City of Kalamazoo - August 18, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Commission welcomes Lucy Dilley of the Can-Do Kitchen, who discusses the organization's evolution into Can-Do Kalamazoo, an entrepreneur hub supporting diverse business types in the Kalamazoo area. The hub offers resources, connections, and facilities to local entrepreneurs, highlighting success stories such as 'Dessert First' by Mika. The second presentation is by Lindsay Merling from the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department, who outlines the department's extensive efforts across health education, environmental health, maternal and child health, and services for veterans and seniors. Commissioners engage with both presenters, asking questions and expressing appreciation for their work in the community.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:52)
The meeting was officially called to order by the Mayor for the Kalamazoo City Commission on the specified date.

The meeting was officially called to order as the Committee of the Whole for the Kalamazoo City Commission for Monday.
Roll Call (00:01:03)
The roll call was conducted, verifying the presence of the commissioners and the mayor, with Commissioner Decker being absent.

The Clerk conducted the roll call, confirming the presence of Commissioner Cooney, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner prl, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson. Commissioner Decker was absent.
Motion to Excuse Absence (00:01:17)
A motion was made and passed to excuse Commissioner Decker's absence from the meeting.

Commissioner Hoffmann made a motion to excuse Commissioner Decker, which was supported by Vice Mayor Hess. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comments (00:01:49)
Public comments were invited but none were made during this part of the meeting.

The Mayor invited public comments, allowing two minutes for each speaker. No public comments were made at this time, but a reminder was given about the opportunity for public comments at the business meeting later.
Presentation: Can-Do Kitchen (00:02:27)
The Can-Do Kitchen of Kalamazoo presented their initiative focusing on supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses.

Antonio Mitchell introduced Miss Lucy Dili, Director and Founder of Can-Do Kalamazoo, who presented about the Can-Do Kitchen initiative. The presentation covered the organization's journey, transition from a food business incubator to an entrepreneur hub, and the support they provide to small businesses in the area. The presentation highlighted the benefits of expanding their scope and the partnerships involved in supporting entrepreneurs.
Presentation: Health Education Overview (00:23:52)
Lindsey Merling from the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department gave an overview of the department's services.

Lindsey Merling, Health Education Supervisor, presented an overview of the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. The presentation included the mission and vision of the department and details about the various programs offered, such as the Area Agency on Aging, environmental health services, and public health functions.
In-house Laboratory Services (00:30:04)
The environmental health division operates an in-house lab for water and clinical tests, serving as a regional hub.

The environmental health division has its own in-house laboratory, which is considered a regional hub. It conducts water sampling tests and clinical tests, including STI testing, within the personal health division. The lab enables in-house results, reducing the need to send tests off-site, though some are still sent out. The lab also supports neighboring areas due to its regional hub status.
Veteran Service Office (00:30:49)
The office assists veterans with federal benefits and offers a relief fund for necessities like food and transportation.

The Veteran Service Office assists veterans in obtaining federal benefits and offers support through a soldiers and sailors relief fund, which helps with necessities like food and transportation. Veterans can call, make appointments, or walk in for assistance. The office also sponsors events honoring veterans, such as the annual veterans stand down and Veterans Day ceremony.
Maternal Child Health Division Programs (00:31:57)
Programs support mothers and families through home visitation, cancer control, special health services, and safe sleep education.

The Maternal Child Health Division offers programs supporting mothers and families, including home visitation through Nurse Family Partnership and Healthy Families America. It includes a breast and cervical cancer control navigation program for eligible women, Children's Special Healthcare Services for chronic conditions, and a Fatherhood program supporting fathers. The division also provides infant safe sleep education to address infant mortality disparities and operates the WIC program, offering counseling, food benefits, and breastfeeding support.
Personal Health Division Services (00:35:52)
The division provides prevention and direct services, including lead poisoning prevention, disease control, STI testing, and immunizations.

The Personal Health Division offers prevention and direct services, including childhood lead poisoning prevention, communicable disease control with outbreak response, and STI and HIV counseling and testing through a 5-day clinic and a mobile unit. The immunization action program maintains herd immunity, and international travel immunizations are available. Hearing and vision screenings in schools and family planning services are also provided.
Health Education Office Initiatives (00:40:18)
The office focuses on internal program collaboration and community education on opioids, STIs, and healthy homes.

The Health Education Office, a new initiative, focuses on internal program collaboration and community education. It addresses opioid harm reduction, STI and cannabis education, and healthy homes, including lead and mold remediation. The office supports the Wear One condom distribution campaign, Naloxone training, gun lock distribution, healthy home workshops, and offers marijuana lock bags to ensure safe storage.
Mobile Unit Outreach Services (00:44:10)
The mobile unit provides community health services like vaccinations, STI testing, and lactation consultations.

The mobile unit offers outreach services including vaccinations, STI and HIV testing, childhood lead testing, lactation consultations, and tobacco cessation consultations. Plans to add more health screenings are underway. The unit aims to make health services more accessible in the community.
Public Comment and Questions (00:44:48)
Commissioners ask questions about program collaboration, budget concerns, and community health issues like hoarding and Lyme disease.

During the public comment session, commissioners inquired about program collaboration on maternal and child health, potential budget cuts, and support for hoarding situations. Discussions also covered Lyme disease education and tick surveillance, gun violence as a public health issue, and mental health partnerships. The health department's educational outreach and community partnerships were emphasized.
Health Department Overview (00:57:29)
Discussion on the health department's mobile unit and its impact on rural areas.

The meeting discussed the health department's mobile unit, highlighting its role in reaching rural areas and providing essential services. Appreciation was expressed for the county's support in this initiative.
Building Location and History (00:57:50)
Clarification on the location and previous use of the health department's building.

The location of the health department's building was clarified, noting it is next to the new M-D-H-H-S building and was previously the Illinois Envelope Company.
AAA Millage Discussion (00:58:47)
Information on the duration and impact of the AAA millage.

The AAA millage was discussed, noting it is a six-year millage that significantly supports local services. There was a mention of its renewal timeline and financial contributions.
Demographic Changes and Education Challenges (00:59:34)
Discussion on the growing senior population and shrinking college-age cohort.

Statistics indicating a growing senior population in Michigan and a shrinking cohort of college-age individuals were discussed, highlighting potential challenges for educational institutions.
Fatherhood Program and Community Engagement (01:00:26)
Update on the Fatherhood for Dad program and community outreach.

The Fatherhood for Dad program was discussed, noting funding challenges and community outreach efforts. Collaboration with the Fatherhood Network was highlighted as a positive development.
Lead Abatement Program (01:02:12)
Explanation of the lead abatement program and county health department's role.

The lead abatement program was explained, detailing how the county health department helps families apply for assistance and connect with resources to address lead hazards in homes.
Vaccination Efforts for the Unhoused (01:02:55)
Discussion on vaccination initiatives for the unhoused community.

The health department's efforts to vaccinate the unhoused community were mentioned, with a call for broader public awareness and collaboration with city health services.
Golden Apple Program (01:05:01)
Information on the Golden Apple program for teacher preparation and support.

The Golden Apple program, focused on resolving teacher shortages by preparing and supporting diverse educators, was highlighted. It currently operates in Michigan, Illinois, and New Mexico.
Adjournment and Commissioner Comments (01:06:22)
Meeting adjournment and final comments from commissioners.

The meeting concluded with an opportunity for commissioner comments, focusing on educational initiatives and expressing gratitude for the discussions held.