Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners

Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners - August 18, 2026 Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Board reviews the implementation framework for the recently passed childcare millage. Health officer Deb Lenz and deputy health officer Lauren Smith-Lewandowski outlined staffing and governance plans, emphasizing community involvement and accountability. The board also appointed Terrell Cole as the interim administrator, acknowledging the transition. Public comments highlighted concerns about flock surveillance cameras. The board is attentive to public safety measures and community feedback.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:03)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners is called to order.

Chair calls the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting to order.
Invocation and Reflection (00:00:11)
A reflection is shared emphasizing empathy, community support, and gratitude.

A reflection is shared by a member, highlighting interactions with community members experiencing deep suffering, such as homelessness and poverty. The reflection encourages empathy, gratitude for personal support systems, and a reminder of the inherent value in every person.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:32)
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States is recited.

The attendees stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:02:59)
The roll call of commissioners is conducted with eight commissioners present.

The roll call is conducted by the clerk, confirming the presence of Commissioners Ray, Strebs, Taylor, Wheeler, DeLeeuw, Gisler, Heppler, and Mazer, with Commissioner Morales also present, totaling eight commissioners.
Proclamations (00:03:27)
There are no proclamations to present at this meeting.

The agenda item for proclamations is addressed, and it is noted that there are no proclamations to present at this meeting.
Reports (00:03:44)
A summary of reports and communications is given, including a letter from the county surveyor.

A report summary mentions community grants and funding activities. A letter from Gary Hahn, the county surveyor, informs the board about the appointment of Joel East as the deputy county surveyor. Commissioners are invited to share any additional communications.
Approval of Minutes (00:04:20)
Minutes from previous meetings are approved unanimously.

The minutes from previous meetings, including the Ad Hoc Committee meeting, are presented for approval. A motion to approve is made and supported, and the motion carries with all in favor.
Approval of the Agenda (00:05:01)
The meeting agenda is approved as presented.

A motion to approve the agenda as presented is made by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The motion carries with all in favor.
Childcare Millage Post-Election Implementation Framework Presentation (00:05:30)
A detailed presentation on the implementation framework for the childcare millage post-election is given.

Deb Lenz, Health Director, and Lauren Smith-Lewandowski,, Deputy Health Officer, present the implementation framework for the childcare millage. They discuss the governance structure, staffing model, and the importance of community engagement in the process. The presentation includes the timeline for implementation, proposed staffing, and the roles and responsibilities of the task force and advisory council. Commissioners discuss the need for commissioner involvement and oversight, application processes for task force membership, and the importance of community representation.
Discussion on Core Skill Set for Positions (00:31:23)
Discussion on core skill set needed for positions, focusing on accountancy or business management and relationship building.

The meeting discusses the necessary skills for positions, emphasizing a background in accountancy or business management. It highlights the importance of building coalitions and networks.
Community Health Workers' Qualifications (00:32:00)
Discussion on qualifications for community health workers, mentioning associate degrees and lived experience.

The discussion revolves around the qualifications required for community health workers, which include an associate degree and the possibility of recognizing lived experience.
Salary Bands for Positions (00:32:34)
Discussion on starting salary bands for positions, mentioning different bands based on qualifications.

The meeting discusses the starting salary bands for various positions, highlighting that they start at different levels based on qualifications and experience.
Funding for Proposed Recommendations (00:33:22)
Discussion on funding sources for proposed recommendations, suggesting the general fund as a source.

The funding for proposed recommendations is discussed, with a suggestion that the general fund could be used as a source.
Position Descriptions and DEI Review (00:33:38)
Discussion on sending position descriptions to DEI director for review before posting.

The meeting addresses whether position descriptions should be sent to the DEI director for review before being posted.
New Position Creation and HR Alignment (00:34:03)
Discussion on creating new positions and aligning them with existing HR accounts.

The creation of new positions is discussed, focusing on aligning these with existing HR accounts to ensure proper recognition and budget alignment.
Qualifications and Experience Equivalence (00:35:00)
Discussion on adding language for equivalent education or experience to job requirements.

The discussion involves adding language to job requirements to include equivalent education or experience, ensuring broader eligibility.
HR Policies and Equivalent Experience (00:36:00)
Discussion on HR policies regarding equivalent experience and qualifications for positions.

The meeting explores HR policies, emphasizing that all positions have language allowing for equivalent experience, except where certifications are required.
Feedback on Job Description Language (00:38:00)
Feedback on the clarity of job description language regarding qualifications and experience.

Feedback is given about job description language, suggesting the need for clarity in how qualifications and experience are stated to avoid confusion.
Importance of Degrees and Real-World Experience (00:39:00)
Discussion on the value of degrees and real-world experience, highlighting both perspectives.

The meeting discusses the balance between valuing degrees and real-world experience, acknowledging both as important for different reasons.
Clarifying Job Requirements (00:40:00)
Discussion on clarifying job requirements to avoid misinterpretation by applicants.

The need to clarify job requirements is discussed to ensure that applicants understand the qualifications needed for positions.
Accountability Metrics for Millage (00:42:01)
Discussion on accountability metrics for millage, including external evaluators and data tracking.

The meeting focuses on accountability metrics for millage, proposing the use of external evaluators and data tracking mechanisms to establish outcomes and ensure transparency.
Community Feedback and Reporting (00:45:00)
Discussion on obtaining community feedback and reporting mechanisms for millage outcomes.

The discussion includes obtaining feedback from the community to ensure millage funds meet their needs, proposing quarterly and annual reports.
Integration of Data and Braid Approach (00:47:00)
Discussion on integrating data from various sources to evaluate millage impact.

The meeting discusses integrating data from various sources, such as cradle-to-career initiatives, to evaluate the impact of millages and improve outcomes.
Frequency of Updates to the Board (00:50:00)
Discussion on how often the board should receive updates on task force progress.

The frequency of updates to the board is discussed, considering monthly updates from participating commissioners or quarterly reports from the task force.
Public Comments (00:51:00)
Public comments are invited, covering various topics including concerns about surveillance cameras.

During the public comments section, community members express concerns about surveillance cameras, share experiences, and discuss other community issues.
Budget Update on Advertising and Community Support (01:01:32)
An update was provided on budget reductions affecting advertising and community support, emphasizing the impact on future advertising and the potential use of remaining American Rescue Plan funds.

The meeting included an update on the budget situation, specifically about the reductions in the advertising and community support budgets. It was noted that while most community support events were already completed, the advertising season was still ongoing, with cuts impacting the number of ads that could be served. The increase in cost per impression further exacerbated the issue, reducing overall advertising impact. The speaker highlighted the need for strategic deployment of remaining American Rescue Plan funds to mitigate these impacts.
Consent Agenda Vote (01:03:23)
Commissioner Wheeler moved to vote on the consent agenda items as a single roll call vote, which passed unanimously with nine votes in favor.

The board discussed and voted on the consent agenda items. Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to vote on the consent agenda items as a single item by roll call vote. The motion was supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, and the roll call vote was conducted, resulting in unanimous approval with nine commissioners voting 'yes'.
Unfinished Business and Requests for Position Creations (01:04:11)
Discussion on unfinished business and a request for approval of new positions within the maternal health division, emphasizing the need for financial reimbursement from millage dollars.

The meeting addressed unfinished business and general orders, specifically focusing on a request for the approval of new position creations within the maternal health division. Commissioner Wheeler made the motion, supported by Vice Chair Taylor. There was a discussion about the financial aspects, particularly regarding reimbursement from millage dollars collected next year, and the importance of ensuring funding stability for these new roles.
Public Comments (01:06:00)
Public comments were made regarding various issues including ranked choice voting advocacy and the impact of flock cameras on privacy and civil liberties.

During the public comment section, several issues were raised by attendees. Jeff Messer, a Kalamazoo resident, spoke about ranked choice voting, highlighting the need for legislative changes to allow its implementation in local elections. Another speaker addressed concerns about flock cameras, discussing privacy and civil liberty implications, particularly relating to surveillance and the potential misuse of data.
Officer and Administrator Reports (01:10:00)
Reports were provided by various officers and the interim administrator, covering topics such as recent elections, transitions in administration, and upcoming meetings on facilities and compensation.

Reports were given by various officers, including reflections on recent elections and transitions in administration. The interim administrator, Terrell Cole, officially assumed the role and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Upcoming special meetings on facilities and compensation were announced, and acknowledgments were given to commissioners for their support and contributions. The importance of community services and recent achievements were also highlighted.
Final Member Comments and Closing (01:24:00)
Final comments from commissioners included congratulations, reflections on community issues like gun violence and flock cameras, and acknowledgments of the county fair's success and community efforts.

The meeting concluded with final comments from commissioners, who shared various thoughts and reflections. Commissioner Rey and others discussed ongoing concerns about gun violence and the presence of flock cameras, emphasizing the need for community vigilance and legislative oversight. Commissioners also congratulated each other on recent achievements and recognized the success of the county fair, praising the community's efforts in making it a positive event. The importance of continued community engagement and support for local initiatives was a common theme.
Discussion on Flock Cameras (01:34:12)
The use of flock cameras was discussed, highlighting their dual nature and the importance of data security.

The discussion focused on the dual nature of flock cameras, which can both aid and hinder. The importance of securing data and controlling access was emphasized, with concerns about unauthorized access by individuals simply presenting a badge. It was suggested that the community not rush to judgment against these cameras without considering their benefits and drawbacks.
Veteran's Service Office Acknowledgement (01:35:40)
Commissioner Gisler received an acknowledgment from the Veteran's Service Office.

Commissioner Gisler was acknowledged by the Veteran's Service Office and expressed gratitude, stating they would wear the acknowledgment with pride.
Commissioner DeLeeuw's Remarks (01:36:20)
Commissioner DeLeeuw reserved the right to discuss flock cameras further in the future.

Commissioner DeLeeuw stated they would reserve their right to make further remarks about flock cameras in the future, indicating a desire to participate in future discussions on the topic.
MAC Commissioner Training on Budgets (01:36:37)
Information about the MAC's free commissioner training on budgets was shared.

Commissioners were informed about a free training session on budgets provided by the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). Commissioner Cole expressed interest in attending and encouraged others to sign up.