Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - October 21, 2025 Road Commission of Kalamazoo County

Updated about 5 hours ago

In the meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo, members discuss public comment guidelines and various administrative approvals. Key agenda items include the approval of a detour route for the Michigan Department of Transportation along Ninth Street and Stadium Drive, and the Brady Township carryover local road contract for West Indian Lake Drive. The board also approves payroll and vendor accounts, expense reports, and rescinds a previous Climax Township road contract in favor of a revised one. Discussions also touch on the new state road funding package's impact on local infrastructure planning.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:14)
The meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County is officially called to order.

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM by the presiding officer to commence the session of the Board of County Road Commissioners of the County of Kalamazoo.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:22)
Public comment guidelines are outlined for participation both in person and via Zoom.

Ms. Breer explained the guidelines for public comment as per the Open Meetings Act. Participants can address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting, with comments limited to three minutes. Instructions were given for Zoom participants to use the raise hand feature and for phone participants to use certain keys to unmute.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:27)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present at the meeting.

The meeting participants stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, demonstrating their patriotism and adherence to the tradition at the commencement of public meetings.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:09)
The agenda for the meeting was presented and approved with no additional discussion or amendments.

A motion was made by Commissioner Thompson to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was supported, and after asking for any discussion and hearing none, the agenda was approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:44)
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved after a correction was noted.

The minutes of the previous meeting were presented for approval. A correction regarding the attendance of Vice Chair Auer was noted, and then a motion was made and approved to accept the minutes with this correction.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:59)
Payroll and vendor accounts were reviewed and approved without any objections or further discussion.

The board reviewed the payroll and vendor accounts as presented. After asking for comments or questions from the audience and commissioners and hearing none, a motion was made to approve the accounts, which was carried unanimously.
Approval of Expense Reports (00:04:52)
Expense reports for Commissioners Pawlowski and Auer were approved with no discussions or objections.

The board considered the expense reports for Commissioners Pawlowski and Auer. After seeking comments from the audience and commissioners and hearing none, the reports were approved with a unanimous vote.
Public Comment on Non-agenda Items (00:05:29)
The public was given an opportunity to comment on non-agenda items, but no substantial comments were made.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments on non-agenda items. Commissioner Gissler indicated they had no comments but were present for the opportunity. No other public comments were presented.
New Business: MDOT Contract Approval (00:06:47)
The board discussed and approved a contract with MDOT for a detour route during construction.

The board reviewed a request to approve a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for a detour route along Ninth Street and Stadium Drive. The contract involves creating an additional ramp lane and outlines detour plans for passenger and truck traffic. After discussion, the contract was approved.
New Business: Brady Township Road Contract (00:12:24)
Approval of a carryover local road contract for Brady Township was discussed and passed.

The board considered a request to approve a carryover local road contract for Brady Township. The contract involves drainage improvements and an HMA overlay for West Indian Lake Drive, with work expected to continue into the next year. The motion was supported and passed.
New Business: Climax Township Road Contract Revision (00:14:01)
The board rescinded a previous contract and approved a revised road contract for Climax Township.

A previous contract with Climax Township was rescinded to approve a revised version that excludes the rubber modified chip seal project. The board approved this revision unanimously after a motion and support.
Second Public Comment on Non-agenda Items (00:15:13)
A second opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items was provided, with no new comments.

The floor was reopened for public comments on non-agenda items. Commissioner Ler waved but had no additional comments, and no other public comments were forthcoming.
Managing Director's Comments (00:15:56)
The managing director provided updates on guests, upcoming events, and road funding news.

The managing director introduced two maintenance operators present in the audience. Updates were given on upcoming events, including the Michigan Township Association banquet and a meeting at Allegan County Road Commission. The director also discussed a new road funding package and its implications.
Commissioners' Time and Committee Reports (00:20:09)
Commissioners shared updates on their activities and township meetings attended.

Commissioner Kennedy reported on visits to Craft, Prairie Ronde, and Pavilion Townships, emphasizing the importance of partnership. Commissioners discussed apprehensions about new road funding among townships and the need for communication. Reports from other township and public works meetings were shared.
Adjournment (00:28:48)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion with unanimous approval.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded. The motion was carried with all in favor, and the meeting was formally adjourned.