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Kalamazoo County - Committee of the Whole - March 18, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Board presents a proclamation for Black Maternal Health Week supported by YWCA Kalamazoo, emphasizing the need for systemic change in maternal health care. The meeting also covers the Community Information Exchange led by Griffin Place, aimed at improving access to social services. Furthermore, the Board reviews a housing TIF plan in Pavilion Township, focusing on creating income-qualified housing units. Additionally, foreclosure prevention efforts are highlighted, with a proposal for a $100,000 grant to assist homeowners facing financial difficulties.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:10)
The meeting of the Board of Commissioners committee is officially called to order.

The chairperson officially called the meeting to order, marking the beginning of the session.
Roll Call (00:00:19)
Attendance of commissioners is taken to verify quorum for the meeting.

The clerk performs a roll call to check the attendance of commissioners. Commissioner Morales and Commissioner Ray are present.
Public Comment (00:00:46)
Members of the public are given an opportunity to address the board on any topic.

The board opens the floor for public comments, inviting individuals to speak for up to three minutes on any issue of their choosing.
Review of Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:07:13)
The finance director presents the accounts payable and payroll disbursements for review.

Director Ryan Post provides an overview of the accounts payable claims and payroll disbursements, inviting questions from the Board of Commissioners.
Monthly Investment Report (00:08:25)
The Deputy Treasurer presents the highlights of the investment activity for the month.

Deputy Treasurer Tyler White delivers the monthly investment report, summarizing key investment activities and outcomes for February.
Gun Violence ARPA Funded Community Information Exchange (00:10:25)
A presentation on the Community Information Exchange program aimed at addressing gun violence.

Tia Whitley, VP of Community and Partner Engagement, presents the Community Information Exchange (CIE) program, which seeks to connect people with resources to improve quality of life and reduce gun violence through coordinated services.
Discussion on Addressing Gun Violence (00:35:31)
Discussion on addressing gun violence through programming and environmental factors, including education, poverty, and economic opportunity.

The meeting discusses how gun violence can be addressed not only through direct programming but also by considering the environmental factors surrounding community violence. These factors include education, economic opportunity, poverty, healthcare, and the lived environment. The discussion emphasizes creating an ecosystem where different parts communicate to support individuals, preventing them from falling into despair and violence.
Presentation on Gun Violence Reduction Initiatives (00:36:08)
Commissioners discuss initiatives in Kalamazoo County to address gun violence, including resource hubs and community support.

Commissioners discuss various initiatives in Kalamazoo County aimed at reducing gun violence. These initiatives include creating resource hubs to address housing and food insecurities, mental and physical healthcare, and more. The goal is to provide resources and support to individuals who might otherwise resort to violence due to lack of resources.
Gun Violence ARPA Funding Discussion (00:38:32)
Discussion on the use of ARPA funds for gun violence reduction, including community engagement and data sharing.

The discussion focuses on the use of ARPA funds for gun violence reduction efforts in the community. It includes a detailed explanation of data governance and the importance of sharing information among social service organizations to reduce barriers to service for families.
West Kale Avenue Landfill Groundwater Restriction Zone Update (01:00:48)
Update on the West Kale Avenue Landfill groundwater restricted zone, including history, expansion needs, and public health protection.

Environmental Health division manager Lucas Polls gives an update on the West Kale Avenue Landfill groundwater restricted zone. The presentation covers the history of the site, the need for expansion due to changes in contaminant levels, and efforts to protect public health by preventing the use of contaminated groundwater.
Brownfield Plan Presentation for Pavilion Investors, LLC (01:01:07)
Presentation on a Brownfield plan for housing development, focusing on site preparation, infrastructure, and financing gaps.

Macy Rose Walters, Brownfield Redevelopment Administrator, presents a Brownfield plan for Pavilion Investors, LLC. The plan includes site preparation and infrastructure improvements for new housing developments. It addresses financing gaps to make housing affordable and discusses the eligibility and impact of the plan on local communities.
Brownfield Plan Presentation (01:08:01)
Presentation on a Brownfield plan involving residential units and income-qualified housing, with details on the plan's administration and financial aspects.

The presentation covers a Brownfield redevelopment plan that includes a proposal for residential units, including income-qualified housing. The plan involves capturing property value increments and administering the plan through the Brownfield Authority, which charges an admin fee. It also discusses the potential for shorter timelines and reimbursement issues for developers. The presentation emphasizes the importance of local community support and strategic use of funds to revitalize the area.
Public Hearing and Resolution Adoption (01:11:00)
Discussion on the upcoming public hearing and resolution adoption for the Brownfield plan, including public notice and documentation status.

The discussion involves the steps required for the public hearing and resolution adoption for the Brownfield plan. It is noted that the public notice has been submitted to the clerk's office, and all necessary documentation has been reviewed and is ready. The board is being asked to consider adopting a resolution at the upcoming seven o'clock meeting. The importance of having public comments and the board's consideration of the resolution are highlighted.
Introduction of Key Participants (01:11:39)
Introduction of key individuals involved in the Brownfield plan, including the chairperson of the Brownfield Authority and consultants.

Key participants in the Brownfield plan are introduced, including Ken Rigan, the chairperson of the Kalamazoo County Brownfield Authority; Logan Mulholland from Fish Beck, who conducted the third-party review; Joe Augustine from Michigan Growth Advisors, who wrote the plan; Jeff Haner from JTB Holmes, representing the Pavilion Investors LLC project; and Rachel Grover, the planning director. Their roles and contributions to the project are acknowledged.
Questions and Discussions on Income Qualification and Housing TIF (01:12:19)
Detailed discussion on income qualification for housing TIF plans, monitoring affordability, and the potential impact on local housing markets.

The discussion addresses questions about how income qualification for housing TIF plans is measured, who measures it, and the frequency of measurement. The importance of development agreements for affordable components and income monitoring is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the implications for local housing markets, the role of the Brownfield Authority in administering plans, and the potential for creative solutions to meet local housing needs.
Concerns About Affordability and Housing Market Impact (01:24:04)
Concerns are raised regarding the affordability of proposed housing and its impact on middle-class and low-income families.

Participants express concerns about the affordability of the proposed housing units, noting that the target market appears to be middle-class and above, which may not address the needs of lower-income families. The discussion highlights the challenges educators and construction workers face in affording homes and the need to consider various income levels. The importance of strategic planning to ensure housing accessibility for all economic segments is stressed.
Future Considerations for Housing TIF Plans (01:28:01)
Discussion on the need for future housing TIF plans to include affordability terms and consider local community needs.

The conversation emphasizes the need for future housing TIF plans to incorporate terms ensuring long-term affordability and to consider local community needs. Participants discuss the potential for deed restrictions or covenants to maintain affordability and the administrative challenges associated with enforcing these measures. The importance of dialogue with local units of government to develop effective and equitable housing solutions is highlighted.
Housing Development Discussion (01:39:11)
Discussion on housing development needs, studies, and job growth data to support housing market.

The meeting discussed the requirements for demonstrating housing needs in the community, referencing a housing study and job growth data to support the need for more housing in the area.
Concerns About Housing Affordability (01:40:34)
Concerns raised about housing affordability and the impact of subsidies on land costs.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the affordability of homes in rural communities and discussed the role of subsidies in reducing land costs to make homes more affordable.
Railroad Impact on Development (01:44:03)
Discussion on the impact of a freight railroad line running through the development area.

The meeting addressed concerns about a freight railroad line that runs through the development area once a day, and its potential impact on the housing development.
Foreclosure Prevention Presentation (01:48:56)
Presentation on foreclosure prevention efforts and grant request for prevention funding.

Treasurer's office presented ongoing foreclosure prevention efforts, requesting support for a foreclosure prevention grant to assist homeowners in danger of losing their homes.
Discussion on Foreclosure Prevention Funding (02:01:12)
Discussion on the need for sustainable foreclosure prevention funding and coordination with city efforts.

Commissioners discussed the need for a long-term plan for foreclosure prevention funding and potential coordination with the city's efforts to prevent homeowner foreclosures.