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Kalamazoo County - April 15, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 2 hours ago

The Board makes proclamations recognizing Kalamazoo Valley Community College Month, Workers' Memorial Day, and honors First United Baptist Church with Pastor Lindsey Bell in attendance. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to reviewing the proposal for new jail and records management systems, which aims to enhance efficiency and data transparency. The board also deliberates on changes to the interview process for board appointments, proposing that certain interviews be conducted by the Board Appointments Committee instead of the full board. The meeting concludes with public comments and reports from officers.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:06)
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting began with attendees reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call (00:00:21)
Attendance was taken to confirm which commissioners were present.

The clerk conducted the roll call. Commissioners Wheeler, ou, ler, Vice Chair Prom Heppler, Commissioner Mazer, Commissioner Morales, Commissioner Ray, Chair STRs, and Vice Chair Taylor were present.
Proclamations (00:00:50)
The commission recognized Kalamazoo Valley Community College Month and Workers' Memorial Day.

A proclamation was made for Kalamazoo Valley Community College Month, supported by a motion. Another proclamation declared Workers' Memorial Day, with discussion and a vote following.
Recognition of Pastor Bell (00:01:47)
Pastor Bell was recognized for his community work beyond the church.

Commissioner Morales presented a proclamation honoring Pastor Bell for his service in community initiatives such as group violence intervention and reducing infant mortality. The proclamation was supported and approved.
Communications (00:05:41)
Received an inquiry from Ruben David Osorio Sanders about funding opportunities.

The board received an online communication from Ruben David Osorio Sanders of Milestone Senior Services, asking about potential additional funding opportunities. No further communications were shared by board members.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:13)
The minutes from previous meetings were reviewed and approved.

The board reviewed the regular and meeting minutes, and a motion was made and supported to approve them. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment (00:08:19)
An opportunity for public comment was provided, but no comments were made.

The floor was opened for public comment. Attendees were invited to speak at the podium, but no one came forward to speak, and no online comments were noted.
Presentation of Consent Agenda (00:09:02)
The consent agenda was presented and accepted without being read into the record.

The consent agenda was presented to the board. It was noted that items on the consent agenda were no longer read into the record, but a motion to approve was entertained.
Sheriff's Office Presentation (00:09:19)
Sheriff's office presented on new jail and records management systems.

Sheriff Fuller and Lieutenant Steve Stride presented the need for new jail and records management systems to increase efficiency and transparency. They explained the benefits, costs, and expected improvements.
Discussion on Contingency Rates for Technology Projects (00:34:45)
The board discussed the high contingency rates for technology projects, which are around one-fifth of the total cost, and their necessity for covering potential changes during implementation.

During the meeting, members discussed the contingency rates built into technology projects, with concerns raised about the rates being high, constituting about 20% of the total project cost. It was explained that these rates cover potential changes and small differences in technology requirements that may arise during project implementation. The discussion also touched on the need for adequate funding and the involvement of different county representatives in the decision-making process.
Record Management and Jail Management System Project Discussion (00:35:05)
Discussions were held regarding the implementation of a new records management and jail management system, with focus on costs, funding sources, and the benefits for inmate management and transparency.

The board discussed the implementation of a new records management and jail management system, emphasizing the importance of managing inmate populations, tracking deputy work, and improving criminal justice transparency. Concerns were raised about the funding sources for the project, with suggestions to collaborate with finance directors. The board considered the views of data advisory teams and potential efficiency gains from improved technology, including data conversion and integration with existing systems.
New Business - Budget and Funding for Technology Projects (00:49:04)
Discussion on budgeting and funding for new technology projects over a five-year period, focusing on operational costs and potential savings from improved records management systems.

The board discussed the budget implications of the proposed technology projects, including a new records management system. The total cost was estimated to be $3.6 million over five years, with $1.5 million already allocated, leaving $2.1 million to be sourced. The discussion included potential sources such as capital improvement projects and strategic reserves. The board emphasized the need for effective budgeting and the potential long-term cost savings from better recidivism rates and community program effectiveness.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:50:11)
The board reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included several items previously discussed and agreed upon.

The consent agenda was presented for approval by the board, which involved a roll call vote. Items on the consent agenda were those previously discussed and agreed upon by the board members. The Vice Chair Pro Tem moved to approve the consent agenda as amended, and a roll call vote was conducted, resulting in approval.
Public Comment Session (01:05:28)
Members of the public were invited to provide comments and feedback on the board's discussions and decisions, with emphasis on respectful communication.

During the public comment session, members of the public were invited to step up to the podium, state their name and residence, and provide comments or feedback regarding the board's discussions and decisions. The board emphasized the importance of respectful communication and the opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and concerns.
Officer and Staff Reports (01:06:38)
Reports were given by officers and staff, including reflections on upcoming Easter week and the importance of justice, service, and community support.

Officers and staff presented their reports, which included reflections on the significance of the upcoming Easter week and its call for justice, service, and community support. The discussion highlighted the importance of standing up for civil rights and due process, with references to recent national events and constitutional rights.
Consent Agenda and Equalization Report (01:12:00)
Discussion on equalization report as part of consent agenda, emphasizing property taxes as a major revenue source.

The speaker highlights the importance of the equalization report within the consent agenda, noting that property taxes are one of the largest revenue sources for the county.
Pension Discussion (01:12:40)
Discussion on employee pension plans, emphasizing protection of current employees' pensions and structural surplus.

There was a detailed discussion on the county's pension plans, with an emphasis on protecting the pensions of current employees and understanding the structural surplus to absorb yearly contributions.
Public Comments and Recognitions (01:13:55)
Recognition of board members and community efforts, with a focus on community support and recognition of staff and committees.

Various board members recognized the efforts of the administration and the board in handling various issues, and there was a call to appreciate county employees and committee members for their hard work.
Committee Reports and Updates (01:14:11)
Updates on committee activities, including Michigan Works and emergency management updates.

The meeting included updates on committee activities, such as the Michigan Works program and emergency management partnerships, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and administrative collaboration.
Emergency Management and Disaster Relief (01:19:09)
Discussion on emergency management partnerships and disaster relief funding distribution.

The board discussed ongoing emergency management initiatives, including partnerships with various entities and the distribution of disaster relief funding.
Lobbyist Introduction and Legislative Coordination (01:21:46)
Introduction of new lobbyist, plans for Kalamazoo County Day at the Capitol, and legislative coordination.

The board has hired a new lobbyist, Graham Filler, who will be introduced in upcoming meetings. There are plans for a Kalamazoo County Day at the Capitol to coordinate with legislative delegations.
Intergovernmental Round Table (01:23:14)
Report on intergovernmental round table discussions to unify local priorities and voices.

A report was given on the intergovernmental round table discussions, highlighting efforts to unify local government priorities and speak with a collective voice.
Adjournment (01:29:54)
Formal closing of the meeting with an adjournment announcement.

The meeting was formally closed with an announcement of adjournment, marking the end of the session.