Kalamazoo County Government - November 4, 2026 Kalamazoo County Committee of the Whole

Updated 1 day ago

The Kalamazoo County Board considers new grant applications and the Kalamazoo County Land Bank's annual report, presented by Executive Director Zac Bauer. The board also reviews proposed amendments to its bylaws. The meeting features public comments on grant applications supporting the Kalamazoo Watershed Council and a zero-waste initiative. Commissioners consider forming an ad hoc committee to review grant applications and discuss retaining two public comment periods during meetings.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:15)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners was called to order.

The Chair called the meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners committee of the whole to order.
Roll Call (00:00:41)
Roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of commissioners.

The clerk conducted a roll call, confirming the presence of Commissioners Wheeler, DeLeeuw, Gisler, Hepler, Mazer, and Morales.
Public Comments (00:01:08)
Public comments were invited, with speakers advocating for grant applications.

Dana Wagner from Discover Kalamazoo spoke in support of the Kalamazoo Watershed Council's grant application for river accessibility. Another speaker from a nonprofit advocated for a grant to create a zero-waste facility.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements Review (00:06:09)
The finance director presented a review of accounts payable and payroll disbursements.

The finance director presented a review of the county's accounts payable and payroll disbursements. Questions were asked by commissioners regarding specific transactions.
Kalamazoo County Land Bank Annual Report (00:08:50)
Zac Bauer presented the Land Bank's annual report, highlighting accomplishments and strategic directions.

Executive Director Zac Bauer presented the annual report of the Kalamazoo County Land Bank. He discussed the Land Bank's new strategic direction, accomplishments such as housing rehabilitation and demolition projects, and partnerships for community benefit.
Discussion on Community Grant Applications (00:22:31)
Commissioners discussed the process for reviewing community grant applications.

The board discussed the process for reviewing numerous community grant applications, with a focus on forming an ad hoc committee to evaluate and score the applications based on criteria like community impact and alignment with strategic initiatives.
Draft Amendments to Board Bylaws Discussion (00:32:21)
Proposed amendments to the board's bylaws were reviewed and discussed.

Counsel presented draft amendments to the board's bylaws, covering changes like term updates, live streaming codification, and public comment periods. Commissioners discussed maintaining two public comment periods in regular sessions.
Adjournment (00:41:40)
The meeting was adjourned after concluding all agenda items.

After concluding discussions and addressing remaining items, the Chair adjourned the meeting.