Kalamazoo City Commission - March 2, 2026 Business Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

The Commission addressed significant local issues, including public safety and infrastructure projects. The meeting began with roll call and an invocation. The Commission addressed the Howard Street and Merrill intersection safety concerns, with plans to engage with the community for input on improvements. Public comments highlighted concerns about road safety, infrastructure, and community issues. The Commission approved a contract for the design work on West Michigan Avenue and Level Street, funded by federal grants. Discussions included the potential impact of the B-NEZ district designation at the southwest corner of South Burdick and Vine Street. Commissioners shared updates on community events and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement. The meeting concluded with reports on upcoming projects and initiatives, underscoring the city's commitment to public safety, infrastructure improvements, and community involvement.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:01:06)
The Kalamazoo City Commission meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson, welcoming everyone present.

Mayor Anderson welcomed everyone to the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting and called it to order, noting the presence of the commissioners.
Roll Call (00:01:54)
Roll call was conducted with all commissioners present, confirming quorum.

Clerk Bling conducted the roll call, confirming the presence of all commissioners, including Mayor Anderson.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:12)
Sister Patricia Warbritton delivered an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sister Patricia Warbritton from the congregation of St. Joseph provided an invocation, after which those present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:03:49)
The formal agenda was reviewed and adopted with the removal of item H3.

Commissioners reviewed the formal agenda. Manager Hankins requested the removal of item H3, which was agreed upon, and the formal agenda was adopted.
Public Comments (00:04:35)
Public comments were received on various topics including safety, infrastructure, and appreciation for city officials.

Several members of the public addressed the commission. Topics included gratitude for city officials, concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety at Howard Street, infrastructure issues like flooding, and requests for better communication and responses from city services.
Public Comment on Crosswalk Safety (00:38:11)
Residents express concerns about crosswalk safety near Maple Street Middle School, emphasizing the danger to children due to non-stopping cars.

During the public comment period, residents raised serious concerns about the safety of crosswalks near Maple Street Middle School. They described the dangerous situation where cars do not stop for children crossing, leading to near misses and creating fear among students and parents. Suggestions were made to improve safety by installing a push-button traffic light to ensure cars stop when students need to cross.
Chubby Mermaids Organization Presentation (00:43:30)
The Chubby Mermaids, a grassroots organization, share their mission to promote fitness and inclusion through swimming events and community engagement.

Tracy Lowy introduced the Chubby Mermaids, an organization that started as a small group of friends participating in endurance swims. The group promotes fitness and inclusion, particularly for women who do not fit the traditional athlete mold. They host training events, provide scholarships, and engage in philanthropic activities. They aim to create a supportive community and redefine athleticism while promoting local causes and charities.
Michigan Waterway Stewards Update (00:47:36)
Michigan Waterway Stewards update on their river cleanup efforts and upcoming community events aimed at maintaining local rivers and parks.

Mike Stout, president of Michigan Waterway Stewards, provided an update on their activities, emphasizing their efforts in cleaning up local rivers and parks. He announced an upcoming event to clean the river trail from Comstock to Parchment, inviting community members to participate. The organization has received support from civic groups, businesses, and universities, and they continue to engage in efforts to preserve Michigan's waterways.
Community Concerns on ICE and City Policies (00:51:13)
Residents express concerns about ICE operations and urge the city to protect marginalized communities and reject federal information-sharing agreements.

Kim Janes voiced concerns regarding ICE operations in Kalamazoo, emphasizing the need for the city to protect marginalized communities, particularly black, brown, and indigenous residents. Concerns were raised about the city accepting federal grants that may require information sharing with immigration authorities, potentially endangering community members. The speaker urged the city to cease cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and focus on protecting all residents.
Northside Community Issues and Solutions (01:04:00)
Jonathan Yarborough discusses initiatives for the Northside neighborhood, including home ownership funds and community safety improvements.

Representing the Northside neighborhood, Jonathan Yarborough spoke about ongoing initiatives such as the Northside Home Ownership Fund, aimed at assisting residents with rising property taxes. He highlighted planned community events and safety improvements, such as traffic islands for safer pedestrian crossings. The speaker emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaboration with the city to address local needs and enhance the quality of life for Northside residents.
Public Comments on Park Safety and Flock Cameras (01:10:02)
Residents expressed concerns about safety in local parks and the use of flock cameras.

Residents voiced concerns about the safety in local parks, particularly issues with drug use and drinking in pavilions while children play nearby. There were also concerns about the city's implementation of flock cameras, privacy issues, and potential misuse of data by ICE.
Public Comments on City Commission Communication and Budget Retreat (01:12:20)
A resident raised issues about communication failures regarding the city's annual budget retreat and public meeting opportunities.

Jeff Messer, a city resident, criticized the city manager for failing to communicate about agenda items and the upcoming budget retreat. He pointed out changes in the location and urged the commission to improve communication channels, suggesting a return to phone-in comments.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:13:59)
The commission approved several items in the consent agenda, including professional service agreements and contracts.

The city manager presented the consent agenda, which included approval of service agreements for consulting services, e coli sampling, building inspections, analytical testing, fitness equipment installation, and more. The commission voted to approve all items as presented.
Approval of Contract for Street Design Project (01:17:04)
The commission discussed and approved a contract for the design of street improvements in Kalamazoo.

Dennis Randolph presented a detailed plan for street redesign aimed at improving safety and connectivity. The project involves converting one-way streets to two-way, improving pedestrian access, and is funded by federal grants. The commission approved a contract with Whiteman Associates for the design.
Resolution for NEZ District Establishment (01:38:04)
A resolution was adopted to establish a NEZ district at the corner of South Bur Street and Vine Street.

The city commission considered a resolution to establish a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) at a specified location. Public comments included questions about the necessity of tax abatements for development projects. The commission discussed the role of staff in evaluating such projects before adopting the resolution.
Recusal and Roll Call (01:42:02)
Vice Mayor Duncan and Commissioner Praedel abstained from voting due to potential conflicts of interest, followed by a roll call vote.

During this segment, Vice Mayor Duncan and Commissioner Praedel both abstained from voting on a certain project due to potential conflicts of interest. This was followed by a roll call where other commissioners voted on the motion.
Reports and Legislation (01:42:46)
Manager Hankins provided updates on the Howard Street MO project, Imagine Kalamazoo design phase, city commission retreat, and leaf pickup completion.

Manager Hankins provided various updates including the ongoing Howard Street MO project, the Imagine Kalamazoo design phase, the scheduling of the city commission retreat, and the completion of leaf pickup across the city's zones.
Commissioner Comments (01:44:54)
Commissioners shared updates and reflections on community events, the Blueprint for Peace summit, and recognized public safety efforts.

Commissioners took turns to provide comments. Highlights included Commissioner Slaby's attendance at a national conference, Commissioner Hess's proclamation at a local church, and Commissioner Praedel's reflections on community mentors. Vice Mayor Duncan discussed parking meter issues affecting local businesses and recognized efforts to reduce violence. The Mayor concluded with acknowledgments of public safety programs and community engagement.