Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners - January 20, 2026 Kalamazoo County Regular Board Meeting

Updated about 9 hours ago

In the Kalamazoo County Commission Meeting, the board approves budget allocations for housing projects, including support for permanent supportive housing programs and new developments by Bogan and AVB. The meeting also addresses a request to amend an ARPA agreement to facilitate the sale of East Side Condo units. Commissioners discuss the importance of supporting housing initiatives and express gratitude towards community partners and emergency management teams. The meeting highlights the collaborative efforts in response to the severe weather, emphasizing partnerships with local emergency services to ensure safety and resource mobilization for those in need. The board commends the dedication of county employees and partners in managing community challenges.

Chapters

Invocation and Reflection (00:00:05)
Commissioner Wheeler led the invocation and reflection, emphasizing the importance of creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard.

The meeting began with an invocation and reflection led by Commissioner Wheeler. The focus was on acknowledging the importance of the gathering and striving to create a space where all participants feel valued and heard. The invocation encouraged open minds and hearts and the pursuit of understanding and learning from one another.
Roll Call (00:01:00)
The clerk called the roll, confirming the presence of nine commissioners, including Commissioner Mazer, Morales, Ray, Chair Streps, and Wheeler.

Following the invocation, the clerk conducted a roll call to confirm the presence of the commissioners. Commissioner Mazer, Morales, Ray Kressler, Chair Streps, and Wheeler were present, totaling nine commissioners.
Communications (00:01:29)
Communications included a notice of a public hearing on the neighborhood enterprise zone, a letter about a sewer billing dispute, and a request for transparency in local data center development.

The communications section included several items: a notice of a public hearing regarding the neighborhood enterprise zone, a letter from Jessica and Dan Berstein concerning a sewer billing dispute with Charleston Township, and a call for transparency and a comprehensive regulatory framework for local data center development. There was also a mention of the National Day of Racial Healing in Genesee County.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:00)
Minutes from the commissioner organizational meeting and January were approved. Motion by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, carried by voice vote.

The meeting proceeded to the approval of minutes from previous meetings, including the commissioner organizational meeting and the January meeting. Vice Chair Taylor moved for approval, and Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler supported the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
Approval of Agenda (00:03:29)
The agenda for the meeting was approved as presented. A motion by Commissioner Wheeler was supported, and the motion carried unanimously.

The commissioners approved the meeting's agenda as presented. Commissioner Wheeler made the motion for approval, which was supported by others. The motion was passed unanimously without further discussion.
Public Comment (00:04:08)
Public comment session was opened, allowing in-person or phone comments. No public comments were made during this session.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments, inviting participants to speak either in person or by phone. Instructions were given on how to join the queue for comments. However, no individuals came forward to make comments during this session.
Consent Agenda (00:05:10)
The consent agenda was approved by a roll call vote. Motion by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, and passed with nine yes votes.

The board considered the consent agenda, which was approved following a roll call vote. Vice Chair Taylor moved for approval, and Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler provided support. The motion carried with nine affirmative votes and no opposing votes.
Closed Session Minutes Approval (00:06:10)
Approval of second closed session minutes was resolved. Motion by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Commissioner Morales, passed unanimously.

The meeting addressed the procedural need to approve minutes from the second closed session. Vice Chair Taylor moved for approval, supported by Commissioner Morales. The motion passed unanimously without further discussion, confirming the minutes.
Housing Program Support (00:08:18)
Approval request for allocation to support permanent supportive housing programs, previously funded by HUD. Representatives from ISK thanked the board for support.

A request was made to approve an allocation for existing permanent supportive housing programs that were previously funded through the HUD Continuum of Care grant. Representatives from Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK) expressed gratitude to the board for their support, emphasizing the importance of this funding for keeping people housed and providing stability in uncertain times.
Housing Millage Application (00:12:23)
Approval of housing millage application recommendations by the ad hoc committee. Discussion highlighted strategic funding allocation and exciting developments.

The board discussed and approved recommendations from the housing ad hoc committee regarding remaining housing millage applications. The committee's strategic funding allocation was praised, and specific developments like the Bogan Development and the Beyond Verdict project were highlighted as transformational and exciting for the community.
ARPA Agreement Amendment (00:16:01)
Approved amendment to ARPA agreement for sale of East Side Condo unit. Discussion involved income constraints and the importance of selling units to facilitate project progress.

The board approved an amendment to the ARPA agreement with the Land Bank Authority, allowing the sale of an East Side Condo unit. The discussion involved income constraints preventing a potential buyer from qualifying due to a recent raise. The board recognized the importance of moving forward with sales to facilitate the overall project's progress.
Public Comment (Final Opportunity) (00:21:24)
Second public comment opportunity. Several individuals expressed gratitude for board support on various housing projects.

The final public comment session was opened, with several individuals expressing gratitude for the board's support on housing projects like the Cedar Street Project and BN Burdick. Partners and stakeholders were recognized for their collaboration in moving projects forward.
Closing Remarks and Adjournment (00:24:24)
Chair and Vice Chair provided closing remarks, emphasizing collaboration, support for employees, and addressing community needs. Meeting adjourned after remarks.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the Chair and Vice Chair, who emphasized the importance of collaboration, supporting employees, and addressing community needs. They expressed gratitude for the dedication of all involved, including county employees, partners, and volunteers. The meeting was adjourned following these remarks.