Kalamazoo Township - June 09, 2025 Board of Trustees

Updated 3 days ago

The Board addresses the aftermath of recent storms and the Township's response. The Board hears public comments regarding the communication and effectiveness of the Kalamazoo County Road Commission in handling storm debris. In response, the Board approves additional funding for storm cleanup and discusses coordination with the Road Commission. The Board also establishes the Charter Township of Kalamazoo Building Authority to facilitate future projects. Public comments highlight community concerns and appreciation for the Township's efforts in storm recovery. The meeting concludes with acknowledgments of community service and upcoming plans to improve inter-agency communication.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:07)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo Township is called to order.

The Kalamazoo Township meeting is officially called to order.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:12)
Trustee Kennedy leads the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustee Kennedy leads those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:00:37)
Roll call of board members present is conducted.

Board members present include Trustee Kennedy, Treasurer Miller, Supervisor Combs, Clerk Mackey, Trustee Leonard, and Trustee Glass. A motion is made to excuse Trustee Sherwood, which is seconded and carried.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:07)
The agenda for the meeting is reviewed with no additions or deletions.

The board confirms there are no additions or deletions to the agenda, and the meeting proceeds as planned.
First Public Comment Period (00:01:13)
Public comments are heard from Jack Livingstone and Mike Schwartz.

Jack Livingstone, owner of Three Brothers, discusses issues with the site plan review and application process over five years, citing legal fees, frustrations, and improvements with new attitudes. Mike Schwartz presents an award related to the Lake Street project.
Consent Agenda (00:07:55)
The consent agenda is approved as recommended by the superintendent and supervisor.

Clerk Mackey moves to approve the consent agenda, which is seconded and approved unanimously by the board.
Public Hearing and Presentation (00:08:16)
Kalamazoo County Road Commission presents on storm cleanup efforts and challenges.

Representatives from the Kalamazoo County Road Commission discuss storm cleanup efforts, emphasizing patience from residents and explaining their process. They face questions and criticism from the board regarding their response and capacity during emergencies.
Discussion on Emergency Operations Plan and Road Commission Responsibilities (00:30:52)
Discussion on the breakdown in communication and responsibilities during a state of emergency, focusing on the Road Commission's role in disaster response and recovery.

The meeting discussed the communication breakdown regarding the Emergency Operations Plan, where expectations were not met in coordinating debris removal and logistics during a state of emergency. The Road Commission was listed as a responsible department but did not communicate or coordinate with the township as expected. The discussion aimed to clarify responsibilities and expectations for future emergencies.
Motion to Adopt Resolution Establishing Building Authority (00:39:34)
The board discussed and voted on a resolution to establish the Charter Township of Kalamazoo Building Authority, which was adopted following a roll call vote.

The board moved to adopt a resolution establishing the Charter Township of Kalamazoo Building Authority and proceeded with the outlined requirements. A motion was made, seconded, and a roll call vote was conducted, resulting in the adoption of the resolution.
Motion to Approve Additional Storm Cleanup Funding (00:43:10)
Motion to allocate additional funds for storm cleanup and necessary budget adjustments was discussed and approved by a roll call vote.

The board considered a motion to approve additional funding for storm cleanup efforts along with necessary budget adjustments. The motion was supported and discussed, highlighting the efforts of staff and contractors in the cleanup process. The board expressed gratitude for the work done and voted to approve the motion with a roll call vote.
Motion to Clarify Board Appointee Pay (00:46:00)
Discussed clarifying the pay for board members appointed to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, aligning with recommendations from the Michigan Township Association.

The board discussed a resolution to clarify the meeting pay for Township board members appointed to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. The resolution aims to align pay practices with the Michigan Township Association's recommendations, ensuring all members receive meeting pay for their service. A motion was made, seconded, and approved following discussion.
Board Member Reports and Public Comments (00:50:00)
Board members provided reports and comments, including welcoming new businesses and honoring women veterans. Public comments were also heard.

Trustee Kennedy welcomed new businesses and honored women veterans with a reading of a resolution. Other board members provided brief reports and expressed gratitude for public participation and comments. Public comments included appreciation for the storm cleanup efforts and queries about road commission responsibilities.