Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners

Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners - May 20, 2025 Meeting

Updated 4 days ago

ommissioner Ray presents a proclamation declaring Justice Against Bullying at Schools Month, highlighting the JABS initiative's impact on youth. The board also addresses gun violence by approving a proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, emphasizing local efforts to reduce gun-related incidents. Additionally, the board declares June as Pride Month in Kalamazoo County, supporting LGBTQ+ rights and awareness. Public comments include heartfelt testimonies from participants in the county's drug treatment courts, showcasing the program's success in helping individuals overcome substance use and improve their lives. The board also establishes an ad hoc committee to explore site locations for a new indoor youth sports facility, with representatives from the county and local communities. The meeting concludes with discussions on federal budget concerns and the importance of community resilience in facing severe weather challenges.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:30:21)
The meeting was officially called to order by the chair of the Kamoo County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting began with the official call to order by the chair of the Kamoo County Board of Commissioners, marking the start of the session.
Invocation and Reflection (00:30:28)
Commissioner Del provided an invocation focusing on compassion and commitment to community improvement.

Commissioner Del offered an invocation and reflection, emphasizing the importance of compassion, understanding, and commitment in guiding the actions of the board to improve the community.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:30:49)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to honor the nation and its values of liberty and justice.

The board members and attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance, reaffirming their commitment to the United States and its foundational values of liberty and justice for all.
Roll Call (00:31:08)
A roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of commissioners, with eight members present.

The clerk conducted a roll call to verify the attendance of the commissioners. Eight members were present, ensuring a quorum for the meeting.
Proclamations (00:31:39)
The board approved proclamations for JABS Awareness Month, Gun Violence Awareness Day, and Pride Month.

Several proclamations were approved by the board: Justice Against Bullying at Schools (JABS) Awareness Month, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and Pride Month in Kalamazoo County, recognizing important social issues and community initiatives.
Public Comments (00:45:28)
Members of the public addressed the board, sharing experiences and concerns including drug court successes.

The board opened the floor for public comments, where several individuals, including participants and graduates of the drug treatment court, shared their personal stories of recovery and expressed gratitude for the support provided by the program.
Approval of Minutes (00:46:47)
The minutes from previous meetings were reviewed and approved by the board without opposition.

The board reviewed the minutes from previous meetings and approved them unanimously, ensuring the accuracy and record-keeping of past discussions and decisions.
Approval of Agenda (00:47:46)
The agenda was approved with an addition regarding collaboration with the EPA.

The agenda for the meeting was approved by the board, with the addition of an item concerning cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighting the board's adaptability to include pertinent matters.
Consent Agenda (01:00:41)
The board approved the consent agenda, consolidating routine items into a single motion.

The consent agenda, which groups routine and non-controversial items together for efficiency, was approved by the board in a single motion, streamlining the meeting process.
New Business: Youth Sports Facility Ad Hoc Committee (01:01:11)
The board established an ad hoc committee to identify a site for an indoor youth sports facility.

A new ad hoc committee was formed to evaluate and recommend a location for an indoor youth sports facility. The committee will include representatives from the county, local governments, and the community to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Committee Reports (01:01:41)
No committee reports were presented during this meeting session.

The agenda included a placeholder for committee reports, but none were presented during this session, indicating either a lack of updates or a postponement of such reports to a future meeting.
Adjournment (01:09:20)
The meeting was adjourned following the completion of all agenda items and discussions.

After covering all items on the agenda and allowing for public comments and new business, the meeting was formally adjourned by the chair, concluding the session.
Additional Discussion (01:09:54)
A brief call for any additional discussion before moving to a vote on the appointments.

The chair asked if there was any additional discussion needed before proceeding to a vote on the appointments. No further discussion was needed, so the vote proceeded.
Vote on Appointments (01:10:10)
The board voted on the appointments, with the motion carrying unanimously.

The board held a vote on the proposed appointments. All members signified their agreement by saying 'aye', and there were no opposing votes. The motion was carried, and the appointments were confirmed.
Class Action Lawsuit Motion (01:11:02)
A motion was made to join a class action lawsuit regarding EPA grants, which was supported and passed.

Vice Chair Taylor moved that the board authorize joining a class action lawsuit concerning the termination of EPA grants, potentially as a named plaintiff. The motion was supported by Commissioner Wheeler, and after a brief discussion, it was passed.
Public Comment (01:11:52)
Opportunity for public comments was presented, with no members of the public coming forward.

The floor was opened for public comments. There were no in-person comments, and no calls were made online for public input. Consequently, the public comment section was closed.
Reports from Officers (01:12:18)
Officers provided reports, focusing on federal budget threats and community resilience initiatives.

The officers provided updates, highlighting concerns about federal budget reconciliation and its impact on Medicaid. They also discussed the importance of community resilience in the face of severe weather events and thanked the board for supporting litigation to protect EPA grants.
Vice Chair Remarks (01:14:46)
Vice Chair expressed gratitude for drug treatment court testimonials and praised county staff's efforts.

The Vice Chair thanked individuals who shared their experiences with the drug treatment court, highlighting the impact of Judge Schma's work. Additionally, appreciation was expressed for the efforts of new county staff and the finance director in improving budgeting transparency.
Pro Temp Remarks (01:17:37)
Acknowledgment of emergency responders during recent weather events and a personal family announcement.

Vice Chair Pro Temp thanked military, law enforcement, and emergency responders for their service during recent disasters. Gratitude was extended to community members who assisted with clearing roads. A personal note was shared about the birth of a new granddaughter.
Administration Remarks (01:20:14)
The administration expressed thanks for the meeting's success and the board's participation.

The administration thanked the board and commissioners for their participation and efforts in conducting a successful meeting, emphasizing collaboration and effective governance.
Commissioner Comments (01:20:50)
Commissioners shared their closing comments, highlighting community projects and personal reflections.

Commissioners offered closing remarks, with acknowledgments of community initiatives like the sports complex and comments on personal experiences with specialty courts. The positive impact of such programs was discussed, along with appreciation for community and board support.