Kalamazoo City Commission - Committee of the Whole - February 16, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

During the Kalamazoo City Commission Committee of the Whole Meeting, the commission discusses several key topics. Jamie McCarthy presents on the Peregrine Peninsula housing and brownfield redevelopment project, highlighting investments and incentives aimed at urban development and affordable housing. Justin Gish and Chris Broadbent provide a detailed update on the city's sustainability and recycling initiatives, including progress towards net-zero emissions and community recycling programs. Public comments address streetlight modifications and community concerns. This meeting provides insights into the city's urban planning and environmental strategies.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:30)
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson.

Mayor Anderson called the Kalamazoo City Commission Committee of the Whole meeting to order.
Roll Call (00:01:37)
Commissioners present were Hess, Pradel, Slaby, Wilson, Vice Mayor Duncan, and Mayor Anderson.

Clerk Bley conducted a roll call. Commissioners Hess, Pradel, Slaby, and Wilson were present. Vice Mayor Duncan and Mayor Anderson were also present.
Motion to Excuse Absence (00:01:53)
A motion was made to excuse Commissioner Hoffman's absence, which was passed.

Commissioner Hess made a motion to excuse Commissioner Hoffman, supported by Vice Mayor Duncan. The motion was passed unanimously.
Announcements (00:02:13)
Assistant City Attorney Sarah Van Hefty was introduced and welcomed to the meeting.

Mayor Anderson announced the presence of Assistant City Attorney Sarah Van Hefty, who was attending in place of Attorney Als, who was out due to a family event.
Communications (00:02:45)
No communications were reported by Manager Hankins.

Manager Hankins reported that there were no communications to discuss at this time.
Public Comments (00:02:48)
Public comments were received from several individuals on topics including streetlights, construction concerns, cattle slaughterhouse ideas, and safe routes to school.

Public comments were provided by Elise Albertson, Edward Nickerson, Jody Doman, and Margaret Wilson. Topics included suggestions for motion-sensored streetlights to protect birds, concerns about construction on old dump sites, ideas for humane cattle slaughterhouse practices, and a plea for safer school routes.
Work of the Evening - Housing Investment Briefing (00:11:22)
A presentation was given on the Peregrine Peninsula housing development and brownfield plan, detailing the project's incentives and expected outcomes.

Manager Hankins introduced a presentation by Jamie McCarthy on the Peregrine Peninsula project. The briefing covered the development of housing investment, the use of brownfield incentives, tax abatements, and the expected economic and housing impacts. The project involves converting a historic building into affordable housing units and reopening a restaurant. Detailed financial and community benefits were discussed, and questions from commissioners were addressed.
Sustainability Program Presentation (00:34:36)
Justin Gish, the sustainability planner, and Chris Broadband, the solid waste coordinator, presented updates on the city’s sustainability program, focusing on net zero goals, community waste reduction, and renewable energy initiatives.

Justin Gish outlined the progress on the city's sustainability plan with a focus on achieving net zero emissions. The presentation covered the community sustainability plan's themes, goals, and actions, including recent efforts in renewable energy, waste reduction, and public engagement initiatives. Gish highlighted the city's enrollment in renewable energy programs and the transition to biodiesel for city vehicles, and emphasized the importance of increasing efficiency and decarbonizing city operations.
Recycling and Waste Management Report (00:49:57)
Chris Broadband provided an overview of the recycling and curbside programs in Kalamazoo, discussing recent improvements, challenges, and future plans for enhancing community recycling efforts.

Chris Broadband detailed the city's recycling and waste management initiatives, highlighting key performance indicators related to recycling expansion and contamination reduction. The report discussed various programs, including curbside pickups, brush and bulk trash collection, and special events for hazardous waste and tire recycling. Broadband emphasized the need for ongoing community outreach and education to improve participation and reduce contamination in recycling streams.
Discussion on KPIs and Community Sustainability Plan (01:03:54)
The meeting discussed KPIs related to the Community Sustainability Plan, including non-copper line replacement, target setting, KPI updates, and public transit issues.

The discussion covered various aspects of the Community Sustainability Plan, such as the replacement of non-copper water lines, the setting and updating of targets and KPIs, and the challenges around public transit and other priorities. Questions were raised about who sets the targets and how they align with the city's ultimate goals, and a thorough explanation was provided regarding how the KPIs fit within the broader sustainability plan. There was also mention of the excitement around having new roles such as a sustainability planner and solid waste coordinator to aid in future updates to the plan.
Commissioner Cradle's Appreciation and Questions (01:17:18)
Commissioner Cradle expressed appreciation for the meeting efforts and asked about public safety vehicle idling, EV usage, and streetlight replacement progress.

Commissioner Cradle praised the efforts in the sustainability initiatives and asked for clarification on why public safety vehicles are exempt from the no-idling policy. There was also a discussion on the city's limited use of electric vehicles (EVs) and the progress made in replacing streetlights with more efficient options. The commissioner highlighted the importance of community involvement in these initiatives.
Commissioner Hess on Community Involvement and Recycling Events (01:18:01)
Commissioner Hess discussed the success of recycling events, community involvement, and potential collaborations with the county to improve recycling efforts.

Commissioner Hess shared positive feedback about the recycling events and the community's participation, noting that these events have become popular and attract attendees from the entire county. The discussion included the potential for collaboration with the county to expand recycling efforts and the importance of breaking barriers for residents who cannot easily bring their recyclables to events.
Next Cycle and Super Recycling Center Discussion (01:19:17)
Discussion on the Next Cycle business accelerator program and the feasibility of a super recycling center project.

The discussion highlighted the city's participation in the Next Cycle business accelerator program, aimed at exploring the feasibility of a super recycling center. The program provided consulting and coaching to develop the project, and the city has taken steps towards securing grants to further recycling infrastructure and technology to support these initiatives.
Commissioner Comments and Meeting Adjournment (01:19:45)
Commissioners expressed their gratitude for the sustainability efforts and the meeting was adjourned with a reminder of the upcoming business meeting.

Commissioner Hess and others expressed their gratitude towards the sustainability officers for their dedicated work and the positive impact it has on the community. The meeting concluded with a reminder about the upcoming business meeting agenda items and the meeting was adjourned.