Kalamazoo City Commission - July 6, 2026 Business Meeting

Updated about 8 hours ago

During the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting on July 6, 2026, the commission addressed significant community concerns regarding policing practices at Spring Valley Park. Many residents expressed their views on recent police actions, emphasizing the need for better community engagement and trust-building. The commission also approved several contracts related to city infrastructure projects and discussed investment strategies for the city's retirement funds, highlighting a debate on the inclusion of ESG-screened funds. The meeting showcased a strong community turnout, with numerous public comments reflecting the community's commitment to addressing local issues.

Chapters

Welcome and Opening Remarks (00:00:40)
The meeting begins with a welcome to everyone present, including commissioners.

The meeting begins with a welcome from the chair, expressing gratitude for everyone's presence, including commissioners and the Vice Mayor who chaired the previous meeting.
Call to Order (00:01:17)
The City Commission meeting is officially called to order.

The chair officially calls the City Commission meeting to order to begin the session.
Roll Call (00:01:24)
Roll call is conducted by Deputy Clerk Moss, confirming the presence of commissioners.

Deputy Clerk Moss conducts the roll call, confirming the presence of Commissioners Hess, Praedel, Slavey, Wilson, Vice Mayor Duncan, and Mayor Anderson. Commissioner Hoffman is absent.
Approval of Absence (00:01:50)
A motion is made and approved to excuse Commissioner Hoffman's absence.

A motion is made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Vice Mayor Duncan to excuse Commissioner Hoffman's absence. The motion passes unanimously.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:09)
Reverend David Zomer delivers the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Reverend David Zomer from Bethany Reform Church delivers the invocation, asking for wisdom and protection for city workers. The invocation is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation for Day of Summer Learning (00:04:01)
A proclamation is read declaring a Day of Summer Learning, emphasizing high-quality programs for youth.

Commissioner Hess reads a proclamation declaring a Day of Summer Learning to recognize the importance of high-quality summer learning programs in Kalamazoo. The proclamation is accepted by representatives of local youth programs.
Adoption of Formal Agenda (00:08:05)
The formal agenda is adopted without changes.

The commissioners are asked if there are any items from the consent agenda they wish to move to the regular agenda. Hearing none, the formal agenda is adopted as presented.
Communications from City Manager (00:08:39)
The City Manager has no communications at this time.

The City Manager informs the commission that there are no communications to present at this time.
Public Comments (00:08:45)
Public comments are heard on various topics including surveillance, community events, and local issues.

Members of the public provide comments on a range of issues, including concerns about surveillance cameras, the handling of community events by police, local housing issues, and infrastructure concerns. Several speakers express the need for transparency and community involvement.
Public Safety and Community Partnerships (00:33:46)
Discussion on strengthening partnerships between public safety and community organizations to reduce crime and build trust.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public safety and community-based organizations. They highlight the success of street-level intervention strategies that have prevented violence. The speaker thanks public safety for their leadership and stresses the need to sustain this collaborative approach to enhance community safety.
Public Comment on Community Fairness and Safety (00:36:00)
A resident expresses concerns about fairness in police actions, community targeting, and the impact of surveillance on community trust.

Jeffrey Fry, a Kalamazoo resident, voices concerns about perceived unfairness in police actions, particularly in how different communities are treated. He highlights issues with surveillance cameras and the labeling of community gatherings as nuisances, suggesting these actions contribute to community distrust and fear.
Public Comment on Police and Community Relations (00:39:39)
A resident discusses the need for improved dialogue between the police and the community, citing distrust and the impact of police actions.

The speaker, identified as Kay, discusses their experience with a community member in distress and the triggering presence of police. They call for a deeper conversation about the relationship between police and Black and Brown communities, highlighting past incidents and reports of distrust. They emphasize the need for resources beyond surveillance to address community issues.
Public Comment on Community Gatherings and Ordinances (00:43:36)
Concerns about ordinances targeting community gatherings, lack of recreational spaces, and city planning decisions.

A speaker endorses candidates for city commissioners and criticizes ordinances affecting community gatherings at places like Spring Valley Park. They express nostalgia for past community activities and criticize recent city planning decisions, such as bike lanes and two-way street conversions, as unnecessary changes that disrupt community life.
Public Comment on Surveillance and Community Safety (00:47:59)
A resident critiques the use of surveillance cameras and calls for better police training and accountability.

Alex Gray, a resident near Spring Valley, criticizes the ineffectiveness of surveillance cameras in preventing crime and calls for better police training and firing of racist officers. They express frustration with the lack of recreational spaces for youth and the burden placed on parents.
Public Comment on Policing and Community Trust (00:50:37)
A lifelong resident calls for a town hall to address violence and policing issues, expressing concern over community labeling as nuisances.

The speaker calls for a town hall meeting to address community concerns about policing and violence. They express disgust over recent events and the labeling of community gatherings as nuisances. The speaker highlights the lack of spaces for young people and the need for better communication between the community and city officials.
Public Comment on Public Safety and Accountability (00:54:10)
A resident calls for public accountability and apology from public safety for disrespectful actions at community events.

Gwendolyn ******, a Northside resident, calls for public accountability and a formal apology from public safety for their actions at a community event. They stress the importance of addressing the culture within public safety and reviewing the nuisance ordinance to ensure fairness and prevent discretionary abuse.
Public Comment on Community Culture and City Governance (00:58:23)
A resident speaks on the importance of preserving Kalamazoo's culture and calls for local leadership to represent community interests.

The speaker, a third-generation Kalamazoo resident, reflects on the city's past culture of safety and community. They criticize current city governance for not understanding local culture and call for local leadership to represent the community's interests. The speaker emphasizes the need for recreational spaces and criticizes recent changes that do not reflect the community's needs.
Public Comments on Community Engagement and Representation (01:01:01)
Community members express concerns about lack of representation and engagement in local governance, urging for more involvement in boards and commissions.

Several community members voiced their concerns about the lack of activities and representation for Black residents in downtown areas. They highlighted issues of underrepresentation in political positions and the need for more community engagement. There were calls for residents to apply for boards and commissions and for a collective effort to improve the cultural representation of Kalamazoo.
Concerns About Police Actions and Surveillance (01:07:00)
Speakers criticize police actions at Spring Valley Park and express distrust in surveillance systems. Calls for transparency and accountability from law enforcement.

Several speakers criticized the police response to gatherings at Spring Valley Park, describing it as excessive and intimidating, particularly for Black residents. Concerns were raised about surveillance systems like Flock Safety cameras being used for immigration enforcement without transparency. Speakers demanded transparency, accountability, and the release of body camera footage to the public.
Community Impact and Public Safety Discussion (01:14:18)
Community members discuss the impact of police presence and surveillance on public safety, highlighting issues of racial bias and the need for positive engagement.

Speakers shared personal experiences and observations regarding the impact of police presence and surveillance in their neighborhoods. There was a focus on the negative perception of Black communities and the need for positive engagement and activities for youth. Concerns about racial bias in the enforcement of laws and the need for community-oriented solutions were emphasized.
Closure of Arcadia Creek Festival Place (01:25:00)
Residents request the reopening of Arcadia Creek Festival Place to the public, citing broken promises about its accessibility and impact on community activities.

Speakers urged the city commission to reopen Arcadia Creek Festival Place, which has been fenced off for months. They highlighted that the closure limits public access and community activities, despite promises that the park would remain open. The lack of transparency and communication from the city about the renovation plans was criticized, and a call was made for the park to be reopened until construction resumes.
Public Comments on Systemic Racism (01:30:17)
Community members express concerns about systemic racism, public perception, and hostile encounters.

Community members voiced their concerns about systemic racism and the challenges faced by black and brown individuals in public spaces. They highlighted the perception of being threatening, experiences of hostile encounters, and the need to address these issues through policies and practices with an equitable lens. Personal accounts of discrimination at public events were shared, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing these systemic issues was emphasized.
Public Comments on Community Resources and Opportunities (01:34:11)
Residents discuss lack of activities for youth and the need for better facilities and opportunities.

Residents expressed concerns about the lack of activities and facilities for young people in the community, particularly venues for events and gatherings. They discussed the fear and distrust of law enforcement and the conditions of local detention facilities. The speakers called for improvements in the community's infrastructure and the need to address systemic issues within the justice system.
Public Comments on Community Events and Entrepreneurship (01:35:01)
Speakers encourage entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for youth and community gatherings.

Speakers highlighted the need for entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for youth to engage in positive activities. They shared experiences from community events like those at Spring Valley Park, emphasizing the historical significance and community value of such gatherings. The discussion included the importance of creating culturally relevant activities and fostering a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs.
Public Comments on Police and Community Relations (01:36:01)
Concerns raised about police interactions and the impact on community trust and safety.

Community members raised concerns about the interactions between the police and the community, particularly during events and gatherings. They discussed the need for accountability and transparency in police actions and the impact that these interactions have on community trust and safety. The speakers called for a reevaluation of how police engage with the community, especially during public events.
Consent Agenda Items Approval (01:47:00)
City commission reviews and approves items on the consent agenda, including contracts and purchases.

The city commission reviewed and approved several items on the consent agenda, including contract extensions, professional service agreements, and purchases related to city infrastructure and public safety. The agenda items were approved with motions and roll call votes, reflecting the routine administrative actions necessary for city operations.
Discussion on Investment Committee Recommendation (02:03:58)
Commissioners discussed the recommendation from the investment committee to include ESG screened bond funds in the portfolio.

The discussion centered around the timing and impact of implementing the recommendation from the investment committee, which approved ESG screened bond funds. Commissioners debated the merits and potential delays, with concerns about fiduciary responsibility and alignment with the city's values. Ultimately, a motion to approve the recommendation was supported, with emphasis on ensuring that financial decisions reflect the city's values.
Reports by City Manager and Clerk (02:12:15)
City Manager Hankins and Deputy Clerk Moss provided reports on upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes and election preparations.

City Manager Hankins reported on potential changes to Medicaid eligibility that may affect residents, urging them to ensure they meet qualifications. Deputy Clerk Moss detailed preparations for the upcoming election, including absentee ballot procedures and options for voters. The importance of timely ballot return to ensure efficient counting was emphasized.
FOIA Requests Processing Update (02:17:00)
City Attorney Lee discussed the increase in Freedom of Information Act requests and their processing.

Attorney Lee provided an update on the increasing number of FOIA requests received by the city, particularly those related to KDPS and involving body cam footage and police reports. The city has processed a significant number of requests this year, and efforts are made to comply with legal requirements while managing the workload.
Commissioner Comments (02:20:53)
Commissioners shared their comments, focusing on community issues, recent events, and suggestions for city improvements.

Commissioner Wilson shared reflections on a ride-along with KDPS and the importance of community-police dialogue. Commissioner Slavey highlighted a health-related ballot initiative and raised questions about public park responses and blue light installations. The importance of ensuring parks are welcoming and reviewing public safety infrastructure was emphasized. Commissioners also discussed the need for better communication and involvement in decision-making processes affecting the community.
Public Announcements and Upcoming Events (02:34:27)
Commissioner Slaby announces upcoming events, including a congressional candidate forum in Allegan County and a workplace power workshop in Kalamazoo.

Commissioner Slaby encourages community involvement by announcing a congressional fourth district candidate forum at Griswold Auditorium, featuring candidates Diop Harris, Sean McCann, Bill Hega, and Phil Tanni. The event will be streamed on Facebook by the organization 'So Mi for the People'. Additionally, a workplace power workshop is announced to be held at Shakespeare's Pub in Kalamazoo, inviting all workers, unionized or not, to discuss worker rights and advocacy.
Public Comments and Commissioner Responses (02:37:33)
Commissioners respond to public comments, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the dedication of city officials.

Commissioner Praedel and others reflect on the public comments, expressing the challenges and importance of being part of the community and listening to public concerns. They highlight the dedication of city officials to improve the community and express gratitude for those who showed up and shared their thoughts.
Upcoming Cultural Events (02:41:13)
Commissioner Hess highlights upcoming cultural events, including the Black Arts and Cultural Festival in Bronson Park.

Commissioner Hess invites the community to the Black Arts and Cultural Festival in Bronson Park, praising Janine Seals for her work in organizing the event. The festival will include entertainment, food trucks, artists, and vendors. She also thanks the parks and recreation department for their work with youth in summer learning programs.
Concerns About Police Conduct at Spring Valley Park (02:45:39)
Vice Mayor Duncan addresses concerns about police conduct during an incident at Spring Valley Park, calling for accountability.

Vice Mayor Duncan expresses outrage over police conduct during an incident at Spring Valley Park where tear gas was allegedly used on community members, including elders and youth. He calls for accountability and urges the commission to address the officers involved. The Vice Mayor criticizes the handling of the situation and the lack of transparency.
Third Spaces and Community Safety Concerns (02:49:51)
Vice Mayor Duncan discusses the need for third spaces and addresses concerns about surveillance on the North Side.

Vice Mayor Duncan advocates for creating third spaces where community members can gather safely, emphasizing the lack of such spaces outside of work, school, and home. He also addresses concerns about excessive surveillance and the feeling of living in an 'open-air prison' on the North Side, calling for more thoughtful integration of safety measures.
Mayor's Closing Remarks and Adjournment (02:51:54)
Mayor provides closing remarks, supports city manager, and reflects on the importance of aspiration in community life.

Mayor apologizes for recent absences due to illness and expresses commitment to inclusive community progress. He supports the city manager and emphasizes the importance of reaching beyond current capabilities, inspired by a quote from a Robert Browning poem. The meeting adjourns with aspirations for the city of Kalamazoo.