January 6, 2026

 

 

Secretary of the Board, Chris BeBeau, called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Boardroom at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, James, Knight, and Managing Director Jake Welch.

 

The floor was opened up for nominations for Chairman.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded that nominations be closed and vote that David Solmes be Chairman.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

The meeting was turned over to Chairman Solmes.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded that Commissioner James be Vice-Chairman.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded that Chris BeBeau, Finance Director, be Secretary of the Board.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

The agenda for January 6, 2026 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meetings – December 31, 2025

 

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded that the regular Board Meetings will be held on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 A.M.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Chairman Solmes appointed himself to the County Parks & Recreation Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future Strategic Planning and Management staffing was discussed.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to change the January 20, 2026 Board Meeting to January 27, 2026 and to cancel the February 3, 2026 Board Meeting.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

December 31, 2025

 

Chairman Solmes called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Board Room at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, James, and Director of Operations Brian Donnini.  Knight excused.

 

The agenda for December 31, 2025 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meetings – December 16, 2025
• Payroll
• Bills

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & James

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

CHECK             NAME                                                                            AMOUNT

12/18/25              Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $193,112.31

12/31/25              Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $160,751.25

 

Bills:

12/8/25

Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48250	AAA Sling Ind Supply, Inc	$1,140.48
48251	Ben Byle	$98.45
48252	Brian Donnini	$150.00
48256	Capital One Bank	$45,558.07
48257	City Of Hastings	$873.64
48258	Consumers Energy	$5,610.18
48259	Culligan Water Conditioning	$71.50
48260	D & K Truck Company	$0.00
48261	D & K Truck Company	$11,153.23
48262	Detroit Salt Company LLC	$40,497.45
48263	Floyd’s Electric Service Inc	$325.00
48264	Fox Chevrolet Buick	$474.27
48265	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$18,600.00
48266	Grainger, Inc	$400.08
48267	Granger	$191.29
48268	H.S.V. Redi-Mix	$2,880.00
48269	Hastings Ace Hardware	$2,689.61
48270	Jesse Alexander	$220.46
48271	Jonathan Norris	$54.45
48272	Kimball Midwest	$1,293.91
48273	Lakeland Asphalt Corp	$3,177.50
48274	Leaping Lizards	$562.50
48275	Liana Vickery	$829.54
48276	LJ Fluid Power Inc	$259.08
48277	Luke Selby	$222.31
48278	M & K Quality Truck Center	$5,119.52
48279	Michigan Chloride Sales LLC	$3,803.25
48280	Mike Hull	$68.90
48281	Parts and Service Financing	$2,712.65
48282	Purity Cylinder Gases Inc	$122.15
48283	R A Equipment, Inc.	$19,700.00
48284	Rex Ferris	$663.82
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48285	Ridderman Oil	$20,850.00
48286	Rob Garrett	$744.89
48287	Sandman Trucking, Inc.	$526.00
48288	Scott Bond	$107.06
48289	Scott Civil Engineering Co	$18,610.00
48290	Total Fire & Security	$480.00
48291	Tractor Supply Company	$101.77
48292	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$14,713.80
48293	UniFirst Corporation	$133.60
48294	Verizon	$1,263.05
48295	Verns Repair & Sport	$175.95
48296	View Newspaper Group	$328.00
48297	Yellow Rose Transport, Inc.	$85,775.32
	Sub-Total	$313,332.73
12/30/2025
48298	Adam Nieland	$439.10
48299	APEC	$280.00
48300	Barry County	$10,082.27
48301	Bauer Built Tire	$945.48
48302	Brandy Casey	$267.12
48305	Capital One Bank	$22,733.93
48306	Chris BeBeau	$737.66
48307	Chris BeBeau BCRC	$484.41
48308	Consumers Energy	$448.53
48309	D & K Truck Company	$10,583.70
48310	Dana Kilmer	$612.02
48311	David Liddell	$349.87
48312	Detroit Salt Company LLC	$40,217.36
48313	DLZ	$6,228.92
48314	Foremost Graphics	$695.13
48315	Hastings Ace Hardware	$17.80
48316	Jamie Knight	$376.53
48317	Key Cleaning Services, Inc.	$681.00
48318	Kimball Midwest	$1,157.66
48319	LJ Fluid Power Inc	$904.00
48320	LRE Engineers & Surveyors	$6,009.66
48321	Michael Hoebeke	$229.17
48322	Michigan Cat	$493.02
48323	Parts and Service Financing	$3,579.84
48324	Quadient Finance USA Inc	$200.00
48325	R A Equipment, Inc.	$494.61
48326	Ridderman Oil	$20,727.00
48327	Scott Civil Engineering Co	$34,950.00
48328	State of Michigan	$270.00
48329	Steensma Lawn & Power Equipment	$337.20
48330	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$266.33
48331	Trystyn Yoder	$100.65
48332	UniFirst Corporation	$582.54
48333	Van’t Hof Door & Gate Systems	$473.00
48334	Yellow Rose Transport, Inc.	$191,037.64
	Sub-Total	$357,993.15
	Total	$671,325.88

 

Director of Operations Brian Donnini explained to the Board the reason for the Snowmobile and ORV Trails Policy.  In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan snowmobilers have been using the R.O.W. and there have been lawsuits because of this.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to adopt the Snowmobile and ORV Trails Policy and placed it in the Board Policy Book.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & James

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to adopt the 2025 Budget Amendment #2.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & James

Nays, None

Motion Carried

Amended Revenues BUDGET Amendment Budget M.V.H.F. 10,384,728 -329,716 10,055,012 Other State Funds 0 33,681 33,681 Federal Funds 350,000 10,323 360,323 Critical Bridge 0 0 County Appropriations 11,334 11,334 Township Contributions 2,362,267 -188,457 2,173,810 Other Governmental Contributions 0 44,294 44,294 Other Contributions 0 33,181 33,181 Salvage Sales 20,000 -9,716 10,284 Miscellaneous Sales 2,000 -1,260 740 Interest Earned 150,000 8,187 158,187 Property Rentals 9,225 2,630 11,855 Equipment Rentals 3,570,470   458,721 4,029,191 Handling Charges 520 -390 130 Purchase Discounts 1,000   486 1,486 Gain/Loss Disp. Of Equipment 869,681 -504,547 365,134 Depreciation & Depletion 1,175,804   248,054 1,423,858 Equipment Retirements 0 713,048 713,048 Installment Leases 0 0 Trade-In Allowances 0 0 Permit Fees 50,000 27,297 77,297 Bond Proceeds 0 0 Refunds 70,000 28,307 98,307 Total Revenues 19,027,029 574,123 19,601,152 Expenditures   Primary Construction 0 85,065 85,065 Local Construction 0 34,638 34,638 Primary Preservation 279,330 747,587 1,026,917 Local Preservation 170,670 374,900 545,570 Primary Routine Maintenance 3,056,275 322,091 3,378,366 Local Routine Maintenance 6,440,599 -454,736 5,985,863 Equipment Expense Direct 2,010,579   793,573 2,804,152 Equipment Expense Indirect 649,661   370,740 1,020,401 Equipment Expense Operating 458,354   11,461 469,815 Distributive Expense 2,115,551   -2,115,551 0 Administrative Expense 725,951   55,715 781,666 Capital Expense 2,458,031   607,562 3,065,593 Note Payments 572,000   -4,583 567,417 Other Units of Government 0   20,380 20,380 Total Expenditures 18,937,001 848,842 19,785,843 Budgeted Net Revenues (Exp) 90,028 -274,719 -184,691 Projected Fund Balance Prior Year 3,621,859 0 3,621,859 Projected Fund Balance 3,711,887 -274,719 3,437,168

The 2026 Budget Public Hearing was opened up to the public at 6:45 A.M.

 

The Public Hearing was closed at 6:46 A.M.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to adopt the 2026 Budget as presented.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & James

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

Revenues	BUDGET
M.V.H.F.	10,664,878
Other State Funds	0
Federal Funds	4,521,700
Critical Bridge	0
County Appropriations	11,334
Township Contributions	2,640,374
Other Governmental Contributions	0
Other Contributions	0
Salvage Sales	20,000
Miscellaneous Sales	2,000
Interest Earned	150,000
Property Rentals	9,225
Equipment Rentals	3,913,255
Handling Charges	520
Purchase Discounts	1,000
Gain/Loss Disp. Of Equipment	834,681
Depreciation & Depletion	1,455,000
Equipment Retirements	0
Installment Leases	0
Trade-In Allowances	0
Permit Fees	50,000
Bond Proceeds	0
Refunds	70,000
Total Revenues	24,343,967
Expenditures
Primary Construction	0
Local Construction	0
Primary Preservation	1,885,000
Local Preservation	3,607,000
Primary Routine Maintenance	4,750,299
Local Routine Maintenance	5,745,279
Equipment Expense Direct	2,595,009
Equipment Expense Indirect	862,554
Equipment Expense Operating	475,360
Distributive Expense	1,057,636
Administrative Expense	770,149
Capital Expense	2,034,681
Note Payments	561,000
Other Units of Government	0
Total Expenditures	24,343,967
Budgeted Net Revenues (Exp)	0
Projected Fund Balance Prior Year	2,488,542
Projected Fund Balance	2,488,542

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Meeting adjourned at 6:49 A.M.

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

December 16, 2025

 

Chairman Solmes called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Board Room at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, James, Knight, and Managing Director Jake Welch.

 

The agenda for December 16, 2025 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meetings – December 2, 2025
• Payroll
• Bills

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

CHECK             NAME                                                                            AMOUNT

12/4/25                Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $160,016.73

 

Bills:

12/4/25

Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48196	Aaron Boeske	$941.88
48197	Action Traffic Maintenance Inc	$818.00
48198	Alec Belson	$80.00
48199	Bert Keeler	$380.00
48200	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$2,815.20
48201	Brandy Casey	$308.51
48202	Brian Donnini	$80.00
48205	Capital One Bank	$26,310.65
48206	Charles Benedict	$552.54
48207	Chris BeBeau	$80.00
48208	Christyl Burnett	$45.00
48209	Culligan Water Conditioning	$65.00
48210	D & K Truck Company	$7,024.09
48211	David Liddell	$80.00
48212	Delta Dental	$57.66
48213	Detroit Salt Company LLC	$88,160.91
48214	Dylan Kennedy	$260.09
48215	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$2,380.50
48216	Gary Vandecar	$552.54
48217	Geiger Printers	$524.36
48218	Hastings Ace Hardware	$267.50
48219	Jake Welch	$300.00
48220	Jonathan Norris	$787.43
48221	Kalamazoo Valley Comm. College	$130.00
48222	Kendall Pranshka	$276.28
48223	Kent Rubber Supply Co.	$632.48
48224	Key Cleaning Services, Inc.	$681.00
48225	Kimball Midwest	$1,239.61
48226	Lakeland Asphalt Corp	$23,457.50
48227	Larry Maupin	$552.54
48228	LRE Engineers & Surveyors	$22,037.55
48229	Mark Weeks	$340.00
48230	Mika, Meyers, Beckett & Jones	$170.00
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48231	Morgan Site Services	$921.00
48232	Patricia Wolf	$276.28
48233	Priority Health	$24,565.03
48234	Reed & Hoppes, Inc.	$1,050.00
48235	Ridderman Oil	$23,050.00
48236	Robert Nagel	$276.28
48237	Scott Bond	$80.00
48238	Scott Schantz Jr.	$80.00
48239	Shannon Elston	$45.00
48240	Tom Chaffee	$276.28
48241	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$5,198.29
48242	UniFirst Corporation	$133.60
48243	US Hydraulics LLC	$1,049.62
48244	Valley Truck Parts, Inc	$3,938.99
48245	Vork Brothers Painting, LLC	$24,540.00
48246	Wayne Moore	$407.20
48247	Wayne Roush	$276.28
48248	Yellow Rose Transport, Inc.	$254,109.47
	Total	$522,662.14

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Director Jake Welch gave the Board an update on the Road Funding and when the funding might be available.  Mr. Welch also reviewed with the Board the adjustments to the list of  projects and equipment the Road Commission is planning to do with this funding.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

The following bids were opened on December 4, 2025 at 10:30 A.M.

 

Spray Foam Installation:

 

BID ITEMS	Devos Insulation	RAM Construction Services
Spray Foam Insulation	$198,805.60	$299,875

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to award the Spray Foam Insulation to Devos Insulation as low bidder.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used Excavator:

 

Bid Items	Units	MacAllister Equipment	Reco Equipment	AIS Equipment	Alta Equipment
Used Excavator	ea	$225,750.00	$232,750.00	$239,500.00	$222,500.00
Option #2					$212,500.00

 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to award the Used Excavator bid to MacAllister Equipment for a 2019 330 Excavator for $225,750.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Used Loader:

 

Bid Items	Units	MacAllister Equipment	Reco Equipment	AIS Equipment	Alta Equipment
Used Loader	ea	$249,950.00	$209,500.00	$249,500.00	$257,500.00
Option #2				$244,900.00	$305,000.00
Option #3					$307,500.00

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to reject all bids in the best interest of the Barry County Road Commission.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Director Jake Welch and Equipment Superintendent Scott Schantz explained to the Board that the Tar Distributor that was approved to be purchased at the November 18, 2025 Board Meeting for $444,343 was not available until after the sealcoat season next year.  AIS Construction has a 2025 Etnyre Distributor through the MiDeal program that has upgrades and is available immediately for $469,998.00.  The warranty would not begin until we started using the Distributor.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to amend the motion from November 18, 2025 Board Meeting regarding the purchase of a Tar Distributor. The revised purchase price through the MiDeal program is $469,998.00.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to set the bid date of January 15, 2026 for IT Upgrades, Well, and Overhead Crane.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

The bids for Timber Harvesting in the Chaffee Pit were opened on December 12, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

 

Bidder                                                Amount

Benner Logging, Inc.                          $26,301.00

Buskirk Lumber                                  $23,374.00

Northwest Hardwoods, Inc.               $25,798.00

Quality Hardwoods, Inc.                    $25,441.00

 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to award the Timber Harvesting bid for Chaffee Pit to Benner Logging, Inc. for $26,301.00 as high bidder.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

.

Managing Director Jake Welch invited the Board Members to return at 1:00 p.m. today to attend a ceremony in which the Barry County Road Commission will receive the TAMC Culvert Award. This new award recognizes a program that documents the locations of culverts throughout the county. To date, 2,165 culverts in Barry County have been recorded, including their size and GPS location.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

December 2, 2025

 

Chairman Solmes called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Board Room at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, James, Knight, and Managing Director Jake Welch.

 

The agenda for December 2, 2025 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meetings – November 18, 2025
• Payroll
• Bills

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

CHECK             NAME                                                                            AMOUNT

11/20/25              Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $160,263.75

 

Bills:

11/20/25

Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48157	Bauer Built Tire	$487.60
48158	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$694.14
48160	Capital One Bank	$34,871.75
48161	Carpenter Gravel Inc	$270.82
48162	CDW Government	$1,522.16
48163	Consumers Energy	$3,438.64
48164	Corewell Health Occupational	$1,374.72
48165	County Rd Association Self Ins	$16,901.00
48166	Culligan Water Conditioning	$112.00
48167	D & K Truck Company	$8,329.30
48168	Detroit Salt Company LLC	$23,432.70
48169	DLZ	$16,704.62
48170	Dylan Kennedy	$53.00
48171	Floyd’s Electric Service Inc	$675.00
48172	Foster Swift Collins & Smith	$100.00
48173	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$7,156.50
48174	Granger	$191.29
48175	J & H Oil Company	$3,079.18
48176	Jim Raulston	$613.63
48177	John Deere Financial	$350.08
48178	Joshua McConnon	$137.79
48179	Kalamazoo Valley Comm. College	$780.00
48180	Kimball Midwest	$1,021.54
48181	Lincoln National Life Ins	$595.23
48182	MCRCSIP	$1,000.00
48183	NEXUS RC, LLC	$47,125.00
48184	Pratt Industries US	$7,450.00
48185	Priority Health	$22,125.07
48186	Purity Cylinder Gases Inc	$224.92
48187	Ridderman Oil	$26,169.52
48188	Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge	$180.00
48189	State Of Michigan	$363.42
48190	Tele-Rad, Inc.	$267.80
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48191	Tom Boulter	$367.09
48192	Tractor Supply Company	$452.77
48193	UniFirst Corporation	$583.76
48194	View Newspaper Group	$82.00
48195	Yellow Rose Transport, Inc.	$82,099.49
	Total	$311,383.53

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to enter into a Brush Maintenance and Mowing Contract with Frontline Maintenance and to authorize payments of  $32,355.55 per month for these services.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made and seconded to hereby determine and declare that it is in the best interest of the public to absolutely abandon and discontinue 1638 feet of the highway, to include the bridge, known as Scott Road, reserving easement for existing public utilities and described as follows: Scott Rd between M-79 and Morgan Road, from Morgan Rd east for 1638 feet, in the Township of Castleton, Barry County, Michigan.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to accept extending the 2025 Pavement Marking bid from Michigan Pavement Markings for 2026 at the cost listed in their letter.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

Michigan Pavement Markings LLC would like to renew the pavement marking contract with your Road Commission for the 2026 season.  We will be happy to honor the same unit prices from the 2025 season. Thank you for the work you have awarded us in the past. It was greatly appreciated. I hope we can keep a good working relationship for the future.  These prices will be extended through the 2026 season.

 

WATERBORNE  PAINT

4” White                                     .053/lft                     4” Yellow        .           .056/lft

12” Crosswalk                            1.00/lft                     24” Stop Bar   .           1.25/lft

Left Arrow                                 $30/ea                      Right Arrow               $30/ea

Thru Arrow                                $25/ea                      Combo Arrow             $45/ea

ONLY Symbol                           $30/ea                      SCHOOL Symbol       $70/ea

STOP AHEAD                          $100/ea                    Removal                      $1/lft

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to purchase a Chloride Containment System at Management discretion from Ironclad Environmental Solutions, Inc. from the Wexford County Road Commission bid for $19,000.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:36 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

November 18, 2025

 

Chairman Solmes called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Board Room at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, James, Knight, and Managing Director Jake Welch.

 

The agenda for November 18, 2025 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meetings – November 4, 2025 & November 10, 2025
• Payroll
• Bills

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

CHECK             NAME                                                                            AMOUNT

11/6/25                Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $160,349.33

 

Bills:

11/6/25

Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48100	Alec Belson	$376.67
48101	Bauer Built Tire	$454.42
48102	Ben Byle	$118.71
48103	Bert Keeler	$380.00
48104	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$233.91
48105	Brandy Casey	$80.00
48106	Brent Cisler	$190.79
48107	Brian Donnini	$80.00
48110	Capital One Bank	$56,255.53
48111	Carleton Equipment Co	$686.51
48112	Charles Benedict	$552.54
48113	Chris BeBeau	$80.00
48114	City Of Hastings	$781.84
48115	Culligan Water Conditioning	$78.00
48116	D & K Truck Company	$5,543.62
48117	David Daniels	$208.69
48118	David Liddell	$80.00
48119	Dylan Kennedy	$291.97
48120	Floyd’s Electric Service Inc	$299.00
48121	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$7,366.50
48122	Gary Vandecar	$552.54
48123	Great Lakes Cleaning Systems	$292.48
48124	H.S.V. Redi-Mix	$256.28
48125	Hall’s Septic	$95.00
48126	Hastings Ace Hardware	$268.04
48127	J & H Oil Company	$1,370.27
48128	Jake Welch	$311.36
48129	Keizer-Morris International	$894.03
48130	Kendall Pranshka	$276.28
48131	Key Cleaning Services, Inc.	$981.00
48132	Kimball Midwest	$462.30
48133	Lakeland Asphalt Corp	$211.70
48134	Larry Maupin	552.54
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48135	Leaping Lizards	$600.00
48136	Luke Selby	$435.83
48137	Mark Weeks	$340.00
48138	Parts and Service Financing	$4,700.91
48139	Patricia Wolf	$276.28
48140	Purity Cylinder Gases Inc	$92.38
48141	Robert Nagel	$276.28
48142	Rocket Enterprise, Inc.	$7,000.00
48143	Scott Bond	$80.00
48144	Scott Civil Engineering Co	$5,480.00
48145	Scott Schantz Jr.	$80.00
48146	Scott Swen	$375.30
48147	SME Inc.	$3,000.00
48148	Todd Wenzel Buick GMC	$33,998.00
48149	Tom Chaffee	$276.28
48150	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$38,233.87
48151	UniFirst Corporation	$267.20
48152	Van’t Hof Door & Gate Systems	$255.00
48153	Verizon	$1,263.05
48154	Wayne Roush	$276.28
48155	Wyoming Asphalt Paving Co	$1,722.08
48156	Yellow Rose Transport, Inc.	$90,785.48
		$270,476.74

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to schedule a Board Meeting for December 31, 2025 at 6:30 A.M.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to set the Public Hearing for the Proposed 2026 Budget for December 31, 2025, at 6:45 A.M.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded authorizing Chris BeBeau, Finance Director, to sign the engagement letter from Gabridge & Company for the 2025 Financial Audit not to exceed $16,500 pending approval from the County Board of Commissioners.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve and sign the employment contract with Managing Director, Jake Welch, effectively extending his current contract through the end of 2028.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

 

Managing Director Jake Welch briefed the Board on the MTF increase and the items that the BCRC identified as the most beneficial to pursue.  Bonding was also discussed.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

A motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to authorize Management to set the bid dates for a used loader, a used excavator, and insulation for the garage.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to authorize Management to purchase a Tar Distributor through the Mi-Deal program for $444,343.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

The Board had discussion on the Public Hearing at the Irving Township Hall held on November 10, 2025.  It was noted that the vast majority of the residents in attendance at the meeting were wanting the designation removed.  The petition presented to the Township Board with our 50% of the residents signed in favor of removing the designation was also mentioned.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to remove the Natural Beauty designation on Engle Road.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to accept the offer from Lakeland Asphalt Corporation to extend the 2025 paving cost of $65.50/ton to 2026.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:39 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

November 10, 2025

 

 

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.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

An overview of Engle Rd & Natural Beauty Road PA 451 was given.  Natural beauty Designation Review Public Hearing procedures were discussed.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Public comment was allowed and none was presented.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

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

______________________________________________________________________________

 

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.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

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

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

November 4, 2025

 

Chairman Solmes called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Board Room at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, Knight, and Managing Director Jake Welch. Commissioner James excused.

 

The agenda for November 4, 2025 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meeting – October 7, 2025
• Payroll
• Bills

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

CHECK             NAME                                                                            AMOUNT

10/9/25                Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $155,697.07

10/23/25              Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $165,296.82

 

Bills:

10/9/25

Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
47984	Aerial Hydraulic Repair, Inc.	$4,300.81
47985	AIS Construction Equipment Corp	$475,940.00
47986	Alec Belson	$80.00
47987	Bauer Built Tire	$2,070.71
47988	Behrens LTD	$54.00
47989	Bert Keeler	$380.00
47990	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$694.83
47991	Black Gold Transport, Inc.	$3,180.90
47992	Brandy Casey	$80.00
47993	Brian Donnini	$80.00
47994	Brian Heath	$227.88
47995	Bronson HelpNet	$283.50
47996	C Stoddard & Sons  Inc.	$2,875.00
47999	Capital One Bank	$23,759.81
48000	Charles Benedict	$552.54
48001	Chris BeBeau	$80.00
48002	Chris BeBeau BCRC	$608.39
48003	City Of Hastings	$883.84
48004	Complete Auto Glass	$600.00
48005	Consumers Energy	$21.36
48006	Corewell Health Occupational	$249.00
48007	County Road Association	$15,884.31
48008	Culligan Water Conditioning	$244.30
48010	D & K Truck Company	$10,663.06
48011	David Liddell	$80.00
48012	Delta Dental	$57.66
48013	Dylan Kennedy	$80.00
48014	Floyd’s Electric Service Inc	$590.00
48015	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$49,440.00
48016	Gary Vandecar	$552.54
48017	Hall’s Septic	$95.00
48018	Hastings Ace Hardware	$44.99
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48019	Huizinga Rebuilding And Truck	$380.38
48020	J & H Oil Company	$29,077.39
48021	Jake Welch	$144.16
48022	Jason Mishler	$1,900.00
48023	Kendall Pranshka	$276.28
48024	Key Cleaning Services, Inc.	$681.00
48025	Kimball Midwest	$1,493.22
48026	Lakeland Asphalt Corp	$3,658.17
48027	Larry Maupin	$552.54
48028	Leaping Lizards	$480.00
48029	LRE Engineers & Surveyors	$740.00
48030	Mark Weeks	$340.00
48031	Michigan Turbo	$685.00
48032	Patricia Wolf	$276.28
48033	Priority Health	$22,125.07
48034	Purity Cylinder Gases Inc	$749.62
48035	Quadient Finance USA Inc	$250.00
48036	Quadient, Inc	$98.85
48037	Reurink Roofing & Siding Sales	$1,004.74
48038	Rob Garrett	$150.00
48039	Robert Nagel	$276.28
48040	Rohr Gasoline Equipment, Inc.	$7,937.91
48041	S & M Liquid Tirefill Inc	$12,395.40
48042	Sandman Trucking, Inc.	$166.50
48043	Scott Bond	$80.00
48044	Scott Civil Engineering Co	$14,055.00
48045	Scott Schantz Jr.	$80.00
48046	State Of Michigan	$404.00
48047	Tele-Rad, Inc.	$239.64
48048	Todd Wenzel Buick GMC	$41,283.00
48049	Tom Chaffee	$279.25
48050	Tractor Supply Company	$77.04
48051	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$1,177.56
48052	UniFirst Corporation	$400.08
48053	Verizon	$1,263.05
48054	Vork Brothers Painting, LLC	$24,540.00
48055	Wayne Roush	$276.28
48056	White Cap L.P.	$959.95
48057	Wightman	$1,300.00
48058	Wyoming Asphalt Paving Co	$41,050.07
48059	123ocp	$3,599.00
48060	CSX Transportation, Inc.	$5,074.00
	Sub-Total	$816,711.14
10/23/2025
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48061	Bauer Built Tire	$114.20
48062	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$2,272.17
48065	Capital One Bank	$38,379.46
48066	Chris BeBeau	$207.95
48067	Complete Auto Glass	$400.00
48068	Consumers Energy	$2,339.22
48069	Corewell Health Occupational	$635.00
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
48070	D & K Truck Company	$1,929.47
48071	Delta Dental	$57.66
48072	Floyd’s Electric Service Inc	$624.00
48073	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$12,800.00
48074	Granger	$191.29
48075	Greg Shook	$482.64
48076	H.S.V. Redi-Mix	$140.51
48077	Hall’s Septic	$285.00
48078	Hastings Ace Hardware	$133.15
48079	Isolved Benefit Services	$617.99
48080	J-Ad Graphics, Inc.	$499.00
48081	Johnnie Stayton Jr.	$148.39
48082	Joshua McConnon	$352.92
48083	Lakeland Asphalt Corp	$190.32
48084	Lewman Wesley	$38,170.00
48085	Lincoln National Life Ins	$598.53
48086	LRE Engineers & Surveyors	$5,427.45
48087	Luke Selby	$73.24
48088	Michigan Pavement Markings LLC	$4,005.25
48089	Miller Financial Services LLC	$3,000.00
48090	Parts and Service Financing	$1,127.77
48091	Purity Cylinder Gases Inc	$834.85
48092	Sand Creek Dairy, LLC	$725.00
48093	Scott Bond	$44.48
48094	Scott Schantz Jr.	$91.00
48095	Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge	$729.00
48096	UniFirst Corporation	$450.90
48097	Van’t Hof Door & Gate Systems	$255.00
48098	White Cap L.P.	$1,771.90
48099	Wyoming Asphalt Paving Co	$1,046.44
	Sub-Total	$121,151.15
	Total	$937,862.29

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Director Jake Welch discussed with the Board the new Transportation Funding Package.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded to accept extending the Guard Rail Brush Spraying from the The Daltons of .10¢/ft and the “Brush Control” at .32¢ per lineal feet for 2026.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

As has been our long-running tradition with our best friends and partners in custom chemical vegetation maintenance/management…..

 

For your commitment by December 1^st to a similar amount of application work in the 2026 season, we will commit to our 2025 pricing, for both the “Total Vegetation Control” at $.10 per lineal feet and “Brush Control” at $.32 per lineal feet furnished and applied.

 

 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded to accept the offer to extend the 2023 Gravel Crushing bid from Halliday Sand and Gravel, Inc. of $3.95 for Doster Pit for the current crushing in the other pits.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Director Jake Welch gave the Board an update on the Duncan Lake Drain project.  The Barry County Road Commission offered to pay $430,000 for 3 projects on 108^th Street, Noffke Drive, and Duncan Lake Road.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded authorizing Managing Director Jake Welch to sign the service agreement with Land & Resource Engineering (LRE) to provide Civil Engineering Services for the Wabascon Creek Crossing Replacement Project at Lacey Road for a total not to exceed $70,500 with the option for wetland delineation of $3,125.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded authorizing Managing Director Jake Welch to sign the service agreement with Land & Resource Engineering (LRE) to provide Civil Engineering Services for the Cedar Creek Crossing Replacement Project at S. Broadway Road for a total not to exceed $72,350 with the option for wetland delineation of $3,290.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded authorizing Managing Director Jake Welch to sign the service agreement with Scott Civil Engineering Company to provide Full Construction Engineering Services for the Quaker Brook Lane and Barger Road Bridge Project for cost proposal of $156,580.  Fabrication Inspection estimates for Concrete Box Beams would be $30,000 and Steel Bridge Rail would be $10,000.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Knight and seconded to accept the Village of Freeport Resolution for Road Work

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

A summary with estimated budgetary numbers from Barry County Road Commission regarding proposed scraping and snow removal services on Hammond Road for the village was reviewed by council.  Moved by Slagstad and supported by Faunce to accept Barry County Road Commission’s proposal for snow removal $1,500.00, scraping services $3,000.00, and gravel placed $30.00/cyd as presented.  Upon roll call, all voted “Aye”.  Motion passed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:42 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

October 7, 2025

 

Chairman Solmes called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Board Room at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, James, Knight, and Managing Director Jake Welch.

 

The agenda for October 7, 2025 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meeting – September 16, 2025
• Payroll
• Bills

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

CHECK             NAME                                                                            AMOUNT

9/25/25                Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $168,986.45

 

 

Bills:

9/25/25

Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
47952	Bauer Built Tire	$10,971.40
47953	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$7,247.76
47954	Brian Donnini	$103.56
47955	Brian Heath	$150.00
47958	Capital One Bank	$33,404.38
47959	Carleton Equipment Co	$578.99
47960	Consumers Energy	$3,093.31
47961	Corewell Health Occupational	$150.00
47962	Culligan Water Conditioning	$58.50
47964	D & K Truck Company	$3,944.02
47965	Dylan Kennedy	$37.49
47966	Floyd’s Electric Service Inc	$295.00
47967	Fox Chevrolet Buick	$40.02
47968	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$40,207.00
47969	Hall’s Septic	$285.00
47970	Hastings Ace Hardware	$93.86
47971	Imperial Dade	$1,441.06
47972	J & H Oil Company	$2,931.28
47973	Kimball Midwest	$586.65
47974	Lakeland Asphalt Corp	$2,413.16
47975	Lincoln National Life Ins	$598.53
47976	Mika, Meyers, Beckett & Jones	$255.00
47977	Purity Cylinder Gases Inc	$96.51
47978	Reurink Roofing & Siding Sales	$896.19
47979	S & M Liquid Tirefill Inc	$9,723.26
47980	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$1,015.80
47981	UniFirst Corporation	$130.90
47982	Woodland Auto Body	$599.05
47983	Wyoming Asphalt Paving Co	$13,837.19
	Total	$135,184.87

 

 

 

 

Mark Bishop from Quality Forest Management spoke to the Board about trees in the Chaffee Pit that need to be harvested.  The last time BCRC had trees harvested at the Chaffee Pit was in 2019 in a different location in the pit.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to take bids on December 12, 2025 to harvest approximately 103 trees from the Chaffee Pit.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Director Jake Welch and the Board discussed the new Transportation Funding Package that was signed by the Governor.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to accept extending the Liquid Asphalt bid from Bit-Mat Products of $2.148/Gallon from 2025 to 2026.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

By this letter, we would like to extend our prices from 2025 construction season through 2026 construction season as follows; these maximum prices are not subject to increase but subject to price reductions by Bit-Mat Products at time of shipment:

 

HFRS-2M       $2.148/Gallon delivered

 

All bids specifications from the 2025 bid will remain the same for 2026.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Director Jake Welch explained to the Board that CRA for the last few years has been in touched with companies to create a new accounting software.  The software is now available and will integrate with our Nexus RC App were our current accounting software will not.  Mr. Welch and Accounting Manager Chris BeBeau have previewed this new Acumatica software and recommend switching companies.  This process will take approximately six months.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to proceed with Acumatica accounting software at an approximate cost of $99,375.00 and then an Annual Subscription rate of $38,170.00.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to adopt the Road Warrior Training Operational Guidelines and the Introduction & Index Policy and place it in the policy book.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the 2026 Township Contribution costs.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the TDS Telecom Variance Agreement

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

A copy of the Variance Agreement is in the Board Minutes Letter and Petitions file

______________________________________________________________________________

 

BCRC has received an e-mail from Irving Township requesting the removal of the Natural Beauty Road Designation from Engle Road.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to set a Public Hearing at the Irving Township Hall for November 10, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. to review the designation of Natural Beauty Road on Engle Road.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Barry County Road Commission had contacted each township that has a Natural Beauty Road and asked about trimming/cutting of trees and brush on these roads.  Thornapple Township and Irving Township responded with approval, without a public hearing, to complete the project on Robertson Road.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to have Natural Beauty Road Robertson Road on the township line of Thornapple Township and Irving Township cut to normal road standard.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Direct Jake Welch spoke to the Board about the Succession Plan for the Barry County Road Commission.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

The 2025 – 2026 Strategic Planning Goals were discussed.

 

The Strategic Planning Goals are:

Strategic Plan Goal #1 – Facilities & Mineral Pits

Strategic Plan Goal #2 – Bridges & Culverts

Strategic Plan Goal #3 – Organizational

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to go into Closed Session upon Jake Welch’s request to discuss performance evaluation and negotiations

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to open the Board Meeting back up to the public.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to adopt the updated Pay Schedule.  All applicable benefits of the current Barry County Road Commission Employees’ Association contract will also apply to the Non-Association regular full time employees of the Barry County Road Commission with the exception of Line 8 under Schedule A.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman

September 16, 2025

 

Chairman Solmes called the regular meeting of the Barry County Road Commission to order at the Road Commission’s Board Room at 6:30 A.M.

 

Members present:  Solmes, James, Knight, and Managing Director Jake Welch.

 

The agenda for September 16, 2025 was approved.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to approve the following consent items:

• Minutes of Previous Board Meeting – August 19, 2025
• Payroll
• Bills

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

CHECK             NAME                                                                            AMOUNT

8/28/25                Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $171,542.59

9/11/25                Barry County Road Commission Payroll                       $158,056.87

 

 

Bills:

8/28/25

Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
47846	Advantage Plumbing & Drain LLC	$1,512.00
47847	Arcadia Chemical, Inc.	$871.94
47848	Bauer Built Tire	$3,326.44
47849	Bit Mat Products of Indiana	$140,406.05
47850	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$14,436.18
47854	Capital One Bank	$29,936.93
47855	Complete Auto Glass	$1,204.00
47856	Consumers Energy	$451.40
47857	Corewell Health Occupational	$91.00
47858	Culligan Water Conditioning	$71.50
47859	D & K Truck Company	$2,119.73
47860	Delta Dental	$57.66
47861	Floyd’s Electric Service Inc	$300.00
47862	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$54,970.50
47863	H.S.V. Redi-Mix	$100.81
47864	Hall’s Septic	$285.00
47865	Halliday Sand & Gravel	$20,145.00
47866	Hastings Ace Hardware	$249.88
47867	Huizinga Rebuilding And Truck	$82.16
47868	John Deere Financial	$174.47
47869	Johnnie Stayton Jr.	$101.30
47870	Joshua McConnon	$76.29
47871	K M International, Inc.	$1,294.43
47872	Ketchum Machine Co	$1,701.00
47873	Kimball Midwest	$846.11
47874	LRE Engineers & Surveyors	$2,009.30
47875	Michigan Chloride Sales LLC	$27,792.83
47876	Mika, Meyers, Beckett & Jones	$680.00
47877	Motorola Solutions, Inc.	$128.56
47878	Peter Meyers & Tony Muka	$1,250.00
47879	Priority Health	$22,125.07
47880	Ridderman Oil	$27,703.32
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
47881	S & M Liquid Tirefill Inc	$27,006.59
47882	Sherwin Industries Inc	$28,147.50
47883	SME Inc.	$3,810.60
47884	SMRC – Finance & HR Assoc.	$20.00
47885	Staples Advantage	$121.93
47886	Todd Wenzel Buick GMC	$33,998.00
47887	Top Grade Site Management LLC	$900.00
47888	Total Energy Systems, LLC	$725.00
47889	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$8,227.47
47890	US Hydraulics LLC	$1,343.50
47891	Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro	$1,171.39
47892	Wightman	$1,300.00
47893	Wyoming Asphalt Paving Co	$225.24
	Sub-Total	$463,498.08
9/8/825
47894	Moser Motor Sales, Inc.	$66,648.00
	Sub-Total	$66,648.00
9/11/2025
47895	Alec Belson	$80.00
47896	Bauer Built Tire	$3,722.01
47897	Bert Keeler	$380.00
47898	Black Gold Holdings LLC	$22,972.17
47899	Brandy Casey	$80.00
47900	Brian Donnini	$80.00
47902	Capital One Bank	$29,886.21
47903	Charles Benedict	$552.54
47904	Chris BeBeau	$80.00
47905	City Of Hastings	$973.54
47906	Complete Auto Glass	$200.00
47907	Consumers Energy	$21.28
47908	Corewell Health Occupational	$654.00
47909	D & K Truck Company	$4,958.20
47910	David Liddell	$80.00
47911	Dylan Kennedy	$80.00
47912	Frontline Maintenance & Serv.	$35,293.25
47913	Gary Vandecar	$552.54
47914	Granger	$191.29
47915	Greg Shook	$459.24
47916	H.S.V. Redi-Mix	$58.99
47917	Hastings Ace Hardware	$207.63
47918	J & H Oil Company	$1,410.81
47919	Jake Welch	$180.00
47920	Jamar Technologies, Inc.	$2,749.00
47921	Jim Raulston	$100.28
47922	John Deere Financial	$54.78
47923	Kendall Pranshka	$276.28
47924	Key Cleaning Services, Inc.	$681.00
47925	Larry Maupin	$552.54
47926	Leaping Lizards	$1,800.00
47927	Lincoln National Life Ins	$598.53
47928	Lyonnais, Inc.	$44,850.00
47929	M & K Quality Truck Center	$14,382.21
47930	Mark Weeks	$340.00
47931	Parts and Service Financing	$3,250.00
Check Number	Vendor Name	Check Amount
47932	Patricia Wolf	$276.28
47933	Purity Cylinder Gases Inc	$95.75
47934	Ridderman Oil	$24,850.00
47935	Robert Nagel	$276.28
47936	S & M Liquid Tirefill Inc	$22,019.79
47937	S A Morman & Company	$8,386.50
47938	Scott Bond	$80.00
47939	Scott Civil Engineering Co	$26,855.00
47940	Scott Schantz Jr.	$80.00
47941	SME Inc.	$4,375.95
47942	Tele-Rad, Inc.	$3,450.00
47943	The Daltons Inc.	$41,600.00
47944	Tom Boulter	$265.00
47945	Tractor Supply Company	$23.34
47946	Truck & Trailer Specialties	$5,144.44
47947	UniFirst Corporation	$523.60
47948	Verizon	$1,263.05
47949	View Newspaper Group	$126.00
47950	Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro	$117.94
47951	Wayne Roush	$276.28
	Sub-Total	$312,873.52
	Total	$843,019.60

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to authorize Chairman David Solmes and Accounting Manager Chris BeBeau to sign the Public Act 325 Certification of Transportation Asset Management Plan.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

RESOLUTION

2025 – 02

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded WHEREAS, the Barry County Road Commission recognizes the value of maintaining and updating current Pavement and Bridge Asset Management plans;

 

WHEREAS, the Barry County Road Commission values a high quality road asset network;

 

WHEREAS, the Barry County Road Commission intends to maintain a current Compliance plan in accordance with PA 325;

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; that the Board of County Road Commissioners for Barry County adopt the FOLLOWING:

 

• Barry County Road Commission 2025 Bridge Asset Management Plan
• Barry County Road Commission 2025 Pavement Asset Management Plan.
• Barry County Road Commission 2025 PA 325 Compliance Plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ALSO RESOLVED; that the Chairman of the Board of County Road Commissioners and the head of the Finance Department sign the PA 325 Certification of Transportation Asset Management Plan

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Managing Director Jake Welch explained to the Board the annual “Small Group” meetings we have with the employees.  Mr. Welch recapped the meetings he had with each group with the Board and felt the meetings with the employees this year were more detailed and plans to continue this practice.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

The board received a letter stating that the 2025 Act 51 Mileage Certification was reviewed and approved by MDOT.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded authorizing DLZ to provide Bridge Design Services for Martin Road and Jordan Road over the Little Thornapple River for a cost of $117,950.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Barry County Road Commission had contacted each township that has a Natural Beauty Road and asked about trimming/cutting of trees and brush on these roads.  Barry Township and Orangeville Township responded with approval, without a public hearing, to cut the Natural Beauty Roads Gurd Road and Guernsey Lake Road.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to have Natural Beauty Road Gurd Road in Barry Township and Guernsey Lake Road in Orangeville Township cut to normal road standard.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

A new Employee Training Check List form was discussed with the Board.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded accepting the Resolution from the Southwest Barry County Sewer & Water Authority for Parking Lot repair.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

 

Motion to approve the parking lot repair not to exceed $20,000.00 to crack seal all, slag seal driveway from Barry County Road Commission made by Campbell, supported by Earl.  All ayes, motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner James and seconded to cancel the Board Meeting of October 21, 2025.

 

ROLL CALL:  Yeas, Solmes, James, & Knight

Nays, None

Motion Carried

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:03 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________                   __________________________________

Secretary                                                                     Chairman