Kalamazoo County Government - July 7, 2026 Kalamazoo County Committee of the Whole

Updated about 8 hours ago

The board reviewed ongoing housing initiatives, including the "Keys to Kalamazoo" housing framework, and discussed the distribution of vouchers and administrative capacity. Winter Solutions funding was debated, focusing on emergency shelter needs for singles during the winter season. The board also considered a proposal for an additional judgeship, supported by Representative Rogers, to address increased caseloads in the county. Finally, the board discussed establishing a gun violence prevention fund in partnership with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to support local violence prevention efforts.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:59)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Committee is called to order.

The chair calls the meeting to order, signaling the official start of the session. Members are asked to come to order.
Roll Call (00:01:21)
Roll call is conducted to confirm attendance of commissioners.

The clerk calls the roll to determine which commissioners are present. Commissioner Morales is mentioned, and it is noted that Chair Strebs is running late due to traffic.
Public Comments (00:02:05)
The first opportunity for public comment is opened, but no comments are made.

Members of the public are invited to address the board on any topic of interest for up to three minutes. No public comments are made at this time.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:02:43)
The finance director presents accounts payable and payroll disbursements for review and approval.

Director Ryan Post presents the accounts payable claims list to the board. The board is asked to approve the claims, and questions regarding payroll expenses are addressed.
Update on the Keys to Kalamazoo Housing Framework (00:04:19)
Housing directors provide an update on the Keys to Kalamazoo housing initiatives and related projects.

Housing Director Mary Balkema and Deputy Director Willa DiTaranto present a detailed update on the Keys to Kalamazoo housing framework, including funded initiatives, progress, and future plans. They discuss various housing initiatives, including administrative capacity, data integration, and voucher programs.
Winter Solutions Discussion (00:24:56)
Discussion on planning and funding for winter shelter solutions, with a focus on collaboration and budget considerations.

Deputy County Administrator discusses the planning for winter shelter solutions, seeking board feedback on collaboration with the City of Kalamazoo and funding allocation. The board discusses the need for budget planning and the possibility of using housing millage funds.
Discussion on Funding Allocation and Community Grants (00:38:57)
Discussion on potential funding sources for community initiatives, considering shifts in budget allocations from community grants to other priorities.

The discussion centered around identifying funding sources for community initiatives, with considerations for reallocating funds from existing community grant programs. The dialogue included exploring different budget options depending on available funds and board priorities, particularly for winter solutions and housing for medically fragile individuals.
Gun Violence Prevention Field of Interest Request (00:51:51)
Request for approval to create a field of interest fund for gun violence prevention, leveraging the Kalamazoo Community Foundation for ongoing impact.

The proposal involves establishing a field of interest fund with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, aimed at supporting gun violence prevention activities. This fund will allow for continuous support from donors and focus on maximizing impact. Discussions included potential uses, governance, and the inclusion of an advisory committee.
Discussion on Gun Violence Prevention Fund Structure (00:52:01)
Deliberation on structuring the gun violence prevention fund, considering a field of interest fund for specificity and long-term impact.

The meeting discussed the benefits of structuring the gun violence prevention fund as a field of interest fund, allowing for specific allocation purposes and donor engagement. The discussion also included considerations for a donor-advised fund and the implications of fund structure on future flexibility and governance.
Resolution for Additional Judgeships (01:08:07)
Resolution to support the addition of a ninth circuit court judge and an eighth district court judge to manage increased caseloads.

The resolution supports adding two judges to address the increased caseloads in the ninth circuit and eighth district courts. This decision stems from recommendations by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) based on population growth and crime rates. The resolution outlines the state's role in funding judicial salaries while the county covers fringe benefits and operational costs.
Discussion on Appointment of New Judges (01:14:39)
Discussion on the challenges and opportunities in appointing new judges in Allan County, focusing on the cost implications and facility needs.

The discussion centered around the efforts to appoint new judges in Allan County, highlighting the hard work by Senator McCann's staff and State Representative Rogers. The conversation covered the cost of appointing judges, comparing state versus county expenses, and the need for additional facilities to support new judicial appointments. The need for equitable access for public defenders and prosecutors was emphasized, with a call for careful facilities planning to ensure judges are situated in courtrooms rather than ancillary departments.
Facilities Planning for Judicial Appointments (01:17:01)
Discussion on the planning required for facilities to house new judges, including historical context and consolidation efforts.

Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler expressed support for the facilities planning necessary to accommodate new judges, emphasizing the county's responsibility to provide the required infrastructure and support staff. The historical context of courtroom consolidation was discussed, with past efforts to centralize court locations for better citizen access. The importance of maintaining this vision while planning for future needs was emphasized, with a call to action to start planning without delay.
First Reading of Judicial Appointment Matter (01:18:44)
The matter of judicial appointments was presented for a first reading, with a final vote scheduled for the next session.

The agenda item regarding judicial appointments was introduced for a first reading. The matter will be taken up for a final vote of support at the next session, allowing time for further consideration and preparation.
Opportunity for Closed Session (01:18:54)
The opportunity for a closed session was presented, but none was needed for the evening.

An opportunity for a closed session was mentioned, but it was noted that there was no need for one during this meeting. The agenda moved forward without entering a closed session.
Adjournment of Meeting (01:19:01)
The meeting was officially adjourned as there were no further items to address.

With no further items on the agenda, the meeting was officially adjourned. The chair confirmed that nothing else was before the assembly, concluding the session for the evening.