Kalamazoo Township - Board of Trustees - February 09, 2026 Board Meeting

Updated about 15 hours ago

The Township board considers zoning ordinance amendments aimed at increasing housing through non-conforming use provisions. Citizens raised concerns about housing and storm preparation, urging better enforcement of short-term rental ordinances. The board also tackled serious issues regarding the Township Treasurer's actions, leading to a second censure motion. The board emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability while facing challenges. The meeting concluded with approvals for road improvement contracts and discussions on enhancing Township services.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:28)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees was officially called to order at 7:00 PM by the presiding officer.

The presiding officer officially called the regular meeting of the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees to order at 7:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:35)
Clerk Mackey led the board and attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Clerk Mackey led the Pledge of Allegiance, with all attendees participating in the recitation.
Roll Call (00:00:56)
The roll call was conducted, noting the presence of board members and the absence of Trustees Robinson and Glass, with a motion to excuse them.

Roll call was conducted, noting the presence of Clerk Mackey, Supervisor Combs, Trustee Sherwood, Trustee Leonard, and Treasurer Miller. Trustees Robinson and Glass were absent, and a motion was made and supported to excuse their absences.
Public Comments - First Session (00:01:31)
Members of the public raised issues about non-conforming uses, storm preparedness, and trust in government, among other topics.

Steve Ludy from Kalamazoo Township spoke about non-conforming uses for residential parcels, expressing concerns about development and parking. He also supported the board's actions regarding the treasurer's censure. Matthew McMichael raised concerns about storm preparedness, suggesting the township plan for severe weather events and consider shelters. He also discussed the erosion of trust in government and the need for better communication and engagement with residents.
Consent Agenda (00:08:20)
The consent agenda was approved with two corrections: a typo in minutes and an incorrect date.

Clerk Mackey proposed two corrections to the consent agenda: a typo under item three and an incorrect date in the minutes. The board moved to approve the amended consent agenda as recommended by the superintendent and supervisor, with all in favor.
Public Hearings and Presentations (00:09:14)
Two public hearings were conducted on zoning ordinances and conditional rezoning for hillside gravel, with motions for first readings.

The board conducted two public hearings. The first was on amending zoning ordinances related to non-conforming use provisions, with a motion for first reading. The second was on conditionally rezoning properties for hillside gravel, with a motion for first reading. Discussions included the past and present considerations by the planning commission and the implications of conditional rezoning.
Old Business (00:16:48)
There were no items to discuss under old business for this meeting.

The board noted that there were no items to discuss under old business during this meeting.
New Business - Resolution Adopting Poverty Exemption Guidelines (00:16:51)
The board approved a resolution adopting poverty exemption income guidelines based on state recommendations.

The board discussed and approved a resolution adopting poverty exemption income guidelines as recommended by the state tax commission, with a motion passed unanimously.
New Business - Resolution Adopting Asset Level Testing (00:17:54)
A resolution to adopt asset level testing for the board of review was approved without opposition.

The board considered and approved a resolution adopting asset level testing for the board of review, following a previous work session discussion. The motion passed with a roll call vote.
New Business - Resolution of Second Censure Against Treasurer (00:18:38)
Discussion on a resolution to censure Treasurer Sherine Miller for unauthorized fund transfer, with motion to adopt changes for dual signatory authority.

The board discussed a resolution for the second censure of Treasurer Sherine Miller due to unauthorized transfer of Township funds. The discussion included the treasurer's defense of her actions, the need for dual signatory authority to prevent unilateral fund transfers, and potential consequences for governance. After a heated discussion, the board moved to adopt the resolution for censure and to implement dual signatory authority for fund transfers.
Questioning Treasurer's Responsibilities (00:31:58)
The board questions the treasurer about their responsibilities, especially regarding informing staff about financial transactions.

The board questions the treasurer about their responsibilities, especially regarding informing staff about financial transactions. The discussion revolves around whether it was the treasurer's responsibility to inform staff about certain financial transactions that might impact the township's funds. The treasurer is asked if they communicated with the superintendent or staff regarding potential issues before making a transfer.
Motion to Call the Question and Resolution (00:33:33)
A motion to call the question is made, followed by a roll call vote on a censure motion, which carries.

A motion to call the question is made, followed by a roll call vote on a censure motion, which carries. The board conducts a roll call vote on a motion of censure against the treasurer. The motion carries with a majority of 'aye' votes.
Outcomes and Actions from Annual Retreat (00:35:11)
Discussion of outcomes from the annual retreat, including new staff positions and changes to office hours.

Discussion of outcomes from the annual retreat, including consideration to create a full-time employee position for the superintendent, changes to office hours on Fridays, and a stipend for the superintendent. The board discusses the need for these changes and how they will impact the township's operations.
Motion on Road Commission PAR Funds Contract (00:38:12)
Approval of the superintendent to sign the PAR fund contract with the Road Commission, which is passed by voice vote.

Approval of the superintendent to sign the PAR fund contract with the Road Commission, which is passed by voice vote. The board discusses the proposed motion and proceeds to a voice vote, which carries without opposition.
Board Member Reports and Expressions of Disappointment (00:39:11)
Board members express disappointment about the current situation and emphasize the importance of communication and stability.

Board members express disappointment about the current situation involving the treasurer. They discuss the need for stability, direction, and communication within the board and express regret over the current state of affairs.
Supervisor's Report on Board Policy and Ethics (00:43:00)
The supervisor discusses the board policy handbook, ethical expectations, and the reasons for addressing the current issues.

The supervisor discusses the board policy handbook, ethical expectations, and the reasons for addressing the current issues with the treasurer. The supervisor emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, personal conduct, and adherence to the board's code of ethics.
Public Comment Periods (00:49:55)
Public comments focus on support for the board's actions, housing issues, and the importance of accountability.

During the public comment periods, members of the public express support for the board's actions regarding the treasurer, highlight housing issues related to short-term rentals, and emphasize the importance of accountability and transparency in government.

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