Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners - July 21, 2026 Kalamazoo County Board

Updated about 22 hours ago

Key discussions in the July 21 Kalamazoo County Meeting included a monthly financial report and public comments regarding the removal of trees by the Road Commission. The board also approved the establishment of a fund named 'Pathways to Peace' to support gun violence prevention efforts. Additionally, they debated funding for winter solutions and authorized board leadership to engage in negotiations regarding court administrator employment agreements. The meeting showcased active public participation and strategic financial planning by the board.

Chapters

Roll Call (00:00:02)
The roll call was conducted six commissioners present

The meeting started with a roll call to confirm the presence of the commissioners with a total of six commissioners in attendance.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:02)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by the board without any objections.

The chair called for the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion was made and passed without any opposition. All members present signified their agreement by saying 'Aye'.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:26)
The agenda for the meeting was approved with all members in favor.

Following the approval of the minutes, the board moved to approve the agenda for the current meeting. A motion was made and supported, and the agenda was approved unanimously by those present.
Public Comment (00:01:51)
Members of the public addressed the board on various issues including tree removal and environmental concerns.

The meeting opened for public comments. Rhonda Walters expressed concerns about the Road Commission's plan to remove trees and suggested using rumble strips instead. Rob Morrison discussed the impact of a battery energy storage system near groundwater and wetlands, urging the board to protect natural resources.
Consent Agenda (00:06:56)
The board voted to approve all items on the consent agenda as a single package.

Commissioner Wheeler moved that the consent agenda items be voted on as a single package. The board conducted a roll call vote, with all commissioners present voting in favor, thereby approving the consent agenda.
Unfinished Business: Ninth Circuit Court Judge Resolution (00:07:40)
The board discussed and approved a resolution supporting an additional ninth Circuit court judge.

Under unfinished business, the board addressed a resolution in support of adding an additional ninth Circuit court judge. The resolution was discussed and passed with unanimous support from the commissioners.
New Business: Gun Violence Prevention Fund (00:09:03)
The board discussed creating a fund for gun violence prevention and agreed to revisit the naming of the fund later.

A resolution was proposed to create a gun violence prevention fund. Discussions included the purpose of the fund, appointing advisory committee members, and the fund's name. The resolution was tabled until later in the meeting to decide on the fund's name.
New Business: Hair Care Services Program (00:16:01)
The board approved funding for a pilot hair care service program at the county jail to provide dignity to inmates.

A motion was brought forward to approve funding for a pilot hair care service program for inmates at the county jail. The program aims to provide dignity and is supported due to its low cost. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Winter Solutions Funding (00:17:27)
The board committed to supporting a Winter Solutions RFP without specifying the funding source.

The board discussed allocating funds to support a Winter Solutions RFP through the United Way of South Central Michigan. The discussion focused on the funding source, with the decision to commit support but determine the funding source later.
New Business: Court Administrator Employment Agreements (00:33:35)
Board leadership was authorized to engage with chief judges regarding court administrator employment agreements.

The board authorized its leadership to negotiate with the chief judges about proposed employment agreements for court administrators. The aim is to provide job protection for court administrators in the event of changes in chief judge positions.
Public Comments (00:38:07)
The public was invited to address the Board of Commissioners with a 3-minute limit per speaker.

Members of the public were encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas with the Board of Commissioners. They were asked to provide their name and location and were given a maximum of three minutes to speak on their chosen topics.
Excusal of Members (00:39:03)
Members Mazer, Heppler, and Strebs were officially excused from the meeting.

The record was updated to reflect that Commissioners Mazer, Heppler, and Strebs were not present at the meeting and were officially excused.
County Fair Announcement (00:39:24)
Announcement of the upcoming county fair and distribution of flyers to chairs.

The Board was reminded about the upcoming county fair in two weeks. Flyers with information were distributed to the commissioners' chairs, and Director Rockwood would highlight it further in the next meeting.
Discussion on Tabled Motion (00:40:02)
The Board resumed discussion on a previously tabled motion concerning the naming of a fund.

The Board revisited the tabled motion to decide on a name for a new fund. Suggestions were made, including names using commissioners' initials and the 'Pathways to Peace Fund' as a preferred option.
Resolution for Gun Violence Prevention Fund (00:41:46)
Resolution to establish a gun violence prevention fund with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation.

A resolution was read to authorize the county administrator to negotiate and execute an agreement with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to establish a fund dedicated to gun violence prevention and intervention efforts. The resolution outlined the fund's purpose, advisory committee, and partnership details.
Reports of Officers and Administrators (00:47:07)
Reports were given about upcoming budget discussions and county fair improvements.

Officers reported on the upcoming budget and the need for tough financial decisions. They also praised improvements in the county fair, noting significant progress over the past three years and plans for further enhancements.
Adjournment (00:52:24)
The meeting was officially adjourned.

The meeting was concluded with expressions of gratitude to the clerks and participants, and the session was adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.