Kalamazoo County Government - June 3, 2025 Board of Commissioners

Updated 3 days ago

The Board issued a proclamation for Elder Abuse Awareness, the announcement of free microchips for pets by the county's animal control, and updates on significant housing projects, such as the Mount Zion Hollander project and the Portage and Stanley development. The board also discussed the approval of committee minutes, agenda items, and heard public comments on funding for local projects.

Chapters

Welcome and Invocation (00:00:00)
Pastor Michael Brown from the Gospel Mission provided the invocation, offering prayers for the commission and community.

Pastor Michael Brown from the Gospel Mission was welcomed to provide the invocation. He led a prayer for the commission and the community, asking for wisdom and alignment with God's will, and expressing gratitude for God's protection and provision.
Roll Call (00:01:28)
The clerk called the roll for all commissioners, confirming the presence of eight members.

The roll call was conducted by the clerk, listing each commissioner by name, confirming their presence. Commissioners Ler, Heppler, Maser, Morales, Ray, STRs, Taylor, and Ulu were present, ensuring a quorum for the meeting.
Proclamations: Elder Abuse Awareness (00:01:59)
A proclamation for Elder Abuse Awareness was moved and supported. Director Don Sillas spoke on its importance.

The commission moved and supported a proclamation for Elder Abuse Awareness, with Commissioner Morales moving and Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler supporting. Director Don Sillas from the Area Agency on Aging spoke about the importance of the proclamation, emphasizing the underreporting of elder abuse and the need for community awareness.
Communications (00:05:24)
No new communications were presented. Commissioner Morales shared about free pet microchipping.

There were no new communications presented at the meeting. Commissioner Morales mentioned that county animal control is offering free microchips for pets, available at participating pet stores, as part of a grant initiative to help pet owners.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:55)
Minutes from various committee meetings were reviewed and approved with minor amendments.

The commission reviewed and approved the minutes from previous meetings, including the committee of the whole, regular meeting, and round table ad hoc committee. An amendment was made regarding the intergovernmental round table minutes before final approval.
Approval of Agenda (00:09:09)
The meeting agenda was approved as presented without any amendments or objections.

The commission moved to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The agenda was approved unanimously.
Public Comment (00:09:46)
Mary Bima from Kalamazoo spoke about AMPLIFON portal funding opportunities and housing projects.

Mary Bima from Kalamazoo addressed the board, informing them about the AMPLIFON portal open for funding applications in categories such as multifamily and creative projects. She also thanked the board for their support in opioid settlement funding and updated on housing projects like Mount Zion Hollander and Portage and Stanley, emphasizing the importance of down payment assistance.
Consent Agenda (00:13:17)
All items were voted on as a consent agenda and approved unanimously by roll call.

The commission voted to approve all items in the consent agenda at one time. The motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. A roll call was conducted, and the motion passed with unanimous support.
Reports of Officers and Committees (00:15:00)
Board members and officers provided updates on recent activities and projects, emphasizing public safety and disaster recovery.

During the reports section, board members and officers discussed various topics, including disaster recovery plans, partnerships with local fire departments, and the importance of public safety. Vice Chair and Vice Chair Pro Tem emphasized the need for collaboration and preparedness in response to natural disasters and public safety concerns.
Administrator's Report (00:19:52)
Updates on budget development, capital projects, ARPA initiatives, and upcoming training sessions were provided.

Deputy Administrator Cole provided a detailed report on the county's budget development process, including the launch of a new grant portal. Updates were given on capital projects like the parking garage and admin building, ARPA adjustments, medical debt relief, emergency management training, and DEI initiatives. The budget retreat was announced for July 20th.
Commissioner Comments (00:23:34)
Commissioners shared closing remarks, highlighting gratitude for the meeting and community engagements.

During commissioner comments, members expressed gratitude for the presentations and community engagement. Commissioner Giesler highlighted the Career Connect Center opening and an upcoming meeting on domestic terrorism. Commissioner Mazer thanked Pastor Brown for the invocation. Chair concluded with hopes for continued positive developments.