Kalamazoo City Commission - September 8, 2026 Business Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

The Commission celebrates September as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's centennial. Public comments raise concerns about housing and infrastructure. The commission discusses changes to the public comment process, including reintroducing call-ins and reducing speaking time to three minutes. They also deliberate on regulatory changes for automated license plate readers and other surveillance technologies.

Chapters

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

The meeting began with a call to order for the Kalamazoo City Commission business meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Clerk Burling conducted a roll call, with all commissioners present.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:17)
Pastor Jermaine Gale delivered the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pastor Jermaine Gale from the Kalamazoo Seventh Day Adventist Church delivered an invocation, thanking city leaders for their service and asking for guidance in decision-making. After the invocation, attendees stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamations: Big Brothers Big Sisters Month (00:03:00)
September was proclaimed as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in Kalamazoo.

The first proclamation declared September as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month. The proclamation highlighted the organization's mission to provide life-changing mentoring relationships and their impact on the community. Representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of mentoring.
Proclamations: Kalamazoo Community Foundation Centennial (00:07:19)
A proclamation was issued to honor the Kalamazoo Community Foundation on its centennial anniversary.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation was recognized for its 100 years of service and support to the community. The proclamation acknowledged the Foundation's efforts in mobilizing resources for racial, social, and economic justice, and its significant contributions to the well-being of Kalamazoo County. Representatives expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:12:35)
The formal agenda was reviewed and adopted with an update to a resolution item.

Commissioners reviewed the formal agenda. An update was made to the resolution for item G8 regarding the neighborhood enterprise zone, which included corrected figures. The agenda was adopted with this update.
Communications and Announcements (00:14:08)
Manager Hankins reminded residents about the annual budget survey and an upcoming community meeting.

Manager Hankins announced the annual community budget survey and a budget community meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 28. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the city's budget process and share their priorities. An update on a moratorium related to data centers was also mentioned.
Public Comments (00:15:28)
Residents provided public comments on various topics, including flooding, homelessness, crime, and zoning.

Several residents came forward to express their concerns and suggestions. Topics included ongoing flooding issues in certain neighborhoods, the need for affordable housing and addressing homelessness, concerns about crime and gun violence, and support for green zoning initiatives. Comments were made regarding the need for more comprehensive solutions to these issues.
Public Comments (00:36:17)
Citizens expressed concerns about homelessness, housing conditions, and city ordinances that impact the unhoused community, urging for better solutions.

During the public comment period, multiple citizens raised issues regarding the impact of city ordinances on the homeless population, highlighting the criminalization of survival behaviors and the inadequacy of housing conditions. They called for long-term solutions and immediate actions to alleviate these challenges.
Consent Agenda (00:54:00)
The consent agenda included multiple items for approval such as professional services agreements, contract supplements, and resolutions.

The city manager presented a list of items on the consent agenda for approval, which included agreements for professional services in engineering, environmental consulting, and construction contracts, as well as resolutions for recognizing nonprofit organizations and approving neighborhood enterprise zone applications.
Regular Agenda Item H1 (01:00:00)
Resolution regarding an amendment with the Michigan Department of Transportation for construction engineering services was adopted without staff report.

The commission discussed and adopted a resolution approving an amendment with the Michigan Department of Transportation for construction engineering services associated with Kalamazoo Avenue construction. There was no staff report, but staff was available for questions.
Regular Agenda Items H2 to H4 (01:00:59)
Separate resolutions for agreements with the Michigan Department of Transportation for railroad crossing improvements were discussed and approved.

The commission considered three separate items related to railroad crossing improvements on Kalamazoo Avenue. Each item involved different aspects of the crossing upgrades, such as adding gates and signals for two-way traffic and relocating crossings. Director Baker provided detailed explanations about the work involved and coordination with MDOT and railroad companies.
Resolution Adoption for Kalamazoo Avenue Reconstruction (01:07:19)
The commission discussed a resolution related to Kalamazoo Avenue reconstruction, involving railroad crossing improvements, and voted unanimously to adopt it.

The meeting included a discussion on adopting a resolution for railroad crossing improvements related to Kalamazoo Avenue reconstruction. There were no questions or public comments, and the motion was made by Vice Mayor Duncan and supported by Commissioner Hess. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor.
City Manager's Report on Administrative Purchases (01:09:03)
City Manager Hankins provided a report on administrative purchases approved in August, which was included in the commission's communications.

City Manager Hankins presented a brief report summarizing purchases administratively approved in August. This was in addition to the documentation already provided to the commission. The information was included in the communications for the commission's consideration.
Clerk's Report on Environmental Communications (01:10:06)
The clerk reported on communications from the Environmental Concerns Committee regarding green space and data centers, which were for informational purposes.

Clerk Burling informed the commission about two communications received from the Environmental Concerns Committee. One was a recommendation on green space and conservation zoning districts, and the other was about creating an ad hoc committee to investigate data centers during the moratorium. These were presented as informational items.
Policy Items Discussion on Surveillance Technology (01:11:00)
The commission discussed policy items related to surveillance technology, considering amendments to purchasing policy for automated license plate readers and broader surveillance tools.

The commission engaged in a lengthy discussion about amending the city's purchasing policy to require commission approval for contracts involving automated license plate readers. The conversation expanded to consider including all law enforcement surveillance technologies. Various commissioners and the public commented on the need for language that encompasses a broad range of surveillance tools, citing concerns of potential abuse. The discussion included proposals to replace specific references to automated license plate readers with broader terms like 'law enforcement surveillance technology' or 'public surveillance technology.'
Discussion on Reworking Agenda Items (01:39:13)
Commissioners discuss the process of rewriting agenda items with input from departments, expressing the importance of thorough review before finalizing.

The commissioners discuss the process of rewriting agenda items during meetings. They express discomfort with making changes on the dais without thorough review and suggest that concerns be expressed so the city attorney can rework items before the next meeting. This discussion highlights the desire for a more comfortable and efficient process, emphasizing the importance of considering input from various departments.
Motion to Postpone Agenda Item (01:42:24)
A motion is made to postpone an agenda item to allow the city attorney to provide additional language options for consideration.

Commissioners discuss a motion to postpone an agenda item to a future date to allow the city attorney to provide additional language options. The motion is considered superior to the main action and requires approval from the commission to proceed with postponement.
Support and Opposition of Postponement Motion (01:43:04)
Commissioners express varying opinions on supporting the postponement motion, discussing the value of passing the item in its current form and potential for future adjustments.

The commissioners debate the merits of postponing an agenda item. Some commissioners support the postponement to allow for more thorough consideration, while others believe the item could be passed in its current form, with the understanding that future adjustments can be made. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the urgency and completeness of the agenda item.
Vote on Postponement Motion (01:45:00)
Commissioners vote on the motion to postpone, resulting in the decision to bring the revised item back at the next meeting.

The commission conducts a roll call vote on the motion to postpone the agenda item. The motion passes, with a majority of commissioners voting in favor. As a result, the revised item will be included in the agenda for the next meeting, allowing time for additional review and input from the city attorney.
Discussion on Public Comment and Call-In Procedures (01:46:16)
Commissioners discuss changes to public comment procedures, including the reintroduction of call-ins and time limits for speakers, emphasizing accessibility and engagement.

The commission discusses proposed changes to public comment procedures, including reintroducing call-ins and setting time limits for speakers. The discussion focuses on ensuring accessibility and engagement, with considerations for how to manage both in-person and call-in comments during meetings. Commissioners debate the impact of these changes on public participation and the potential need for future evaluation of the procedures.
Ordinance Discussion (02:09:39)
Discussion on the ordinance changes and their effective dates. Options include immediate effect or starting from a future date.

The council discusses the ordinance changes and the options for when they should become effective. Options include approving the changes immediately or postponing the implementation to a future date, such as the first meeting in October.
Motion to Amend Ordinance Effective Date (02:11:03)
Motion to amend the ordinance to make it effective by the first meeting in October, passed unanimously.

Commissioner Slaby makes a motion to amend the main ordinance motion to make the changes effective on the first meeting in October. The motion is seconded by Vice Mayor Duncan. The motion passes unanimously with all commissioners voting yes.
Commissioner Comments (02:13:16)
Commissioners make comments on various topics including housing forums, Governor Whitmer's visit, and upcoming events in Kalamazoo.

Commissioner Hess announces the postponement of the housing forum to March next year and comments on Governor Whitmer's visit to Kalamazoo Public Schools, praising efforts in education. She also mentions the Lights Out for Birds initiative and upcoming events such as the Can-Am Peace Jam. Commissioner Slaby appreciates the city manager's responsiveness and highlights opportunities for community feedback on tourism and budget. Commissioner Praedel praises city staff and Planning Commission efforts.
Adjournment (02:28:57)
Meeting is adjourned after final comments from the Mayor, highlighting the importance of community efforts.

Mayor gives closing remarks, appreciating the efforts of community members and commissioners, mentioning historical events such as Abraham Lincoln's visit to Kalamazoo, and thanks those involved in recognizing the historical significance with a new marker in Bronson Park. The meeting is adjourned with the Mayor expressing love for Kalamazoo.