Kalamazoo County - January 6, 2026 Board of Commissioners OrganizationalMeeting

Updated about 9 hours ago

In their organizational meeting the Board discussed the allocation of $100,000 from the housing millage to fund emergency winter sheltering through Hope Through Navigation, focusing on family-centric solutions. The meeting also included the adoption of a proclamation recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highlighting Dr. King's contributions to civil rights and justice. Public comments raised concerns about local housing, funding allocations, and public safety, with individuals urging the commission to prioritize effective use of funds and partnerships. Commissioner discussions also covered the need for long-term housing solutions and collaboration with community partners. The meeting concluded with updates on public safety initiatives and reflections on the commission's recent achievements and future goals.

Chapters

Proclamations (00:25:06)
Discussion and reading of the proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, recognizing his contributions to civil rights and justice.

The commissioners read a proclamation into the record to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They highlighted Dr. King's role in the civil rights movement, his advocacy for economic justice, and his use of non-violent resistance to promote voting rights and desegregation. The proclamation emphasized the importance of continuing to work towards Dr. King's vision of justice, freedom, and opportunity for all.
Communications (00:27:32)
Received letters of support for early childhood funding in Kalamazoo County from various organizations.

The commissioners acknowledged receipt of communications regarding early childhood funding. Notably, they received a letter of support from Representative Matt Longjohn and the Michigan League for Public Policy, both endorsing efforts to secure funding for early childhood initiatives in Kalamazoo County.
Approval of Minutes (00:29:05)
Approval of the draft committee of the whole and regular meeting minutes with unanimous consent.

The commissioners reviewed and approved the draft minutes from the committee of the whole and the regular meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Commissioner Wheeler. The motion passed with all members voting in favor.
Approval of Agenda (00:29:26)
The agenda for the current meeting was approved as presented, with no amendments or objections.

The commissioners moved to approve the meeting agenda as it was presented. Vice Chair Taylor made the motion, which was supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The motion was carried unanimously, with all commissioners in favor and no opposition noted.
Public Comments (00:29:51)
Public comments were received from residents regarding cooperation with ICE, misuse of funds, and emergency winter sheltering.

During the public comment period, several residents addressed the board. Aaron Thiel urged the commission to denounce cooperation with ICE. Shauna Espanza expressed concerns about the misuse of funds and emphasized the need for funding to support real housing solutions. Dusty Morton spoke about the emergency winter shelter agenda item, highlighting issues with current funding allocations and advocating for transparency and effective use of resources.
Consent Agenda (00:36:14)
The board approved the consent agenda, including accounts payable and payroll disbursements, with a unanimous roll-call vote.

The commissioners considered the consent agenda, which included recommendations for the approval of accounts payable and payroll disbursements. A motion to approve was made by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler and supported by Commissioner Wheeler. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote, resulting in unanimous approval of the consent agenda.
Discussion on Emergency Winter Shelter Funding (00:37:25)
The board discussed options for allocating additional funding from the housing millage for emergency winter sheltering solutions.

The commissioners debated how to allocate $100,000 from the housing millage for emergency winter sheltering. Options included sending the funds back to the Continuum of Care for reallocation, supporting Kalamazoo Gospel Mission to increase capacity for single men, or funding Hope Through Navigation for family-centric sheltering. The discussion highlighted the urgency of the housing crisis and the need for immediate solutions.
Discussion of Continuum Care and Emergency Shelter Options (00:53:34)
Discussion on the current state of emergency sheltering, the role of Continuum Care, and the options available for winter sheltering in the community.

The meeting discussed the significant need for emergency sheltering in the community, highlighting the role of Continuum Care and the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. Various options for winter sheltering were considered, including support for Hope through Navigation to provide emergency winter shelter. The discussion reflected on the strain on current resources and the need for strategic planning to address immediate and long-term housing needs. The board considered the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Public Comment (01:08:00)
Members of the public provided comments on various issues, including appreciation for board actions and concerns about national and local governance.

During the public comment period, citizens expressed their views on the board's actions related to emergency sheltering and other local concerns. Richard Fuller addressed the board, discussing the importance of recognizing law enforcement's role in upholding democracy and the need for congressional action to honor those efforts. Other members of the public expressed gratitude for the board's support of Hope through Navigation and reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance.
Reports from Officers (01:12:00)
Reports from board officers and administrators on the progress and challenges faced by the county government.

The board officers and administrators delivered reports on the state of county governance, highlighting accomplishments and ongoing challenges. The reports emphasized strategic planning, the importance of collaboration, and the commitment to addressing housing and public safety. The vice chair reflected on the board's progress over the past three years, noting improvements in housing stock, support for veterans, and the financial health of the county. The need for continued focus on traffic safety and supporting law enforcement was also discussed.
Severe Weather Response Tabletop Exercise (01:26:18)
A tabletop exercise was conducted with regional partners for severe weather response, with positive feedback received from attendees. The list of invitees will be expanded.

A plethora of regional partners joined a tabletop exercise focused on severe weather response. Feedback from community partners was very positive, with some expressing jealousy over not being invited. The list serve will be updated to include more participants, including the entire Cal county board, ensuring broader awareness of future exercises.
Emergency Operations Center Training (01:26:43)
A three-day training at the Emergency Operations Center was held with collaboration from Michigan State Police, enhancing emergency management activation skills.

A three-day emergency operations center training was hosted, focusing on emergency management activation. The training, in collaboration with Michigan State Police's emergency management and Homeland Security division, attracted participants from as far as McComb county and was recognized as a growing role in emergency preparedness by Michigan State Police.
Recognition of Service by Jim Mallory (01:27:44)
Jim Mallory was recognized for his service to the village of Vicksburg and the city of Kalamazoo, with appreciation expressed for his contributions.

Jim Mallory announced his intent to not continue, and his service to the village of Vicksburg and the city of Kalamazoo through the KDPS was acknowledged. He has been an outstanding partner and his contributions were appreciated by the council and the community, particularly in the village of Vicksburg.
Household Hazardous Waste Program Cost Savings (01:29:00)
Cost savings and operational excellence were highlighted in the household hazardous waste program through a new electronic recycling contract.

The household hazardous waste program demonstrated strong fiscal stewardship through a new electronic recycling contract with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations. The new contract model saved costs and improved value, despite logistical challenges due to greater distance.
Emergency Management Equipment Investments (01:30:05)
New emergency management equipment, including road closure signs and emergency radios, were invested in to enhance public safety and emergency preparedness.

Emergency management invested in new road closure signs for township fire departments and emergency radios for residents, funded within the operational budget. The radios have been popular, leading to a potential request for more funding to distribute additional units as part of a public safety priority.
Administrative Building RFP Process (01:32:06)
Proposals for the administrative building's design and engineering are being reviewed, with a recommendation expected by mid-February.

The process for selecting design and engineering proposals for a new administrative building is underway, with internal staff expected to review and interview finalists in January. A recommended proposal is anticipated to be brought to the board by mid-February.
Commissioner and Public Comments (01:33:43)
Commissioners expressed gratitude for leadership and reflected on past achievements, with discussions on future meetings and community engagement.

Commissioners thanked board leadership for their service, reflected on the past year, and discussed future meetings and community engagement. A road commission meeting was announced, and commissioners expressed optimism for the upcoming year.
Adjournment (01:35:41)
The meeting was adjourned after addressing all agenda items and commissioner comments.

The meeting concluded with final comments from commissioners and acknowledgment of the work done by board leadership and staff, with no further business to discuss.