Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners - December 16, 2025 Meeting

Updated about 1 hour ago

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Meeting covers significant topics such as the approval of a childcare millage proposal, the appointment of Debra Linz as the new Health Officer, and the allocation of funds to address housing stability in partnership with ISK. The meeting also features public comments on childcare, housing, and issues affecting veterans. A notable announcement includes a major philanthropic donation to support the county's housing initiatives. Attendees express concerns and support for various community issues, reflecting the diverse needs and priorities of the county.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:27)
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting is called to order.

The meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners is officially called to order.
Invocation and Reflection (00:00:37)
Commissioner Wheeler leads an invocation for guidance and wisdom.

An invocation is given, asking for guidance, wisdom, and respect among the commissioners and for the community.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:26)
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is recited.

The commissioners and attendees recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:01:49)
Roll call is conducted, noting the presence of six commissioners.

The clerk calls the roll of commissioners. Six commissioners are present, with Commissioner Morales and Wheeler sending regards due to illness.
Proclamations (00:02:20)
A proclamation is presented to Troy Bird for his service at the juvenile home.

A proclamation is read honoring Troy Bird for his dedicated service as a shift supervisor at the juvenile home, acknowledging his impact and offering best wishes for continued service.
Communications (00:05:05)
Communications report includes letters and emails on various community issues.

Communications are presented, including a Southwest Michigan First written report, a letter of support for childcare solutions from LISC, and several emails in support of childcare solutions.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:12)
Minutes from the last meeting are approved without objection.

A motion is made and supported to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented. The motion carries unanimously.
Approval of Agenda (00:06:36)
The meeting agenda is approved as presented.

A motion is made and supported to approve the agenda for the current meeting as presented. The motion carries unanimously.
Public Comments (00:07:06)
Public comments are made on various issues, including support for Deb Linz and childcare solutions.

Several members of the public speak on issues such as the appointment of Deb Linz, the urgency of addressing childcare affordability, and concerns about county spending and taxation.
Consent Agenda (00:32:15)
Consent agenda items are voted on and approved by roll call.

A motion is made to vote on all consent agenda items at once by roll call. The motion is supported, and the consent agenda is approved with six votes in favor.
Old Business and General Orders (00:33:15)
Various updates to business expense reimbursement policy are approved.

A request for approval of updates to the business expense reimbursement policy is presented. A motion is made and supported, and the updates are approved unanimously.
New Business (00:34:52)
An ad hoc committee is established for public art selection for a new parking garage.

A request is made to establish an ad hoc committee for selecting public art for the new county parking garage. A motion is made and supported, and the request is approved unanimously.
Request for Approval of a Resolution Appointing Health Officer (00:35:55)
The board discussed and voted on a resolution to appoint Deborah Len as the health officer for Kalamazoo County.

A resolution was proposed to appoint Deborah Len as the health officer for Kalamazoo County. A motion was made and supported, followed by a roll call vote. The motion carried with a majority of yes votes.
Approval of Final Accounting for Gregory A. Shoots Trust (00:36:58)
The board approved the final accounting and distribution plan for the Gregory A. Shoots Trust, with a generous gift to animal services.

The board reviewed and approved the final accounting and plan of distribution for the Gregory A. Shoots Trust. This includes the county receiving the proposed distribution as a beneficiary. A thousand dollars was acknowledged as a generous gift to animal services.
Approval of Commissary Delivery Services Agreement Amendment (00:37:59)
The board discussed and approved the first amendment to the commissary delivery services agreement with Canteen Services.

The board reviewed a request for approval of the first amendment to the commissary delivery services agreement and an addendum for kiosk services with Canteen Services. The discussion included questions about the contract's renewal and control over the selection process. The motion was made and supported, and after a discussion, the motion was approved with a roll call vote.
Approval of ARPA Funding Strategy for Housing Program (00:43:41)
The board approved an ARPA funding strategy to stabilize the ISK permanent supportive housing program.

The board discussed and approved a funding strategy using ARPA funds to stabilize the ISK permanent supportive housing (PSSH) program. The discussion highlighted the importance of the program and the need for funding to continue providing services to those with significant disabilities. The motion was approved with a roll call vote.
Discussion on Texas Township Trail Project Funding (00:46:37)
The board discussed potential funding for a Texas Township Trail project that was originally withdrawn due to a reported lack of matching funds.

During new business, a discussion was held regarding the Texas Township Trail project. It was reported that the project was initially withdrawn because it was believed there was no matching funds. However, it was clarified that matching funds were indeed available. The vice chair sought support from the board to consider allocating funds for this project, which benefits the wider community.
Public Comments (00:49:19)
Public comments were made on various topics, including childcare issues and concerns about data centers.

During the public comment period, several individuals addressed the board on topics such as the challenges in the childcare employment sector, the environmental impact of data centers, and the need for support in veteran services. Comments also included appreciation for the board's actions on specific agenda items.
Reports of Officers, Bodies, and Administrator (01:00:21)
The administrator reported on the launch of the 'Keys to Kalamazoo' housing framework, supported by a significant philanthropic donation.

The administrator provided a report detailing the launch of the 'Keys to Kalamazoo,' a strategic housing framework aimed at addressing housing instability and expanding affordable options in the county. This initiative is funded by a $3 million donation from a private donor and will include a county voucher pilot program, support for transitional family shelters, and the development of a strategic housing plan.
Housing System Coordination and Investment (01:07:43)
Discussion on moving the county's housing system from reactive to coordinated with four-phase implementation plan and philanthropic support.

The meeting discussed the strategic plan to transform the county's housing system from reactive to a more coordinated approach. This involved a four-phase implementation plan, including launch and stabilization, planning and coordination, implementation and construction, and scaling for long-term solutions. The discussion highlighted the role of philanthropic support and community input in achieving these goals.
Local Government and Federal Government Challenges (01:09:45)
Concerns about federal government inefficiencies and the need for local solutions, particularly in housing.

The discussion shifted to the challenges faced by local governments due to inefficiencies in the federal government, particularly regarding housing and social services. It was emphasized that local solutions are crucial, as relying on federal intervention is often ineffective. The importance of leveraging local resources and community support to address these challenges was stressed.
Acknowledgments and Community Support (01:11:31)
Gratitude expressed to county staff and partners for their efforts in housing initiatives and other community projects.

The meeting included expressions of gratitude towards county staff, administration, and partners for their hard work in implementing housing initiatives and other community projects. The collaborative efforts of various individuals and organizations were acknowledged as being crucial to the success of these initiatives.
Climate Coalition and EPA Grant (01:14:44)
Update on Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition funding through EPA grant and local technical assistance.

There was an update on the funding received by the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition through an EPA Community Change Grant and local technical assistance funds. This funding supports efforts in energy efficiency, resiliency, and improving air quality in housing. The litigation status of the grants was also mentioned.
Judicial Needs Assessment Report (01:19:20)
Report on the need for additional judgeships in Kalamazoo County based on a judicial needs assessment.

A report from the state court administrator's office indicated a need for additional judgeships in Kalamazoo County, one in the district court and one in the circuit court. The process and timeline for these appointments were discussed, along with the impact on local facilities planning.
Holiday Wishes and Community Acknowledgments (01:21:56)
Holiday wishes extended to county employees and acknowledgment of community efforts.

The meeting concluded with holiday wishes extended to county employees and the community. There was also an acknowledgment of the efforts made by various community members and organizations in making Kalamazoo a better place. The importance of community spirit and support was highlighted as essential to the county's success.