Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners - September 1, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Board considers a tax abatement public hearing notification from the city of Kalamazoo and received communications regarding the county's tuition reimbursement policy and safe streets initiatives. The board held public hearings on two development projects: West Main One LLC's Brownfield Plan and the Heritage Community Project, both of which aim to expand housing in the county. The board approved resolutions concerning these projects. Additionally, the board addressed recommendations from the Housing Millage Ad Hoc Committee for funding allocations in various housing categories. The meeting also included updates on the county fair, budget discussions, and the establishment of a finance committee to enhance fiscal oversight. Public comments highlighted local tourism and recreational opportunities in the Kalamazoo area.

Chapters

Welcome and Invocation (00:00:00)
Commissioner Wheeler gives the invocation, emphasizing the importance of the meeting and striving for openness and understanding.

The meeting begins with Commissioner Wheeler stepping in for Commissioner Rey to give the invocation. Wheeler acknowledges the importance of the gathering and hopes for open minds and hearts in the discussions to come. This is followed by a communal pledge.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:17)
The board participates in the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Commissioner Wheeler.

Following the invocation, Commissioner Wheeler leads the board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call (00:01:46)
A roll call is conducted listing commissioners present

The Clerk calls the roll for the attendance of commissioners. Commissioners Rey and Morales are noted as absent due to attending to personal or health matters.
Proclamations and Communications (00:02:24)
No proclamations, various communications including tax abatements and public hearing notices are acknowledged.

The Chair announces there are no proclamations. Communications include notification of a tax abatement public hearing from the City of Kalamazoo, various letters and notices from different organizations, and acknowledgments of communications received by commissioners.
Approval of Minutes (00:05:11)
The minutes from the previous meeting are approved without opposition.

A motion to approve the minutes from the last regular meeting is made and seconded. The motion carries unanimously with no further discussion.
Approval of Agenda (00:05:40)
The agenda for the current meeting is approved as presented.

Commissioner Wheeler moves to approve the agenda, supported by Vice Chair Taylor. The motion carries with unanimous consent.
Public Hearings (00:06:09)
Public hearings on West Main LLC and Heritage Community project plans; no public comments received.

The Chair opens public hearings for the West Main LLC Brownfield plan and the Heritage Community project.
Public Comment (00:12:03)
Public comment is opened, Jane Ghosh from Discover Kalamazoo speaks about local attractions and tourism.

The Chair opens the floor for public comment. Jane Ghosh from Discover Kalamazoo speaks about a survey of local attractions and invites commissioners to experience the Kalamazoo River kayaking and the Gilmore Piano Festival. No other public comments are made.
Consent Agenda (00:16:23)
Consent agenda items are approved unanimously with a roll call vote.

The board votes on the consent agenda items in one motion. Commissioner Wheeler moves for approval, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The motion passes with unanimous consent.
Resolution Approval for West Main LLC Brownfield Plan (00:17:50)
Board approves the resolution adopting the West Main LLC Brownfield plan.

The resolution for adopting the West Main LLC Brownfield plan is moved by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler. The resolution is approved with unanimous consent.
Resolution Approval for Heritage Community Project Plan (00:18:55)
Resolution approving the Heritage Community project plan and EDC bonds is passed.

The board considers and approves the resolution for the Heritage Community project plan and issuance of EDC bonds. The motion is supported and carries with unanimous consent.
Housing Millage Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations (00:20:17)
Recommendations include funding allocations for various housing initiatives, approved by the board with unanimous consent.

The Housing Millage Ad Hoc Committee presents its recommendations for funding allocations. These include categories such as multi-unit development, single-family development, critical home repairs, and affordable housing preservation. The board approves the recommendations after discussion.
Second Public Comment Opportunity (00:25:05)
Second opportunity for public comment is opened, but no comments are made.

The Chair opens the floor for a second opportunity for public comment. No members of the public come forward to speak.
Reports and Comments from Officers and Administrators (00:25:30)
Reports include updates on committee work, budget process, and commendations to staff and community contributions.

The Chair, Vice Chair, and Vice Chair Pro Tem give their reports, discussing recent committee work, budget considerations, and thanking staff and community members for their contributions. The administrator gives a brief report on community meetings and thanks elected officials for their efforts.
Budget Process and Sheriff's Recognition (00:32:57)
The board recognized the sheriff for his proactive leadership during the budget process. The partnership between elected officials and the community was highlighted.

During the meeting, the board expressed appreciation for the sheriff's proactive approach and leadership, especially during the budget process. It was emphasized that the elected officials are true partners with the community, and this relationship has been productive. The start of the budget process was noted, with ongoing work expected.
Community Meetings and Winter Housing Discussion (00:33:30)
Community meetings were attended by the administrative team to discuss winter housing, with plans for more nuanced discussions about challenges for the unhoused.

The administrative team attended various community meetings to discuss winter housing issues. The elected officials expressed a desire for staff to return for more detailed discussions on the challenges faced by the unhoused in the community. These meetings are part of the ongoing budget process.
Special Meeting on Compensation (00:34:10)
A special meeting on compensation recognition and earnings is scheduled. The finance administration committee is looking at opportunities for the board.

A special meeting is planned for Friday to discuss compensation recognition and other related issues. The finance administration committee will explore opportunities for the board to consider, aiming to establish a regular meeting cadence for interested commissioners.
Facility Updates and Housing Department Expansion (00:35:01)
Affordable housing is a priority, leading to the expansion of the housing department and repurposing of underutilized spaces in the building.

The board has prioritized affordable housing, resulting in the expansion of the housing department. This has led to repurposing spaces within the building, such as converting the wellness room into the housing department's location and combining it with the employee break room. This move aims to better utilize underused spaces.
Acknowledgment of Community Events and Health Grant (00:35:40)
Upcoming community events and the opioid substance use community health grant application deadlines were mentioned briefly.

The report included mention of several upcoming community events, including an academy, and the deadline for the opioid substance use community health grant application. The report was kept brief, noting key points and thanking those involved.
Commissioners' Comments and Recognition (00:36:19)
Commissioners made various comments, praised the fair's organization, and shared personal anecdotes and updates about community engagement.

Several commissioners took the opportunity to make comments, recognizing the successful organization of the fair by David Rachowicz and his team. They shared personal stories, updates on community engagement, and humorous anecdotes. The commissioners also acknowledged the work done by community members and officials.
Adjournment (00:39:14)
The meeting was adjourned after concluding all business. Commissioners were thanked for their participation.

After all items on the agenda were addressed and commissioners had made their comments, the meeting was adjourned. Participants were thanked for their engagement and contributions throughout the meeting.