Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners - February 17, 2026 Kalamazoo County Regular Business Meeting

Updated about 15 hours ago

The board discusses opposition to legislation preempting local control over data centers and battery storage facilities. The meeting includes the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Western Michigan University concerning the Asylum Lake Preserve. Additionally, an ad hoc committee is formed for a public art project on a parking structure, with emphasis on involving local artists. The board also addresses potential changes to meeting times and the structure of standing committees.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:21)
The meeting is officially called to order by the chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners.

The chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners officially calls the regular business meeting to order. This marks the commencement of the meeting and sets the procedural tone for the items to follow.
Invocation and Reflection (00:01:30)
Commissioner G. gives an invocation asking for wisdom and harmony among the board members.

Commissioner G. delivers an invocation, seeking guidance and wisdom for the board to govern effectively amidst conflicting interests and issues. The invocation emphasizes justice, confidence in what is good, and the ability to work in harmony despite disagreements, concluding with personal peace to accomplish the necessary tasks.
Roll Call (00:02:41)
Roll call is conducted to mark the presence of commissioners, confirming a quorum for the meeting.

The roll call is conducted to ascertain the presence of each commissioner, ensuring a quorum is established for the meeting. Commissioners present include Commissioner Morales, Commissioner Ray, Vice Chair Taylor, and others, with one member noted as absent due to being out of town.
Proclamations (00:03:20)
No proclamations are presented during this meeting.

The agenda item for proclamations is addressed with the note that there are no proclamations to present at this meeting. This agenda segment is noted and quickly concluded.
Communications (00:03:23)
The board receives multiple communications, including opposition to legislation and letters regarding local projects.

The board acknowledges receipt of several communications, including opposition to legislation preempting local control over data centers and battery storage facilities, updates on tech trades renovation, a hearing by the Michigan Public Service Commission, and a letter announcing the closure of Shiloh. Additionally, there is a letter of support for early childhood health investment from the YWCA.
Approval of Minutes (00:05:06)
The board approves the minutes of the previous meeting without any opposition.

A motion is made by Commissioner Morales to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, which is seconded and unanimously approved by voice vote, with all commissioners in favor and none opposed.
Approval of Agenda (00:05:31)
The agenda is approved with amendments, shifting certain items to the new business section.

The agenda is presented for approval, with amendments including the movement of the MOU between Western Michigan University and the county concerning the Asylum Lake Preserve to the new business section. The amended agenda is then approved by the board with unanimous consent.
Public Comments (First Opportunity) (00:06:27)
Public comment period opens with no members of the public wishing to speak at this time.

A first opportunity for public comment is provided, allowing individuals to address the board on any topic for up to three minutes. The public can participate either in person or by phone. However, no members of the public choose to make comments during this time.
Consent Agenda (00:07:28)
The consent agenda is approved, allowing multiple items to be voted on collectively.

The board addresses the consent agenda, which allows several routine or non-controversial items to be approved together. A motion is made and seconded to approve the consent agenda, with a roll call vote confirming unanimous approval from the commissioners.
Unfinished Business (00:08:32)
There is no unfinished business to address at this meeting.

The agenda item for unfinished business is noted with the confirmation that there are no pending issues from previous meetings that require attention or resolution at this time.
Discussion on Meeting Times (00:08:36)
The board discusses potential changes to meeting times to better accommodate schedules and improve efficiency.

A discussion is initiated about potentially adjusting the regular board meeting times. Various suggestions are considered, including moving the regular business time back, starting the Committee of the Whole earlier, and exploring the possibility of more standing committees to handle specific topics. Commissioners express concerns about work-life balance, the impact on staff, and community engagement. The discussion remains open-ended with no immediate decisions made.
Approval of Establishing Ad Hoc Committee for Parking Garage Art (00:22:04)
The board approves the establishment of an ad hoc committee to oversee the parking garage art project.

A motion is made to establish an ad hoc committee for the public art project on the parking garage's north face. The committee will include four commissioners and four community representatives. The motion is approved following a roll call vote. Discussion includes ensuring local artists are considered for the project, and potential community members are suggested for inclusion.
Authorization for County Administrator on Change Orders (00:28:41)
The board authorizes the county administrator to approve change orders within budget for the Landing Place project.

A request is made for the county administrator to have the authority to approve change orders within the budget for the Landing Place project, with required written reporting to the Board of Commissioners. The motion is supported and approved unanimously through a roll call vote.
Approval of MOU with Western Michigan University (00:29:35)
The board approves entering into negotiations with Western Michigan University regarding the Asylum Lake Preserve.

A motion is made and supported to approve the memorandum of understanding with Western Michigan University concerning the Asylum Lake Preserve. The county administrator is authorized to execute the MOU on behalf of the county. The board discusses the potential benefits and responsibilities involved, emphasizing the exploration of a win-win situation for both parties.
Public Comments (Second Opportunity) (00:31:55)
A second public comment period opens, with a report from the CEO of Through Navigation on their shelter operations.

During the second opportunity for public comment, Gwendolyn, the CEO of Through Navigation, provides a brief update on their operations at the Hope Family Respite. She reports successful housing placements for families and community support, expressing gratitude for the board's funding support. No further public comments are made.
Reports of the Officers (00:35:08)
Officers report on various topics including tribal engagements and financial concerns with Discover Kalamazoo.

The administrator reports on meetings with local tribes to discuss governance and collaboration. Concerns are raised about Discover Kalamazoo's financial report, indicating discrepancies in revenue and expenditure figures. The vice chair emphasizes the importance of aligning budget expectations and expenditures to avoid potential deficits.
Discussion on Unpaid Accommodation Taxes (00:41:26)
Discussion on the process of handling unpaid accommodation taxes and their impact on property tax assessments.

The board discussed issues related to unpaid accommodation taxes, which were billed as delinquent special assessments on property taxes. The process involves collecting tax dollars and passing them along, with the board authorizing early payments. There was clarification about K-C-E-A-D money going directly to Discover Kalamazoo and not being co-mingled with other funds. The discussion covered assumptions about tax collections and the impact on the county's finances.
Reports from Administration (00:46:13)
Administrator provides updates on upcoming events, racial equity initiatives, and building projects.

The administrator informed the board about attending the annual convening of the Racial Equity Builders Dialogue in Puerto Rico with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation delegation. The purpose is to strengthen partnerships and identify best practices in racial equity and economic development. Additionally, updates were given on the architect and engineering interviews for the administration building project scheduled for early March.
Weather Advisory Notification (00:48:35)
Notification about a freezing rain advisory and its potential impacts on travel conditions.

The board was informed about a freezing rain advisory issued by the National Weather Service, warning of potential icy roads and slippery conditions overnight into Wednesday morning. Members and the public were advised to exercise caution while traveling.
Members' Time and Comments (00:49:13)
Commissioners share remarks on various topics including Black History Month and community issues.

During members' time, Commissioner Ray acknowledged Black History Month and Reverend Jesse Jackson. Another commissioner highlighted the critical blood shortage and the benefits of donating blood. Other remarks included updates on community meetings, appreciation of board leadership, and humorous suggestions for local projects.