Kalamazoo City Commission - October 5, 2026 Business Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

In the Kalamazoo City Commission Regular Meeting held on Monday, October 5, 2026, the commission addressed several key issues. Jane Ghosh, President and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo, presented an update on the Kalamazoo Sports Facility project, highlighting its construction progress and operational plans. The commission also discussed the adoption of a moratorium on data centers and similar uses, reflecting on the Planning Commission's recommendations. Community safety was a significant focus, with the city manager emphasizing efforts to address recent violence in the community and the role of the Blueprint for Peace. Plans for winter shelter services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness were outlined, with the city collaborating with the Kalamazoo County continuum of care. Additionally, the commission acknowledged the importance of investments in water infrastructure and the recent water advisory incident. The meeting underscored the commission's commitment to public safety, infrastructure, and community support.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:24)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission is officially called to order.

The regular meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission for Monday is called to order by the Mayor.
Roll Call (00:02:45)
Commissioners present are acknowledged, and a motion is made to excuse absent Commissioner Wilson.

The Clerk calls the roll, announcing that Commissioners Hess, Hoffman, Praedel, Slaby, Vice Mayor Duncan, and Mayor Anderson are present. A motion is made and passed to excuse Commissioner Wilson.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:03:19)
Reverend Thomas Davenport gives the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Reverend Thomas Davenport delivers the invocation, urging attendees to seek wisdom and justice. The assembly then recites the Pledge of Allegiance.
Special Presentation: Kalamazoo Sports Facility Update (00:06:09)
Discover Kalamazoo President and CEO - Jane Ghosh presents updates on the Kalamazoo Sports Facility project, highlighting construction progress and future plans.

Jane Ghosh, President and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo, presents an update on the Kalamazoo Sports Facility project. She discusses the annual report, construction progress, operational updates, and future steps. The presentation includes details on site selection, partnerships, financial aspects, and community engagement efforts.
Proclamation: Juvenile Justice Awareness Month (00:25:08)
Vice Mayor Duncan reads a proclamation declaring October as Juvenile Justice Awareness Month.

The Vice Mayor reads a proclamation highlighting October as Juvenile Justice Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation over punishment and recognizing the efforts of the organization Bent Not Broken.
Proclamation: Imagine a Day Without Water (00:32:01)
A proclamation is read to recognize the importance of water infrastructure and the Imagine a Day Without Water campaign.

Public Works Director James Baker reads a proclamation acknowledging the essential role of water infrastructure and the campaign 'Imagine a Day Without Water,' which aims to raise awareness about water's critical importance and the need for infrastructure investments.
City of Kalamazoo Water Infrastructure Investment (00:34:02)
The city is committed to investing in safe water infrastructure and calls for federal support in funding and innovation.

The city of Kalamazoo is dedicated to investing in safe and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure and is calling on federal partners to provide much-needed funding and innovation to protect and restore critical water infrastructure. The Department of Public Services thanked the Kalamazoo City Commission for their continued support in water system investments.
Consent Agenda Adoption (00:35:15)
The adoption of the formal agenda was discussed, with item four moved from the consent agenda to the regular agenda.

Commissioners considered the adoption of the formal agenda. Vice Mayor Duncan requested that item four be moved from the consent agenda to the regular agenda. No other changes were requested, and the agenda stood with this modification.
Communications Manager Report (00:35:54)
The community was reminded of the upcoming Inclusion Summit and opportunities to serve on city boards.

Communications Manager Hankins reminded the community about the upcoming Inclusion Summit and encouraged residents to stay informed on its developments. The city is also seeking residents interested in economic development and redevelopment to serve on boards such as the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Economic Development Corporation. The city will conduct the National Community Survey again in January, providing important insights for future city decisions.
Parliamentary Procedure Update (00:38:01)
Clarification on parliamentary procedures regarding motions to call the previous question was provided.

Attorney Leal provided an update on a question regarding parliamentary procedure from the last meeting. The motion to call the previous question must be seconded, is not debatable, and requires a two-thirds vote to pass. This clarification was confirmed as correct by Commissioner Slaby in the previous meeting.
Public Comments (00:39:11)
Members of the public voiced concerns about stormwater issues, crime, education policies, and homelessness.

Several public comments were made. member of the public expressed frustration over flooding and city infrastructure issues. Another commenter highlighted dangerous conditions for public transportation users. NAACP President Wendy Fields criticized a recent city vote on purchasing policy, raising concerns about systemic racism. Commenter urged the city to address homelessness as winter approaches.
Public Hearing on Data Center Moratorium (00:54:14)
A public hearing was opened to discuss a moratorium on data centers, with input from city planners and commissioners.

A public hearing was held to discuss a proposed moratorium on data centers and similar uses. Assistant city planner Bobby Durkee provided information and answered questions. The planning commission had recommended the moratorium, and discussions included potential impacts, coordination with neighboring jurisdictions, and updates on progress. Commissioners also inquired about state-level actions and their effect on local ordinances.
Public Comments (01:06:53)
Public comments were invited on an agenda item. No one came forward to speak.

The floor was opened for public comments related to a specific agenda item. Attendees were invited to step forward and state their name, residence, and topic, with a three-minute limit. No public comments were made.
Motion to Adopt Ordinance (01:07:17)
A motion was made and supported to adopt an ordinance. Roll call vote passed unanimously.

After closing the public hearing, a motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Vice Mayor Duncan and supported by Commissioner Slaby. There was a brief discussion led by Commissioner Slaby, emphasizing the importance of diverse committee representation. The motion was passed with unanimous support in a roll call vote.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:08:36)
The consent agenda, including multiple contract approvals, was approved unanimously.

City Manager Hankins presented the consent agenda for approval, which included several items such as professional services agreements, contract change orders, and committee appointments. A motion was made by Commissioner Praedel and supported by Commissioner Hess to approve items one through three and five through eight. The motion passed unanimously in a roll call vote.
Discussion on Oracle Cloud Migration Services (01:11:06)
Discussion about Oracle Cloud Migration purchase was postponed for more information.

The agenda item concerning the purchase of Oracle Cloud Migration Services was discussed. Vice Mayor Duncan requested postponement for further exploration of options due to concerns raised about the company involved. After clarification and discussion, a motion was made to postpone the item until the next meeting for further staff evaluation. The motion to postpone was supported and passed.
Reports and Legislation (01:22:02)
City Manager Hankins provided updates on community safety, water system, and winter shelter solutions.

City Manager Hankins reported on several topics: recent progress in homicide investigations and community safety efforts, updates on the city's water system incident and collaboration with EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy), and plans for winter shelter services for the homeless. The importance of community involvement in safety was emphasized, and ongoing efforts to ensure safe water and adequate winter shelter were outlined.
Planning Commission Annual Report (01:28:36)
Planning Commission's annual report was summarized, highlighting rezonings and permits.

Assistant City Planner Bobby Durkee summarized the Planning Commission's annual report, which included details on rezonings, special use permits, and significant development projects approved in the past year. The report also covered zoning administration activities and neighborhood engagement efforts. A typo in the report was noted for correction.
Commissioner Comments (01:32:47)
Commissioner Slaby discussed various community engagements and thanked the city attorney for procedural clarifications.

Commissioner Slaby provided comments on several topics, including participation in a communications audit, attendance at local events such as the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, and involvement with the Kalamazoo Conservation District. They also expressed appreciation for the city attorney's clarification on procedural rules and encouraged public participation in ongoing surveys and discussions.
Discussion on Arts and Culture in Kalamazoo (01:38:23)
Discussion on the role of arts and culture in Kalamazoo and plans for community engagement.

The discussion focused on the role of arts and culture in Kalamazoo. The importance of a city master plan was highlighted, and there was a call for robust conversations about the future of arts and cultural engagement in the city. Partnerships with local arts organizations and the involvement of state representatives were mentioned as key components of this initiative.
Commissioner Comments - Public Safety and Community Issues (01:40:22)
Commissioner Hess expressed gratitude to public safety and discussed community challenges.

Commissioner Hess thanked public safety officers for their service and discussed recent community tragedies and losses, including the passing of notable community members. She highlighted the importance of education and community engagement, reflecting on her experiences with local schools and the impact of recent events on the community.
Community Engagement and Youth Perspectives (01:41:50)
Discussion on community strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of local youth.

Commissioner Hess shared insights from a fifth-grade class on the strengths and weaknesses of the Kalamazoo community. The class conducted a SWOT analysis, providing feedback on issues such as road conditions, littering, and safety. The discussion emphasized the importance of acknowledging community strengths and addressing its weaknesses to create a better future for the youth.
Acknowledgment of Community Leaders and Mentorship (01:46:02)
Recognition of local leaders and the importance of mentorship in the community.

Commissioner Hess acknowledged the contributions of community leaders like the city manager and other local organizations in supporting youth and community engagement. She stressed the importance of volunteering and mentorship, encouraging community members to get involved with local youth programs and initiatives to foster a supportive environment.
Vice Mayor Duncan's Comments on Community Events and Public Safety (01:49:00)
Vice Mayor Duncan discussed recent community events and the role of public safety.

Vice Mayor Duncan praised community events aimed at voter engagement and mentorship, emphasizing the role of local leaders in supporting these initiatives. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by public safety officers in recent events and expressed gratitude for their service and dedication to the community.
Commissioner Praedel's Comments on Voter Engagement and Community Service (01:52:21)
Commissioner Praedel highlighted voter outreach efforts and community service initiatives.

Commissioner Praedel discussed the importance of voter engagement, highlighting efforts by the clerk's office and local organizations to educate and involve the community in the electoral process. He also recognized the contributions of volunteers and community boards, and the sacrifices made by their families to support community service.
Mayor's Comments on Community Initiatives and Ballot Proposition Concerns (02:01:01)
The Mayor addressed community initiatives and raised concerns about a ballot proposition.

The Mayor commended the various community initiatives and events taking place in Kalamazoo, acknowledging the hard work of local organizations. He also expressed concern over a ballot proposition related to healthcare, describing it as an unfunded mandate driven by dark money, and urged voters to consider its implications carefully.
Discussion on Election Flyers and Dark Money (02:09:52)
A council member discussed receiving flyers about an issue related to dark money and expressed disappointment about the lack of follow-up.

The council member mentioned receiving a flyer at their door, likely distributed by paid individuals in Kalamazoo. They recalled someone previously bringing up this topic and promising more information, which was never received. They expressed frustration about the lack of communication and information regarding the issue, highlighting that dark money is a concern but does not necessitate amending the city's charter.
Adjournment (02:10:59)
The meeting was adjourned with expressions of love for the community and a hope that the city's charter will not be amended.

The council member concluded by thanking those who care about the community and emphasizing the importance of upcoming elections. They expressed a hope that the decision will not be to amend the city's charter. The meeting was officially adjourned with a positive note towards Kalamazoo.