Board of Commissioners Breakdown
November 2023 |
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View of the atrium in the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center from the first floor. |
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CELEBRATING COMMUNITY DEDICATION AND MOMENTUM
As we come to the end of November, a month of reflection and gratitude, the Board of Commissioners takes a moment to express our deepest appreciation for the unwavering commitment of our community members to the wellbeing of Kalamazoo County.
This year has seen an inspiring surge in community engagement, with a notable number of dedicated individuals joining our Advisory Boards and Committees. Your passion and expertise contribute significantly to the decisions shaping the future of our county, and we are truly grateful for your active involvement.
The momentum within Kalamazoo County is palpable, and it is heartening to witness the collaborative efforts that have propelled us forward. We stand on the brink of exciting developments, exemplified by the upcoming opening of the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our collective commitment to justice and community welfare.
Let us continue to build on our success. Together, we can foster a thriving and inclusive community that reflects the values we hold dear. Your dedication is the driving force behind the positive changes we are experiencing, and we look forward to achieving even greater milestones in the future.
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NOV. 8 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved individual proclamations honoring Donna Johnson and Annette Powell for 25 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office and Health & Community Services Department, respectively.
- Received the preliminary report on the initial data from the Opioid Community Needs Assessment from Opioid Prevention Education Network-Michigan State University. The final report with further data from focus groups and interviews will be presented by OPEN-MSU at a later date.
- Received an update on the Equipment Fund Pilot Project in the Office of Community Corrections to assist indigent defendants with tethering equipment fees. The Board then allocated $15,000 to continue funding the project through 2023.
- Received a presentation from the Public Housing Commission on their 2024 Work Plan and Budget.
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NOV. 21 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved proclamation declaring November as Family Court Awareness Month.
- Approved a resolution establishing a Kalamazoo County Vital Records Scholarship Pilot Program within the Clerk/Register of Deeds Office. The new program will provide services and copies of documents to Kalamazoo County residents regardless of ability to pay while funds remain available.
- Held public hearing and passed resolution approving Midlink Brownfield Plan Amendment #4 at 5200 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- Approved two grant agreements with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health for District Court and Health & Community Services Department in the amount of $49,390 and $97,800, respectfully.
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A Message From the Administrator |
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As November comes to a close, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I reflect on the remarkable achievements we've accomplished together in 2023. This year has witnessed the strength of our bipartisanship, culminating in the unanimous approval of the 2024 budget, a testament to our commitment to responsible governance and community well-being.
Our collective efforts have been instrumental in securing funding for transformative initiatives, such as eliminating medical debt in the County and building a childcare assistance fund for our employees. These programs are not just financial measures; they represent our dedication to addressing the immediate needs of our community and building a foundation for a resilient future.
As we navigate the final month of 2023, let us carry the spirit of collaboration and accomplishment forward. December presents opportunities to consolidate our gains, tie up loose ends, and ensure a strong foundation as we step into the new year. Our shared vision will guide us as we continue to address the evolving needs of our community and strive for excellence in public service.
In the spirit of the holiday season, we extend our warmest wishes to you, Kalamazoo County. May this festive time be filled with joy, reflection, and anticipation for the promising future that awaits us.
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Around the County
Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center |
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The much-anticipated opening of the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center is scheduled for Dec. 11, marking a significant step forward for the community. This new state-of-the-art facility, located at 330 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007, will serve as the new home for the 9th Circuit Court, 8th District Court, and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
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Key Dates and Information
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November 30
The Crosstown Complex will transition and close its doors at 5 p.m.
- Circuit Court payments, as well as, civil and personal protection order filings and inquiries from Friday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 8, can be made in person at the Circuit Court Family Division located at 1536 Gull Road, Kalamazoo MI 49048.
December 4
The Michigan Avenue location will close to the public at 5 p.m.
- The District Court will remain open Monday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at the MAC location and will handle all civil and criminal matters there. All filings and payments can be submitted to MAC. The court will not offer voluntary warrant turn-in that week.
- The Circuit Court Michigan Avenue clerk’s office will be open for agency access only on a limited basis for criminal case filing purposes between Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
- The Circuit Court Michigan Avenue location will be open for limited scheduled hearings between Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
December 11
Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center to open to the public at 8 a.m.
- All hearings scheduled for and after Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, will be held at the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center.
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For any inquiries or assistance during this transition period, we encourage members of the public to reach out to our dedicated clerks via the provided phone numbers and email addresses.
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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:
- Appointed Bridgette May to the Kalamazoo County Fair Council.
- Appointed Riley Lukomski to the Kalamazoo County Land Bank Authority.
- Appointed Michael D. Hills, Lara Neuman, John McNeill, Jim Edwards, Jennifer Klempnow, and Daniel Pontius to the Community Corrections Advisory Board.
- Reappointed Ronicka Hamilton to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Board.
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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