July 15, 2025 Kalamazoo County Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The board reviewed accounts payable, payroll disbursements, and discussed a monthly financial report indicating stable county finances. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the presentation of a brownfield redevelopment plan for a new Subaru dealership in Oshtemo Township, which involves repurposing the former Westside Medical Building. The board also established an ad hoc committee to review senior millage funding allocations for county seniors. The meeting highlighted strategic financial planning and community development initiatives in Kalamazoo County.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:30)
The meeting was officially called to order by the chairperson.

The chairperson called the meeting to order, signaling the official start of the proceedings.
Roll Call (00:00:41)
Roll call was conducted; seven commissioners were present, with one absent.

The clerk conducted a roll call of the commissioners. Seven commissioners were present: Morales, Ray, Strips, Taylor, Wheeler, de Blue, Gissler, and Heppler. Commissioner Maser was absent, and Commissioner Morales was expected to join later.
Public Comment (00:01:21)
Public comment period allowed in-person and virtual attendees to address the board.

The public comment period was opened, allowing attendees to speak in person at the podium or virtually by phone. Speakers were invited to give their name and location, with a time limit of three minutes to address the board. Bill Hindn and Chandra Kinney spoke, expressing gratitude and discussing local initiatives.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:05:58)
Review of accounts payable and payroll disbursements for the county was conducted.

The meeting reviewed the accounts payable claims list and payroll disbursements, with Dr. Catlin filling in for the finance director. Commissioners had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the financial details presented.
Monthly Financial Report (00:07:01)
The county's financial status at fiscal year midpoint was presented and discussed.

Administrator Kelly presented the monthly financial report, noting that general fund revenues and expenditures were generally tracking as expected. The report included details on seasonal timing variances and strategic issues impacting the county's financial operations.
Monthly Investment Report (00:13:03)
Chief Deputy Treasurer Tyler White presented the investment report for the month.

Tyler White provided an overview of the county's investment performance, noting the variance between par value and market value, and detailed the return rates on the county's investments. The report included an analysis of inflation impacts and investment strategy.
Brownfield Plan Presentation for Maple Hill Leaseholds LLC (00:19:14)
A brownfield redevelopment plan for a Subaru dealership was presented.

Macy Walters presented a brownfield plan for the redevelopment of the former West Side Medical building into a Subaru dealership. The plan includes job creation, tax base expansion, and community benefits. The meeting included a detailed presentation of the site plan and financial aspects of the project.
Discussion on Subaru Dealership Development (00:35:32)
Presentation on the new Subaru dealership, focusing on unique features like indoor and outdoor waiting areas, community spaces, and energy-efficient designs.

The new Subaru dealership aims to provide a unique experience with indoor and outdoor waiting areas, fireplaces, kitchenettes, and bathrooms. The space will be available for local charities to use for events free of charge. There will be a dog walk area with modern facilities and walking paths over a mile long. The design includes sustainable retention ponds and energy-efficient features like LED lighting and geothermal energy. The development hopes to be a unique and environmentally friendly property that benefits the community.
Questions on Brownfield Plan and Corridor Improvement (00:39:00)
Discussion on how brownfield plans and corridor improvement affect tax increment financing (TIF) policies and existing brownfield projects.

A question was raised about the impact of a new corridor improvement on existing brownfield plans and TIF policies. The response clarified that the brownfield will continue capturing what it has always captured, but there might be a need to share a portion of TIF with the corridor authority if it was established first. Legal checks are needed to ensure compliance with statutes, and adjustments might affect the plan's metrics.
First Reading: Resolution to Establish Ad Hoc Committee for Senior Millage Allocations (00:41:00)
Introduction of a resolution to create an ad hoc committee to review funding requests under the senior millage allocations.

The meeting included the first reading of a resolution to establish an ad hoc committee for reviewing senior millage allocations. Commissioners have expressed willingness to participate, and the committee will be dissolved once its task is completed. Questions were raised about the need for an ad hoc committee instead of a standing committee, and legal advice will be sought to possibly simplify the process in the future. The committee will review funding requests to serve Kalamazoo county seniors.
Adjournment (00:44:00)
The meeting was adjourned with no further business or closed sessions scheduled.

The committee of the whole meeting was adjourned as there were no further items to discuss or closed sessions scheduled for the evening.