Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners - June 2, 2026 Regular Meeting

Updated about 1 hour ago

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners convenes to discuss various agenda items including budget adjustments for the Office of Community Corrections, the approval of a Brownfield plan for the City of Galesburg, and resolutions to amend lake levels for Austin Lake, Long Lake, West Lake, and Sunset Lake. The meeting includes public comments from residents concerned about tree removal for road safety and support for the Wildwood apartment residents. The board also addresses the need for a long-range financial plan to implement the facilities master plan.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:11)
The meeting was officially called to order by the chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners.

The chair called the regular business meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners to order.
Invocation and Reflection (00:00:27)
Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler led the invocation, asking for guidance in decision-making for the benefit of Kalamazoo County.

Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler led an invocation and reflection, thanking for blessings and asking for guidance in making good decisions for the county and its residents.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:19)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present, affirming loyalty to the flag and the nation.

All attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:02:19)
Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of all commissioners, with nine members present.

The clerk conducted a roll call to confirm the presence of commissioners, with all nine members present and accounted for.
Proclamations (00:02:55)
Approval of proclamations honoring Peter Holt and Dr. Katherine Cathar for their service and leadership.

The board entertained motions to approve proclamations honoring Peter Holt and Dr. Katherine L. Cathar, PhD, for their service and leadership.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation (00:04:07)
Proclamation to raise awareness for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of protecting older adults.

The board approved a proclamation for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizing respect and dignity for older adults and raising awareness about elder abuse.
Communications (00:07:14)
Various communications were received, including a letter about free dinners for food-insecure college students.

The board reviewed communications, including a letter from Aiden Dewe regarding support for providing free dinners to food-insecure college students.
Approval of Minutes (00:09:49)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without further discussion.

The board entertained a motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes, which was passed unanimously.
Approval of the Agenda (00:10:22)
The agenda for the meeting was approved as presented, with no amendments or objections.

A motion to approve the agenda as presented was made and supported, passing with unanimous consent.
Public Hearings (00:11:11)
A public hearing on the Michigan Housing Partnerships Brownfield Plan took place, with discussions on its impact and benefits.

The board conducted a public hearing on the Michigan Housing Partnerships Brownfield Plan in Galesburg, MI. The hearing included public comments and clarifications on the financial and community implications of the plan.
FOIA Appeal Hearing (00:36:37)
Formal hearing on a FOIA appeal regarding the denial of requested records, with participation from Joseph Schuler via Zoom.

The board held a formal hearing under the Freedom of Information Act on an appeal by Joseph Schuler concerning the denial of requested records. The hearing was conducted in accordance with statutory requirements.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Appeal Discussion (00:37:25)
Mr. Joseph Schuler appeals a FOIA denial regarding access to IT infrastructure logs related to court records. Discussion addresses legal distinctions, security concerns, and potential court actions.

Mr. Joseph Schuler presented his appeal regarding the denial of his FOIA request for IT infrastructure logs related to the eighth District Court. The discussion involved legal counsel and commissioners debating the distinction between court records and IT infrastructure records, security concerns related to metadata disclosure, and the potential implications of granting or denying the request. Mr. Schuler argued that the requested data should be available under FOIA, emphasizing the difference between judicial and operational records. He also indicated his willingness to pursue the matter in federal court if necessary. Commissioners questioned the necessity and implications of the request, while legal counsel advised on statutory protections and possible redactions. The discussion highlighted the complexity of FOIA requests concerning digital records and judicial exemptions.
Discussion on Metadata Access Request (01:07:54)
Mr. Schuler requested access to metadata for document changes related to his case. After discussion, a motion was made to release names and timestamps of employees who made changes without releasing metadata.

Mr. Schuler inquired about obtaining metadata to see which users made changes to documents related to his case. There was a discussion about whether to release employee passwords or just the necessary information. A motion was made by Commissioner Ray, supported by Vice Chair Taylor, to release the names, dates, and timestamps of those who made changes, but not the metadata itself. The motion was opened for discussion.
Motion and Vote on Metadata Release (01:12:52)
A motion to release names and timestamps of document changes was discussed. The motion passed with nine affirmative votes, allowing partial release of information requested by Mr. Schuler.

Following the discussion on metadata, a motion was made to release the names and timestamps of employees who made changes to documents related to Mr. Schuler's case. The board discussed the motion and its implications. The motion was put to a vote and passed unanimously with nine votes in favor. Mr. Schuler was informed that he would be contacted with the board's decision.
Public Comment on Telecommunications Contract (01:15:01)
Caleb from the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency spoke about the telecommunications contract affecting jail inmates and their families, requesting transparency and public input before finalizing the contract.

During the public comment period, Caleb, representing the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency, expressed concerns about the new telecommunications contract for the Kalamazoo County Jail. He emphasized the impact on inmates and their families, urging the board to allow public review of proposals and to hold a public hearing before awarding the contract.
Public Comment on Safe Streets for All Program (01:29:00)
Residents expressed concern over the removal of trees for the Safe Streets for All program, which aims to reduce lane departure accidents. They requested alternatives to clear-cutting trees.

Multiple residents from Schoolcraft Township expressed their opposition to the Safe Streets for All program, which involves removing trees along U Avenue to prevent lane departure accidents. They argued that the program would remove many beautiful century-old trees and change the character of their neighborhood. They requested the board's help in finding a compromise that would preserve some of the trees.
Public Comments - Roadside Tree Management (01:40:58)
Several citizens raised concerns about the roadside tree management project, highlighting safety and environmental impacts.

During the public comment period, several citizens, including Mr. Wade and Brad Sadowski, expressed concerns about the ongoing roadside tree management project. They highlighted issues such as winter road hazards caused by tree removal, the potential for increased accidents due to icy conditions on treeless roads, and the aesthetic loss of tree-lined roads. They also mentioned the community's discontent with the project, the lack of proper consideration by the Road Commission, and efforts to amend the project without losing grant funding.
Public Comments - Women's Veterans Conference (01:47:03)
Toni Kennedy announced an upcoming Women's Veterans Conference and invited community leaders to participate.

Toni Kennedy, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Veteran First, announced an upcoming Women's Veterans Conference aimed at supporting women veterans in the community. The conference will include speakers such as Commissioner Strebs and Congressman Heiser. It will feature various workshops on topics like budgeting, military sexual trauma, and entrepreneurship. Toni emphasized the importance of community support and encouraged commissioners to attend and show their commitment to women veterans.
Public Comments - Tenant Issues at Wildwood Complex (01:51:01)
Alfredo Lopez described tenant issues at the condemned Wildwood Complex, seeking board support for accountability.

Alfredo Lopez, a tenant at the condemned Wildwood Complex, described the dire conditions faced by residents after the Kalamazoo Area Building Authority condemned the complex. Tenants were left without answers, forced to sign agreements waiving their rights to sue, and faced potential illegal charges. Management continued to ignore the condemnation, misleading tenants and deleting negative comments online. Alfredo urged the board to hold the property accountable and support the affected tenants.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:54:39)
The board approved the consent agenda items through a roll call vote without further discussion.

Commissioner Wheeler moved to approve the consent agenda items, which were voted on in one motion by roll call. The motion was supported by Vice Chair Taylor and carried unanimously. There was no further discussion on the consent agenda items.
Resolution to Amend Lake Level Orders (01:57:12)
The board discussed and approved a resolution to amend lake level orders for Austin Lake, Long Lake, and West Lake.

The board discussed a resolution to amend lake level orders to establish normal lake levels for Austin Lake, Long Lake, and West Lake. Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler inquired about public concerns, and Vice Chair Taylor confirmed that lake association presidents had been informed and were in favor. The resolution was moved by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Commissioner Wheeler, and passed unanimously.
Discussion on Long Range Financial Plan (01:59:29)
The board discussed developing a long-range financial plan for implementing the facilities master plan.

Deputy Administrator Terrell Cole presented a proposal to develop a long-range financial plan. The plan aims to balance capital needs with operational expenses post-ARPA, ensuring sustainable budgeting for future projects. The discussion included the importance of prioritizing projects, aligning building needs with community services, and finding creative funding solutions. Commissioners expressed the need for holistic planning and emphasized maintaining employee compensation while addressing infrastructure needs.
Facility Improvement and Maintenance Discussion (02:13:10)
Discussion on the importance of improving and maintaining county facilities, including the jail and hazardous waste facilities, and ensuring they are efficient and accessible.

The discussion focused on the need to continue improving county facilities to make them more efficient and accessible to the public. Emphasis was placed on the importance of maintaining facilities such as the jail and hazardous waste facilities. There was also a mention of the need for a facilities master plan and financial planning to ensure these improvements can be sustained.
Approval of Housing Millage Fund Allocation (02:17:20)
Approval of an allocation from the housing millage fund to support Bogan Developments, with changes to the project's financing and scope discussed.

A request was made to approve the allocation of housing millage funds to Bogan Developments. The project, which initially depended on low-income housing tax credits, has shifted its financing structure and now targets workforce housing. The board was asked to reaffirm financial commitment to help secure a bridge loan for the project.
Resolution to Establish Normal Lake Level for Sunset Lake (02:22:01)
Resolution to establish a normal lake level for Sunset Lake was moved and seconded, followed by a roll call vote.

A motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Commissioner Wheeler, to approve a resolution establishing a normal lake level for Sunset Lake. The resolution passed with a roll call vote, with all commissioners voting in favor.
Community Corrections Budget Adjustment Request (02:22:51)
Discussion on the need for a budget adjustment for Community Corrections due to indirect costs and funding shortfalls affecting staffing and services.

Director Bobo presented a request for a budget adjustment for Community Corrections, citing indirect costs as a significant issue. The discussion included the potential impact of budget shortfalls on staffing and services, such as electronic monitoring and drug testing. The board debated the appropriate response, including a temporary funding solution from strategic reserves.
Discussion on Mid-Year Budget Adjustments (02:47:18)
Commissioners discuss the impact of mid-year budget adjustments on the established budget process.

Commissioner Morales questions the administrator about how mid-year budget adjustments might affect the budget process. The administrator explains that the adjustments could disrupt the established process for reviewing funding requests and setting priorities. Suggestions are made to wait for the audit and possibly use refunded funds for indigent equipment. Commissioner Morales agrees to support the process moving forward, and Vice Chair rescinds a motion based on the discussion.
Michigan Housing Partnership LLC Brownfield Plan Approval (02:52:58)
The board approves the Brownfield Plan for Michigan Housing Partnership LLC in the city of Galesburg.

A motion to approve the Michigan Housing Partnership LLC Brownfield Plan for the city of Galesburg is made by Commissioner Wheeler and supported by Vice Chair Taylor. The motion is called to vote, with Commissioner Morales abstaining due to concerns about the voucher process. The motion carries with seven votes in favor.
Public Comment Opportunity (02:54:04)
Public comment opportunity is opened but no comments are made.

The chair opens the floor for public comments, but no members of the public come forward to speak. The opportunity for public comment is then closed.
Reports from Officers and Bodies (02:54:17)
Various reports are presented, including updates on domestic violence statistics and upcoming events.

Several reports are given by officers and bodies, including updates on domestic violence statistics from the YWCA, a Michigan Association of Counties training, and the progress of the management analyst recruitment as a fellowship. There are also mentions of upcoming meetings and events aimed at community engagement and leadership development.
Adjournment (03:08:08)
The meeting is adjourned without objection.

After final comments from the commissioners, the acting chair adjourns the meeting without any objections from the members.