Kalamazoo County Government - October 15, 2024 Board of Commissioners

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Kalamazoo County Board reviewed RX Kids program funding, and considered commissioner wage increases. The board also addressed the establishment of a community grant process to fund public and nonprofit interests aligned with county priorities. Public comments raised wage concerns and the board's decision-making process. The meeting concluded with reports from commissioners and plans for future initiatives.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:10)
The meeting was officially called to order to begin the proceedings.

The meeting was called to order to commence the official proceedings as scheduled.
Invocation and Reflection (00:01:18)
Commissioner Wheeler led the invocation and reflection, honoring diverse beliefs.

Commissioner Wheeler led the invocation and reflection, allowing participants to engage in silent prayer or meditation, respecting all religious and non-religious affiliations.
Roll Call (00:02:28)
Roll call was conducted to verify the presence of commissioners.

A roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of commissioners Gissler, Heppler, Maser, Morales, Strips, Taylor, Wheeler, and Dilu, with a total of nine commissioners present.
Proclamation (00:02:55)
A proclamation was read and approved, with no discussion needed.

A proclamation was presented and approved by the commissioners. There was a motion to approve it, which was supported and passed with no opposition.
Communications (00:03:26)
Communication items from counties and emails were shared with the board.

Communications included resolutions from Wexford County and Washington County and emails from Mary Sutton and Wayne Coleman, addressing county issues.
Approval of Minutes (00:04:06)
The minutes from previous meetings were approved with no opposition.

The draft meeting minutes from previous sessions were presented for approval. The motion to approve was supported and passed unanimously.
Approval of Agenda (00:04:31)
The agenda for the meeting was approved without any changes or corrections.

A motion to approve the meeting agenda as written was made and supported, with no commissioners opposing the approval.
Public Comment (00:04:55)
Public comments were welcomed, with speakers addressing various concerns.

Members of the public were invited to speak, with comments from Adriannene Zaya, Aleah Do, Denise Kellogg, Tammy Porter, and Kathy Macoff, addressing issues like reproductive health and employee wages.
Consent Agenda (00:14:52)
Consent agenda items were read and approved with a roll call vote.

Commissioner Wheeler took the board through the consent agenda items, which were collectively voted on and approved with a roll call vote.
Non-Consent Agenda Items (00:19:52)
Non-consent agenda items were discussed and voted on separately.

The board moved to discuss non-consent agenda items separately. A motion was made to approve a resolution, with some commissioners abstaining due to conflicts of interest.
Discussion on Commissioner Salaries (00:36:44)
Commissioners discussed salary increases, professionalizing the board, and community impact.

The discussion focused on the challenges of setting commissioner salaries, comparing them to other counties, and the importance of attracting talented individuals to the board. The need for professionalization was emphasized, along with the desire for healthy dialogue and community-focused action.
Contract for Legal Research with Thomson Reuters (00:47:41)
Approval of a contract for legal research services with Thomson Reuters was discussed.

The board discussed the necessity and cost of the legal research service provided by Thomson Reuters, which supports various departments including the courts and the Sheriff's office. The service facilitates legal research for county attorneys and helps save costs on outside legal counsel.
Approval of the Apportionment Report (00:55:40)
The board voted on the approval of the apportionment report, which was passed unanimously.

The apportionment report was presented for approval. The board discussed its contents briefly before proceeding to a unanimous vote in favor of the report.
Resolution to Apportion Ad Valorem Taxes (00:57:01)
A resolution to apportion ad valorem taxes was approved by the board.

The board discussed and subsequently approved a resolution concerning the apportionment of ad valorem taxes. The resolution was passed with a roll call vote.
Approval of the Budget (00:58:06)
The budget for the upcoming fiscal period was approved by the board.

The board discussed the proposed budget, and after some deliberation, a vote was conducted. The budget was approved with eight votes in favor and one against.
Funding for RX Kids Program (00:59:03)
The board discussed and voted on funding for the RX Kids program from the general fund.

Funding was proposed for the RX Kids program to support families with young children in vulnerable areas. The board discussed the potential benefits and impact of the program before approving the funding with a majority vote.
YWCA Reproductive Health Fund (01:02:01)
Discussion and vote on funding for the YWCA Reproductive Health Fund took place.

The board considered funding for the YWCA Reproductive Health Fund, which aims to support gender-affirming care, doula services, and related support. The board debated the use of funds and the ethical implications before approving the funding with a close vote.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Funding (01:07:03)
The board discussed funding for KVCC's technology building renovations and automotive addition.

Funding was proposed for renovations and additions at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's advanced technology center. The board considered the impact on community education and vocational training before voting to approve the funding.
Discussion on Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development (01:09:12)
Commissioners discuss raising wages in the community through strategic economic development initiatives.

Commissioner Streps discusses the board's strategic initiatives to raise employee wages and improve community wages through economic development. The importance of making investments to build long-term capacity is emphasized.
Roll Call Vote on Motion (01:10:01)
Roll call vote is conducted on a motion with six commissioners voting in favor, motion carries.

The commissioners conduct a roll call vote on a motion. Commissioners Gissler votes no, Commissioner Heppler abstains, and Commissioners Ray, Streps, Wheeler, and Dilu vote yes. The motion carries with six votes in favor.
Reports of Officers and Bodies (01:10:45)
Officers report on budget completion and improvements in the Treasurer's Office and investment strategies.

The administrator-controller expresses excitement about completing the budget and thanks the administration team. Commissioner Streps discusses improvements in the Treasurer's Office, highlighting new investment strategies and increased revenue generation.
Commissioner Comments and Acknowledgments (01:11:14)
Commissioners thank employees and discuss various topics including salaries, diversity, and media coverage.

Vice Chair Taylor and other commissioners thank county employees for their hard work. Discussions include the importance of professionalizing government, compensation for commissioners, and the role of media in covering economic development projects.
Budget and Financial Reports (01:18:03)
Discussion on the passed budget, including transparency, community engagement, and employee investments.

The administrator discusses the passed budget, highlighting transparency and community engagement efforts. Investments in employees through benefit enhancements and wage increases are mentioned, with Kalamazoo County being one of the top counties in Michigan for employee investment.
Emergency Management Director Interviews (01:19:28)
Upcoming interviews for the Emergency Management Director position with broad representation on the panel.

The administrator announces scheduled interviews for the Emergency Management Director position, with representation from various departments including the Sheriff's office and medical personnel. Commissioner Morales and Vice Chair Heppler will also participate in the interview panel.
Commissioner Reflections and Election Considerations (01:28:18)
Commissioners reflect on the upcoming election and the importance of public service and community trust.

Commissioner Streps reflects on the privilege of running for office and the importance of community trust in public service. The upcoming election is discussed, emphasizing the role of citizens in shaping the community and the value of differing opinions.
Adjournment (01:32:33)
Meeting adjourned without objection after final commissioner comments and acknowledgments.

The chair adjourns the meeting without objection after commissioners make final comments, thank each other for their work, and express appreciation for community engagement and public service.
Proposal for Community Fair (01:40:55)
Discussion on organizing a community fair to promote 4-H programs and enhance community engagement.

The meeting began with a discussion about organizing a community fair to showcase the 4-H programs and encourage more community involvement. There was a consensus on the importance of having such an event, although it was noted that organizing it for the next year might be challenging due to time constraints.
Feasibility Study Funding (01:41:50)
Inquiry about the allocation of $100,000 for a feasibility study and its potential use for initial planning stages.

Commissioner Sheriffs inquired about the $100,000 allocated for a feasibility study, asking whether the entire amount would be needed or if some funds could be used for initial planning stages. It was clarified that the full amount might not be required for the study, allowing for some resources to be used in the planning stages.
Benefit Enhancements for Retirees (01:42:43)
Introduction of non-medical benefit enhancements for retirees, including vision and dental increases.

The board discussed several non-medical benefit enhancements for retirees, such as increasing vision and dental benefits to align with those of active employees. Other benefits discussed included paid parental leave and cashing out annual leave, with the policy updates to be reviewed in future meetings.
Budget and Financial Reports (01:46:41)
Discussion on addressing funding requests using unassigned fund balance instead of adjusting revenue projections.

The administrator recommended using unassigned fund balance to address various funding requests, including the RX Kids program and YWCA reproductive health fund, to avoid adjusting revenue projections. This approach aims to maintain stable revenue projections while addressing community needs.
Community Grants Program Proposal (01:48:48)
Discussion on establishing a community grants program to fund public and nonprofit interests through the annual budget.

The administrator suggested establishing a community grants program funded through the annual budget to support public and nonprofit interests. The proposal includes setting aside funds annually, with an application process for community organizations to apply for funding aligned with board priorities.
Commissioner Comments on Community Grants (01:50:26)
Commissioners expressed differing views on the proposed community grants program, discussing its merits and potential issues.

Commissioners discussed the proposed community grants program, with some expressing support for engaging community voices, while others raised concerns about creating an administrative slush fund and the appropriateness of allocating taxpayer money directly to nonprofits.