Kalamazoo County - June 3, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

Commissioners reviewed a proclamation for elder abuse awareness presented by Don Sillas, director of the Area Agency on Aging. Commissioner Morales highlighted a neighborhood initiative offering free pet microchipping. The board reviewed infrastructure projects, such as the final design stage of the county parking garage and discussions on a new county administration building. Public comments were welcomed, addressing topics like the Amplifon portal for funding applications and opioid settlement fund allocations. The meeting concluded with reports on emergency management and the budget development process.

Chapters

Welcome and Invocation (00:00:09)
The meeting began with a welcome and an invocation led by a pastor, expressing gratitude and seeking wisdom for the commission.

A pastor from the Gospel Mission was welcomed to the meeting. He led an invocation, expressing gratitude for the community and seeking wisdom for the commission members and community present. The invocation emphasized agreement around wisdom for decisions made during the meeting.
Roll Call (00:01:32)
Roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of commissioners, including Morales, Ray, and others.

The clerk called the roll to confirm the attendance of the commissioners. Commissioners Morales, Ray, and Chair Stre were present, among others.
Proclamations (00:02:00)
Commissioner Morales moved to support a proclamation related to elder abuse awareness.

The commission discussed a proclamation related to elder abuse awareness. Commissioner Morales moved to support the proclamation, which was seconded by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The motion carried with no opposition.
Communications (00:03:40)
Commissioners discussed neighborhood events, including free pet microchips and elder abuse awareness.

Commissioner Morales mentioned a neighborhood event offering free pet microchips at local pet stores. The director of the Area Agency on Aging was recognized to speak about elder abuse awareness and the importance of the proclamation supporting this issue.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:46)
Minutes from previous meetings were approved with minor amendments after discussion.

The minutes from the committee of the whole and regular meeting were presented for approval. Commissioner Morales moved to approve the draft minutes. After discussion, the minutes were approved with amendments suggested by Commissioner Ray.
Approval of Agenda (00:09:09)
The agenda for the meeting was approved without any additional discussion or amendments.

Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was carried with all in favor and no opposition.
Public Comment (00:09:46)
Public comments included topics on funding opportunities and project updates in the community.

Public comments were made by Mary Balama from the city of Kalamazoo, discussing the AMPLIFON portal for funding, opioid settlement money, and recent project developments such as the Mount Zion Hollander project.
Consent Agenda (00:13:19)
The consent agenda was presented and approved with a roll call vote, with no items requiring discussion.

The consent agenda was presented for approval. Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler moved to approve, and a roll call vote was conducted, resulting in unanimous approval.
Reports from Officers (00:14:55)
Officers and administrators provided reports on ongoing projects and emergency management efforts.

Reports were presented by officers and administrators. Topics included budget development processes, capital projects, emergency management initiatives, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the county.
Commissioner Comments (00:23:39)
Commissioners expressed gratitude and shared information about community events and upcoming meetings.

Commissioners provided comments, including gratitude for the invocation and recognition of community events. Commissioner Giesler mentioned an upcoming meeting with a speaker discussing domestic terrorism concerns.