Kalamazoo County - November 18, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated about 11 hours ago

The commissioners discussed setting dates for the upcoming county fair and addressed the urgency of this decision for 4-H families. The board approved several motions, including the extension of the county administrator's contract, the reorganization of the fair council, and the establishment of a policy regarding donation acceptance. They also discussed housing initiatives and the importance of competitive bidding for jail communication services. The meeting highlighted community partnership efforts and recognized the contributions of county employees.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:19)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners was called to order.

The chair called the meeting to order, signaling the start of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners session.
Invocation and Reflection (00:01:27)
Pastor Brown led the invocation, offering prayers for wisdom and unity.

Pastor Michael L. Brown was invited to give the invocation. He prayed for guidance and unity among the commissioners and blessings for the community.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:03:00)
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States was recited by attendees.

Attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, affirming their commitment to the nation.
Roll Call (00:03:16)
Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of commissioners.

The clerk conducted a roll call of commissioners, confirming quorum with all present.
Approval of Proclamation Honoring Pastor Michael L. Brown (00:03:55)
A proclamation honoring Pastor Brown's service to the community was approved.

Commissioner Morales presented a proclamation honoring Pastor Michael L. Brown for his service to Kalamazoo County, highlighting his leadership and impact through the Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries.
Public Comments (00:18:26)
Public comments were invited and heard, with concerns about fair dates raised.

The floor was opened for public comments, where community members expressed the need for setting fair dates due to planning requirements for 4-H families and businesses.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:19:02)
The consent agenda was approved by roll call vote.

Vice Chair Taylor moved to approve the consent agenda, which was passed by a roll call vote, confirming the acceptance of multiple routine items collectively.
Approval of Second Amended Employment Agreement (00:19:59)
The board approved the amended employment agreement for the administrator.

A motion to approve the second amended and restated employment agreement for the county administrator was passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Approval of Fund Transfer for New Staff Positions (00:21:05)
A fund transfer was approved to support new department staff positions.

The board approved a fund transfer to support the creation of two new positions within the Buildings and Grounds Department at the Landing Place.
Approval of ARPA Agreement with Ministry with Community (00:22:08)
An ARPA agreement for lock storage for the homeless was approved.

The board approved an ARPA-funded agreement with Ministry with Community to provide secured lock storage for individuals experiencing housing instability.
Resolution to Delegate Donation Acceptance (00:24:01)
A resolution to temporarily delegate donation acceptance authority was adopted.

The board adopted a resolution temporarily delegating the authority to accept donations to the board chair, facilitating streamlined decision-making for incoming contributions.
Disbandment of Fair Council Advisory Board (00:25:01)
The duties of the Fair Council Advisory Board were transferred to the Parks Commission.

The board resolved to disband the Fair Council Advisory Board, transferring its duties to the Parks Commission and establishing a working group for fair management.
Setting Dates for Kalamazoo County Fair (00:25:53)
The board set the dates for the Kalamazoo County Fair for August 2023.

The board approved the dates for the Kalamazoo County Fair from August 7 to 12, 2023, and directed the administration to secure a carnival vendor for those dates.
Administrator's Report (00:28:33)
The administrator provided updates on county initiatives and staff condolences.

The county administrator reported on recent initiatives, expressed condolences for a staff member's loss, and highlighted the importance of community partnerships and ongoing projects.
Adjournment (00:34:03)
The meeting was adjourned after concluding all agenda items.

After all items on the agenda were addressed, the meeting was formally adjourned.
Update on Organizational Leadership and Community Engagement (00:36:18)
Discussion about intentional engagement with deputy directors and supervisors, and upcoming meetings with the new Kalamazoo city manager to strengthen partnerships.

The meeting began with a discussion about the intentional engagement with deputy directors and supervisors to instill confidence between the board and staff. The county administrator also mentioned an upcoming trip to Des Moines, Iowa, with other county leaders to meet with the incoming Kalamazoo city manager to ensure a smooth transition and support for continued strong partnerships.
Progress on The Landing Place Project (00:37:22)
The Landing Place project has received full site plan approval and permits for renovation, with a construction timeline being developed.

The administrator provided an update on The Landing Place project, highlighting that full site plan approval and required permits for renovation have been obtained. The county is working with Cornerstone Construction to finalize an estimated construction timeline, which will be shared with the board and community once completed.
Acknowledgment of Retiring City Manager and Community Concerns (00:38:19)
Acknowledgment of the retiring city manager's contributions and the upcoming transition to a new manager, along with addressing community concerns about the Viapath extension agreement.

The administrator acknowledged the retiring city manager of Kalamazoo for his leadership and contributions. Attention was then turned to community concerns regarding the Viapath extension agreement for the Sheriff's office's jail communications contract, emphasizing the board's commitment to transparency and a competitive bidding process.
Public Comments and Commissioner Reports (00:39:00)
Commissioners provided updates on committee activities, community initiatives, and expressed condolences and congratulations to colleagues.

Commissioner Wheeler reported on Discover Kalamazoo's progress with a youth sports facility. Commissioners Morales and others discussed community initiatives, such as Thanksgiving meals for families, and expressed condolences to a colleague who lost a family member. They also congratulated Dr. Catlin on his new contract.
Discussion on County Fair and Veterans Day Event (00:49:00)
The county fair's revitalization efforts were discussed, and the success of the Veterans Day event was acknowledged.

Commissioner Duluth thanked those involved in revitalizing the county fair, expressing initial skepticism but being impressed by the efforts shown. The Veterans Day event's success and the contributions of various departments were also acknowledged.
Future Planning and Organizational Meeting Adjustments (00:52:00)
Plans for a Kalamazoo Day at the Capitol and adjustments to the board's organizational meeting schedule were discussed to facilitate training and engagement.

The administrator mentioned plans for a future Kalamazoo Day at the Capitol to engage with state legislators and discuss budget priorities. Additionally, the board's organizational meeting schedule might be adjusted to include training sessions to better prepare for upcoming responsibilities.
Adjournment (00:53:00)
The meeting concluded with a final acknowledgment of contributions and condolences, followed by adjournment.

The meeting was adjourned after final comments were made, acknowledging contributions from various individuals and expressing condolences to those who experienced recent losses.

Kalamazoo County (34 Episodes)

Updated about 11 hours ago

Gavel to gavel coverage of meetings of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners and other county information.