Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - February 24, 2026 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

During the Kalamazoo County Road Commission meeting, the board discussed and approved several key items. The meeting began with the approval of a traffic control order in Oshtemo Township, addressing parking restrictions on KL Avenue due to safety concerns. The board also approved multiple local road contracts with townships such as Charleston and Prairie Ron, focusing on chip sealing and resurfacing projects. Furthermore, revisions to personnel policies were discussed, including changes to vacation days, retirement notice periods, and tuition reimbursement guidelines. The meeting concluded with an update on expected funding from the Michigan Transportation Fund and the Neighborhood Road Fund, highlighting the financial outlook for upcoming projects. The board also appreciated the hard work of the staff, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the quality of road infrastructure in Kalamazoo County.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:12)
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.

The meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County was called to order at 3:00 PM. Attendees were welcomed to the meeting.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:00:23)
Guidelines for public comment were outlined, including a three-minute limit per speaker.

Ms. Wright read the public comment guidelines, stating that participants could address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker, and those participating via Zoom should use the raise hand feature.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:25)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by attendees.

The meeting attendees joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:27)
The agenda was approved unanimously by the board.

The board approved the meeting agenda after a motion by Kennedy, supported by Davis. The motion carried with unanimous consent.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:53)
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without opposition.

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved following a motion by Davis and support by Thompson. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:03:20)
The board approved payroll and vendor accounts.

The board approved payroll and vendor accounts following a motion by Davis, seconded by Kennedy. There were no comments or questions from the board or audience.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:04:22)
Public comments were made regarding upcoming meetings and a potential millage for childcare.

Commissioner John Gissler addressed the board, discussing the schedule for upcoming responsible government meetings and expressing concerns about a proposed childcare millage.
New Business - Michigan State Police Traffic Control Order (00:07:59)
The board approved a traffic control order for no parking on KL Avenue.

The board discussed and approved a traffic control order for no parking on KL Avenue in Oshtemo Township, following concerns about parked delivery trucks creating unsafe conditions.
New Business - Agricultural Lease Agreement (00:15:09)
A new agricultural lease agreement was approved for a property on Fourth Street.

The board approved an agricultural lease agreement with Mr. Lee Phelps for farming approximately three acres of road commission property on Fourth Street.
New Business - Approval of Aggregate Materials Bid (00:19:08)
The board approved a bid for aggregate materials from multiple vendors.

The board approved the aggregate materials bid, including vendors such as Ag Resources Inc., Per Plank Trucking Co., and others, based on haul distance and delivered cost.
New Business - Charleston Township Local Road Contract (00:26:26)
A local road contract with Charleston Township was approved.

The board approved a local road contract with Charleston Township, which includes matching funds and additional contributions for road improvements.
New Business - Prairie Ronde Township Local Road Contract (00:27:44)
A local road contract with Prairie Ronde Township was approved.

The board approved a local road contract with Prairie Ronde Township, covering chip seal and gravel resurfacing projects.
New Business - Richland Township Local Road Contract (00:29:05)
A local road contract with Richland Township was approved.

The board approved a local road contract with Richland Township, which includes chip seal and gravel resurfacing projects.
New Business - Schoolcraft Township Local Road Contract (00:30:22)
A local road contract with Schoolcraft Township was approved.

The board approved a local road contract with Schoolcraft Township, which involves chip seal and HMA overlay projects.
New Business - Revised Personnel Policies (00:32:26)
Revised personnel policies were reviewed and approved with updates for vacation policy flexibility.

The board reviewed and approved revisions to personnel policies, including changes to vacation policy to allow more flexibility in offering vacation days to new hires based on experience.
Discussion on Employee Benefits Negotiation (00:35:21)
Discussion about the managing director's negotiation capabilities for employee benefits, particularly vacation time, to attract higher qualified employees.

The board discussed how the managing director could potentially have more bargaining capacity when negotiating with potential employees, particularly regarding vacation time. The discussion emphasized the importance of having more flexibility to offer attractive benefits to bring in higher qualified candidates.
Retirement Policy Changes (00:37:41)
Changes to the retirement policy for non-exempt hourly employees, making it consistent with the collective bargaining agreement.

The managing director presented changes to the retirement policy affecting non-exempt hourly employees, aligning it with the existing collective bargaining agreement. This change aims to provide consistency across the organization.
Tuition Reimbursement Policy Update (00:38:55)
Updates to the tuition reimbursement policy, including coverage for CDL license fees and emphasizing reimbursement for educational institution courses only.

The board reviewed updates to the tuition reimbursement policy, which now includes the possibility of reimbursing CDL license fees as an exception. The policy also specifies that reimbursement is only for courses taken at educational institutions, not covered by other funding sources.
Motion to Approve Personnel Policy Revisions (00:41:28)
A motion was made and approved to revise the personnel policies concerning vacation, retirement, and tuition reimbursement.

The board made a motion to approve the requested revisions to the personnel policies, including changes related to vacation, retirement, and tuition reimbursement. Audience comments were invited, and the motion was carried after a vote.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:43:02)
Time was provided for public comments on non-agenda items, but no comments were made.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments on non-agenda items, inviting both in-person and online attendees to speak. No comments were received during this time.
Managing Director's Update (00:43:33)
The managing director provided updates on legislative changes, the CRA conference, and a new video production by the communications administrator.

The managing director discussed recent legislative updates, expectations for transportation fund distributions, and the upcoming CRA conference. Additionally, a video production showcasing the year in review was presented by the communications administrator.
Board Member Comments (00:53:07)
Board members shared comments and updates from various trainings and events, expressing appreciation for the staff's work.

Board members took turns sharing their experiences and insights from recent trainings and events, including the CRA's commissioners in the classroom. Members expressed appreciation for the staff's hard work and dedication.
Adjournment (01:02:19)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion and vote.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and supported, followed by a vote. The meeting was officially adjourned after all in favor said 'aye.'

Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (22 Episodes)

Updated 2 days ago

Gavel to gavel coverage of the meetings of the Kalamazoo County Road Commission