Kalamazoo County - July 1, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board addresses significant issues affecting the community. A key topic is the Washtenaw County resolution concerning competitive procurement for health plans, which raises concerns about potential risks to public mental health due to potential privatization. The board acknowledges the importance of maintaining public mental health services and the possible negative impacts of Medicaid funding cuts. Additionally, the board authorizes the county administrator to enter negotiations with Family Promise Inc. to provide residential shelter and case management at the Landing Place, highlighting a significant step in addressing homelessness in the county. The meeting also involves the approval of various administrative items, including the formation of the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority in partnership with the City of Kalamazoo. Overall, the meeting focuses on critical public health and community welfare issues.

Chapters

Welcome and Invocation (00:30:50)
The meeting began with a welcome and an invocation led by Vice Chair Heppler, thanking for blessings and opportunities.

Vice Chair Heppler led the invocation, where gratitude was expressed for the nation's blessings, and prayers were made for guidance and protection for the community, family, and friends.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:31:55)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the commissioners and attendees, paying respect to the flag and the nation.

The commissioners and attendees stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, showing their patriotism and respect for the United States.
Roll Call (00:32:19)
Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of eight commissioners for the meeting, ensuring quorum.

The clerk conducted a roll call, confirming the presence of Commissioners Mazer, Morales, Ray, Straps, Taylor, Wheeler, Delk, Kissler, and Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, with eight members present.
Proclamations (00:32:48)
The Summer Learning Day Proclamation was approved, highlighting the importance of educational activities during summer.

A request for approval of the Summer Learning Day Proclamation was made, moved by Commissioner Ray and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The motion carried unanimously.
Communications (00:33:21)
Discussion on a Washtenaw County resolution opposing MDHHS plan for competitive procurement of health plans.

The board received a resolution from Washtenaw County opposing the MDHHS plan for competitive procurement of health plans, which was discussed briefly, emphasizing concern over privatization and its impact on public mental health.
Approval of Minutes (00:34:07)
The meeting minutes from the previous session were approved without any further discussion or concerns raised.

The regular meeting minutes were presented for approval. A motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler to approve the minutes, which carried unanimously.
Approval of Agenda (00:34:35)
The agenda for the meeting was approved as presented, with no amendments or objections.

A motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Commissioner Wheeler, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously, setting the agenda for the meeting.
Public Comment (00:36:09)
An opportunity for public comment was offered, but no comments were made by the public at this time.

The floor was opened for public comment, allowing attendees to speak in person or by phone. However, no public comments were made during this time.
Consent Agenda (00:37:37)
The consent agenda items were approved in a single vote, with a roll call confirming unanimous consent.

A motion was made to vote on all consent agenda items at once. The motion was supported and a roll call vote was conducted, resulting in unanimous approval of the consent agenda.
Resolution for Event Center Authority (00:41:00)
A resolution was approved to enter into negotiations to form the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority.

The board approved a resolution authorizing the administrator to enter into contract negotiations with the City of Kalamazoo to form the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority. The motion carried unanimously after discussion about the importance of following county policies.
Land Bank Authority Appointments (00:43:59)
The board approved changes to Land Bank Authority appointments, including suspending bylaws for this action.

The board approved a motion to suspend bylaws to remove Commissioner Ray from the Land Bank Authority, appoint Vice Chair Taylor, and appoint Commissioner Ray as liaison. The motion required a two-thirds vote and carried unanimously.
Negotiations with Family Promise (00:45:26)
Approval was given to negotiate a contract with Family Promise to provide shelter and case management at the Landing Place.

A motion was made and approved to authorize negotiations with Family Promise, Inc. to provide residential shelter and housing-focused case management at the Landing Place, highlighting the public-private partnership model.
New Business: Consent Agenda Reading (00:46:30)
A motion to reinstate reading of the consent agenda was debated and ultimately failed on a tied vote.

Commissioner Morales proposed a motion to reinstate the reading of the consent agenda during meetings for transparency. After discussion, the motion failed to pass due to a tie vote.
Final Public Comment (00:52:45)
Final opportunity for public comment was given, with a statement from Family Promise expressing excitement about partnership.

The final public comment period included a statement from Lisa Cruin of Family Promise, expressing enthusiasm about entering negotiations for a family shelter in Kalamazoo. No other public comments were made.
Reports and Adjournment (00:57:03)
Reports were given, including a birthday acknowledgement, housing report update, and federal legislative update, before adjournment.

The administrator provided updates on housing reports and federal legislation impacting Medicaid. The meeting acknowledged Dr. Kevin Catlin's birthday, and concluded with general announcements and adjournment.
Discussion on Immigration Enforcement Funding (01:04:16)
Concerns were raised about the increase in funding for ICE and the federal bureau of prisons, highlighting issues like work camps and low wages.

The speaker expressed deep concern over the expansion of funding for immigration and border enforcement, noting that ICE will receive more funding than the entire federal bureau of prisons. The speaker criticized the United States for incarcerating more people than any other country and highlighted issues such as work camps where individuals are forced to work for a dollar a day. The speaker urged for continued advocacy and resistance against such measures.
Report on Local Community Improvements (01:06:42)
New policies and debt relief measures were discussed, emphasizing community benefits for local taxpayers and residents.

The Vice Chair reported exciting developments in the land bank and building authority, focusing on a new responsible bidder contract policy that favors local taxpayers. Additionally, there was an announcement about debt relief and elimination for Kalamazoo County residents, which was praised as a significant step in improving local lives. The collective efforts and ideas of the board were commended.
Community Initiatives and Public Safety (01:08:14)
Efforts to reduce hazardous waste and improve recycling were highlighted, along with acknowledgments to public safety personnel.

The Vice Chair Pro Tem wished Dr. Katherine a happy birthday and acknowledged the hard work of staff in making Kalamazoo a great place to live. Recent initiatives like the reduction of household hazardous waste and recycling efforts were praised. The Vice Chair Pro Tem also encouraged residents to thank military and public safety personnel for their service, especially as the nation’s birthday approaches.
Emergency Management and Budget Update (01:10:15)
Emergency coordination exercises and budget process updates were shared, highlighting potential delays in state budgets.

Administrator Kelly provided updates on emergency management coordination efforts, including tabletop exercises with local partners and development of a response framework for severe weather events. Additionally, there was an update on the county's budget process, noting that Michigan's state budget process is delayed, which may impact county programs reliant on state funds. Contingency plans are being prepared for the budget retreat.
Environmental and Infrastructure Projects (01:13:04)
Projects such as tire collection programs and parking garage designs were discussed as part of ongoing community improvements.

The administrator highlighted the Kalamazoo Conservation District's tire collection program, supported by emergency management office assistance to offset costs. Additionally, a progress update on the new parking garage was given, noting that the final design was received and a request for proposals for a construction manager has been issued. Strategic partnerships and financing options are being explored for this critical infrastructure project.
Opioid Settlement Agreements and Public Health Announcement (01:14:45)
New opioid settlement agreements are underway, and a public health announcement about Jamestown Canyon Virus was issued.

New national opioid settlement agreements are expected to bring additional funds to Kalamazoo County, with board action required by September. The administrator also announced that the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department confirmed the first detection of Jamestown Canyon Virus in a mosquito pool this season. Residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Adjournment and Closing Remarks (01:16:49)
The meeting concluded with birthday wishes and closing remarks from commissioners, emphasizing ongoing community efforts.

The meeting closed with various commissioners expressing birthday wishes and appreciation for the ongoing work of the board and community. There was a shared sentiment of pride in the initiatives being undertaken to improve the local area, as well as encouragement to continue advocacy and support for vulnerable populations.