Kalamazoo County Government - May 19, 2026 Regular Board Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

The Board considers the approval of funding for medical respite staffing in partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo and other local health organizations. The board reviews improvements in the Animal Services Department, noting increased live release rates and community engagement. An ARPA expenditure deadline is established for awardees. Proclamations are made for Justice Against Bullying at Schools (JABS) Awareness Month, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and Gun Violence Awareness Day. The board also honors the community service of individuals like Yvette Harrison, Chastity Harder Laws, and Emil Zimmer. The meeting highlights the board's focus on improving public health, safety, and community engagement.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:37)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board is officially called to order.

The chair officially calls the Kalamazoo County Board meeting to order, marking the beginning of the session.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:54)
Commissioner Wheeler leads the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Wheeler provides an invocation, emphasizing the importance of the meeting and inclusivity, and then leads the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call (00:03:49)
Roll call is conducted, confirming the presence of commissioners.

The clerk conducts a roll call to verify which commissioners are present. Seven commissioners are confirmed present, while some are absent due to personal reasons.
Proclamations (00:04:35)
Various proclamations are read, including honoring Yvette Harrison and others for their service.

Several proclamations are presented and approved, recognizing individuals like Yvette Harrison for their service as a juvenile probation officer, and raising awareness for initiatives such as Justice Against Bullying at Schools (JABS) and LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.
Gun Violence Awareness Proclamation (00:21:30)
Proclamation declaring National Gun Violence Awareness Day and supporting prevention efforts.

A proclamation is read declaring the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of addressing gun violence and supporting initiatives to prevent it, encouraging community involvement.
Communications (00:29:38)
Receipt of various reports and communications, including animal services and housing.

The board receives several reports and communications, including updates on animal services and a four-year performance breakdown of the housing millage. A FOIA appeal request from Joseph Schuler is also acknowledged.
Approval of Minutes (00:33:09)
Minutes from prior meetings are reviewed and approved by the board.

The board reviews and approves the minutes from the previous meetings, ensuring the records are accurate and reflect the discussions and decisions made.
Approval of Agenda (00:33:49)
The meeting agenda is reviewed, amended, and approved by the board.

The board reviews and approves the agenda for the current meeting, including an amendment to add proclamations of condolence honoring Magnolia E. Maggie Boley and Betty Louise Cunningham.
Presentations: Circuit and District Court Reports (00:34:50)
Chief Judges present annual reports for the Circuit and District Courts.

Honorable Chief Circuit Court Judge Gary Geier and District Court Chief Judge Kathleen Hemingway present the annual reports for their respective courts, highlighting key developments, challenges, and initiatives, including a new program to support jurors exposed to traumatic cases.
Judge's Presentation (00:43:52)
Judges discussed their roles, specialty courts, and collaboration efforts.

Judges presented on the operations of the eighth district court, highlighting their collaborative efforts, specialty courts, and ongoing support and communication with the commission. They also discussed new legislative recommendations for additional judges and emphasized their commitment to access to justice.
Discussion on Treatment Courts (00:52:06)
Commissioners asked about treatment court success rates and challenges.

Commissioners discussed the success rates of women's and men's treatment courts, noting the difference in graduation rates and exploring potential reasons and solutions to improve outcomes, particularly for men's treatment court.
Guardianship Discussion (00:53:12)
Discussion on guardianships for individuals with disabilities and legal limitations.

The issue of guardianships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was discussed, focusing on the state's higher rates of full legal guardianships and the importance of least restrictive legal methods to preserve autonomy.
Housing and Medical Respite Proposal (00:56:11)
Proposal for medical respite facility to support medically fragile individuals.

The housing director presented a proposal for a medical respite facility to provide care for medically fragile homeless individuals. The program aims to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency room visits, leveraging partnerships for sustainability.
Public Comment on Jail Telecommunications (01:07:07)
Public comments addressed the financial burden of jail telecommunications.

Public speakers highlighted the financial burdens imposed by jail telecommunications systems on families and individuals, advocating for transparency and reforms to reduce costs and enhance family connectivity.
Public Comment by Campaign for Justice (01:13:04)
Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency discussed jail reforms.

Representatives from the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency presented their requests for transparency and reforms in jail telecommunications, emphasizing the importance of families staying connected without excessive financial burdens.
Public Comment (01:18:00)
A public member encourages the board to review a contract closely as a better one is possible.

A member of the public addressed the board encouraging them to scrutinize an upcoming contract closely, believing that a better contract is possible. They directed viewers to a website for more information.
Consent Agenda (01:18:32)
The board discussed and voted on the consent agenda items as a whole by roll call vote.

The board moved to vote on the consent agenda items collectively by a roll call vote. The motion was supported and the clerk called the roll for commissioners' votes.
Unfinished Business and General Orders (01:19:45)
Discussion on a resolution to approve a revised conflict of interest form, followed by a motion to approve it.

The board revisited the topic of a revised conflict of interest form. Updates were made to include directors and deputy directors, aligning more closely with state law. The council led the discussion, and a motion was made and approved to adopt the revised form.
New Business and Non-Consent Agenda (01:22:54)
Discussion on the approval and signature of a direct award contract with Marathon Health for five years.

The board discussed renewing the contract with Marathon Health Clinic for five years to continue providing health services. The program has shown significant savings and high satisfaction among employees, and the board moved to approve the contract.
ARPA Expenditure Deadline Resolution (01:31:41)
The board discussed and set a deadline for ARPA expenditure for awardees, with plans to notify all involved parties.

The board moved to set a deadline for ARPA fund expenditure by awardees and planned to notify both internal and external awardees of this deadline to ensure compliance.
Lake Level Orders Resolution (01:33:09)
A request to amend lake level orders was discussed, with a decision to postpone for further consultation with residents.

The board discussed a resolution to amend lake level orders for several lakes. Concerns about resident awareness and potential assessments were raised, leading to a decision to delay the resolution for more consultation.
ISK Staffing Request (01:38:32)
A request related to ISK staffing was approved by the board after roll call voting.

The board considered a request regarding staffing for ISK. The motion was made and supported, and a roll call vote was conducted, resulting in approval.
Proclamation of Condolence for Magnolia E. Maggie Oley (01:39:29)
The board approved a proclamation to honor the life of Magnolia E. Maggie Oley.

A motion was made and supported to approve a proclamation expressing condolences and honoring the life of Magnolia E. Maggie Oley. The motion was approved following a roll call vote.
Proclamation of Condolence for Betty Louise Cunningham (01:40:19)
The board approved a proclamation to honor the life of Betty Louise Cunningham.

A motion was made and supported to approve a proclamation expressing condolences and honoring the life of Betty Louise Cunningham. The motion was approved following a roll call vote.
Second Public Comment (01:41:08)
The board opened the floor for a second public comment session, but no comments were made.

A second opportunity for public comment was provided, allowing participants to speak virtually or in person. No public comments were made during this session.
Commissioner Ough's Remarks (01:51:56)
Commissioner Ough provides brief remarks, choosing not to elaborate further.

Commissioner Ough speaks briefly, acknowledging that he hasn't spoken and chooses not to elaborate, expressing gratitude for the reports and proclamations.
Acknowledgment of Proclamations and Gun Violence Policies (01:52:15)
Gratitude expressed for proclamations and support for policies addressing gun violence.

The speaker thanks those who provided proclamations to organizations fighting gun violence and expresses support for policies allowing loved ones to call home, sharing personal experiences.
Support for Released Individuals (01:52:28)
Discussion on the importance of supporting individuals upon release from institutions.

The speaker discusses the challenges faced by individuals released from institutions, emphasizing the need for financial support and fair treatment, drawing from personal family experiences.
Condolences and Mother's Day Reflections (01:53:23)
Condolences offered to former officials, and reflections on Mother's Day losses.

The speaker offers condolences to former Mayor Bobby Holwell and others who have lost loved ones, sharing personal reflections on Mother's Day and the loss of a sorority sister.
Elementary Basketball Championship (01:54:15)
Celebration of an elementary basketball team's championship victory.

The speaker shares a personal story about coaching an elementary basketball team that won the championship, highlighting the mixed team's inclusion and fair play.
YWCA Event and Commissioner Morales Recognition (01:54:51)
Announcement of a YWCA event and recognition of Commissioner Morales.

The speaker invites others to a YWCA event and congratulates Commissioner Morales for being honored as a YWCA Woman of Achievement, celebrating her among other women.
Appreciation for Meeting Attendance (01:55:25)
Appreciation expressed for high attendance at the meeting.

Commissioner Wheeler thanks everyone for attending the meeting, noting the rare occurrence of a full room and appreciating the community's engagement.
Condolences to Deputy Kelly (01:55:42)
Condolences extended to Deputy Kelly and his family during a difficult time.

Commissioner Wheeler extends condolences to Deputy Kelly and his family, offering support during their time of need and recognizing Deputy Kelly's contributions.
Adjournment (01:56:00)
The meeting is adjourned following final remarks.

The meeting concludes with final remarks from the administration, staff, and community, and is formally adjourned.