Township Office Remains Open For Business
Meetings Available In-Person & (Some) Hybrid
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The Township Offices remain open to the public. Appointments for most services (with the exception of passports) are not required. Masks are required for all staff and visitors conducting business in the Township Office and recommended for all attending public meetings. The last thirty-minutes of the normal workday is dedicated to sanitizing the office for the safety of staff and visitors.
Current public availability is as follows:
- Monday - Thursday: 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Friday: 8:00am to 11:30am
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Township Hall Project
Township Board Considering Site Options
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The Township Board is currently evaluating site options for a new Township Hall. The Township initiated an RFP for site options within the Corners Business District (Texas Corners). Four parcels were proposed as potential options. The Township is working with the architectural/design firm Progressive AE to evaluate feasibility of the sites. We hope to announce a final selection by the end of the year.
Click here to learn more about the project.
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November 2, 2021 Countywide Election
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The Clerk’s Office is preparing for the upcoming November 2, 2021 Countywide Election, which includes a ballot proposal for Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority Millage Renewal.
Check your voter registration information, see your ballot, request an absentee ballot and more at www.michigan.gov/vote.
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The Township Hall will be open Saturday, October 30 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. for absentee voting, and polls will be open Tuesday, November 2 from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. for in-person voting at the precinct. We ask that all residents adhere to social distancing requirements at the polls.
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Restroom Facility Coming to 6th Street Park in 2022
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This August, the Township Board approved funding the construction of a restroom facility at the 6th Street Park. The proposed facility would have 6 total facilities for use; to minimize cost, the facility is proposed to be pre-engineered. The Parks & Trails Committee is working with VIRIDIS Design Group on the placement and orientation of the structure. Once the design is finalized and the bid/contract process is completed, we anticipate construction to begin in Spring 2022 and are hopeful the facility could be open in Fall 2022.
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Splash Pad Project
"Make a Splash" Campaign - $41,000 Raised
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Our "Make a Splash" campaign for the construction of a splash pad at Texas Drive Park is underway. If the Township is able to reach our fundraising goal by August 2022, design could commence in Fall 2022 and construction could begin in Spring 2023.
The splash pad is intended to be approximately 2,000 SqFt in size and include 15-20 spray/water features. Annual maintenance has been a factor in the decision-making process. Through the installation of a well, maintenance costs can be minimized. The Township anticipates an annual budget of $5,000 for maintenance, with additional monies set aside for future repairs of spray features.
Ways to Donate
Online giving can be setup as either a one-time donation or automated monthly giving
- Online at www.texastownship.org/splashpad
- Text Splash to 202-858-1233
- Make a check payable to "Texas Township Friends of Parks & Trails" with Splash Pad in the memo line and mailed to the Township Office.
We have a variety of corporate sponsorship options available and all donations are tax-deductible.
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Interested in Joining a Committee?
Several Committee Vacancies in 2022
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One of the best ways to serve your community and help guide decision-making in Texas Township is through serving on a committee. Several committees have upcoming vacancies in 2022. If you are interested in joining a committee, we encourage you to apply now. Applications will be reviewed and appointments are recommended by the Township Supervisor to the Township Board for approval. Please submit a completed application by Tuesday, November 23.
Committees with Current or Upcoming Vacancies:
- Planning Commission
- Zoning Board of Appeals
- Public Safety
- Board of Review
- Farmers' Market
- Downtown Development Authority
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Texas Corners Visual Preference Survey Results
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our Texas Corners Visual Preference Survey. The survey collected feedback on what our community would like to see in Texas Corners by indicating preference on items like building size, proximity to the road, exterior materials, parking, signage, and more. The survey was available from August 1 – 31 and there were 549 respondents.
View a dashboard of the survey results
View the presentation to the Planning Commission
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Fall Leaf Disposal
Drop-Off Available at KLS in November
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Texas Township is again partnering with Kalamazoo Landscape Supplies (KLS) for leaf drop off in 2021.
Residents can take their clean leaves to KLS during the month of November for composting, free of charge. To take advantage of this service, residents must identify themselves as Texas Township residents. Leaves must be clean and free of soil and debris to be accepted.
Where: KLS, 5111 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
When: November 1 – December 1, 2020
Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Township staff and committees have been diligently working on the Year 1 (Y1) tasks that were developed during the Strategic Plan process.
Only four months after Plan adoption, progress is as follows:
- 14% of Y1 tasks are completed
- Completed tasks
- Consolidate IT services
- Comprehensive analysis of current IT configuration
- Explore/cost analysis for new phone system
- Identify funding source for 6th Street Park Restrooms
- 55% of Y1 tasks are currently in progress
You can view details on plan progress via our online reporting dashboard. Reporting is done on a quarterly basis.
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First-Ever Electronics Recycling Event a Success
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We'd like to extend our appreciation to the Comprenew team who partnered with the Township to offer our first Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, August 28. We were able to recycle over 8,000lbs of material during this event!
Stay tuned for more information on Community Events offered in 2022.
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New Phones & New Website (coming soon)
We have voicemail again!
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This summer, administration made several improvements to the Township's IT infrastructure. One of these improvements was the replacement of our phone system, which was approximately 20 years old. Our voicemail functionality failed earlier this summer, so it was time for a replacement system. While the new system includes modern functionality standard for most offices, it will also support some of our staff who occasionally work remotely. Our main phone numbers have not changed, but most staff now have direct lines.
Additionally, a team has been working on the redesign of our township website. The new site will have improved search functionality, streamlined navigation, and allow us to expand our digital services. We anticipate the new website going live late November. Stay tuned for more information!
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Park Snow Removal Pilot Program
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This winter, the Township is piloting a new snow removal program at both Texas Drive Park and 6th Street Park to keep the walking paths open during the winter months. After each major snow event, the walking paths and a portion of each parking area will be plowed and salted. Please keep in mind that these areas are not considered critical, and as such, may experience a delay in snow removal/service.
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If you notice a streetlight outage in your neighborhood or the surrounding community, please help us by reporting it to the provider. The streetlights in Texas Township are maintained by Consumers Energy, Midwest Energy, and Indiana Michigan Power.
Consumers Energy Streetlight Outage Report Form
Indiana Michigan Power Streetlight Outage Report Form
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Fall Traffic Safety Reminders
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As the hours of darkness increase during the fall, we encourage all bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists to use caution on the roadways.
- Bicyclists should remember to use lights and to wear lighter and reflective clothing at night.
- Joggers and pedestrians can benefit from carrying a flashlight and wear reflective gear such as leg or arm bands when walking or running along the roads.
- Motorists should be careful not to overdrive their headlights and be extra alert at intersections. Deer collisions are often occur at dusk and dawn, and during deer mating season (October-January).
Please slow down, use extra caution, and together we can keep our roadways safe!
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Keeping Our Community Clean
New Trash Receptacles Installed in Texas Corners
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Texas Corners just got a bit cleaner thanks to the new trash receptacles purchased and installed by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The three receptacles are located:
- At Q Ave & 8th Street intersection
- Along the trailway by Texas Corners Brewing Company
- On Q Ave near the Consumers Energy power lines
Tips For Keeping Our Community Clean
- Utilize the new trash receptacles in Texas Corners to dispose of trash
- Help us keep our roadways clean by picking up litter along roadways when walking
- Businesses: Ensure all trash is properly disposed of inside of large dumpsters/receptacles
Together, we can keep our community and roadways clean and tidy!
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Ice Safety Tips
Things to Keep in Mind Before the Big Freeze
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Texas Township has many beautiful lakes that are enjoyed during the wintertime. As we prepare for the start of snow/ice season, the Fire Department has some safety tips and things you can do now to ensure a safe winter on the lakes.
Most people that plan on ice fishing, usually go through a mental checklist of what they need, but many focus on fishing equipment and do not think of safety equipment.
Here are some simple tools to add to the checklist.
1. Ice cleats or creepers. Ice cleats or creepers attach to boots and consist of adjustable straps or rubber overshoes with metal teeth or spikes that provide additional traction on slippery ice and help to prevent falls.
2. A spud or Ice chisel. An ice spud is a long-handled blade that comes to a point on one side. You can use an ice chisel to punch a hole through the ice before you take a step to check the thickness. Many people have replaced their spud with an ice auger, but it is a good idea to take both.
3. Ice safety picks. Always bring two ice picks and wear them around your neck so that they are within quick reach. The ice picks can be stuck into the ice and then used to pull yourself back out if you happen to fall through.
4. Floating rescue rope. Make sure you have a floating rescue rope with you and keep the rope in an easily accessible location. If someone falls through, you may be able to assist by throwing the rope from a safe distance. If you should fall through, throw one end of the floating rope to a rescuer.
Things to consider before you go out:
- Ice conditions vary from lake to lake.
- Find a good local source - a bait shop or fishing guide - that is knowledgeable about ice conditions on the lake you want to fish on.
- Purchase a pair of ice picks or ice claws, which are available at most sporting goods stores.
- Tell a responsible adult where you are going and what time to expect you back. Relaying your plan can help save your life if something does happen to you on the ice.
What to know about ice:
- You can't always tell the strength of ice simply by its look, its thickness, the temperature or whether or not it is covered with snow.
- Clear ice that has a bluish tint is the strongest. Ice formed by melted and refrozen snow appears milky, and is very porous and weak.
- Ice covered by snow always should be presumed unsafe. Snow acts like an insulating blanket and slows the freezing process. Ice under the snow will be thinner and weaker. A snowfall also can warm up and melt existing ice.
- If there is slush on the ice, stay off. Slush ice is only about half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is no longer freezing from the bottom.
- Be especially cautious in areas where air temperatures have fluctuated. A warm spell may take several days to weaken the ice; however, when temperatures vary widely, causing the ice to thaw during the day and refreeze at night, the result is a weak, "spongy" or honeycombed ice that is unsafe.
- The DNR does not recommend the standard "inch-thickness" guide used by many anglers and snowmobilers to determine ice safety. A minimum of four inches of clear ice is required to support an average person's weight on the ice, but since ice seldom forms at a uniform rate it is important to check ice thickness with a spud and ruler every few steps.
Venturing out on the ice:
- The DNR does not recommend taking a car or truck out onto the ice at any time.
- If you are walking out onto a frozen body of water with a group, avoid crossing ice in a single file.
- Never venture out alone without telling a responsible adult on shore your plans.
- Please keep in mind that some lake residents operate aerators throughout the winter, inhibiting the ice to form.
- Test ice thickness with an ice spud before you settle on a spot.
- If you are with a group, avoid standing together in a spot. Spread out.
- Wear a life jacket and bright-colored clothing.
- Take a cell phone for emergency use.
- Look for large cracks or depressions in the ice and avoid those areas.
- Remember ice does not form with uniform thickness on any body of water. Underwater springs and currents can wear thin spots on the ice.
If you fall through:
- Try to remain calm.
- Don't remove your winter clothing. Heavy clothes won't drag you down, but instead can trap air to provide warmth and flotation. This is especially true with a snowmobile suit.
- Turn in the water toward the direction you came from - that is probably the strongest ice.
- If you have them, dig the points of the ice picks into the ice and while vigorously kicking your feet, pull yourself onto the surface by sliding forward on the ice.
- Roll away from the area of weak ice. Rolling on the ice will distribute your weight to help avoid breaking through again.
- Get to shelter, heat, dry clothing and warm, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.
- Call 911 and seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering, or have any other ill effects that may be symptoms of hypothermia (the life-threatening drop in the body's core temperature).
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