Kalamazoo City Commission - June 15, 2026 Business Meeting

Updated 36 minutes ago

The Commission reviews a METRO Transit update from CEO Sean McBride on transportation services. Public comments focus on opposition to a proposed data center, citing environmental and community impact concerns. Residents also discuss public safety, surveillance cameras, and housing issues. The meeting addresses contract approvals for city projects and infrastructure improvements.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:27)
The Kalamazoo City Commission regular business meeting is called to order for Monday.

The meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission is officially called to order. The agenda for the regular business meeting includes various discussions and presentations.
Roll Call (00:00:34)
Roll call is conducted with several commissioners present and accounted for.

Clerk Boiling conducts the roll call for the meeting. Commissioners Hess, Hoffman, Praedel, Slaby, Wilson, and Vice Mayor Duncan are present. Mayor Anderson is not present and requires a motion to be excused.
Excusing Absentees (00:00:51)
A motion is passed to excuse the absence of the mayor and a missing commissioner.

A motion is made and supported to excuse the absence of the mayor and a missing commissioner. The motion passes unanimously, and the absentees are officially excused from the meeting.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:20)
An invocation is given by Chaplain Michael Kimel followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chaplain Michael Kimel from Missional Chaplains delivers the invocation, expressing gratitude for the commission and guidance for the meeting. Following the invocation, attendees partake in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.
Presentation on Transportation Authorities (00:03:16)
Sean McBride and Kurt Artema present updates on the Central County Transportation Authority and Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority.

Sean McBride, Executive Director of Kalamazoo Metro Transit, and Kurt Artema, Chair of the Central County Transportation Authority, provide a detailed presentation on recent updates and initiatives. They discuss the partnership with the City of Kalamazoo, services provided by Metro, and future plans, including new service introductions and upcoming millages.
Agenda Approval (00:17:18)
Commissioners are asked if there are any changes to the agenda.

The agenda for the meeting is presented to the commissioners for review. They are asked if any changes or additions need to be made, but no changes are requested.
Communications (00:17:41)
City Manager Hankins discusses a Juneteenth observance and addresses public concerns about a data center proposal.

City Manager Hankins announces the observance of Juneteenth, during which city offices will be closed except for essential services. Additionally, a statement is made regarding concerns about a potential data center development, clarifying that no formal proposal has been made.
Public Comments (00:18:47)
Residents express various concerns during the public comment period, including data center impacts and surveillance cameras.

Several residents take the podium to voice their concerns. Issues raised include the impact of a potential data center on local resources, noise pollution, and property values. Concerns about surveillance cameras in neighborhoods and their effect on quality of life are also addressed. Residents urge the commission to consider these issues carefully.
Public Comments on Neighborhood Surveillance and Safety (00:32:58)
Residents express concerns about neighborhood surveillance, safety, and the role of law enforcement in preventing violence.

Multiple residents voiced their concerns regarding the increase in neighborhood surveillance, including speed humps and license plate readers. They discussed the psychological impact and the need for more effective law enforcement to prevent senseless violence rather than relying solely on surveillance tools. Suggestions included increasing patrols and improving community engagement to enhance safety.
Discussion on Data Centers and AI Impact (00:38:48)
Residents discuss the implications of establishing data centers, including AI's role in society and potential negative impacts.

Residents presented their views on the establishment of data centers, particularly focusing on the differences between hyper data centers and interface data centers. Concerns were raised about the lack of oversight and the potential for AI to exacerbate social issues, including violence and resource allocation. The discussion highlighted the need for stable housing and equitable resource distribution rather than increased surveillance.
Public Comments on Housing and Community Needs (00:52:20)
Community members emphasize the need for housing solutions and equitable resource distribution over technological investments.

Several speakers highlighted the urgency of addressing homelessness and housing instability in the community. They criticized the prioritization of technological investments like data centers over basic human needs, such as secure housing and food security. The discussions called for a shift towards policies that ensure all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to necessary resources.
Opposition to AI Data Centers in Kalamazoo (01:05:03)
Residents express strong opposition to the establishment of AI data centers due to environmental and social concerns.

Residents voiced strong opposition to the potential establishment of an AI data center in Kalamazoo. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact, noise pollution, and the prioritization of corporate interests over community well-being. The discussion called for city officials to consider the long-term consequences on the environment and residents' quality of life before approving such projects.
Public Comments (01:06:19)
Public comments were invited, but no additional comments were made by attendees.

The meeting opened the floor to public comments. However, there were no additional public comments made by the attendees at this time.
Consent Agenda (01:06:24)
The consent agenda included various contracts and agreements for approval, including consulting services, change orders, and cybersecurity software licenses.

City manager Hankins presented the consent agenda for approval. The items included contract extensions and approvals with various companies for services such as Brownfield redevelopment consulting, Michigan Department of Transportation change orders, water pipe projects, cybersecurity software licenses, and more. The commissioners voted to approve all items on the consent agenda.
Regular Agenda Item H1 (01:11:45)
Approval of a contract with SWT Excavating Inc. for service line replacements was discussed and approved.

The city manager presented the first item on the regular agenda involving the approval of a contract with SWT Excavating Inc. for service line replacements. There was no staff report, but staff was available for questions. No questions were raised, and the commissioners approved the motion.
Regular Agenda Item H2 (01:12:52)
Approval of a contract with Waste Management for loading and transport services was discussed, including cost concerns.

City manager Hankins introduced the agenda item for approval of a contract with Waste Management for loading and transport services. Commissioner Praedel asked questions about the contract duration and potential cost increases, which were addressed by Director Baker. After discussion, the commissioners approved the motion.
Regular Agenda Item H3 (01:19:47)
Adoption of a notice of intent resolution for the issuance of bonds was presented as the first step in the bonding process.

City manager Hankins introduced a notice of intent resolution item for the issuance of bonds, marking the first step in the bonding process. Staff provided an overview, explaining that if no petition comes forward, the bonding can be authorized in August. The commissioners approved the motion.
Regular Agenda Item H4 (01:22:00)
Adoption of a notice of intent resolution for water supply system revenue bonds was presented and approved.

The city manager presented the agenda item for the adoption of a notice of intent resolution for water supply system revenue bonds. This item is related to the previous bonding item, and no further presentation was needed. The commissioners approved the resolution.
City Manager's Report (01:24:02)
City manager Hankins reported on various community programs and events, highlighting youth and veteran initiatives.

City manager Hankins provided a report on several community programs and events, including the 'All Things Possible' youth program and the inaugural Women Veteran Conference. He noted the success of community engagement and the collaboration with local foundations and organizations.
Commissioner Comments (01:26:56)
Commissioners shared updates on community engagement, events attended, and ongoing concerns.

Various commissioners provided comments about recent activities, including community events like Pride, art fairs, and rallies. They also discussed ongoing community concerns, such as access to public spaces and engagement with underrepresented groups. Commissioners expressed appreciation for community collaboration and support.
Community Engagement Events (01:41:11)
Discussion of recent and upcoming community events including anti-gun violence initiatives and cultural gatherings.

The meeting discussed recent and upcoming community engagement events. Mentioned were initiatives against gun violence and voter suppression, including a gathering at the Douglas which will feature Afro-Latina food. The importance of RSVPing was noted due to high demand.
Women's Veterans Conference (01:41:42)
Acknowledgment of the first Women's Veterans Conference in Kalamazoo and appreciation for organizers.

The Women's Veterans Conference, the first of its kind in Kalamazoo, was held successfully. Appreciation was extended to Tony Kennedy, the veterans, and others involved in organizing this event.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives (01:42:00)
Engagement with students regarding involvement in city government and a mixer event for diversity.

The meeting covered a recent black and brown mixer where discussions were held with students from Western Michigan University about involvement in city government. Students were encouraged to speak with Commissioner Hess for more information.
Parade Participation Guidelines (01:42:20)
Discussion on the need to bring candy to parades to meet community expectations.

During the DoDah parade, it was noted that there had been criticism regarding the lack of candy distribution. It was suggested that participants bring candy for children, as they attend primarily for this reason.
Tribute to Betsy Rice (01:42:38)
Honoring Betsy Rice, a local champion for voting rights and advocacy, who recently passed away.

The community lost Betsy Rice, a prominent advocate for voting rights and various community causes. Her contributions were honored, and she was remembered fondly by the community.
Adjournment (01:43:04)
The meeting was officially adjourned by the Vice Mayor with thanks to the community.

The Vice Mayor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and formally adjourned the meeting, expressing love and appreciation for Kalamazoo.