City of Kalamazoo - October 7, 2024 Kalamazoo City Commission

Updated 32 minutes ago

The Kalamazoo City Commission Meeting on October 7, 2024, covers several key topics, including the adoption of ordinances related to pedestrian and bicycle lane safety and the extension of the social district ordinance. Proclamations for Ageism Awareness Day, Imagine a Day Without Water, and Juvenile Justice Awareness Month are issued, with representatives from local organizations providing insights. The Commission also approves an agreement with Galls LLC for public safety uniforms, despite public comments suggesting alternative uses for funds. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to discussing the city's economic development strategy, focusing on equitable growth and addressing housing affordability challenges. Public comments raise concerns about housing, public safety, and the allocation of city funds. The Commission expresses commitment to addressing these issues and outlines ongoing and future initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and community wellbeing.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:03)
The meeting is officially called to order by the chairperson.

The Kalamazoo city meeting is officially called to order by the chairperson, signaling the start of the session.
Roll Call (00:01:14)
The roll call is conducted to verify the presence of commissioners.

Clerk Boiling conducts the roll call, confirming the attendance of Commissioner Coney, Commissioner Decker, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner Praedel, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:03:01)
An invocation is given followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The invocation is provided, after which attendees stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.
Recognition of Lance Ferraro Family (00:05:04)
The family of former Commissioner Lance Ferraro is recognized for their contribution.

The family of Lance Ferraro, a former city commissioner and renowned photographer, is recognized. His photographs of John F. Kennedy's visit to Kalamazoo are gifted to the city for display.
Proclamation for Ageism Awareness Day (00:12:07)
A proclamation is read to raise awareness about ageism.

Vice Mayor Hess reads a proclamation declaring Ageism Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of respecting older adults and recognizing the impact of ageism on health, longevity, and financial wellbeing.
Proclamation for Imagine a Day Without Water (00:16:23)
A proclamation emphasizes the importance of water infrastructure.

A proclamation is presented to recognize the critical role of water infrastructure in public health and safety, urging investment in reliable water systems and acknowledging the Imagine a Day Without Water campaign.
Proclamation for Juvenile Justice Awareness Month (00:20:37)
The importance of juvenile justice reform and youth empowerment is highlighted.

Mayor Anderson presents a proclamation for Juvenile Justice Awareness Month, recognizing the need for reform and the role of organizations like Bent Not Broken in supporting youth impacted by the juvenile justice system.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:27:01)
The formal agenda for the meeting is adopted.

The commissioners and audience are given an opportunity to move items from the consent agenda to the regular agenda before adopting the formal agenda.
Communications (00:27:46)
Communications from the city manager are presented.

The city manager, Merita, states that there are no communications to present at this time.
Public Comments (00:28:00)
Citizens are given the opportunity to address the commission.

The public comment period is opened, allowing citizens to share their concerns or thoughts with the city commission, with each speaker limited to three minutes.
Public Comments (00:37:06)
Various community members express concerns about local issues including housing, bike lanes, and safety.

Several individuals from the community speak on various issues affecting their neighborhoods. Topics include the need for more housing, concerns about the safety of bike lanes, the high cost of rent, and the treatment of homeless individuals. Speakers urge the city commission to consider these issues seriously and take action to address them.
Consent Agenda (00:55:34)
Approval of multiple items including contracts for services, equipment purchases, and agreements related to city infrastructure.

The city commission reviews and approves a series of items on the consent agenda. This includes contract extensions with various service providers, approval of change orders, professional service agreements, and maintenance agreements. These items are discussed briefly before a motion is made and approved by the commission.
Ordinance Adoption (01:00:01)
Discussion and adoption of an ordinance related to pedestrian safety in work zones.

The commission discusses the adoption of an ordinance aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety in work zones. Concerns are raised about enforcement and the discretion allowed to officers. Community members also express opposition to the ordinance, citing potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations. The commission considers these concerns before proceeding with the ordinance.
Public Comments (01:07:51)
Several citizens express their concerns and views on various issues, including inconvenience caused by ordinances and community safety.

The public comments section of the meeting included several individuals expressing their concerns about the inconvenience caused by certain ordinances, particularly affecting everyday citizens who are walking, biking, or commuting. One speaker urged the commissioners to reject measures that would criminalize poor people and ordinary citizens trying to get by. The discussion was passionate and highlighted the tension between community safety and the perceived negative impact of the ordinances.
Ordinance Discussion and Vote (01:08:34)
Commissioners discuss and vote on a motion to adopt an ordinance concerning public safety in construction zones.

Following the public comments, the commissioners moved to discuss an ordinance intended to enhance safety in construction zones. Commissioner Hoffman acknowledged community concerns but emphasized the need for institutional decisions that prioritize overall safety and liability concerns. Commissioner Burn supported the ordinance, citing the need to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The discussion addressed various viewpoints, including the balance between community concerns and safety obligations. The ordinance was ultimately adopted after a roll call vote.
Adoption of Bicycle Lane Ordinance (01:13:19)
An ordinance to protect bicycle lanes from being obstructed by vehicles and pedestrians was discussed and adopted.

The city attorney explained the need for an ordinance to prevent obstruction of bicycle lanes, which are not currently protected under the existing vehicle and pedestrian safety laws. The ordinance aims to safeguard cyclists by prohibiting vehicles and pedestrians from impeding bike lane traffic. Public comments raised concerns about enforcement and the vagueness of the law. Despite differing opinions, commissioners agreed on the importance of protecting cyclists and passed the ordinance.
Social District Ordinance Amendment (01:24:23)
The city manager introduces an ordinance to remove the sunset clause from the social districts and commons area ordinance.

The city manager and business specialist presented an ordinance to amend the existing social district ordinance by removing its sunset clause, following the state's decision to make such provisions permanent. The social district initiative, which allows for outdoor consumption of alcohol in designated areas, has been successful and beneficial for local businesses. Removing the sunset clause would continue to support economic activity in these districts.
Approval of Public Safety Contract (01:27:50)
Commissioners approve a two-year contract with Galls, LLC for public safety uniforms and equipment.

The commission considered and approved a two-year contract with Galls, LLC for the supply of public safety uniforms and equipment. Public comments expressed opposition to the contract, arguing that funds could be better used for community needs such as mental health services. Despite public dissent, the contract was approved after discussion among commissioners.
Public Comments (01:37:37)
Residents discuss issues such as cold weather, community support, and economic disparities.

Residents expressed concerns about cold weather preparations, the lack of involvement in certain programs, and the economic division between downtown and outskirts. They highlighted the disconnect of the report from real issues faced by low-income communities.
Approval of Development Strategy (01:38:48)
Commissioners discuss and approve the development strategy focused on economic equity and community growth.

Commissioners discussed the development strategy which aims to judge success by metrics such as job creation with living wages, poverty reduction, and social mobility. They emphasized the importance of housing and childcare in economic development and supported the strategy for its inclusivity of housing and community needs.
Reports and Updates (01:44:23)
Reports on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and upcoming commissioner comments.

The DEI department reported on leadership achievements and the formation of a DEI council. Commissioners also prepared to give their comments on various topics such as city support and community engagement.
Commissioner Comments (01:45:54)
Commissioners share updates and concerns, including support for city employees and community events.

Commissioners commented on topics such as the importance of supporting city employees, the celebration of Indigenous People's Day, and the need to address international and local human rights issues. They also highlighted the opening of community centers and the end of construction season.
Discussion on Housing (01:56:26)
Mayor discusses challenges and strategies for developing affordable housing in the city.

The mayor provided an in-depth explanation of the challenges in creating affordable housing, emphasizing the need for non-borrowed capital and rent subsidies. He explained different models for achieving affordability, such as low-income housing tax credits, sinking funds, and mixed-income developments.