Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - November 18, 2025 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 4 hours ago

The Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting on November 15, 2025, focuses on several key issues including the approval of new five-axle plow trucks, funded through the My Ideal Purchasing program. Managing Director provides details on innovative road maintenance equipment and strategies for winter maintenance, emphasizing the importance of efficient snow removal and de-icing techniques. The meeting also covers the approval of payroll and vendor accounts, and the discussion of a federal grant for a signal modernization project on Ninth Street. Public comments and commissioner reports highlight ongoing concerns and community engagement efforts.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:07)
The meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners is called to order and the public comment guidelines are read.

The meeting began at 3:00 PM with a welcome to the Board of County Road Commissioners' meeting. The meeting was called to order, and the public comment guidelines were read aloud to the attendees.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:28)
Guidelines for public comments are provided, including time limits and procedures for both in-person and online participants.

Public comment guidelines were provided, explaining that participants have the opportunity to address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting, with each statement or question limited to three minutes. The instructions for providing public comment both in person and via Zoom were outlined.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:29)
The attendees recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following the call to order, attendees were invited to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:24)
The agenda for the meeting is approved after a motion is made and seconded.

A motion was made by Thompson and seconded by Kennedy to approve the agenda for the meeting. The motion was carried unanimously, with no comments from the audience or board members.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:56)
Minutes from the November 4 board meeting and MTA annual reception are approved.

The minutes from the November 4 board meeting and the MTA annual reception were presented for approval. A motion to approve was made and supported, followed by a call for comments, of which there were none. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:44)
Payroll and vendor accounts are reviewed and approved following board discussion.

The board reviewed the payroll and vendor accounts. A motion to approve was made and seconded, with no comments from the audience or board members. The managing director provided clarification, and the motion was carried unanimously.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:04:48)
Opportunity for public comments on non-agenda items is offered, but no comments are made.

During this meeting segment, the board invited public comments on non-agenda items. Despite the invitation, no comments were made by attendees either in person or online.
Correspondence: MDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program (00:05:36)
The board receives correspondence regarding a safety improvement grant for the Sprinkle Road TU Avenue Roundabout Project.

The board was informed about correspondence from the Michigan Department of Transportation regarding the Highway Safety Improvement Program. The managing director explained the grant for the Sprinkle Road TU Avenue Roundabout Project and recommended the board receive the letter and refer it to staff.
New Business: Approval of Truck Components Purchase (00:07:12)
Board approves the purchase of components for new plow trucks, including discussion on truck specifications and budget adjustments.

The board discussed and approved the purchase of components for two new plow trucks, emphasizing the innovative design and greater capacity for road maintenance. The managing director explained the specifications of the trucks and the necessity for budget adjustments to accommodate the purchase.
New Business: Signal Modernization Project Approval (00:17:22)
Approval of a project for signal modernization along Ninth Street with federal funding and local contribution considerations.

The board discussed and approved a signal modernization project along Ninth Street, involving hot mix asphalt, concrete sidewalks, and updated traffic signals. The project is partially funded by a federal grant, with the road commission contributing additional funds.
Winter Maintenance Presentation (00:24:11)
Presentation on winter maintenance strategies and technologies, including plow route priorities and new navigation app features.

Rusty McLean presented an overview of the winter maintenance strategies employed by the Road Commission, including designated plow route priorities, intersection sanding methods, and the use of a navigation application for efficient route management and operator safety.
Welcome and Introduction (00:33:19)
Introduction of the meeting topic regarding snow plowing and road maintenance.

The meeting begins with a brief introduction and discussion about snow plowing efficiency and road maintenance strategies.
Discussion on Snow Plowing Efficiency (00:33:21)
Detailed discussion on snow plowing routes, efficiency, and coordination among operators.

The discussion focuses on improving response times for snow plowing by allowing operators to coordinate with each other once they finish their initial routes. This includes looking at neighboring routes and the use of a routing app to ensure all areas are covered efficiently.
Plow Reporting Features (00:38:00)
Presentation of reporting features such as plow up/down status and material usage.

The presentation highlights the reporting features of the snow plowing system, including tracking of plow positions, material spread rates, and the types of materials used. This data helps in evaluating and optimizing snow plowing operations.
Routing App Benefits (00:41:00)
Explanation of how the routing app helps with plowing operations.

The routing app allows drivers to start their routes from a specific point if they are joining midway, and it ensures continuity if a driver doesn't finish their route. It also aids in real-time decision making during snow events.
Use of Different Materials for Snow and Ice Control (00:44:00)
Discussion on the use of salt, sand, and liquid brine for snow and ice control.

The discussion covers the effectiveness of various materials such as salt, sand, and liquid brine for controlling snow and ice on roads. The choice of material depends on temperature and storm conditions.
Video Presentation on Plowing Operations (00:46:00)
A video showcasing snow plowing operations and operator experiences.

A video presentation is shown that depicts snow plowing operations and includes testimonials from operators about their experiences and the importance of their work in maintaining safe roads.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (01:01:11)
Opportunity for public comments on topics not listed on the agenda.

The floor is opened for public comments on any topics not specifically listed on the meeting agenda. Attendees are invited to share their thoughts and concerns.
Managing Director's Report (01:01:45)
Report from the Managing Director on upcoming events and ongoing projects.

The Managing Director provides updates on upcoming events such as board work sessions, road tours, and meetings with township supervisors. Emphasis is placed on community engagement and planning for local road improvements.
Discussion on Payroll Variations (01:03:51)
A question was raised about differences in payroll between current and previous pay periods due to overtime and longevity pay.

A commissioner inquired about the noticeable difference in payroll figures between the current and previous pay periods. The managing director explained that the variation was due to factors such as overtime incurred from winter maintenance events and longevity pay, which is disbursed during this period to certain employees under long-standing personnel policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Commissioner Time: Comments and Announcements (01:05:10)
Commissioners shared updates, including a successful Veteran's Day event and discussions on township issues regarding funding and land use.

During the commissioner time, Commissioner Kennedy highlighted the success of the Veteran's Day event held at the National Guard Armory, where various dignitaries attended and a local veteran was honored. Commissioner Davis discussed attending an Alamo Township meeting where issues such as state funding for local and rural roads and definitions were addressed. The importance of engaging with townships on these matters was emphasized, and concerns about data centers and land use were noted. Commissioner Kennedy was thanked for attending a meeting on behalf of another commissioner.
Closed Session for Labor Negotiations (01:10:48)
The board moved to a closed session to discuss labor negotiations as per the Open Meeting Act.

The meeting progressed to a closed session pursuant to section 8(c) of the Open Meeting Act for the purpose of discussing labor negotiations. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to enter this closed session. Commissioners proceeded to an adjacent conference room to conduct the discussion and planned to return afterward to conclude the meeting.