Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - March 10, 2026 Board of County Road Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 1 hour ago

The board discusses and approves the repair of a traffic signal at Ninth Street and Stadium Drive, which was damaged in an accident. The board examines the potential for recouping costs from such incidents and discusses purchasing asphalt distributors to reduce long-term costs and enhance operations. Local road contracts for Kalamazoo, Ross, and Wsna Townships are also reviewed and approved, highlighting ongoing investments in local infrastructure. The meeting covers important operational and financial decisions affecting the county's road system.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:01)
The Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County meeting is called to order.

The chair called the meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County to order, signaling the start of the proceedings.
Public Comment Guidelines (00:01:08)
Guidelines for public comments were read, highlighting time limits and procedures.

Ms. Rider presented the public comment guidelines, explaining that participants have the opportunity to address the board at the beginning and end of the meeting. Comments should be limited to three minutes per person.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:12)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present at the meeting.

The chair asked everyone present to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance, and the pledge was recited.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:58)
The agenda was approved as presented with no objections or additions.

A motion to approve the agenda was made and supported. The agenda was approved unanimously with no comments from the audience or commissioners.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:32)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved after correcting a typo.

Commissioner Thompson moved to approve the minutes with support. A correction was noted and made to a typo in the first paragraph. The minutes were approved with the correction.
Approval of Payroll and Vendor Accounts (00:04:32)
The payroll and vendor accounts were approved without questions or objections.

A motion to approve the payroll and vendor accounts was made and supported. There were no questions from the audience or commissioners, and the motion carried.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:05:16)
Commissioner Gissler spoke on emergency management training and a potential childcare millage.

Commissioner John Gissler addressed the board, mentioning upcoming emergency management training for elected officials and expressing concerns about a proposed childcare millage, suggesting budget adjustments instead of new taxes.
New Business: Traffic Signal Communications and Mast Arm Installation (00:13:19)
Approval was requested for traffic signal repairs and improvements at two locations in Kalamazoo County.

The managing director presented a bid from Severance Electric for traffic signal mast arm repairs at Stadium Drive and 9th Street and improvements at N Avenue and Sprinkle Road. The board was asked to approve the bid.
New Business: Asphalt Distributors Purchase (00:21:03)
The board approved the purchase of asphalt distributors to improve chip seal operations.

Discussion on purchasing new asphalt distributors for fog seal operations and long-term improvements. The board was asked to approve the purchase of one smaller and one larger distributor to enhance operational efficiency.
Discussion on Equipment Purchase and Application Bidding (00:34:11)
The board discussed the high bidding situation for equipment application and the decision to purchase equipment in-house.

The board reviewed the situation where there was only one high bidder for the equipment application, leading to a decision to purchase equipment in-house. This change aims to bring applications in-house rather than through contracts. The discussion included approving a tanker truck for material storage and appreciation for staff efforts in capital improvements.
Approval of Kalamazoo Township Local Road Contract (00:35:57)
Board approved the local road contract for Kalamazoo Township, including a project for drainage on Westwood Drive.

The board considered and approved the Kalamazoo Township local road contract. This contract includes a project to line an existing storm sewer pipe beneath a garage, addressing drainage issues on Westwood Drive. The board appreciated the collaboration with Kalamazoo Township in making this project possible.
Approval of Ross Township Local Road Contract (00:37:24)
The board approved the Ross Township local road contract focusing on preventative projects.

The board reviewed and approved the Ross Township local road contract. Ross Township had a township-wide special assessment that has now expired, but significant investment in their road system continues. The contract primarily includes preventative maintenance projects such as crack filling and chip sealing.
Approval of Wsna Township Local Road Contract (00:38:49)
The board approved the local road contract for Wsna Township, which includes significant road investments.

The board discussed and approved the Wsna Township local road contract. Wsna Township has a current road millage of two mills, which funds significant investment in their road infrastructure. The board highlighted the township's commitment to matching funds and the positive impact on local roads.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:40:12)
Public comments were invited on non-agenda items, including inquiries about seasonal weight restrictions.

During the public comment period for non-agenda items, a member of the public, John Gissler, inquired about the timeline for lifting seasonal weight restrictions. The managing director indicated that an update would be provided shortly.
Managing Director's Report (00:41:10)
The managing director provided updates on various topics including weight restrictions and road association conferences.

The managing director reported on several topics including the County Road Association annual conference, a scheduled meeting with TMO Township, and the status of seasonal weight restrictions. The frost is almost gone, but roads need time to settle before lifting restrictions, potentially next week.
Update on Maple Hill Drive Extension and Youth Sports Complex (00:45:29)
An update was provided on the Maple Hill Drive extension project related to the Youth Sports Complex development.

Ryan Maintenance, the county engineer, provided an update on the Maple Hill Drive extension, a critical project for the new Youth Sports Complex. The project involves multiple entities due to its location crossing municipal boundaries. An exception request related to on-street parking remains, but other issues have been resolved.
Emergency Response and Mutual Aid Discussion (00:47:56)
Discussion on the Road Commission's role in emergency response and mutual aid agreements with neighboring counties.

The board discussed the Road Commission's involvement in emergency response, specifically during recent tornado events. The managing director highlighted the commission's readiness to assist with emergency management and mutual aid agreements with neighboring counties, although no assistance was required in the recent incidents.
Commissioner Reports and Committee Updates (00:49:39)
Commissioners provided updates on various committee activities and upcoming meetings and events.

Commissioners shared updates on their committee activities and highlighted upcoming events, such as the County Parks meeting and upcoming road tours. The vice chair appreciated the road tours for understanding field issues, and the chair mentioned the importance of supporting the Roads Plus PAC.
Adjournment (00:52:56)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion to do so.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was supported and carried.

Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (22 Episodes)

Updated about 1 hour ago

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