Kalamazoo County - Committee of the Whole - June 16, 2026 Kalamazoo County Committee of the Whole

Updated 37 minutes ago

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Meeting covers a range of topics. Public comments address issues with the Wildwood Off Main property management, highlighting tenant rights and housing conditions. Rachel Grover presents on upcoming data centers and battery energy storage site forums in Kalamazoo. The introduction of the new voucher program specialist is announced to support affordable housing initiatives. Financial reports from Ryan Post and Tyler White are reviewed, covering accounts payable, payroll disbursements, and investment portfolios amidst inflation concerns. Taylor Van Winkle presents the draft Kalamazoo County Climate Action Plan, focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Additionally, Dr. Kenlana Ferguson discusses the Kalamazoo Blueprint for Peace, highlighting efforts to reduce gun violence and the impact of community-based interventions.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:04)
The meeting was called to order at four o'clock, and roll call was conducted by the clerk.

The meeting of the Commissioners Committee of the whole was called to order at four o'clock. The clerk conducted the roll call, with Commissioner Ray present and Chair Strebs in attendance.
Public Comments (00:00:47)
Public comments were heard from residents regarding issues such as property management and upcoming events.

A resident from Wildwood Off Main raised concerns about property management issues, including coercion, rent charges, and safety concerns with moving out. They requested assistance in educating tenants about their rights. Another resident, Rachel Grover, informed the public about an upcoming education forum on data centers and battery energy storage. Willie de Toronto introduced a new housing department employee, Brandon Mone, and discussed the voucher program.
Review of Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:09:04)
Finance Director Ryan Post reviewed the accounts payable claims and payroll disbursements.

Finance Director Ryan Post addressed the board about the accounts payable claims list and payroll disbursements, inviting any questions from the board.
Monthly Investment Report (00:09:55)
Chief Deputy Treasurer Tyler White presented the county's investment report, highlighting the portfolio's status and market conditions.

Chief Deputy Treasurer Tyler White provided an overview of the county's investment portfolio, discussing the par value balance, market value, and the impact of market conditions on the portfolio. White explained the strategy of holding assets until maturity to avoid realized losses and discussed the effects of inflation on purchasing power.
Presentation on Draft Kalamazoo County Climate Action Plan (00:15:36)
Climate Sustainability Manager Taylor Van Winkle presented the draft Climate Action Plan, outlining goals and strategies for climate action.

Taylor Van Winkle presented the draft Kalamazoo County Climate Action Plan, detailing the six overarching goals, including achieving carbon neutrality and zero municipal waste. The plan includes strategies and actions in areas like housing, energy, natural systems, and food systems. Van Winkle emphasized the importance of community input, collaboration with local organizations, and the implementation of actions to address climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Public comments on the plan are being collected online.
Discussion on Environmental Sustainability Efforts (00:38:25)
Discussion on collaborative efforts in Kalamazoo County to enhance environmental sustainability and materials handling.

Vice Chair Proto expressed appreciation for Taylor's presentations on environmental sustainability, highlighting collaborations with supervisors and materials handling commissions. The discussion emphasized the importance of protecting the earth and achieving goals to produce enough food for communities. There was a note on the thick document to be reviewed.
Acknowledgment of Commission's Role in Sustainability (00:40:04)
Acknowledgment of the commission's creation of a permanent position for sustainability efforts in the region.

The speaker expressed gratitude to the commission for creating a permanent position focused on sustainability, a unique role in Michigan. The position helps to spread awareness and work on sustainability initiatives, with educational events open to municipalities even outside Kalamazoo County.
Discussion on Farm Bureau and Conservation District Collaboration (00:41:00)
Discussion on potential collaboration with the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau and Conservation District.

A discussion took place on engaging with the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau, which shares a building with the Kalamazoo Conservation District. The ease of collaboration was noted, and there was a suggestion to promote public comment periods at upcoming Farm Bureau meetings.
Presentation on Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention (00:42:29)
Dr. Kenlana Ferguson presented the Blueprint for Peace, focusing on gun violence prevention and intervention in Kalamazoo.

Dr. Kenlana Ferguson from the Michigan Transformation Collective presented an update on the Blueprint for Peace, which addresses gun violence prevention and intervention. The blueprint focuses on reducing risk, strengthening protections, and addressing conditions like poverty and trauma. It aligns community efforts and partners to advance a vision of a violence-free Kalamazoo. The presentation detailed the strategic priorities and frameworks guiding the work, emphasizing prevention, healing, and equity.
Overview of Strategic Priorities in Gun Violence Prevention (00:52:58)
Overview of strategic priorities and framework for implementing the Blueprint for Peace in Kalamazoo.

The strategic priorities for embedding violence prevention into long-term systems were discussed. The focus is on creating an evaluation strategy and coordinated implementation of mutually reinforcing activities. Prioritized actions of the blueprint are being implemented, with a focus on deepening healing-centered efforts and building trust within the community.
Impact and Measurement in Gun Violence Prevention Efforts (01:01:14)
Discussion on the impact, measurement, and future goals of the Blueprint for Peace in Kalamazoo.

Questions and comments from commissioners centered on the importance of measuring the impact of the Blueprint for Peace. The discussion touched on the challenges of gathering data and the need for long-term evaluation strategies. Commissioners emphasized the importance of having measurable impacts to secure future funding and support the program's sustainability.
Certification and Training of Community Violence Interventionists (01:09:01)
Explanation of the certification and training process for Community Violence Interventionists in Kalamazoo.

Details were provided on the certification of Community Violence Interventionists through a program at KVCC. The training focuses on professionalizing the field, offering standards of practice, and providing evidence-based practices. The training is supported by grants and is expanding to include broader participation.