Kalamazoo Township - September 08, 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees meeting addresses multiple special assessments including those for police, fire, and solid waste services. A recurring public concern is the clarity and accessibility of communication regarding these assessments. Residents express the need for better public notice and clearer language, especially concerning the renewal of assessments. The board also discusses the adoption of resolutions related to these assessments and approves the purchase of police evidence management software. A trustee plans to attend a climate action conference, and board members remind the public of upcoming suicid prevention initiatives and local elections.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:40)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo Township board of trustees was called to order.

The meeting was officially called to order by the presiding officer, marking the start of the session.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:48)
Trustee Glass led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustee Glass led the board and attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:01:12)
All board members were present except Trustee Sherwood, who was excused.

A roll call of the board members was conducted, confirming the presence of Trustee Kennedy, Treasurer Miller, Clerk Mackie, Supervisor Combs, Trustee Leonard, and Trustee Glass. Trustee Sherwood was absent but was officially excused by a motion.
Public Comment Period 1 (00:01:49)
Diane Owen Rodgers expressed concerns about communication regarding millages and assessments.

Diane Owen Rodgers spoke during the public comment period, thanking the board for their service and raising concerns about the clarity of communication regarding millages and special assessments, particularly with regard to police and fire assessments.
Consent Agenda (00:03:31)
The consent agenda was approved as recommended by the superintendent and supervisor.

A motion was made to approve the consent agenda, which was seconded and passed without opposition, formalizing the superintendent and supervisor's recommendations.
Public Hearings on Special Assessments (00:03:54)
Multiple public hearings were held on special assessments, including police and fire departments.

Public hearings were conducted for various special assessments, including those for the police operating and community policing, police department capital, fire department operating, fire department capital, street lighting, and solid waste and recycling. Each hearing allowed for public comment, although participation was limited.
New Business: Adoption of Resolutions (00:11:22)
Resolutions for special assessments and police department software were adopted.

The board adopted several resolutions related to special assessments for police and fire departments, street lighting, and solid waste and recycling. Additionally, a resolution was passed approving the purchase of evidence management software for the police department.
Board Member Reports (00:23:00)
Board members provided reports on various topics, including upcoming conferences and community awareness.

Trustee Glass shared plans to attend a climate action conference. Trustee Kennedy reminded of the importance of suicide prevention awareness. Treasurer Miller thanked a retiring finance associate, and Clerk Mackie provided an update on an upcoming election.
Public Comment Period 2 (00:28:38)
Additional public comments were made regarding public notice and communication effectiveness.

During the second public comment period, speakers highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of public notices and suggested improvements in communication strategies to ensure residents are informed about important issues.
Adjournment (00:31:02)
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

The meeting was officially adjourned by the presiding officer at 8:00 PM, concluding the session.

Kalamazoo Charter Township (14 Episodes)

Updated about 5 hours ago

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