Kalamazoo County - Committee of the Whole - June 2, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 1 hour ago

The Committee of the Whole started their June 2nd meeting with citizen comments regarding the condemnation of the Wildwood off Main Apartments in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents expressed concerns about settlement agreements and the management's response. The board also considered a resolution to amend lake level orders for Sunset Lake and discussed a public art sponsorship initiative called 'Brush the Block' for the Justice Center. The commissioners expressed interest in incorporating community history and art into the project. The meeting concluded with motions to enter closed session for legal reviews.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:21)
The meeting is called to order and roll call is conducted with most commissioners present.

The meeting chair calls the meeting to order and conducts a roll call. Commissioners Delo, Gisler, Heppler, Mazer, Ray, and Taylor are confirmed present. Chair Strebs is expected to join momentarily.
Public Comment by Amber from Wildwood (00:01:36)
Amber addresses issues with Wildwood off Maine Apartments, including coercion, social media censorship, and inconsistent management responses.

Amber from Wildwood off Maine, Kalamazoo, MI, discusses ongoing issues after Kaba condemned the apartments. Tenants received settlement agreements restricting speech, and social media reviews were deleted. Although management promised no rent for June and hotel accommodations, inconsistencies and selective enforcement continue.
Review of Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:04:54)
Director Post presents the accounts payable and payroll disbursements for board approval, with no questions from the board.

Ryan Director Post presents the accounts payable claims list and payroll disbursements to the board for approval. The total amounts are reviewed, and the board is asked to approve them. No questions are raised by the commissioners.
Resolution to Amend Lake Level Orders for Sunset Lake (00:06:18)
Discussion about amending lake level orders for Sunset Lake, with no questions from commissioners.

A resolution is presented to amend the lake level orders and establish a normal lake level for Sunset Lake. This is related to construction at Sunset Lake. Commissioners are asked if they have any questions, but none are raised.
Proclamation Honoring Catherine Kaari, PhD (00:06:40)
A proclamation is made to honor Catherine Kaari for her service and leadership, with no motion required.

A proclamation is announced to honor the service and leadership of Catherine Kaari, PhD. The board acknowledges the proclamation, and no motion is required.
Approval of ARPA Allocation to Planning and Development (00:06:56)
A request is made for the approval of an ARPA allocation to the Planning and Development Department. No questions raised.

The board considers a request to approve an allocation of ARPA funds to the Planning and Development Department. Commissioners are asked if there are any questions regarding the allocation, but none are raised.
Brush the Block Public Art Sponsorship Discussion (00:07:13)
Discussion on sponsoring public art through the Brush the Block initiative, with board members expressing support and ideas.

Chair Strebs introduces a discussion on sponsoring public art within public spaces, specifically the Justice Center, through the Brush the Block initiative. Commissioners express support for the idea, discussing funding options and potential inclusion of historical community photos in the artwork.
Motions for Closed Session (00:12:11)
Two motions are made to enter into closed sessions for legal reviews, both motions are carried.

Commissioner Wheeler moves to enter into two closed sessions: one for the legal review of work permit extensions and another regarding a legal case, Roland B. Kalamazoo County. Both motions are supported and passed with a roll call vote.
Adjournment to Closed Session (00:13:52)
The meeting is adjourned to enter into the closed session as previously motioned.

After the motions for closed sessions are carried, the meeting is formally adjourned to proceed with the closed sessions.