Kalamazoo County - June 17, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Kalamazoo County Board Meeting on June 19, 2023, addresses several key issues including the approval of a youth sports facility on the Westgate property, which is a significant development for the community. The meeting also focuses on preparations for potential severe weather, with the emergency management team providing updates and resources. Additionally, the board highlights the celebration of Juneteenth, emphasizing community resilience and ongoing efforts towards racial equality. The meeting reflects on the importance of political stability and community safety, condemning recent political violence. Commissioner comments underscore the collaborative efforts in the county and the importance of strategic planning in the budget process.

Chapters

First Closed Session (00:03:40)
Commissioner Wheeler made a motion for the first closed session, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The motion was approved unanimously.

Commissioner Wheeler moved to enter the first closed session, with support from Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. After a call for discussion and a vote, the motion carried with unanimous approval.
Approval of First Closed Session Minutes (00:03:54)
Motion to approve minutes of the first closed session was made by Commissioner Wheeler and supported by Vice Chair Portler. It was approved unanimously.

Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to approve the minutes from the first closed session, supported by Vice Chair Portler. The motion was discussed briefly and then approved unanimously by the board.
Second Closed Session and Approval of Minutes (00:04:15)
Commissioner Wheeler moved to exit the second closed session and approve its minutes, supported by Commissioner Dilu. Both motions were approved.

Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to exit the second closed session, supported by Commissioner Dilu, which was approved after a vote. Following this, Wheeler moved to approve the minutes of the second closed session, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, and this was also approved unanimously.
Invocation and Reflection (00:06:00)
Vice Chair Pro Tem led the invocation, reflecting on gratitude and guidance for the community's well-being.

An invocation was led by Vice Chair Pro Tem, expressing gratitude for blessings and seeking guidance for making decisions that benefit the community, people, and businesses.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:06:08)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present at the meeting.

The meeting participants recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:06:27)
Roll call was conducted with eight commissioners present, and Commissioner Maser was noted as absent for the evening.

Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of Vice Chair Pro Heffler, Commissioner Mazer, Commissioner Morales, Commissioner Ray, Chair Res, Vice Chair Taylor, Commissioner Wheeler, and Commissioner Ulu. Commissioner Maser had left earlier.
Communications Acceptance (00:07:11)
Communications related to Juneteenth and Pride Month resolutions in Genesee County were accepted.

The board accepted communications, including the department's annual report and resolutions recognizing Juneteenth and Pride Month in Genesee County. No additional communications were presented by members.
Approval of Minutes (00:07:54)
Minutes from the whole and regular meeting were approved following a motion by Commissioner Morales, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler.

Commissioner Morales made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the whole and regular meeting, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The motion carried unanimously after a brief discussion.
Approval of Agenda (00:08:18)
The meeting agenda was approved as presented, following a motion by Vice Chair Taylor and support from Commissioner Wheeler.

Vice Chair Taylor motioned to approve the agenda as presented, with support from Commissioner Wheeler. The motion was discussed and approved unanimously.
Presentations (00:08:44)
There were no presentations scheduled for this meeting.

The agenda item for presentations was noted, but no presentations were scheduled or given at this meeting.
Public Hearings (00:09:00)
No public hearings were scheduled for this meeting.

The agenda item for public hearings was noted, but there were no public hearings scheduled for this session.
Public Comments (00:09:33)
Public comments were invited from attendees, with Dave Rack speaking about Kalamazoo County Parks updates.

Public comments were opened, allowing in-person and phone participants to speak. Dave Rack, director of Kalamazoo County Parks, shared updates about the Kalamazoo County Park system, including new openings and programs.
Consent Agenda (00:12:22)
The consent agenda items were approved collectively, following a motion by Commissioner Wheeler and support from Commissioner Morales.

Commissioner Wheeler moved to approve the consent agenda items collectively as consent agenda by the board, supported by Commissioner Morales. The motion passed unanimously after roll call.
New Business: Youth Sports Facility (00:13:10)
The board approved the Youth Sports Facility ad hoc committee's site recommendation for Westgate property.

Commissioner Wheeler moved to accept the Youth Sports Facility ad hoc committee's site recommendation for the Westgate property, supported by Commissioner Morales. The motion was discussed and approved unanimously.
Second Public Comment Opportunity (00:14:17)
A second opportunity for public comment was provided, but no additional comments were made.

The board opened the floor for a second round of public comments. There were no additional participants or comments provided during this session.
Reports from Officers and Administration (00:14:44)
Chair, vice chair, and administrator provided updates on various topics including budget, political violence, and community resilience.

Officers and administrators provided comprehensive reports covering topics such as the budget process, political violence, community resilience and unity, and updates on administrative actions and challenges.
Commissioner Comments (00:35:51)
Commissioners shared their remarks, appreciating the efforts on the sports center and addressing community concerns.

Commissioners shared their comments and reflections, expressing gratitude for the work done on the sports center, acknowledging community issues raised by the public, and commending colleagues' efforts in making Kalamazoo County a great place.
Acknowledgment of Efforts in Project Approval (00:37:35)
Chair acknowledges the efforts of Jane and associates for their dedication in project approval, praising the incredible work done.

The Chair expressed deep appreciation for the energy, effort, and dedication of Jane and her associates in bringing a project to approval. The Chair was impressed by the quality of their work, noting it was almost approved as an afterthought due to its excellence.
Public Information Officers Recognition (00:38:04)
The Chair recognized public information officers Mark Warden and Derek Kns for their contributions and communicative efforts.

Acknowledgment was given to public information officers Mark Warden of the Kalamazoo Road Commission and Derek Kns of Consumers Energy for their roles in facilitating communication between citizens and authorities. Their efforts in providing timely updates and supporting community initiatives were highlighted.
Weather Updates and Community Preparedness (00:40:32)
Commissioner Morales discussed weather updates and the role of the new director in improving community preparedness.

Commissioner Morales thanked Dr. Catlin and the new director, Brandy, for their work in keeping the community informed about weather conditions. He reflected on their effectiveness in providing up-to-the-minute updates and improving community preparedness, especially after recent disasters.
Discussion on Juneteenth and Political Concerns (00:41:14)
Commissioner Morales reflected on Juneteenth and expressed concerns about political and social issues affecting the community.

Commissioner Morales shared thoughts on Juneteenth, highlighting the historical significance of delayed freedom for slaves. He expressed concerns about the current political climate and its impact on social issues, urging the community to be aware and proactive.
Concerns About Community Cuts and Infrastructure (00:42:40)
Discussion on potential community cuts and concerns about infrastructure, urging community collaboration to address these issues.

Commissioner Morales raised concerns about impending education and infrastructure cuts, urging the community to address gaps left by potential governmental reductions. He emphasized the need for community collaboration to support vulnerable populations, especially children.
Condolences and Community Events (00:44:23)
Commissioner Wheeler expressed condolences for the tragedy affecting state representatives and highlighted community event efforts.

Commissioner Wheeler extended condolences to the families affected by a recent tragedy involving state representatives. He also praised the efforts of Discover Kalamazoo in organizing community events that enhance the area's reputation as a place to live, work, and play.
Acknowledgment of Committee Efforts and DEI Support (00:45:17)
Commissioner Ray acknowledged Jane's work and noted support for DEI initiatives, highlighting community contributions to the meeting's success.

Commissioner Ray praised Jane for her thorough work and expressed support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. He acknowledged the positive contributions of all colleagues and reiterated the importance of community involvement in the meeting's success.
Adjournment (00:46:27)
The meeting was adjourned with thanks to all participants for their contributions and efforts.

The Chair officially adjourned the meeting, thanking everyone for their participation and input. The importance of continued collaboration and engagement was emphasized as the session came to a close.