City of Kalamazoo - May 20, 2026 Environmental Concerns Committee Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

The committee discusses upcoming local environmental events, including partnerships with the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and a rain barrel sale. A detailed response from the city regarding the KMR fire is reviewed, highlighting air quality monitoring and water management at the site. Concerns about Western Michigan University’s planned developments, such as lighting and noise from new facilities, are raised, with discussions on potential impacts to local residents and natural areas. The committee also talks about restructuring subcommittees and the concept of green zoning.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:03)
The Environmental Concerns Committee meeting was called to order.

The meeting was called to order by the acting chair, as the regular chair was traveling. It was noted that a quorum was present.
Roll Call (00:00:44)
Roll call was conducted to confirm attendees.

Roll call included members Luke Zimmer, Rita Chamber, Rachel Yandel, Katie Bloom, and John Cruiser. It was confirmed that an agenda had been sent out to all members.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:36)
The agenda for the meeting was approved without additions.

Members were asked if there were any additions to the agenda. Hearing none, a motion was made to accept the agenda as listed, which was seconded and approved.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:14)
Minutes from the April meeting were approved.

The minutes from the previous meeting in April were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded, with no changes requested.
Communications (00:02:45)
Justin provided updates on city events and initiatives.

Justin mentioned events such as an invasive species pull at Glen Park North, a rain barrel and composter sale in partnership with the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, and a tire drop-off event requiring online registration.
Public Comments (00:05:15)
Public comments were invited, including a group from Kalamazoo College.

Reed Williams, representing Now Kalamazoo and the Local Journalism Foundation, introduced students from Kalamazoo College attending the meeting. The students were part of a civic engagement program.
Committee Reports (00:10:27)
Reports from various committees were presented.

Reports included updates from the Natural Features Protection Review Board, which approved phase two for a sports complex, and discussions on potential amendments to the natural features overlay.
Unfinished Business - Subcommittee Restructuring (00:16:03)
Discussion on restructuring subcommittees to improve efficiency.

Chair Beki sent an email with suggested liaisons and subcommittees. Members discussed the need to condense and broaden subcommittees to better address current issues.
Unfinished Business - KMR Fire (00:22:04)
Update on the response to the Kalamazoo Metal Recycling fire.

The city provided a detailed response regarding the fire at KMR, including actions taken by public safety and public services to monitor air quality and prevent environmental impacts.
Unfinished Business - Asylum Lake Transfer (00:38:00)
Discussion on the city's involvement with Asylum Lake Preserve.

The ECC is advocating for a seat on the County Parks Department to assist in managing Asylum Lake Preserve, emphasizing its importance as a community treasure.
Discussion on Green Zoning (00:39:20)
Discussion focused on defining 'green zoning' and its implications for city planning, including the need for a concrete definition to guide future actions.

The committee discussed the concept of 'green zoning' with a focus on how it can enhance the value of green spaces and climate considerations in city planning. Justin highlighted the lack of a clear definition for 'green zoning' and the need to differentiate it from conservation easements. The discussion also touched on the importance of aligning zoning practices with current environmental realities and city policies. A suggestion was made to look into case studies from other cities and involve zoning experts to provide further insights.
New Business: Western Michigan University Lighting and Noise (00:47:00)
Concerns about Western Michigan University's plans for night games and lighting near Parkview Hills, with potential impacts on local residents and wildlife.

The committee addressed new business regarding Western Michigan University's proposal to install lights for night soccer games near Parkview Hills. The discussion centered on the potential impact of lighting and noise on nearby residents and the Asylum Lake Preservation area. Katie suggested consulting birding specialists on the impact of lighting on bird migration. The jurisdictional limitations of the city's influence over university property were discussed, with the possibility of escalating the issue to the city commission for investigation.
Public Comments and Adjournment (00:52:00)
Closing remarks and public comment session with no additional comments from the public, followed by adjournment of the meeting.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for final public comments, during which no additional comments were received. The chairperson thanked attendees for their participation and officially adjourned the meeting.