Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - July 1, 2025 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board approved the procurement of tungsten carbide cutting edges for snowplows, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and durability. The commission updated on road projects, including completed work on Sprinkle and Shaver Roads, and ongoing projects on Q Avenue and bridge rehabilitations. A joint meeting with Kalamazoo Township was announced, and public comments were addressed. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining safe road conditions and discussed upcoming road maintenance strategies.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:04)
The meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners is officially called to order at 3 PM.

The meeting is called to order by the chair of the Board of County Road Commissioners. The official start time is noted as three o'clock.
Public Participation Guidelines (00:00:13)
Ms. Reider reads the public participation guidelines for the meeting, outlining how public comments can be made.

Ms. Reider reads the guidelines for public participation, referencing the Open Meetings Act. Participants have opportunities to address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person, and specific instructions are provided for participating via Zoom.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:16)
Attendees are asked to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The chair requests all attendees to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, which is recited collectively by those present.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:02)
The agenda for the meeting is presented and approved by the board members.

A motion to approve the agenda as presented is made and supported. The chair asks for any discussion or objections, but hearing none, the motion is carried and the agenda is approved.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:33)
The minutes from the previous board meeting are reviewed and approved without any changes.

A motion is made to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The chair asks for any corrections or additions, but none are made. The motion to approve the minutes is carried by the board.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:09)
The board approves the payroll and vendor accounts as presented, following a motion and discussion.

A motion is made to approve the payroll and vendor accounts. The chair invites discussion from the audience and commissioners, but there are no objections. The motion is carried, approving the payroll and vendor accounts.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:40)
The first public comment period for non-agenda items is opened, allowing members of the public to address the board.

The chair opens the floor to public comments on non-agenda items. JJ, a representative from State Representative Matt Hall's team, introduces himself and offers to take notes on the meeting. No additional public comments are made.
New Business: Winter Maintenance Bids (00:04:38)
Discussion of bids for winter maintenance equipment, specifically cutting edges for snowplows, and the board's decision to award contracts.

The managing director presents information on bids for cutting edges used in snowplows. The board discusses the cost-effectiveness and longevity of Tungston carbide blades compared to previous materials. Bids from two vendors are considered, with a decision to award contracts to both due to potential tariff charges. The board approves the motion to proceed with the purchase.
Second Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:10:11)
The second public comment period is opened, but no public comments are made.

The chair invites public comments a second time on non-agenda items, but no participants come forward to speak.
Managing Director's Time (00:10:24)
The managing director provides updates on road projects, meeting schedules, and office closures.

The managing director reports on completed and ongoing road projects, including Sprinkle Road and Shaver Road. He also informs about an upcoming joint meeting with Kalamazoo Township and the office closure on Friday for a holiday. Emergency procedures are outlined for road hazards during the closure.
Commissioner's Time (00:12:35)
Commissioners share brief reports and discuss upcoming meetings and events.

During commissioner's time, individual commissioners report on their activities and upcoming commitments. Commissioner Davis and Commissioner Dickinson have no reports. Commissioner Buchanan mentions attending a joint meeting and encourages service requests for local issues. The chair reminds commissioners to notify about summer absences to ensure meeting quorums.
Adjournment (00:15:36)
The meeting is officially adjourned following a motion and support from board members.

A motion to adjourn the meeting is made and supported, with the motion carrying unanimously. The meeting is officially adjourned shortly before 4 PM.