The special meeting of the Barry County Road Commission was called to order at the Irving Township Hall at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Solmes.
Members present: Solmes, Knight, James, and Managing Director Jake Welch.
BJ Donnini, Director of Operations, and Dylan Kennedy, Engineering Technician were at the meeting.
The agenda for the Special Meeting of November 10, 2025 was approved.
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An overview of Engle Rd & Natural Beauty Road PA 451 was given. Natural beauty Designation Review Public Hearing procedures were discussed.
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Public comment was allowed and none was presented.
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Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to open the Public Hearing for Engle Road’s Natural Beauty Road Designation Review at 7:06 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight
Nays, None
Motion Carried
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The following residents spoke during the discussion:
Dawn Irwin- 5434 Grange Road – Drives bus for TK on Engle Road is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back.
Kristine Palambos – 5475 Engle Road – is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back. Would like hill signs.
Lucas Galaviz – 3220 Engle Road – is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back. Noted that snow removal is tight and doesn’t let kids near the road.
Staci Kruisenga – 5354 Engle Road – is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back. Noted the young drivers in the area.
Jeff Harthy – 3455 Engle Road – Asked what a significant project is and discussion was had regarding the tree cutting plan moving forward.
Melissa Kalkofen – 4224 Woodchuck Run – Asked about spraying for vegetation control. The BCRC advised that spraying was not part of the plan moving forward.
Paula Pauloski – 5304 Engle Road – is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back. Noted the change in traffic.
Diane – 5280 Engle Road – Did not sign in on the sign in sheet but was not in favor of the removal of the designation and was concerned with the growth on the road if the designation was removed. She was also wanting the speed limit reduced and was concerned regarding the posting of the public hearing. The advertisement was in the Hastings Banner which is the County newspaper and posted on the roadway as required by statute.
Pat Jenny – 3510 Engle Road – is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back. Noted she has lived there 35 years and the trees are the worst it’s ever been.
Lenny Brummel – 5275 Engle Road – is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back. Noted the change in traffic.
Elizabeth Chivis – 4991 Engle Road – is in favor of the removal of the designation and would like to see the trees cut back. Noted she bought her house because of the designation but would like the regular maintenance of it not being designated.
Mr. Welch read the following statement from a resident that had emailed:
“Good afternoon,
I apologize for sending a delayed email about this matter. I had planned on attending the meeting tonight, but have run into a conflict with my children’s schedule.
I hope you’ll still permit me to send this written response to the issue at hand tonight.
While I initially signed the petition to remove the natural beauty designation from Engle rd (back in July), I am not certain that I still believe this designation should be removed.
I say this for a number of reasons, but primarily do not want further development on our road to encroach upon wildlife and the current residents. I am concerned this will happen if the designation is removed.
What I am concerned about is SAFETY. I do not see why a natural beauty designation should lead to a lack of speed limit on the road, warning signs about blind hills (which are very narrow), convex mirrors to show motorists of oncoming traffic on these hills, and an overall lack of concern for safety which is currently being shown by the UPS, FedEx, and other delivery drivers who speed down our road every day.
I feel as if we can reach a compromise where the designation is not removed, but steps are taken by the township and road commission to improve these safety issues. And, certainly widening the road in a few areas, should still allow us to keep with the spirit of the law and this designation.
Lastly, we should have a new natural beauty sign, since ours is old and dilapidated. It just seems better signage and safety features on the road are needed, not a removal of the designation, as I think more about it.
Thank you and please email or call me with any input.
Sincerely,
John Lipford
3825 Engle Rd.”
Additional discussion was had with multiple parties speaking back and forth.
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Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to close the Public Hearing for Engle Road’s Natural Beauty Road Designation Review at 7:45 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight
Nays, None
Motion Carried
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Meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M.
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Secretary Chairman
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