Kalamazoo County - November 5, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 22 hours ago

Proclamations were made to honor Kelly LaRochelle for her service and to recognize Operation Green Light for veterans. The board discussed and approved community grant allocations to various local organizations, including WMU Medical School and Oshtemo Township. A resolution adopting the Equal Opportunity Employment Plan was also approved, transferring oversight from corporate counsel to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer. Additionally, the board tackled the approval of a contract amendment for Well Design Studio and discussed potential financing options for a sewer project in Oshtemo Township. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the recent local elections and upcoming Veterans Day events.

Chapters

Motion to Exit Closed Session (00:01:09)
The board moved to exit the closed session with a roll call vote, resulting in seven affirmative votes.

The meeting begins with a motion to exit the closed session. The motion was made by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The roll call was conducted, and all commissioners present voted yes, resulting in the motion carrying.
Approval of Minutes from Closed Session (00:01:45)
The minutes from the closed session were approved with a roll call vote, receiving unanimous support from the commissioners.

Following the exit from the closed session, a motion was made to approve the minutes from the closed session. Vice Chair Taylor made the motion, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The roll call vote was conducted, and all commissioners voted yes, approving the minutes.
Adjournment of Committee of the Whole and Reconvening of Regular Meeting (00:02:22)
The committee of the whole was adjourned, and the regular business meeting of the board of commissioners was reconvened.

The chair announced the adjournment of the committee of the whole meeting and stated that the regular business meeting of the board of commissioners would reconvene.
Roll Call for Regular Business Meeting (00:02:36)
A roll call was conducted for the regular business meeting, confirming the presence of seven commissioners.

After reconvening the regular business meeting, a roll call was conducted to confirm attendance. Commissioners Morales, Ray, Streps, Taylor, Wheeler, Delau, and Gissler were present, totaling seven commissioners.
Invocation and Reflection (00:19:02)
Commissioner Heppler led a moment of silence and delivered an invocation to reflect on the loss of a firefighter.

Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler led the meeting in an invocation and reflection. A moment of silence was observed for a firefighter who passed away in a traffic accident. Heppler then delivered a prayer asking for blessings and strength to serve the community.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:21:20)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the board members and attendees.

Following the invocation, the board members and attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Proclamations and Recognitions (00:21:46)
Proclamations were issued to honor Kelly La Rochelle for her service as a victim advocate and to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans.

The board issued a proclamation honoring Kelly La Rochelle for her service as a victim advocate, highlighting her dedication and compassion. Another proclamation recognized Operation Green Light for Veterans, expressing gratitude for military service and support for transitioning veterans.
Motion to Enter Closed Session (00:29:00)
The board moved to enter a closed session for personnel evaluation with a roll call vote resulting in five affirmative votes.

A motion was made to enter a closed session to consider the periodic personnel evaluation of the county administrator. Vice Chair Taylor made the motion, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The roll call vote resulted in five affirmative votes, and the motion carried.
Reconvening from Closed Session (00:54:55)
The board reconvened from closed session and approved the minutes of the session with a roll call vote.

After the closed session, a motion was made by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, supported by Vice Chair Taylor, to reconvene the meeting. A roll call vote followed, with all commissioners voting yes. The minutes of the closed session were then approved with another roll call vote.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda (00:58:23)
The board approved the minutes from previous meetings and amended the agenda to include new items.

The board entertained a motion to approve minutes from previous meetings, which passed unanimously. The agenda was then discussed and amended to include new business items, such as the community grant funds award.
Public Comment (01:05:08)
Public comment was opened, and the prosecutor thanked the board for their recognition of Kelly La Rochelle.

The first opportunity for public comment was opened. The prosecutor took the opportunity to express gratitude to the board for recognizing Kelly La Rochelle's service as a victim advocate.
Consent Agenda (01:07:12)
The board approved all items on the consent agenda with a roll call vote, resulting in unanimous support.

A motion was made to vote on all consent agenda items at once. Vice Chair Taylor made the motion, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The roll call vote was conducted, and all commissioners voted yes, approving the consent agenda.
Discussion on Equal Opportunity Employment Plan (01:08:28)
The board discussed adopting the Equal Opportunity Employment Plan, focusing on delegating responsibilities to the DEI officer.

The board discussed a resolution to adopt the Equal Opportunity Employment Plan, which involved delegating responsibilities related to equal employment opportunities to the DEI officer. The discussion included considerations of legal expertise and potential conflicts of interest.
Approval of Community Grants Funding (01:14:00)
The board approved the allocation of community grants to various organizations, authorizing the administrator to execute agreements.

A motion was made to approve the allocation of community grants to several organizations, including WM Medical School, City of Parchment, and others. The county administrator was authorized to execute the related agreements. The motion was supported, and the board discussed the allocations.
Discussion on Authorizing Contract Signatures (01:19:58)
Administrator seeks board's approval to sign contracts without specifying dollar amounts.

The Administrator addressed the board regarding the authorization to sign contracts, explaining his preference not to specify dollar amounts verbally for transparency reasons. He noted that his calculations closely matched those of the Vice Chair. The board discussed the matter and expressed comfort with the Administrator executing the contracts.
Approval of Contract Execution (01:20:46)
The board voted in favor of authorizing the Administrator to execute the contracts.

Following the discussion, the board held a vote on whether to authorize the Administrator to execute the contracts. All members voted in favor, and the motion carried without opposition.
Final Public Comment Opportunity (01:20:59)
The chair opened the floor for any final public comments, but none were made.

The chair announced the last opportunity for public comments, inviting attendees to join at the podium or call in. No public comments were made during this time.
Officer Reports and Recognition of Election Efforts (01:21:19)
Reports from officers highlighted election participation and thanked clerks and staff for their efforts.

The Administrator and other officers provided reports, thanking those involved in local elections, including clerks and staff who worked long hours. They congratulated elected officials and acknowledged the importance of participating in democracy, despite low voter turnout due to limited ballot items in some areas.
Administrator's Report on Lobbying Efforts and Upcoming Interviews (01:25:52)
Administrator discussed work with lobbyists and upcoming interviews for a health officer position.

The Administrator reported on efforts with lobbyists to secure funding for water and sewer projects through state and federal channels. He also mentioned upcoming interviews for the health officer position, with hopes of presenting a candidate to the board soon.
Commissioners' Remarks and Acknowledgments (01:27:04)
Commissioners expressed gratitude and acknowledged efforts of clerks and new officials.

Various commissioners took the opportunity to thank clerks and congratulate newly elected officials. They acknowledged the hard work of emergency management and other staff in preparing for winter and maintaining community safety.
Announcement of Upcoming Veterans Day Event (01:29:28)
Veterans Day event to be held at the National Guard Armory instead of Rosa Parks Park for better conditions.

Commissioner Duluth announced a change in venue for the Veterans Day celebration, moving it to the National Guard Armory to avoid past weather issues and ensure a well-attended event.
Adjournment (01:30:38)
The meeting was adjourned following a final appreciation for the clerk's efforts.

The meeting concluded with the chair expressing gratitude to the clerk for their efforts during the meeting, and the session was officially adjourned.