Kalamazoo County - September 16, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

During the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board addresses several key issues. They debate the allocation of ARPA funds intended for tornado recovery in Texas Township and consider establishing a severe weather disaster relief fund. Several proclamations are approved, including National Recovery Month and National Hispanic Heritage Month. Additionally, the board makes a significant decision on the location of a new administration building, opting to keep it in the city of Kalamazoo to support downtown revitalization. The meeting includes public comments from local residents and officials, highlighting community concerns and needs. The board also discusses various reports and items of business, all while maintaining a focus on community service and development.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:45)
The KEMs County Board of Commissioners meeting is called to order.

The chair calls the meeting to order and announces it is a regular business meeting of the KEMs County Board of Commissioners.
Invocation and Reflection (00:00:55)
Commissioner Gissler leads the invocation and reflection.

Commissioner Gissler leads the invocation, asking for guidance and wisdom in decision-making and governance, and expresses gratitude for those who keep the community safe.
Roll Call (00:02:14)
Roll call confirms nine commissioners present for the meeting.

The roll call is conducted, and commissioners De Dilu, Gissler, Heppler, Mazer, Morales, Ray, Streps, Taylor, and Wheeler confirm their presence.
Proclamations (00:03:14)
Approval of multiple proclamations including National Recovery Month and National Service Dog Month.

Several proclamations are discussed and approved, including those for National Recovery Month, National Service Dog Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and National Suicide Prevention Month. Motions are made, seconded, and carried unanimously.
Communications (00:05:43)
Discussion of communications received, including annual and monthly reports and community concerns.

Various communications and reports are received, including annual reports and concerns from community members about local issues such as a data center proposal and the closure of Wings West affecting youth hockey.
Approval of Minutes (00:10:11)
The minutes from the previous meeting are approved without opposition.

A motion is made to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion is seconded and carried unanimously.
Approval of Agenda (00:10:37)
The agenda is approved with amendments to add new business items.

A motion is made to approve the agenda. An amendment is proposed to add a discussion on purchasing real property to new business. The motion to amend and the amended agenda are both approved.
Interviews for Road Commission (00:12:33)
Interviews conducted for candidates for the Road Commission positions.

Interviews are conducted with candidates for the Road Commission, including Tony Kennedy and Kevin Trayer. Each candidate is asked questions about their qualifications, experience, and perspectives they bring to the commission.
Appointments and Nominations (00:40:00)
Discussion and voting on appointments to the road commission and building authority.

The board discussed two candidates, Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Trayer, for the road commission. Ms. Kennedy was appointed based on her experience and community involvement. Mr. Trayer was encouraged to apply for a position on the building authority due to his extensive experience in construction and safety.
Public Comments (00:58:23)
Public comments included requests for tornado recovery funds and gratitude for board decisions.

Various members of the public and officials made comments. Texas Township Supervisor Joanna Rourke discussed tornado recovery and the use of funds for private property restoration. Tony Kennedy thanked the board for her appointment and expressed her eagerness to work with all commissioners. Kevin Trayer expressed his commitment to future roles and discussed his extensive experience.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:04:41)
The consent agenda was approved by roll call vote with unanimous consent.

The board moved to approve the consent agenda, which was passed with a roll call vote. All commissioners present voted in favor of the motion.
New Business: ARPA Agreement Termination (01:06:01)
Motion to terminate ARPA agreement with Texas Charter Township and establish a disaster relief fund.

The board discussed and moved to terminate the ARPA agreement between Kalamazoo County and Texas Charter Township. A motion was made to establish a severe weather disaster relief fund to aid in future emergencies.
Discussion on Terminating Agreement and Establishing Fund (01:06:40)
Commissioners discuss the termination of an agreement and the establishment of a disaster relief fund, with differing opinions on fund allocation.

The discussion revolves around terminating an agreement and creating a new fund to aid Texas Township after a storm. Commissioners express varied opinions on how the funds should be allocated, with some supporting direct aid to Texas Township through a third party, while others emphasize the need to establish a broader severe weather disaster relief fund. Concerns about legal interpretations of fund usage and the process of establishing such a fund are also discussed.
Motion to Divide the Question (01:14:00)
Commissioners deliberate on whether to split the motion into two parts to handle the fund establishment separately from the agreement termination.

Commissioner Wright suggests splitting the motion into two parts: one for terminating the agreement and another for establishing a severe weather disaster relief fund. This proposal aims to resolve disagreements on how to proceed with funding and ensure that the creation of the fund does not depend solely on current ARPA dollars. The legal counsel advises on the procedural steps required to divide the motion.
Clarification on Existing Disaster Contingency Fund (01:16:26)
Administrator clarifies that a disaster contingency fund already exists, which could be utilized for severe weather relief.

The County Administrator provides clarification that the county already has a disaster contingency fund within its budget, which could be used for future severe weather events. This revelation alleviates some concerns about the need to establish a new fund immediately and informs the commissioners about the existing financial provisions for disaster management.
Motion to Redirect Funds to After the Storm (01:17:23)
Commissioners vote to redirect funds to Texas Township via 'After the Storm' organization, with a commitment to future fund establishment.

Commissioner Wheeler motions to allow Texas Township to redirect funds to the 'After the Storm' organization for storm recovery. This motion is supported by other commissioners, with the understanding that discussions on establishing a severe weather fund will continue at future leadership meetings. The motion passes with a majority, reflecting the board's commitment to immediate relief for Texas Township and a promise to address long-term disaster funding.
Discussion on County Administration Building Location (01:21:07)
Commissioners deliberate on the location for a new county administration building, weighing cost against value and community impact.

The board discusses potential locations for the new county administration building, with opinions split between choosing the cheapest option or investing in a location within downtown Kalamazoo, which is the county seat. The majority favor maintaining the county seat in Kalamazoo despite higher costs, citing long-term value and community revitalization as key factors. The decision reflects a strategic commitment to the urban core and its economic development.
Vote on Purchase Agreement for New Administration Building (01:25:03)
The board votes on entering a purchase agreement for a new administration building in downtown Kalamazoo, with a majority in favor.

After discussing the merits and costs of various locations for the new administration building, the board votes on a motion to enter a purchase agreement. The decision to invest in a downtown Kalamazoo location passes with a majority, underscoring the board's commitment to the county seat and the anticipated benefits of urban investment and synergy with existing county facilities.
Final Public Comment Period and Officer Reports (01:26:03)
Public comments are closed, and reports from officers highlight ongoing initiatives and budget considerations.

The meeting proceeds to a final public comment period, which sees no public engagement. Subsequent reports from officers emphasize the county's ongoing efforts in budget planning, disaster fund management, and infrastructure development. The administrator highlights the importance of transparent budget line items and the county's strategic planning for future challenges and opportunities.
Parks and Recreation System Overview (01:39:05)
Discussion on the excellence and maintenance of the parks system, including the expo center and nature preserve.

The meeting highlighted the phenomenal work done by the parks system and the expo center. The speaker praised the maintenance of the parks, specifically mentioning River Oaks Park. There was a ribbon-cutting at the Arthur and Mildred Wallam Nature Preserve, noted as a community asset. The expo center's heavy use for events was also discussed, and appreciation was expressed for the dedicated staff, including seasonal workers, under capable leadership.
Administrative Services and County Priorities (01:42:02)
Overview of administrative services supporting county goals and priorities, emphasizing strategic planning and digital budgeting.

The speaker discussed the support provided by the administrative services team to the board of commissioners, ensuring county prosperity. A strategic plan involving commissioners and staff was created for the next five years. A new interactive digital budget book was developed to allow quick updates. The county also expanded benefit enhancements and emergency management capabilities.
Community and Budget Discussions (01:43:00)
Discussion on community grant recommendations and budget considerations, including staffing and public safety priorities.

The meeting touched on the challenges of making community grant recommendations amidst numerous applications. There was a suggestion to let the board decide on specific community allocations to avoid putting undue pressure on the vice chair. The speaker emphasized the importance of public safety and staffing in budget considerations.
New County Facility Planning (01:44:49)
Plans for a new county facility to support downtown revitalization and future growth, avoiding service disruption.

Planning for a new county facility was discussed. It aims to provide a modern, accessible space aligned with growth needs, while supporting downtown revitalization. Renovating the current undersized and outdated facility would cause service disruptions, so building a new one was preferred.
Commissioner Comments and Community Engagement (01:46:23)
Commissioners shared community engagement efforts, personal reflections, and addressed community concerns on safety and infrastructure.

Commissioners expressed gratitude for community engagement and highlighted visits to local parks. Concerns were raised about safety, recent hangings, law enforcement staffing, and infrastructure issues like water cutoffs. A commissioner shared personal loss and appreciation for community support.
Upcoming Community Events (01:49:03)
Announcements of upcoming community events, including road commission open house and senior expo.

Several upcoming community events were announced, including a road commission open house where the public can learn about road operations, and a senior expo with various exhibitors providing health and wellness services. A community fall fest was also mentioned, featuring music and plant sales.
Cultural Recognition and DEI Initiatives (01:53:00)
Recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month through DEI initiatives and a luncheon celebrating cultural diversity.

The DEI department, in collaboration with the clerk's office, organized a luncheon for Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating cultural diversity within the county. The event was well-received, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Meeting Closure and Adjournment (01:59:00)
Meeting adjournment with final remarks and personal notes from the chair and commissioners.

The meeting concluded with final remarks from commissioners, including personal notes and gratitude. The chair acknowledged family celebrations and adjourned the meeting.