Kalamazoo Township - Board of Trustees - July 13, 2026 Board Meeting

Updated about 11 hours ago

The Kalamazoo Township Board held a meeting to discuss various community issues. The meeting included public comments, about the Kalamazoo County Childcare Millage campaign and from residents about increasing neighborhood crime and traffic safety concerns. The board approved a moratorium on data centers and battery storage facilities to allow time for study and planning. Additionally, the board addressed the reallocation of office space to better accommodate township staff, with the supervisor agreeing to work without a permanent office. The meeting also included updates on tax bill distribution, traffic safety, and community events.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:01)
The Township Board business meeting was called to order.

The meeting began with a welcome to those present and a call to order for the business meeting of the Township Board.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:09)
Trustee Sherwood led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustee Sherwood led the attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:00:28)
Roll call was conducted; Trustee Sherwood, Trustee Glass, Trustee Martin, Treasurer Robinson, and Supervisor Combs were present.

A roll call of board members was conducted. Trustees Sherwood, Glass, Martin, Treasurer Robinson, and Supervisor Combs were present. Clerk Mackie was absent and excused.
Approval of Absence (00:00:40)
The board approved a motion to excuse Clerk Mackie from the meeting.

Supervisor Combs moved to excuse Clerk Mackie from the meeting. The motion was supported and approved by the board.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:50)
The agenda was approved without additions or deletions.

The agenda for the meeting was reviewed. There were no additions or deletions, so it was approved as presented.
Public Comment Period 1 (00:00:58)
Public comments were made regarding childcare and neighborhood safety.

A member of the public spoke about the Kalamazoo County Childcare Millage campaign and its impact on local childcare. Another resident expressed concerns about increased crime and speeding in his neighborhood.
Consent Agenda (00:06:26)
The consent agenda was approved, including payment of bills and approval of previous minutes.

Treasurer Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda, which included payment of bills and approval of minutes from a previous regular meeting. The motion was supported and passed.
Public Hearings and Presentations (00:07:14)
First readings of ordinances on data centers and battery storage were discussed.

Two first readings were presented: one for a moratorium on data centers and another for battery storage facilities, allowing time to develop appropriate standards and regulations.
New Business: Settlement Agreement (00:10:54)
A settlement and release agreement with Sherine Miller was accepted.

The board discussed and approved a settlement and release agreement with Sherine Miller. This agreement follows a previous resignation agreement with Sherine Miller.
New Business: Office Space Resolution (00:12:56)
Resolution to reallocate office space to accommodate Township needs was passed.

A resolution was passed directing the superintendent to reconfigure office spaces to better accommodate staff and operational needs, including changes to the supervisor's office.
Public Comment Period 2 (00:20:44)
Concerns about the golf course property and housing were raised.

A member of the public expressed concerns about unilateral decisions on the golf course property without community input and questioned the effectiveness of housing solutions proposed.
Superintendent Comments (00:21:43)
Updates on Township services and acknowledgments were provided.

The superintendent provided updates on upcoming final assessments and acknowledged assistance from local services in recent clean-up efforts.
Board Member Reports (00:22:47)
Board members provided updates on various topics including tax bills and public safety.

Treasurer Robinson discussed tax bills and property fraud alerts. Trustee Martin commented on traffic safety concerns. Trustee Leonard attended a county session on data centers. Trustee Sherwood mentioned an upcoming neighborhood meeting.
Traffic Safety and Firefighter Accident (00:29:14)
Discussion on recent traffic issues and a firefighter accident, urging caution in driving and ongoing safety efforts.

Traffic and driving issues were discussed, especially following a recent news article about a head-on accident involving two township firefighters, who thankfully were unharmed. The meeting stressed the importance of cautious driving, especially during busy summer times when children are out of school. Trustee Sherwood is leading ongoing conversations with state and city partners to improve road safety, particularly along the West Main corridor.
Heat Wave and Cooling Resources (00:30:17)
Announcement of heat wave conditions and available resources for cooling down, such as libraries and county services.

The meeting addressed the current heat wave, urging residents to stay cool and utilize available resources. Kalamazoo County and the Kalamazoo Public Libraries offer places to cool down, and residents are encouraged to visit these facilities or access their websites for more information. The importance of checking on vulnerable individuals during the heat was also emphasized.
Adjournment (00:31:05)
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was supported and approved unanimously.

After discussing all agenda items, the chair called for any additional comments. Seeing none, a motion to adjourn the meeting was proposed, supported, and passed unanimously by the attendees, concluding the session.

Kalamazoo Charter Township (11 Episodes)

Updated about 11 hours ago

Gavel to gavel coverage of meetings of the Kalamazoo Charter Township Board of Trustees.