Kalamazoo County - November 19, 2024 Board of Commissioners

Updated about 20 hours ago

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners adopts proclamations honoring Jeffrey Reicherts for his contributions to environmental health and James Kratz for achieving Eagle Scout rank. Discussions included emergency assistance grants related to recent tornado damage and the management of ARPA funds. The meeting also saw the introduction of Brandy James, the new Director of Emergency Management, who brings extensive experience from previous roles in Kalamazoo and Louisiana. Commissioners expressed gratitude for the re-election of board members, discussed future strategic plans, and community engagement initiatives were highlighted.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:38)
The meeting was officially called to order, marking the start of the proceedings.

The chair called the meeting to order, indicating the official commencement of the scheduled agenda.
Invocation and Pledge (00:00:49)
Commissioner Duluth led an invocation and the pledge, emphasizing compassion and community commitment.

Commissioner Duluth led the meeting in an invocation, opting for a reflection rather than a prayer, focusing on compassion, understanding, and commitment to community improvement, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call (00:01:30)
Attendance was recorded, confirming the presence of eight commissioners at the meeting.

Roll call was conducted to confirm the attendance of commissioners. Commissioners Mazer, Morales, Ray, STRs, Taylor, Wheeler, Dilu, Gissler, and Heppler were present, confirming a quorum for the meeting.
Proclamations (00:02:02)
Proclamations were read honoring Jeffrey Reicherts and James Kratt for their contributions.

Commissioner STRs and Vice Chair Taylor presented proclamations. The first honored Jeffrey Reicherts for his contributions to environmental health and community service. The second honored James Kratt for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Communications (00:11:29)
No communications were presented or submitted by commissioners at this meeting.

The chair inquired if there were any communications to present. No communications were brought forward by the commissioners at this time.
Public Comment (00:11:56)
Public comment session was opened but no comments were made from the public.

The meeting opened the floor to public comments, allowing individuals to address the board for up to three minutes each. No members of the public came forward to comment.
Approval of Minutes (00:12:26)
Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved without opposition.

The minutes from the previous committee of the whole and regular meeting were presented for approval. The motion to approve was moved by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Commissioner Wheeler, passing unanimously.
Approval of Agenda (00:12:59)
The meeting agenda was approved, with an addition for ARPA allocation discussion.

The agenda was approved after a motion by Commissioner STRs to add a new business item regarding ARPA allocation for South County Community Services. The motion carried without opposition.
Consent Agenda (00:13:36)
Consent agenda items were reviewed and approved as a single package via roll call vote.

Consent agenda items were read and included several requests for approvals and agreements. The package was moved by Commissioner Saloo and supported by ER Taylor, with a roll call vote confirming unanimous approval.
New Business (00:18:22)
A motion was introduced for ARPA allocation to support housing rehabilitation after a tornado.

Commissioner STRs introduced a motion to allocate ARPA funds to South County Community Services for housing rehabilitation in Pavilion Estates affected by a tornado. The motion, supported by Commissioner Dilu, passed unanimously.
Public Comment (00:19:23)
A second opportunity for public comment was provided, with one individual expressing gratitude.

During the second public comment session, Jane Gosh from Discover Kalamazoo expressed gratitude for the extension of their management agreement and invited further input for an upcoming presentation.
Reports and Updates (00:20:50)
Administrative updates were provided, including HR recruitment and ARPA fund allocation details.

The administrator provided updates on HR director recruitment, emergency assistance grants, and ARPA fund reallocations. Discussion included the need for inter-agency agreements to obligate funds.