Terry Kizer

The meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the approval of the General Appropriations Act and the Salary Resolution, with a 4-to-1 vote for the latter. Contract renewals were approved for Appraisals Plus and Wilson Mowing and Snowplowing LLC for three years. The Board agreed to approve the retention schedule for services, excluding Civic Assure pending a future contract, and authorized staff to prepare a contract for new municipal software (Civic Assure) for the April meeting. Under unfinished business, the Board approved funding for improvements to specified RCKC roads and authorized the repair of the exit gate at Rector Community Park, to be paid by the Kalamazoo Fund. The Board also accepted the Principles of Governance document from the MTA. In new business, arrangements were made for portable toilets at Rector Community Park for the summer. A separate special meeting was planned to address separating the Fire assessment and budget.

The New Business section focused on the discussion of the Budget for 2026-2027, which included a review of each line item and minor detail changes. A significant point of discussion was the fire assessment tax, necessitating separate budgets for the fire department. The Treasurer was tasked with preparing two fire department budget breakdowns prior to the April meeting. General Ledger numbers were also adjusted.

The Township Board Meeting agenda was approved. Guests presented information regarding township road repairs scheduled for the year, including the use of leftover funds from the 8th St. project. The Board enacted Ordinance 26-01, establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Solar Energy Facilities, which was moved up in the agenda due to the Treasurer's early departure. The Planning Commission meeting for February was cancelled. The Fire Department reported 94 calls in January, and acknowledged the retirement of Firefighter Josh Eichler after 11 years of service. Supervisor Scott raised concerns regarding the difficulty in enforcing laws against abandoned campers at the Park and Ride and rest area due to insufficient laws. Discussion on Principles of Governance was deferred until the March meeting.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included a new item regarding the review of the Prein & Newhof agreement and fee schedule. Reports covered building permit statistics, showing a decrease in building and electrical permits but an increase in mechanical permits for the month. The Planning Commission held elections, confirming Emily Gilroy as Chairperson, and continued education on solar and battery storage. The Fire Department reported an increase in weather-related calls for 2025 and discussed the significant projected costs associated with transitioning from VHF to 800-Megahertz (MHz) radios for Central Dispatch compatibility, including potential partial reimbursement. A Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office representative shared literature on fraud prevention, with plans for a future presentation. Key decisions involved a motion to keep the museum property unless an emergent revenue need arises, despite its potential sale value. New business included approving the Planning and Zoning fee schedule and committing $85,172.00 to the KCRC par fund. The 2026 Township Junk drop-off dates were set, and the Prein & Newhof professional services agreement was approved.

The primary discussion point during the New Business segment of the meeting was the Budget for 2026-2027, which included a detailed review of each line item. A motion was passed to excuse Trustee LoBreƩo from the evening's meetings.