Kalamazoo County - Committee of the Whole - March 17, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

Public comments highlight the severe lack of childcare, explaining how the absence of affordable and reliable options prevents her from maintaining employment. Amy Petard from the League of Women Voters and Mariah Bryant from Voters Not Politicians urge the board to support a resolution opposing restrictive voting proposals that would impose unnecessary barriers to voter registration, such as proof of citizenship. Additionally, the board reviews proposals for the upcoming Kalamazoo County Fair, seeking to make it a more inclusive and engaging community event. The meeting also includes a discussion on the role of the building authority in county construction projects.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:33)
The meeting was called to order by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners.

The Kalamazoo County, Board of Commissioners meeting officially began as the chair called the meeting to order. This marks the start of the meeting proceedings.
Roll Call (00:00:42)
Roll call was conducted to verify the presence of commissioners.

The clerk conducted a roll call of the commissioners. Commissioners Duluth, Giesler, Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, Commissioner Maser, Commissioner Morales, Commissioner Ray, Chair Strips, Vice Chair Taylor, and Commissioner Wheeler were present.
Public Comment (00:01:11)
Members of the public voiced concerns on various issues including childcare and voting rights.

Public comment was opened, with several individuals speaking. Ashley addressed the lack of childcare options, Amy Petard from the League of Women Voters spoke about voting rights, Mariah Bryant discussed the opposition to the Americans for Citizen Voting initiative, and others raised issues about meeting accessibility and voting initiatives.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:13:11)
Review of accounts payable and payroll disbursements was conducted by the finance director.

Ryan Post, the finance director, presented the accounts payable claims list and general payrolls for approval. Commissioners had questions about specific bank claims and court-related accounts.
Monthly Investment Report (00:15:47)
The deputy treasurer presented the monthly investment report, discussing portfolio returns and market conditions.

Chief Deputy Treasurer Tyler White provided the monthly investment report, detailing the portfolio's performance, market value, and interest rates. He explained the impact of inflation and the economic outlook affecting investments.
Kalamazoo County Fair Update (00:25:00)
An exciting update on the upcoming Kalamazoo County Fair was presented, including new events and community involvement.

Director Dave Reitz and his team presented plans for the Kalamazoo County Fair, highlighting new entertainment options, community partnerships, and activities. The fair will feature daily shows, a rodeo, community stages, and contests, aiming to enhance the fair's appeal and community engagement.
County Fair Preparations (00:34:37)
Discussion on the preparations for the upcoming county fair, including partnerships with county departments and community organizations.

The board discussed the preparations for the upcoming county fair. They are seeking partnerships with county departments such as the Area Agency on Aging, Drain Commissioner, Emergency Management, and Veteran Services to offer programs and marketing. Additionally, there will be commercial booths and a community portion for nonprofits and community organizations to set up tables. The next steps include requesting budget adjustments and continuing planning and outreach.
Budget Adjustments and Invitations (00:35:32)
Plans for requesting budget adjustments and invitations for community involvement in county events.

The board plans to request budget adjustments to align allocations with actual spending needs. They are inviting community members and organizations to participate in county events. The board is working on building relationships with organizations such as the soil conservation district and the farm bureau to encourage participation and engagement.
Excitement for Upcoming Fair (00:37:37)
Expressing excitement for the upcoming fair and the involvement of various stakeholders.

Board members expressed excitement for the upcoming fair, acknowledging the hard work and transition period the fair has undergone. They anticipate the fair will be a positive experience for families and the community. Discussions included potential food vendors and attractions, with a focus on making the fair enjoyable and engaging.
Discussion of Subcontractor Selection Process (00:41:33)
Review of the subcontractor selection process for county construction projects and the role of the building authority.

The board discussed the subcontractor selection process for county construction projects, focusing on the role of the building authority. There was a need for clarity on the building authority's involvement in reviewing recommended subcontractors. The board emphasized the importance of following a values-based bidding process that considers local preference and safety standards.
Clarification on Building Authority's Role (00:56:00)
Clarifying the building authority's role in construction projects and ensuring adherence to policy.

The board sought to clarify the building authority's role in construction projects, especially in reviewing subcontractor recommendations. There was discussion on the importance of a clear policy that applies the values-based bidding process to both construction managers and subcontractors. The board acknowledged the need to refine policy language to prevent similar issues in the future.
Next Steps and Policy Refinement (01:03:11)
Discussion on next steps for policy refinement and ensuring proper procedures are followed in future projects.

The board discussed the next steps for refining the policy to ensure that the values-based bidding process is applied consistently. They acknowledged the need for clear communication and adherence to policy to avoid delays and ensure projects align with the board's values. The discussion included plans for addressing any outstanding issues at the next meeting.
Discussion on Subcontractor Review Policy (01:04:00)
The board discussed the review policy for subcontractors, emphasizing the need for clarity and adherence to board decisions.

The discussion centered around the policy for reviewing subcontractors, with concerns raised about the clarity of current policies. The board leadership clarified that the policy was initially intended for construction managers, not subcontractors, leading to confusion. Several commissioners expressed frustration over the lack of communication and transparency from leadership, noting that this was the third instance of such issues. The need for explicit policy statements to include subcontractors was acknowledged, with plans to amend the policy accordingly.
Resolution in Support of Local Democracy (01:15:11)
A resolution supporting local democracy was read, focusing on removing barriers to voting and requiring proof of citizenship.

The resolution was a first reading in support of local democracy, specifically addressing the barriers that undue proof of citizenship requests pose to voting. It was emphasized that being a citizen is already a requirement for voting, and this resolution seeks to recognize that unnecessary documentation requests are a hindrance.
Motion for Closed Session (01:15:48)
The board moved to enter a closed session to discuss a collective bargaining agreement.

Commissioner Wheeler moved for the board to enter a closed session pursuant to the relevant section of the Michigan Compiled Laws, to discuss the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with KCHSEA. The motion was supported and passed unanimously, with all commissioners voting in favor. The session was to be held as part of the Committee of the Whole.