Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners

Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners - April 21, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

The childcare millage proposal was a significant topic, with discussions about its term and public comments supporting affordable childcare. Concerns about water quality at the county jail were raised, with assurance from the county administrator about ongoing remediation efforts. The meeting also acknowledged community projects and discussed the importance of retaining local college graduates in the community.

Chapters

Invocation and Reflection (00:00:17)
The meeting began with a reflection that included impactful quotes about the importance of children and the future.

The meeting started with an invocation and reflection. The speaker shared several quotes focusing on children as the world's most valuable resources and the impact of nurturing them for the future. Quotes from famous leaders like John F. Kennedy, Frederick Douglass, Malala Yousafzai, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela were read. The discussion emphasized the systemic direction for children in the community and the investment in their future as leaders.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:31)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to formally commence the meeting.

Following the reflection, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance, marking the formal start of the meeting.
Roll Call (00:02:58)
Attendance was recorded with eight commissioners present and one absent due to a conference.

The clerk conducted a roll call. Commissioners DeLeeuw, Gisler, Heppler, Mazer, Morales, Ray, Strebs, and Taylor were present. Commissioner Wheeler was absent due to attending a women in fire conference.
Proclamations (00:03:32)
Proclamations were presented to honor Ruiz Bradley, Sasha Sloan, and Jamie Grenfell for their service.

Several proclamations were presented. Ruiz Bradley was honored for her service to Kalamazoo County. Sasha Sloan's approval was also requested and granted. Jamie Grenfell was recognized, although not in attendance.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Month Proclamation (00:07:22)
A proclamation was passed to recognize Kalamazoo Valley Community College Month and its contributions.

Commissioner Morales read a proclamation recognizing Kalamazoo Valley Community College Month. The proclamation highlighted the contributions of the college to the community, its accreditation, and its role in preparing students for various occupations. It was unanimously supported and passed.
Communications (00:10:55)
Various communications were acknowledged, including those about childcare and water issues at the jail.

The board acknowledged receipt of several communications. These included emails about the childcare village proposal and issues related to water at the jail. Additionally, condolences were shared for the passing of former commissioner Bob Brink and a recognition of another commissioner, Barbara Abernathy, was noted.
Approval of Minutes (00:14:51)
Minutes from the previous committee and regular meeting were reviewed and approved.

The minutes from the previous committee of the whole and regular meeting were presented for approval. A motion was made, seconded, and carried to approve the minutes as presented.
Approval of the Agenda (00:16:15)
The meeting agenda was approved with an amendment to discuss the childcare millage in new business.

The agenda was initially approved but subsequently amended to include a discussion on the childcare millage during new business. The revised agenda was then approved by the board.
Western Student Association Presentation (00:18:28)
The Western Student Association President discussed student government and engaging with the community.

Luke Ritzman, the Western Student Association President, presented an update on student government activities at Western Michigan University. He discussed recent events, plans to engage more with the local community, and efforts to retain students in the area after graduation.
Public Comments (00:27:02)
Public comments highlighted the need for affordable childcare and support for providers.

Several members of the public commented on the need for affordable childcare and better support for providers. Miss Jackie, a childcare provider, emphasized the need for increased financial support. April Goodwin from Southwest Childcare Resource highlighted the economic impact and necessity of childcare as an infrastructure. Alfredo Lopez Torres, a parent, stressed the affordability crisis and the importance of investing in childcare as a public good.
Welcome and Acknowledgements (00:34:40)
The meeting began with acknowledgements of local educational institutions and upcoming community events, highlighting the positive impact on Kalamazoo.

The meeting opened with acknowledgements of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University, and their contributions to the community. Upcoming events such as the Kalamazoo Marathon and a special outdoor hockey game at Waldo Stadium were highlighted as significant community events. The discussion emphasized how Western Michigan University brings people to the community, including international events like the International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Public Comment Period (00:36:29)
Residents expressed opinions on local issues including a proposed millage affecting District 1 and the need for childcare support.

During the public comment period, Mr. Hunter, a homeowner from District 1, expressed opposition to a proposed millage, citing concerns over tax increases affecting mortgages. Aaliyah Abdul, a Kalamazoo resident and mother, shared her support for the millage, highlighting her struggles with childcare affordability and the impact on her family's economic stability. She advocated for community support for families in need.
Approval of Consent Agenda (00:44:10)
The board approved the consent agenda items unanimously after a motion was made and seconded.

A motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor to approve all items on the consent agenda. The motion was seconded and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The board conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously.
Discussion on Conflict of Interest Policy (00:45:21)
The board discussed revisions to the conflict of interest policy, focusing on its applicability and enforceability for commissioners and employees.

The board engaged in a detailed discussion about the revised conflict of interest form, its requirements for commissioners, and potential applicability to senior-level employees. Concerns were raised about the enforceability of the policy and the need for it to apply to all levels of government employees. The discussion concluded with a decision to table the vote on the policy until further review could be conducted.
New Business and Childcare Millage Discussion (00:58:17)
The board discussed the upcoming vote on the childcare millage, considering possible terms and impacts on the community.

The board opened a discussion on the proposed childcare millage, emphasizing the need for thorough consideration of the terms before the final vote. The importance of gathering more information to make an informed decision was highlighted. Commissioners expressed general support for moving the ballot proposal forward while seeking to finalize the term details at a future meeting.
Final Public Comment and Adjournment (01:04:03)
The meeting concluded with a final call for public comments and acknowledgements of community leaders and upcoming initiatives.

The meeting ended with an invitation for final public comments, though none were received. The chair and vice chair made closing remarks, acknowledging community leaders and initiatives such as the groundbreaking of the William Schmay House and the upcoming launch of the Landing Place, both aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
Equalization Report and Kalamazoo County Growth (01:06:24)
Discussion on the passed equalization report showing growth in Kalamazoo County due to community commitment and housing millage.

The equalization report was passed, indicating continued growth in Kalamazoo County. Our taxable base is growing faster than other areas in Michigan, thanks to the commitment from our business and philanthropic communities. The growth is also supported by the housing millage.
Oshtemo Township Sewer Bonds and Municipal Partnerships (01:06:53)
Approval of sewer bonds for Oshtemo Township to fund infrastructure projects through municipal partnerships.

The board passed sewer bonds for Oshtemo Township, facilitating municipal partnerships to fund necessary infrastructure projects for the success of residents and businesses.
Jail Water Issue and Remediation Efforts (01:07:01)
Discussion on jail water issues, bottled water provision, and remediation efforts with state and city partners.

The board discussed the ongoing water quality issues in the jail and the provision of bottled water. There are efforts to replace water meters, flush the facility, and install water filtration systems. Recent media reports about insufficient water provision were addressed.
Parking Structure Groundbreaking and Community Housing Efforts (01:08:44)
Updates on the new parking structure groundbreaking and progress on River's Edge apartment complex.

The groundbreaking for a new parking structure took place, addressing complaints and supporting local courts and administration buildings. Progress on the River's Edge apartment complex was noted, with efforts from the housing department to enhance community housing.
Emergency Management Training and Community Engagement (01:09:37)
Reports on emergency management training attendance and community engagement in response to severe storms.

Several commissioners attended emergency management training, which saw higher than expected attendance. Community interest in emergency management is growing due to recent severe storms.
Veterans Food Assistance Program Partnership with Farmer's Market (01:16:58)
New partnership announced for veterans' food assistance program with Kalamazoo's farmer's market.

The veteran service office announced a partnership with local markets to enhance food assistance for veterans. BSSO issued food cards will now be accepted at the Kalamazoo farmer's market, providing access to fresh, local produce.
Brush the Block Mural Festival Sponsorship Opportunity (01:19:27)
Discussion on sponsorship opportunity for public art mural festival led by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo reached out for sponsorship of the Brush the Block Mural Festival. This initiative, focused on activating public spaces through murals, invites the county to bring a mural to a downtown building.
Commissioner Education and Housing Conference Attendance (01:33:29)
Motion to approve funding for Commissioner Rey to attend the housing conference in Lansing.

A motion was made and passed to approve funding for Commissioner Rey to attend an upcoming housing conference in Lansing, emphasizing the importance of continuing education for commissioners.
Discussion on Jail Conditions and Inmate Treatment (01:35:30)
Commissioners discuss issues at the local jail, including inadequate water supply, poor treatment of inmates, and the need for improvements.

Commissioners express concerns over reports of poor conditions at the local jail, such as insufficient access to water and poor treatment of inmates, particularly women. They discuss the need for improvements and prioritization of funding to address these issues, including ensuring basic human rights and needs are met for inmates.
Support for Millage and Community Investments (01:38:54)
Commissioner discusses support for a millage to fund community projects and the importance of community investments.

A commissioner reports receiving many emails in support of a millage, emphasizing that while the decision has not yet been made, there is considerable support. The commissioner highlights the importance of community investments and mentions the goal of making everyone as satisfied as possible with the outcome. They also congratulate local graduates and express hope for reinvesting in college students.
Drug Treatment Courts Experience (01:39:54)
Commissioner shares first experience attending drug treatment courts, observing the process and its impact.

A commissioner shares their first experience attending drug treatment courts, sitting with a judge and observing the process. They recount specific cases and the outcomes for participants in the program, noting the educational value of witnessing the court's operations and the impact on individuals involved.
ADA Assistance and Community Involvement (01:41:09)
Commissioners thank community members for ADA assistance and highlight the importance of public participation in meetings.

A commissioner expresses gratitude for receiving ADA assistance that improved their ability to participate in meetings. They also thank a community member for arranging the assistance and highlight the importance of public participation in meetings, appreciating when citizens attend and make their voices heard.
Adjournment and Closing Remarks (01:42:00)
The meeting concludes with final remarks from commissioners and adjournment.

The meeting concludes with commissioners making final remarks, thanking participants and acknowledging the contributions of citizens and institutions to the community. The meeting is then officially adjourned.