Kalamazoo City Commission - February 16, 2026 Business Meeting

Updated about 15 hours ago

Proclamations were made in honor of the 50th anniversary of Black History Month and NAACP Founder's Day, emphasizing the city's commitment to civil rights and equality. The Commission also considered a proposal for Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements, focusing on pedestrian safety near local schools. Public comments included concerns about traffic safety, community support for the planned improvements, and broader issues affecting Kalamazoo residents.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:36)
The Kalamazoo City Commission meeting was called to order and roll call was conducted with several commissioners present.

The mayor called the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting to order and requested the roll call. Commissioners present included Hess, Hoffman, Praedel, Slaby, Wilson, Vice Mayor Duncan, and Mayor Anderson.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:18)
Chaplain Michael Kempel delivered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the attendees.

Chaplain Michael Kempel was invited to deliver the invocation, offering prayers for the meeting's proceedings and the city's leadership. After the invocation, attendees stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.
Proclamation - NAACP Founder's Day (00:03:43)
Vice Mayor Duncan read a proclamation recognizing NAACP Founder's Day, highlighting the organization's history and contributions.

Vice Mayor Duncan presented a proclamation declaring the observance of NAACP Founder's Day in Kalamazoo, acknowledging the NAACP's role in advocating for civil rights and social justice. The proclamation was accepted by representatives of the local NAACP branch, who expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Proclamation - Black History Month (00:09:06)
The city issued a proclamation for Black History Month, marking the 100th anniversary of the first Negro History Week.

The Kalamazoo City Commission proclaimed February as Black History Month, commemorating the centennial of Negro History Week established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The proclamation celebrated the achievements and contributions of African Americans and encouraged residents to engage in ongoing efforts for equity and justice.
Adoption of Formal Agenda (00:18:15)
Commissioners reviewed and adjusted the formal agenda for the meeting, with some items moved from the consent to regular agenda.

The formal agenda for the meeting was reviewed and adopted with adjustments. Commissioners discussed moving certain items from the consent agenda to the regular agenda based on prior communications and considerations.
Public Comments (00:20:10)
Residents and community members provided public comments on various topics, including local issues and personal concerns.

The public comment period allowed individuals to address the commission on topics of personal and community importance. Speakers discussed issues such as tax breaks, racial profiling, environmental concerns, and local community initiatives.
Public Comments on School Safety (00:36:22)
Community members express concerns about the safety of students due to trespassers at school campuses and request city assistance.

Members of the community, including representatives from St. Augustine Cathedral School, express concerns about the presence of trespassers on school property, posing a threat to student safety. They thank the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for their assistance and request the city commission's continued support to ensure a secure campus environment.
Safe Routes to School Program Discussion (00:38:16)
Parents thank the commission for moving forward with the Safe Routes to School program and discuss concerns about specific intersections.

Parents from the Kalamazoo community, including Margaret Wilson, express their gratitude for the Safe Routes to School program but raise concerns about specific dangerous intersections, such as the crossing at Maple Street and Howard. They highlight issues with visibility, driver awareness, and pedestrian safety, requesting further engagement and problem-solving efforts from the city.
Flock Cameras and Privacy Concerns (00:45:51)
Residents voice concerns about the security and privacy implications of flock cameras used by the city.

Residents, including Chris Glasser, express concerns about the flock cameras installed across the city, questioning their security and the potential for unauthorized access to data by state and federal agencies. They urge the city to reconsider the use of these cameras and ensure citizen privacy is protected.
Sidewalks and School Safety (00:47:37)
The community discusses the need for improved sidewalks to ensure student safety, particularly around schools.

Community members, including Shauna Espinoza, discuss the lack of adequate sidewalks near schools, which poses a risk to student safety. They emphasize the need for equitable improvements across all schools, particularly highlighting areas where students walk long distances without proper sidewalks or busing.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:51:04)
The city commission approves the consent agenda items, including contracts and purchases for city services and infrastructure.

The city commission reviews and approves several items on the consent agenda, including contracts for the purchase of vehicles, maintenance services, and various infrastructure projects. These approvals are part of the city's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve public services and facilities.
Approval of Insurance Contract Extension (00:55:01)
The commission approves a one-year extension of the insurance contract with the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority.

The city commission discusses and approves a contract extension for property and casualty insurance with the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority. The contract extension includes a budget amendment to accommodate the insurance premium costs.
Approval of Neptune Water Meters Purchase (00:57:25)
The commission approves the purchase of Neptune water meters from Ferguson Waterworks to upgrade the city's water metering system.

The city commission discusses the purchase of Neptune water meters as part of an upgrade to the city's water metering system. This sole source purchase from Ferguson Waterworks is intended to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of water usage measurement across the city.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Improvements (00:59:46)
The commission reviews the proposed Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements, focusing on sidewalk and crossing enhancements.

The city commission discusses the Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements, which include sidewalk and crossing enhancements near Windchill Elementary and Maple Street Magnet School. Concerns about specific intersection designs are addressed, and the commission considers the implications of approving the construction contract with MDOT.
Discussion on Postponing the Project (01:09:21)
Discussion about the impact of postponing a project on funding deadlines and MDOT scheduling.

The meeting discussed the possibility of postponing a project to gather more community input, visual aids, and justification for the project. Concerns were raised about how postponement might affect funding deadlines and the project's scheduling with MDOT for the fall.
Community Engagement and Communication Efforts (01:09:50)
Review of community engagement efforts and communication strategies regarding the project plans.

The discussion highlighted the efforts made to engage the community, including one-on-one outreach to schools and previous participants, but noted the lack of broader meetings or mailers. Concerns were expressed about ensuring comprehensive community awareness and involvement.
Project Scope and Package Deal Considerations (01:13:07)
Clarification on whether different parts of the project could proceed independently or were a package deal.

The discussion clarified that the project components, like the Winchell and Howard crossings, are part of a package deal and cannot proceed independently without risking the overall grant. The construction timing and funding allocation for school safety projects were also addressed.
Traffic Safety Enhancements and Infrastructure Improvements (01:14:40)
Discussion on traffic safety enhancements, including lane reductions, bike lanes, and pedestrian islands.

The meeting discussed proposed traffic safety enhancements, such as converting four lanes to three with bike lanes and pedestrian refuges, to improve safety. These measures aim to create safer crosswalks and reduce traffic speeds, with examples from other locations cited.
Public Comments on Infrastructure and Safety (01:30:35)
Public comments focused on infrastructure improvements and pedestrian safety, with support and concerns voiced.

Several residents provided comments supporting the infrastructure improvements for pedestrian safety, emphasizing the need for safe routes to school and highlighting community planning goals. Concerns were also raised about ensuring future safety measures, like sidewalk clearing and lane reductions, are implemented.
Motion Discussion (01:38:07)
A motion was made by Commissioner Praedel and supported by Commissioner Hess regarding a project. Concerns about safety and funding were discussed, with suggestions to postpone the vote to explore options further.

During this segment, the commissioners discussed a motion related to a project. Commissioner Praedel made the motion, which was supported by Commissioner Hess. The discussion focused on the importance of safety, particularly for children, and the need to ensure federal funding was not jeopardized. Commissioner Slaby expressed concerns about the timing and suggested postponing the vote to explore additional options and engage the public further. The possibility of communicating with the community and residents to address concerns was emphasized.
Project Design and Community Engagement (02:00:00)
Director Baker and commissioners discussed current and future project designs, emphasizing flexibility and community engagement in planning. They agreed to postpone the decision to allow further exploration of design options.

Director Baker provided insights into ongoing and future project designs, highlighting the potential for changes during the design phase. The need for community engagement and public participation was emphasized as part of the planning process. Commissioners expressed the importance of being open to feedback and adjusting designs to better meet community needs. They agreed on the importance of postponing the decision to allow staff sufficient time to explore options and provide further information.
Withdrawal of Motion (02:03:00)
The motion to approve the project was withdrawn by the commissioners, allowing more time for staff to gather information and engage with the community before revisiting the decision.

The commissioners decided to withdraw the motion to approve the project rather than voting no, to avoid sending the wrong message to the community. This decision was made to provide staff with more time to gather necessary information and engage with the community on the project. The withdrawal allows the commission to revisit the decision at a later date with additional insights and feedback.
City Manager's Report (02:07:00)
City Manager Hankins provided updates on various community engagements and city projects, highlighting water infrastructure improvements and community interactions.

City Manager Hankins gave a report detailing several updates on city projects and community engagement efforts. He mentioned improvements in water infrastructure, including corrosion control methods and addressing water breaks. Hankins also shared his involvement in community events such as the NAACP meeting, a bust unveiling for Albert White, and an event exploring the significance of barbershops in the African American community. These efforts are part of ongoing attempts to build trust and improve city services.
New Downtown Branding Initiative (02:08:57)
A new logo will be used to brand downtown Kalamazoo as the heart of the region, involving seven counties in southwest Michigan.

A new logo has been introduced to be used on flags, recycling, and waste containers to brand downtown Kalamazoo. This initiative emphasizes downtown Kalamazoo as the heart of the region, not just the city or county, but encompassing the seven counties of southwest Michigan. The logo aims to highlight Kalamazoo as a vibrant, upbeat city where people gather and share.
Approval of Housing Plans (02:09:30)
Plans for new housing units downtown were approved, contributing to the positive developments in the area.

During the meeting, the commissioners approved plans for new housing units in downtown Kalamazoo. This approval is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the downtown area, which is experiencing a lot of good energy and developments. The community is eagerly anticipating the completion of street construction to further improve the area.
Lunar New Year Celebration (02:09:52)
The year of the horse is celebrated with a community event by the Chinese Association of Greater Kalamazoo.

The meeting acknowledged the start of the Lunar New Year, the year of the horse, with gratitude expressed to the Chinese Association of Greater Kalamazoo and sponsors for organizing a community celebration. The event, held at Chenery Auditorium, showcased the talent and contributions of the Chinese community in Kalamazoo.
Commissioner Acknowledgments (02:10:23)
Commissioners express thanks and observations to the city manager for community engagement efforts.

Commissioner Bradel thanked city manager Hankins for his efforts and dedication. Observations were made about his engagement with the community, noting his interactions with residents and the thorough updates provided in city manager reports. Appreciation was also expressed for his authentic approach and effective leadership.
Safety Concerns and Black History Month (02:12:43)
Safety issues on local roads are addressed, and Black History Month is celebrated.

Vice Mayor Duncan thanked parents for raising safety concerns regarding local roads and assured them of advocacy efforts. The city celebrated Black History Month, with proclamations recognizing the contributions of black individuals to the city and country. The significance of the month and the city's vocal support were emphasized.
City Manager's Acknowledgment (02:13:45)
The city manager acknowledges the teamwork that enables community engagement and report creation.

City Manager Hankins acknowledged the support of his team, which allows him to engage with the community effectively. He credited the communications team and city manager's office staff for their collaborative efforts in creating thorough reports and supporting community initiatives.
Commissioner Comments (02:14:00)
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the work of city staff, particularly in public services during winter, and highlighted the importance of community engagement in city planning.

During the commissioner comments section, several commissioners expressed their appreciation for the hard work of city staff, especially those in public services dealing with winter conditions. They noted the importance of responsive service and the impact it has on the community. Commissioners also praised City Manager Hankins for his active involvement in community events and the positive impression it has made. The importance of attending community meetings and engaging with residents was emphasized as a key factor in successful city planning and operations.
Recognition of Albert J. White (02:14:16)
Albert J. White is recognized for his contributions to masonry and building in Kalamazoo.

Albert J. White was recognized for his significant contributions to masonry work in Kalamazoo, including constructing buildings that have stood the test of time. His work is exemplified by the Illinois Envelope Building, now occupied by the County Department of Health and Community Services. The importance of masonry, a craft that has remained unchanged for a century, was highlighted.
Kalamazoo as a Special Place (02:15:57)
Kalamazoo is praised as a special and unique community, with a call for unity and positive action.

The meeting concluded with reflections on Kalamazoo's unique character as a special place. Despite challenges and divisive times, the importance of unity and building a beloved community was emphasized. Social media's impact on community discourse was discussed, with a call for positive contributions and collective effort to build the community everyone desires.
Adjournment (02:21:16)
The meeting is adjourned with a message of love for Kalamazoo.

The meeting was adjourned with a positive message, expressing love for the city of Kalamazoo and encouraging continued support and unity within the community.