Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - November 4, 2025 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 22 hours ago

The board discusses guidelines for public comments, the renewal of health, dental, and disability insurance plans for employees, and the approval of contracted winter maintenance services. They also address the revision of a local road contract with Oshtemo Township and hear public comments concerning neighborhood road funding. The meeting includes recognition of an apprentice completing their program and discussions about upcoming events and projects.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:36)
The meeting of the Board of County Rural Commissioners of Kalamazoo County was called to order.

The meeting of the Board of County Rural Commissioners of the County of Kalamazoo was called to order by the chair.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:46)
Guidelines for public comments were outlined, including time limits and procedures for in-person and Zoom participation.

Ms. Roger presented the public comment guidelines, which included participants having the opportunity to address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting for non-agenda items, with comments limited to three minutes per person. Instructions for providing comments in person and via Zoom were provided.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:53)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present at the meeting.

The participants in the meeting were invited to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:11)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without any changes or discussion.

A motion was made to approve the minutes of the previous board meeting. No additions, deletions, or corrections were suggested, and the motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:50)
The payroll and vendor accounts were approved without any discussion or objections.

A motion was made to approve the payroll and vendor accounts as presented. There was no discussion from the audience or commissioners, and the motion passed unanimously.
First Public Comment Opportunity (00:04:34)
The public was given an opportunity to comment on non-agenda items, with one commissioner speaking about an upcoming community meeting.

During the first opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items, Commissioner John Ler spoke about a community meeting at Mark's Diner featuring a speaker on county equalization. No other comments were made by the public.
New Business - Health and Insurance Plans Renewal (00:06:36)
The board discussed and approved the renewal of health and insurance plans, including medical, dental, and short-term disability plans.

The managing director presented the renewal options for the county's health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and short-term disability insurance. The board reviewed the plans, discussed the options, and approved the renewal of the plans including certain modifications to dental coverage.
New Business - Winter Maintenance Services (00:20:00)
The board approved contracts for winter maintenance services with two providers, West Trucking LLC and Apex Outdoor Solutions.

The board considered bids for winter maintenance services, ultimately awarding contracts to West Trucking LLC and Apex Outdoor Solutions for the upcoming winter season. The contracts include options to extend annually for up to three additional years.
New Business - Revised Local Road Contract (00:25:09)
The board approved the revised local road contract with Oshtemo Township, removing the Penny Lane project.

The board discussed and approved the revised local road contract with Oshtemo Township, which involved the removal of the Penny Lane rubber chip seal project from the contract.
Second Public Comment Opportunity (00:26:50)
A second opportunity for public comment was provided, with Supervisor Vander Roost discussing funding concerns.

During the second public comment opportunity, Supervisor Jerry Vander Roost presented concerns about township funding and the implications of state funding decisions for local road projects. He discussed the challenges townships face in funding road maintenance and improvements.
Discussion on Road Maintenance Funding (00:39:21)
Discussion focused on the allocation of funds for road maintenance and the challenges of securing contractors and resources.

The meeting included a detailed discussion on securing funding for road maintenance, the challenges of contractor availability, and the importance of strategic financial planning to maximize resources for road improvements.
Public Comment Session (00:43:00)
Public comments were invited on non-agenda items, with no comments received.

The session invited public comments on non-agenda items, but no members of the public chose to speak during this time.
Managing Director's Report (00:43:59)
Managing Director provided updates on road projects, introduction of new staff, and future meetings and initiatives.

The Managing Director introduced new road maintenance operators, announced the completion of an apprenticeship program, and provided updates on upcoming meetings and projects, including the opening of a major road and future maintenance presentations.
Commissioners' Comments and Reports (00:49:00)
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the road commission's work and discussed upcoming veterans events and initiatives.

Commissioners provided comments on the road commission's achievements, discussed veterans day events and initiatives such as Operation Green Light for Veterans, and encouraged participation in supporting veterans in the community.
Adjournment (00:54:51)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion and approval by the commissioners.

After all agenda items were covered, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, leading to the meeting's formal adjournment.