[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6709635,"mediaKeyId","5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0","parentId",5116065,"title","Board forms ad hoc committee to score 2025 housing millage applications; commissioners stress deeper affordability","audioSeconds",240,"startMs",1858000,"endMs",2098000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0&start=1858&end=2098","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0/thumbnail_1858000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6709635/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Board-forms-ad-hoc-committee-to-score-2025-housing-millage-applications-commissioners-stress-deeper-affordability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709635-faeceb4067c805a3901c18b712af7c55/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445374&Signature=QHBDB1WYRzD-N7f3-8O6AU5m0evUT-hA-40y9yb7thGMU9A1W2QJ~bD84L99sR9EJSTQE5wWkQY0ft0Civwg-dWmX4KFfxLlmegdjUpr7peQkv7vogttCuT7Gi1TDhhTJmABZgjUrFPQBqxNq7S9TthKu8WUNFYeGxQcUsl8HSkDaHok4l2g2Sgglqx1gJovqqj6yRfUYAckDnGtZzACgXeoUhedfn1I7-4mCJCSQ09IZ-xPyNohyDL6izhT5rECL4ofWnqmSU7D9Z1LylpLY0w2I2kZaP83ix20l8I6O2i53y0m4OF2ENH6HSWhkv3m7~CPL7VYUeWhCNGk-5dk9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kalamazoo County Government","date","2025-07-02T00:03:20Z","article","County staff opened the funding portal for 2025 housing millage requests and the board on July 1 agreed to form an ad hoc committee of commissioners to score applications and recommend awards in August.

Director Mary Balkema briefed the Board of Commissioners on three funding categories for the 2025 cycle: multifamily development, creative (preservation/rehab) projects, and supportive services. The portal closes July 3 and staff asked the board whether the whole board should weigh in or an ad hoc scoring committee should score projects during July and present recommendations in August.

A group of commissioners volunteered for the ad hoc committee. Commissioners Ray, Wheeler, Morales and Hepler were among those named; Director Balkema said she will distribute applications and scoring sheets when the portal closes. She asked commissioners to forward any applicant questions to staff to maintain a fair process.

Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized the need to prioritize deeper affordability. Several said 60% area median income (AMI) units often fill quickly while households earning 30–40% AMI face the greatest need. Commissioner comments urged awarding more points to projects that deliver very low‑income units and to prioritize projects willing to accept housing vouchers.

Budget context and scoring: Director Balkema told the board roughly $2,000,000 remains available in this cycle; commissioners noted they have fewer funds than prior cycles and should therefore concentrate funding on projects with substantial low‑income unit counts. Chair Strebs and other commissioners said scoring matrices used previously will be provided to committee members and that staff will make the process transparent and provide scoring templates.

Next steps: Staff will distribute applications and scoring matrices once the portal closes July 3, the ad hoc committee will score in July, and the board expects to consider funding recommendations at its August meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Meeting | July 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Kalamazoo County will use an ad hoc commissioners committee to score applications for the 2025 housing millage round; commissioners urged prioritizing lower‑income units and clearer scoring rewards for deeper affordability.","taxTitle","Kalamazoo County, Michigan","taxId",2836,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709640,"Kalamazoo County staff recommend larger, relocated household hazardous waste center; board already set $250,000 for design",658,177000,835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0&start=177&end=835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0/thumbnail_177000.jpg","/articles/6709640/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Kalamazoo-County-staff-recommend-larger-relocated-household-hazardous-waste-center-board-already-set-250000-for-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709640-adaf94706d39a880a88affab16361387/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445374&Signature=Ur~-veL3wmtWF9475cKKnEt~KxaxYQCZi-LiN06HS5CmFT~2BlNnGvi9C25zx3nn13Dejd535N762LiqoHratfX-U6nP1MhtcARtdJrLQAhQ9Y3jmSyJHb6-KNREBqavm4HwQDxgAl7~xpzl0AyIF4NJLTlHuWH29GyfAGfadxGnYz6CwonebksWuYXr4zLm5aYFpAd7~KDk6vlZudkxY4U1TKtKjt1wvhdCwSYj7PgBy9Ywmzjb3ePyWfSQXnDGwePGOK53Cr0Wq7dxRCsdqD5M7aZkq9g3mEeLIJg95PG0LS3ldI6VtX-bjHLTD4NDYQyyEMTQ0hHkb-WlHtlLEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning and public health staff presented a feasibility study July 1 recommending Kalamazoo County seek roughly 12 acres for a new household hazardous waste (HHW) center and use $250,000 already approved by the board for preliminary design work.

The study, delivered by Rachel Grover, Planning and Development Director, and summarized by Health Officer Jim Rutherford, said the county’s current HHW site is under 0.6 acres and has limited parking, staging and sight lines that create safety and operational challenges. Grover said the consultant reports recommend a minimum of 2 acres but that peer communities and operational needs point to about 12 acres for long-term capacity and flexibility.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the existing site has outgrown its original design and that a larger site would improve safety, allow space for truck access and storage, and permit future additions such as handling of lithium-ion batteries and other emerging waste streams.

Details from the presentation: Grover and the consulting team documented current constraints — limited covered drop-off lanes, cramped staff and meeting space, a failing HVAC system and confined staging that requires simultaneous truck operations in tight quarters. A community survey cited by staff noted signage and fencing that some residents found intimidating and confusing. Participation and materials weight collected have generally grown over time; forecasts through 2050 in the study project increased collection needs as population rises.

The presentation identified potential new materials and equipment for a larger facility: densifiers for expanded Styrofoam (EPS) recycling, a baler for plastic film (used by recycling programs such as Trex’s decking feedstock), and temperature‑controlled storage to accept latex paint. Grover noted some vendors currently accept latex paint but that the county lacks the required temperature control on site.

Health Officer Jim Rutherford emphasized the public‑health rationale for investing in a larger, better‑designed facility, saying the center keeps “dangerous products out of our groundwater” and called the county’s program “very well run” but at capacity.

Commissioner discussion and next steps: Commissioners voiced broad support for finding an off‑site location rather than expanding at the current fairgrounds location, citing safety and space limits. Several commissioners urged a robust outreach and advertising program to raise participation; staff and the environmental health manager, Lucas Pols, said existing municipal contract language includes some advertising but that the consultants did not model an expanded advertising campaign and that outreach would likely increase demand beyond current capacity.

Staff identified the immediate next steps as locating and obtaining a suitably sized property (the packet materials recommend ~12 acres), then advancing site design using the $250,000 the board has already approved for capital design work. Grover said site selection should prioritize truck access, visitor parking, clear signage and buffer zones.

Community and partnership notes: Staff pointed to potential regional collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions and township partners and said several grant opportunities for infrastructure exist. Commissioners suggested exploring partnerships with nearby cities and townships to host a larger regional facility.

Ending: Staff will continue site research, return with preferred parcels and cost estimates, and advance schematic design using the capital allocation; the board did not take a final siting vote July 1 but directed staff to continue property identification and planning.","County planners and public health officials presented a feasibility study recommending a new household hazardous waste (HHW) facility on about 12 acres to address capacity, safety and future materials; commissioners discussed collaboration, advertising and next steps.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709626,"Votes at a glance: Kalamazoo County Board actions July 1, 2025",180,1559000,1739000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0&start=1559&end=1739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0/thumbnail_1559000.jpg","/articles/6709626/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Kalamazoo-County-Board-actions-July-1-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709626-75fbcf6e2b87bfe040f56bb41f03f536/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445374&Signature=P7QwgYXftd~ipz2fNyYrl4WjJwfCin0sQ2XzERI76tniZXARk4lZgT7TF9nfCa2RI1fnnSlFI3vTB6P3gbNIp0z~xK27QjxNgAY2rXHDi9QhYBXM6HVaMaurQwFa6AO41vXo7rv3-kHeF4FOLoUhibSWnZwcxH1I1rCayGzIBbn7vY2GoYupva8uvT6Pw-T~eqRpIyk3R8ACYcfg3EjmHjXZFWLioPpJgpjd-gA3Iq0ixkhHPazc0CPSNwbehmnZxvGvHREGK24i7FKUn2DSDFFpzdGhbxOPReZfDUsAhgsOwmwsqXiTW5nrwQYBWYpyLp3dm6hHeWz5hPWJMtXxUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners took several formal actions July 1, 2025. Actions with brief descriptions and outcomes follow.

Event center assessment district negotiations
- Motion: Authorize the county administrator/controller to enter into contract negotiations with the City of Kalamazoo to form the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority.
- Outcome: Approved by roll call; tally recorded as 8 yes, 0 no. (Clerk announced 8 present and vote carried.)

Family Promise – Landing Place negotiations
- Motion: Authorize the county administrator to enter into negotiations with Family Promise, Inc., to provide residential shelter and housing‑focused case management at the Landing Place.
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote; no recorded opposition in transcript. Final contract requires subsequent board approval.

Land Bank appointments and bylaws suspension
- Motion: Suspend board bylaws for the limited action, remove Commissioner Ray from the Land Bank Authority at her request, appoint Vice Chair Taylor to the Land Bank Authority and approve Commissioner Ray as the board liaison to the Land Bank Authority.
- Outcome: Approved by roll call; tally recorded as 8 yes, 0 no.

Consent agenda and minutes
- Motion(s): Approval of consent agenda items, approval of minutes (June 17 committee of the whole and regular meeting) and agenda approvals as presented.
- Outcome: Consent agenda and minutes approved; clerk called roll and recorded 8 yes for consent items.

Procedural notes
- Several other routine items were acted on by voice vote or roll call and are reflected in the official meeting minutes. The meeting record shows motions were made and supported for each item; some votes were recorded by roll call with an 8-yes tally while others were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Ending: Any contract outcomes that require board approval will return to the board for a final vote; the meeting record shows negotiation authorizations but not final contract executions.","Summary of formal motions and board decisions from the July 1, 2025 board meeting, including authorizations to negotiate on an events assessment district, Family Promise negotiations, Land Bank appointments, and consent agenda approval.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709631,"Board authorizes negotiation with Family Promise to operate Landing Place family shelter",8634,1716000,10350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0&start=1716&end=10350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116065-bb3bdce167e8ee8cf2c5bcf217131ab0/thumbnail_1716000.jpg","/articles/6709631/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Board-authorizes-negotiation-with-Family-Promise-to-operate-Landing-Place-family-shelter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709631-4a708d83debe204a24d41b368ce30ac8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445374&Signature=i1NtNaZHk0edveoTWFXX-aQAQRr~zCiLj4ztZFmqVuwsLFgrkyev1oL-MLoDef4QkUpRHmhTTz701X8AvbC6~H3uGZs9ORRBeSTjj3kDfjpieAp9Ycar6QYoiHg-gPESsFQGua290TxEpX3uDW55xVPfTUuxpOx0rdPA6ppr6f~n3sJ6-lNEEa8K0quQUJ3kjW9wQ6XUeYjnRIdFc-xxUuQMCrewQappXtZQrnXZ1nU~nSEHRph-bYhKnXbFswb3~mhIl0tnJ3Gl4MsiPhMPlAzgj9u6~xZUdF8oFbc8RwWm0Gxhw6yHF8Nv5H~P-Axd0j-1-QF~mPzP~2-WxNRqDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kalamazoo County commissioners voted July 1 to authorize county administration to enter contract negotiations with Family Promise, Inc., to provide residential shelter and housing‑focused case management services at the Landing Place family shelter.

The motion to authorize the administrator to begin negotiations was made by Vice Chair Taylor, supported by Commissioner Wheeler, and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The board’s action authorizes the county to negotiate terms with Family Promise; it does not finalize a contract.

Family Promise public comment: Lisa Cruden, speaking for Family Promise, said the organization operates roughly 200 affiliates nationally and described experience opening shelters of various sizes and partnering with municipalities. Cruden told the commissioners that Family Promise brings training, advocacy and operational experience and intends to form a local affiliate to coordinate services with schools, libraries and local providers.

Why it matters: The Landing Place is intended to serve families with children who are unhoused; the county and Family Promise framed the arrangement as a public–private partnership model that could scale shelter and support services while connecting families to housing and community resources.

Next steps: County administration will negotiate contract terms and return to the board for approval of any final agreement. The July 1 action authorizes negotiation only; no final contract was executed during the meeting.","Kalamazoo County authorized its administrator to negotiate a contract with Family Promise to provide residential shelter and housing‑focused case management at the Landing Place; Family Promise representatives described national affiliates and local experience in public comment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board forms ad hoc committee to score 2025 housing millage applications; commissioners stress deeper affordability

Kalamazoo County staff recommend larger, relocated household hazardous waste center; board already set $250,000 for design

Votes at a glance: Kalamazoo County Board actions July 1, 2025

Board authorizes negotiation with Family Promise to operate Landing Place family shelter