Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners - August 5, 2026 Kalamazoo County Regular Board of Commissioners

Updated 1 day ago

The board received updates on FEMA assistance for flood management, building repairs at the administration building, and approved a two-year contract for housing resources. The need for special meetings on facilities' master planning and staff compensation was also discussed. Commissioners expressed gratitude toward county staff and departments for their contributions.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:11)
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order.

The chair called the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order.
Invocation and Reflection (00:00:20)
Commissioner Morales led the invocation and reflection, emphasizing decision-making and safety.

Commissioner Morales led an invocation and reflection, focusing on the importance of making good decisions and ensuring safety, especially with the upcoming election season and school starting soon.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:19)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the attendees.

The attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call (00:01:43)
Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of eight commissioners.

The clerk conducted a roll call, confirming the presence of eight commissioners: Morales, Rey, Strebs, Taylor, Wheeler, DeLeeuw, Gisler, Pro Tem Heppler, and Mazer.
Proclamations (00:02:10)
There were no proclamations for this meeting.

The chair announced that there were no proclamations to be presented at this meeting.
Communications (00:02:13)
Various communications were noted, including FEMA assistance and building repairs.

Communications included information from the Information Technology Department, Discover Kalamazoo, FEMA assistance for floodplain management, and building entrance repair timelines. A letter from the Two Rivers Coalition was also mentioned.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:01)
Minutes from previous meetings were approved without opposition.

The board approved the draft committee of the whole and regular meeting minutes as presented. The motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. All commissioners present voted in favor.
Approval of Agenda (00:06:45)
The meeting agenda was approved as presented.

The agenda for the meeting was approved as presented. The motion to approve was made by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Commissioner Rey. There was no further discussion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Public Comments (00:08:18)
Public comments addressed homelessness and community partnerships.

Andrea Trammel from Family Promise of Southwest Michigan spoke about the success of partnerships in addressing homelessness and invited commissioners to learn more about these efforts.
Consent Agenda (00:28:29)
The consent agenda was approved in its entirety.

The board moved to approve the consent agenda, which included various items consolidated for approval. The motion was made by Commissioner Morales and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor.
New Business: EDC Resolution (00:29:32)
A resolution related to the Economic Development Corporation was adopted.

The board discussed and adopted a resolution concerning the Economic Development Corporation, including project area designation and the appointment of additional directors. The motion included suspending the rules for this adoption.
Discussion on Budget Adjustments and Treasurer's Office (00:32:47)
Discussion on the treasurer's general fund adjustments to support a deputy treasurer salary increase and the board's role in budget setting for elected officials.

The meeting began with a discussion led by the Administrator providing context on the budget adjustment item related to the treasurer's general fund. The focus was on the decrease of bank fees to support an increase for the deputy treasurer's salary. This was highlighted as a deviation from normal procedures but was explained as within the board's purview to make such changes. The discussion included clarifications on the board's role in setting budgets for elected officials and the flexibility allowed to those officials in managing their internal budgets. The Treasurer was present and spoke on the importance of his CPA deputy treasurer and the need for the salary adjustment to retain talent. A motion was made and approved to accept the budget adjustments.
Approval of Two County Board Special Meetings (00:43:40)
Motion to approve the scheduling of two special county board meetings focused on compensation and facilities planning, with administration to coordinate the dates.

The Administrator presented a request for approval to schedule two special county board meetings as a follow-up from the budget retreat. The meetings are to focus on compensation matters and facilities and capital planning. Commissioners discussed the timing and necessity of the meetings, expressing preferences for scheduling times. A motion was made and approved to allow administration to organize these meetings, aiming for a quick turnaround.
Approval of Housing Framework Contract (00:47:01)
Approval of a contract with Housing Resources Inc. for shelter and diversion coordination, with a request for periodic updates on the program's progress.

A motion was discussed and approved for a contract with Housing Resources Inc. to manage shelter access and diversion coordination. The contract is set for two years, and commissioners requested regular updates on the program's effectiveness. Concerns were raised about the length of the contract and the need for transparency and accountability. The Administrator assured that there are provisions for regular performance reports and possible contract termination if needed.
Public Comments (00:56:07)
Public comment from Michelle Davis, executive director of Housing Resources, expressing gratitude for the contract approval and highlighting collaborative efforts.

During the public comment section, Michelle Davis, executive director at Housing Resources, thanked the board for approving the contract and emphasized the collaborative efforts among organizations to improve the housing system. She noted the importance of transparency and coordination in achieving effective outcomes.
Board Member Comments and Adjournment (00:57:45)
Board members expressed thanks to staff and each other, congratulated election winners, and noted upcoming community events before adjournment.

Board members took the opportunity to express appreciation for county staff and their efforts, particularly during the election period. They congratulated the chair on election success and discussed the importance of teamwork among county departments. Announcements of upcoming community events such as a car show in Augusta were made. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of personal milestones of board members and staff.
Administrator's Facility Updates (01:03:42)
The administrator provided updates on facility work including a jail chiller replacement, support from ARPA funds, and meeting functions advancing.

The administrator provided an update on ongoing facility work, highlighting the jail chiller replacement where a temporary emergency cooling system was installed to support the cooling season. The permanent rebuild of the jail chiller is expected to take place soon, with support from the board and ARPA funds. Additionally, advancements in other meeting functions were discussed, emphasizing stability in public presence and facility services.
Commissioner Rey's Comments (01:07:02)
Commissioner Rey congratulated Chair Strebs, thanked various individuals, and announced upcoming events including North Side Saturday.

Commissioner Rey congratulated Chair Strebs on her hard work and representation. Thanks were extended to Zak Ford for parking assistance and Dave for rodeo tickets. Commissioner Rey highlighted the excitement about the upcoming fair and North Side Saturday event, inviting everyone to participate in the day's festivities.
Commissioner Morales's Remarks (01:09:09)
Commissioner Morales congratulated participants of recent elections and discussed issues like healthcare and housing plans.

Commissioner Morales began by congratulating those who participated in the recent elections, acknowledging the challenges faced by candidates. The importance of healthcare, particularly Medicare for all, was mentioned, as well as the excitement about new housing plans to relieve community housing issues. Morales also expressed gratitude for those involved in voting and election processes.
Commissioner Mazer's Updates (01:11:48)
Commissioner Mazer shared experiences from attending local events and congratulated recent election winners.

Commissioner Mazer congratulated election winners and shared personal experiences from attending the centenarian event at the Zang port senior center and the youth athletic facility groundbreaking. The importance of these community events and their positive impact was emphasized.
Commissioner Gisler's Comments (01:13:06)
Commissioner Gisler expressed anticipation for the upcoming fair and congratulated Chair Strebs on her primary victory.

Commissioner Gisler shared excitement about the upcoming fair activities, particularly the rodeo, and humorously mentioned personal fair favorites. Congratulations were extended to Chair Strebs on her primary victory, with a light-hearted note on hoping she remains in her current role due to her effectiveness.
Commissioner DeLeeuw's Remarks (01:14:06)
Commissioner DeLeeuw thanked MSU Extension for their community offerings and congratulated Chair Strebs.

Commissioner DeLeeuw expressed appreciation for the community efforts of the MSU Extension and the educational programs they offer. Congratulations were extended to Chair Strebs for her accomplishments, acknowledging the potential loss to the board if she moves on to a new position.
Adjournment (01:15:28)
The meeting was adjourned after concluding remarks and congratulations to Chair Strebs.

Following the remarks from various commissioners, the meeting was concluded with final congratulations to Chair Strebs and the announcement of adjournment.