Kent County public meetings in 2023
7 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Election Commission
The Kent County Election Commission is meeting to review and approve the proposal/candidate list and official ballots for the February 27, 2024, Presidential Primary Election. The commission will also consider approving minutes from the September 6, 2023, meeting.
- Approval of candidate list for February 27, 2024, Presidential Primary Election
- Approval of ballots for February 27, 2024, Presidential Primary Election
- Approval of minutes from September 6, 2023
Kent County Community Action Advisory Board
The Kent County Community Action Advisory Board met to discuss program updates, staff recruitment, and fiscal reports. The board reviewed a public hearing for the FY 2024 Community Action Plan and discussed the status of various grants and upcoming community events.
- Review of RFP for $3.3 million in HOME ARP funding for supportive services
- Announcement of $16 million in project funding available over the next 5 years
- Public hearing for the KCCA Community Services Block Grant FY 2024 Community Action Plan
- Walk for Warmth fundraising event scheduled for February 10, 2024
- Approval of July 20, 2023, meeting minutes
Kent County Community Action Advisory Board
The Kent County Community Action Advisory Board reviewed a recent audit showing a significant deficiency regarding housing quality standards for HCV vouchers. The board also discussed program updates including staff hiring, community development projects, and senior service funding.
- Audit finding: tenants found outside the 2-year inspection window for HCV vouchers
- CDBG project selections: water infrastructure in Sand Lake, library lot clearing in Tyrone township, and a sidewalk project in Gaines Township
- New emergency need fund for seniors offering assistance up to $300 starting in 2024
- Walk for Warmth 2024 fundraising goal set at $20,000
- Approval of May 18, 2023, meeting minutes
Kent County Community Action Advisory Board
The board approved the Community Needs Assessment report and received updates on staffing and program funding. Discussions included a request for increased Senior Program funding and the status of water assistance funds.
- Approval of the Community Needs Assessment report
- MEAP has approximately $20,000 remaining for gas and electric assistance
- Request submitted to increase funding for Senior Programs from the Area Agency on Aging
- Three monitoring reviews completed with zero findings reported
Kent County Community Action Advisory Board
The board reviewed staff expansion efforts, including hiring for the Wx program and updating job descriptions. Updates were provided on a community needs assessment survey and various grant spending statuses.
- $75,000 in CDBG COVID funding used to supplement Hope Network’s transportation program
- $1.8 million in public infrastructure projects completed using CDBG 2022 funds
- $8,700 requested for Senior Services Emergency Needs funding through KCSM
- Approval of 9 new employees for the Wx program
- Over 900 completed Community Needs Assessment surveys
Kent County Community Action Advisory Board
The Kent County Community Action Advisory Governing Board approved a Vehicle Accessibility Plan and reviewed compliance with organizational standards, including a missed standard on customer satisfaction data. The board also received updates on staff needs, community needs assessment, and programmatic and fiscal reports for various grants and services.
- Approval of Vehicle Accessibility Plan as required by the state of Michigan
- Organizational Standards monitoring found compliance with 49/50 standards; missed standard on customer satisfaction data
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure Certification to be completed every 2 years
- Fiscal report on grants ending in 2022 and funding beginning January 1, 2023
- CERA program ended; over $52,000,000 in assistance distributed; now providing Housing Stability Services
Kent County Veterans Services Advisory Committee
The Kent County Veterans Services Advisory Committee will discuss the monthly impact report, review the current budget, and address contract status and projects for 2023. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, introduction of a new member, and a closed session.
- Review of monthly impact report including highlights, gaps, and return on investment
- Manager report with current budget update
- Discussion of contract status and 2023 projects
- Public comment opportunity
The committee approved the minutes from the previous January meeting. Members discussed 2023 projects, including the PACT Act informational meeting and Art Prize, and approved a change to the Monthly Activity Report.
- Approved January meeting minutes
- Approved replacing 'Bus Passes' with 'intent to file' numbers on the Monthly Activity Report