Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - September 23, 2025 Board Meeting

Updated about 9 hours ago

The Board reviews the Ninth Street construction plan, intersection traffic control orders, and local road contracts for Cooper Township. The meeting also featured public comments from residents and representatives from NowKalamazoo, highlighting community engagement in local infrastructure improvements.

Chapters

Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:08)
The meeting starts with guidelines for public comments, mentioning the Open Meetings Act, speaking time limits, and instructions for both in-person and Zoom participation.

Guidelines for public comments are explained, referencing the Open Meetings Act. Participants can address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Instructions for speaking via Zoom are provided, and the chat is reserved for technical issues.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:22)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present at the meeting.

The attendees collectively recite the Pledge of Allegiance, affirming their allegiance to the United States of America and its principles of liberty and justice.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:54)
The agenda for the meeting is reviewed and approved. A motion is made, and there is no opposition.

A motion is presented to approve the meeting agenda as it stands. The chair asks if there is any discussion or opposition. Hearing none, the motion to approve the agenda passes unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:24)
The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved without any corrections or additions.

Commissioners review the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion is made to approve them. No corrections, additions, or deletions are proposed, and all present approve the minutes.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:02)
The board discusses approving payroll and vendor accounts. There is a request for more transparency in reporting amounts.

Commissioners discuss approving the payroll and vendor accounts. A motion is made and seconded. One commissioner requests that the amounts be included in future reports for transparency. The motion passes after brief discussion.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:04:44)
Community members have the opportunity to comment on non-agenda items. A representative from Now Kalamazoo speaks.

The floor is opened for public comment on non-agenda items. A representative from Now Kalamazoo, a nonprofit news service, explains their presence and purpose to observe and learn about local government operations.
New Business: Request Approval of Ninth Street Construction Plans (00:06:30)
The board discusses the approval of Ninth Street construction plans, including milling, paving, and traffic signal upgrades.

The board reviews and approves plans for the Ninth Street construction project, which includes milling, paving, and traffic signal upgrades. There is discussion about the project scope, funding, and non-motorized plans. No road widening is planned, and the project is primarily resurfacing.
New Business: Approval of Intersection Traffic Control Orders (00:10:38)
Traffic control orders at various intersections are discussed and approved, converting stop controls to yield controls.

The board discusses traffic control orders for intersections with new traffic circles. Yield controls are deemed appropriate for all approaches. The board approves the necessary traffic control orders, replacing previous stop controls.
New Business: Approval of Sidewalk Project in Oshtemo Township (00:15:16)
The board discusses and approves a sidewalk project along Ninth Street in Oshtemo Township, funded by federal and township funds.

A sidewalk project in Oshtemo Township along Ninth Street is discussed. It includes sidewalk construction, pedestrian signals, and other improvements. The project is funded by federal transportation programs and local township funds, with the road commission overseeing the project.
New Business: Rescind and Approve Revised Cooper Township Road Contracts (00:19:01)
The board rescinds previous contracts and approves revised contracts for Cooper Township road projects due to funding and contractor availability issues.

The board reviews and revises Cooper Township road contracts. Due to funding and contractor availability, rubber chip seal projects were removed and a new project added. The board approves the revised contracts with adjusted project costs.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (Second Opportunity) (00:26:10)
The public is given another opportunity to comment on non-agenda items, but no comments are made.

The board opens the floor for a second round of public comments on non-agenda items. No comments are made by the public in attendance or online.
Managing Director's Report (00:26:34)
The managing director provides updates on township contracts, upcoming events, and staff changes.

The managing director updates the board on several topics, including township contracts affected by rubber chip seal issues, upcoming events like the open house and budget work session, and changes in staff hours and responsibilities. The completion of an important environmental agreement is also announced.
Commissioners' Reports (00:31:00)
Commissioners share reports on recent seminars, township meetings, and personal updates.

Commissioners report on various activities, including attendance at a recent commissioners' seminar, updates from township meetings, and personal updates such as the birth of a grandchild. Discussions on road safety and infrastructure improvements are also highlighted.
Adjournment (00:38:02)
The meeting concludes after final comments and announcements from commissioners.

The meeting adjourns following final comments from commissioners, including welcoming a new commissioner and discussing future meeting plans. Commissioners are reminded to inform the chair or vice-chair if unable to attend meetings.