenda items. There is no one in the audience or online who wishes to speak at this time. Commissioner Ler has no comments, and the board notes there will be another opportunity for public comment later in the meeting.
Audit Presentation by Plant Moran (00:04:04)
Plant Moran presents the financial and single audit reports for the Road Commission, highlighting a clean audit opinion and areas for improvement in internal controls.

Plant Moran representatives Jesse and Jean present the audit findings for the Road Commission. A clean opinion is given for the financial audit, indicating that the numbers are materially correct. They discuss the new GASB on compensated absences and highlight pension and OPEB assets. The single audit related to a federal grant shows no non-compliance, but notes areas for improvement in internal controls. The report is accepted by the board.
Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Kalamazoo County (00:18:32)
The board approves an agreement to store emergency management equipment for Kalamazoo County at no cost, fostering collaboration.

An intergovernmental agreement is presented for the storage of emergency management equipment from Kalamazoo County at the Road Commission's facility. The equipment includes trailers and generators used for emergencies. The board discusses security, access, and potential future rental fees, but agrees to store the equipment at no cost due to the county's financial support in building the facility. The agreement is approved.
Committee Representation Changes (00:27:13)
The board updates committee representation, appointing Commissioner Davis to the EAC in place of the chair, with the chair as backup.

With new commissioners on board, the representation on various committees is revisited. Commissioner Davis volunteers to serve on the EAC committee, replacing the chair, who will now serve as the backup. The board approves the changes to committee representation.
Approval of Comstock Township Local Road Contract (00:30:38)
The board approved the Comstock Township local road contract for H Avenue after a motion and discussion about expenses.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dickinson to approve the Comstock Township local road contract for H Avenue. There was a discussion regarding any additional expenses that the road commission might incur, specifically related to ditching, shoulders, and culverts. It was clarified that there would be no road commission contribution. The motion was carried unanimously.
Approval of Richland Municipality Road Contract (00:31:33)
The board approved the Richland Municipality road contract, fully funded by the village, with no road commission cost.

The request was made to approve the Richland Municipality road contract, involving crack filling, chip seal, and fog seal at various locations. It was noted that the project is fully funded by the village, with the road commission assisting in procurement and inspection. The board approved the contract following a motion and discussion.
Approval of Schoolcraft Municipality Road Contract (00:33:38)
The board approved the Schoolcraft Municipality road contract, a first-time partnership for an HMA paving project.

The board discussed approving the Schoolcraft Municipality road contract for an HMA paving project on Land Street. It was noted as a first-time collaboration with the village. The project involves HMA paving using the road commission's contractor and procurement process. The motion was supported and carried after discussion.
Approval of Vicksburg Municipality Road Contract (00:36:22)
The board approved the Vicksburg Municipality road contract for crack fill, chip seal, and fog seal projects.

The board was requested to approve the Vicksburg Municipality road contract for various road maintenance projects, including crack fill, HMA wedging, chip seal, and fog seal. The motion to approve the contract was supported and carried unanimously.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:37:32)
Public comments included a commissioner discussing traffic issues and a supervisor addressing road repairs.

During the public comment session, Commissioner Ler mentioned traffic issues and road repairs in the city, expressing support for the Career Connect facility. Supervisor Sorenson from Cooper Township addressed concerns about a road that fell into a river, highlighting the difficulty in prioritizing repairs due to budget constraints and the need to consider taxpayer dollars.
Managing Director's Report (00:43:40)
The managing director reported on a public meeting, awards, and ongoing road projects.

The managing director reported on an upcoming public meeting for a traffic calming project, mentioned recent awards for facility innovation and collaboration, and updated on the chip seal program start. The team apparel store was also reopened due to high demand.
Commissioner Comments (00:45:26)
Commissioners shared updates on meetings and expressed appreciation for staff efforts.

Commissioner Davis had no special updates. Commissioner Dickinson mentioned attending a parks commission meeting. Vice Chair Auer highlighted a joint meeting with a township and expressed willingness to have more such meetings. The chair thanked staff for their efforts and reiterated the importance of township collaborations.