Board of Commissioners Breakdown
August 2023 |
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Commissioner Monteze Morales with representatives from Mothers of Hope |
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KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY AT THE CENTER
In a world sometimes divided by differences, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners stands united by our commitment to serving our community. Our board members, representing a wide spectrum of perspectives, work together to build a common ground that supports our constituents. Our shared vision for a better future is what fuels our collective drive, enabling us to rise above political lines and work harmoniously.
As we dive deeper into the budget season, we recognize that responsible allocation of resources is pivotal to the well-being of our community. Through thoughtful dialogue and analysis, we pledge to channel our efforts into funding initiatives that resonate with the diverse needs of Kalamazoo County residents. Our commitment to transparency underscores our dedication to serving you better.
Thank you for your continued support, and we are eager to work together to embrace collaboration, nonpartisanship, and progress for Kalamazoo County.
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AUG. 2 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved a proclamation honoring the 25th anniversary of Mothers of Hope, and recognizing Aug. 5 as "Recovery is Possible" Day.
- Authorized the County to enter negotiations of purchase agreements of 440 N. Church St. and the T-Mobile Metro PCS building at 246 W. Kalamazoo Ave. to meet the County's needs for safe and sustainable parking in and near key County buildings/facilities.
- Received presentations from GRS on the fully-funded County pension system, Rehmann on the FY 2022 annual comprehensive financial report, and the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County on their annual report.
- Approved the execution of the grant agreement with the Young Women's Christian Association from the Housing Millage Supportive Services category for $110,515 to support YWCA Kalamazoo's Housing Stability Project.
- Approved $10,800 in funding for the Area Agency on Aging Region 3A's 2023 Senior Expo -- the first in-person Senior Expo since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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AUG. 15 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved a proclamation honoring Heramila Almeda for 25 years of service in the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
- Approved a proclamation honoring Be Well Beautiful Woman, a wellness and empowerment group for women. Founded by Kalamazoo native Demarra West, Be Well Beautiful Women has touched the lives of more than 3,000 women. Of those, 90% have been women from Kalamazoo and 96% have been women of color, of which 85% have been Black women.
- Approved a resolution to opt into the National Walgreens Opioid Settlement Agreement, which will increase the County's opioid settlement funds by approximately $1.7 million over 15 years.
- Approved a loan agreement with 530 Rose Limited Dividend Housing Association for $1,268,000 to provide senior housing in the Northside neighborhood.
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A Message From the Administrator |
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have been integral to our vision of a harmonious community, and I'm delighted to announce the successful launch of our DE&I training system. This milestone marks a significant stride towards fostering a workplace that values every voice and perspective. It's heartening to witness our commitment to understanding, respect, and empathy taking concrete form, thanks to the collective dedication of our staff.
Additionally, I'm excited to unveil the latest asset in our pursuit of employee well-being – the new Employee Health Center. The health and vitality of our workforce are paramount, and this center is a testament to our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to our invaluable team. A healthy team is the foundation of a thriving community, and I believe this center will be a vital resource for us all.
Looking ahead, September holds special significance as National Preparedness Month. It serves as a reminder that being prepared is not just a duty but a shared responsibility. In these times of uncertainty, our preparedness can make all the difference. Let's utilize this month to ensure that we are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to respond effectively to any situation, safeguarding our community and each other.
Here's to a future filled with inclusivity, well-being, and readiness.
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Around the County
National Immunization Awareness Month |
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Get Back on Track with Routine Vaccinations
Vaccines are one of the safest preventive care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy. When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles, influenza (flu), and HPV and hepatitis B–both leading causes of cancer.
Immunization Walk-ins Welcome at the
Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department located at 311 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001.
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10 Reasons to Get Vaccinated
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- Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away
- Vaccines will keep you healthy
- Vaccines are as important to your overall health as diet and exercise
- Vaccination can mean the difference between life and death
- Vaccines are safe
- Vaccines can't give you the diseases they are designed to prevent
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- Young and healthy people can get very sick, too
- Vaccine-preventable diseases are expensive
- When you get sick, your children, grandchildren, and parents may be at risk, too
- Everyone deserves the chance to stay healthy
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Beyond the Backpack School Readiness Fair
Thursday, Sept. 9 • 11 AM – 2 PM • 200 Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Just like kids need vitamin D and calcium to build strong bones, they also need vaccinations to build strong immune systems. Get them caught up before school starts at the Beyond the Backpack School Readiness Fair!
Remember to take care of yourself too! Make sure to receive any vaccines you need to stay healthy. Use CDC’s adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines might be right for you
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Advisory Boards & Committees
We want to thank our residents for engaging with us as we continue our work on behalf of everyone who lives in this great community! This month, we:
- Reappointed David Buskirk to the Aeronautics Board of Trustees.
We're grateful to have such an engaged community of residents as we continue working toward a brighter future. If you're interested in serving on an Advisory Board or Committee, view our current open positions here.
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Want to get involved with your local government in another way? Check out our current openings and apply today.
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