City of Kalamazoo - November 12, 2024 Kalamazoo City Commission

Updated about 2 hours ago

During the Kalamazoo City Commission Meeting on November 14, 2024, the commission recognizes November as Family Court Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of child safety in family court proceedings. The meeting also highlights concerns about gun violence and homelessness in the community, with public comments urging action on these issues. Notably, the commission approves a significant funding agreement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo for the development of a new youth facility, showcasing the city's commitment to supporting local youth programs. Additionally, various contract extensions and budget amendments are addressed, reflecting the city's ongoing infrastructure and community development efforts.

Chapters

Welcome and Introduction (00:02:16)
The meeting begins with a warm welcome to all attendees, including commissioners and members of the public.

The meeting starts with a welcome from the chair, expressing gratitude to the commissioners and attendees for being present. Special thanks are given to Commissioner Cooney for attending.
Call to Order (00:02:31)
The formal commencement of the Kalamazoo City Commission business meeting is announced.

The chair officially calls the business meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission to order, marking the formal start of the proceedings.
Roll Call (00:02:43)
Attendance is taken, confirming the presence of all commissioners and the mayor.

Clerk Burley conducts the roll call, confirming the presence of all commissioners including Commissioner Cooney, Commissioner Decker, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner Praedel, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:03:02)
An invocation is delivered followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful tone for the meeting.

Elder Alice Taylor from Galilee Baptist Church delivers an invocation, inviting grace and wisdom for the meeting. Attendees are requested to stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation on Family Court Awareness Month (00:04:21)
A proclamation is made recognizing November as Family Court Awareness Month, emphasizing child safety in court decisions.

The chair reads a proclamation recognizing November as Family Court Awareness Month. It highlights the importance of prioritizing child safety and the impact of family court decisions on children and families. The proclamation advocates for education and awareness among court professionals and the public.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:14:02)
Commissioners discuss and adopt the formal agenda, considering moving items from the consent agenda.

The commissioners are asked if there are any items from the consent agenda they would like to move to the regular agenda for further discussion. Commissioner Patal suggests highlighting a particular project.
Public Comments (00:15:17)
The floor is opened for public comments, allowing residents to address various issues and concerns.

Members of the public are invited to come forward and speak on any topic. Residents express concerns on issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and interactions with authority figures. Each speaker is given three minutes to present their issues to the commission.
Communications (00:15:20)
The city manager communicates any additional information or updates to the commission.

The city manager, Mr. Risma, is asked if there are any communications to be shared. He responds that there is nothing additional to report.
Public Comments on Community Issues (00:35:25)
Citizens express concern over street maintenance and housing crisis, highlighting community challenges.

Several citizens voiced their concerns about the state of the streets and the ongoing housing crisis. One resident spoke passionately about the degradation of the north side streets and the impact on native lands. Another resident highlighted the housing crisis, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address homelessness and support families in need. The discussion brought attention to the challenges the community faces and the perceived inaction of local authorities.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:40:08)
Approval of various contracts and resolutions, including infrastructure and housing initiatives.

The consent agenda included approval of several contracts and resolutions. Notable items were the extension of a contract with Chromos Workforce Ready, a contract with Mall City Mechanical for replacing fan coils at City Hall, and the approval of a resolution with the Michigan Department of Transportation for sidewalk construction. The agenda also covered budget amendments and lease extensions, focusing on infrastructure and housing-related initiatives.
Discussion on Wastewater Collection System Contract (00:45:01)
Discussion and approval of a contract extension for the wastewater collection system monitoring.

The city commission discussed and approved a two-year contract extension with Xam View for the city's wastewater collection's real-time decision support and monitoring system. The system includes smart infrastructure to monitor flow and capacity, helping prevent system failures and environmental issues. The discussion highlighted the benefits of proactive monitoring and maintenance for the city's sewer system.
Approval of Healthcare Contract Extension (00:57:02)
Approval of a three-year contract extension with Marathon Health for employee healthcare services.

The commission approved a three-year contract extension with Marathon Health for staffing and operation of the city employee healthcare clinic. The extension aims to continue providing comprehensive healthcare services to city employees and retirees, enhancing overall health and wellness.
Grant for Boys and Girls Club Facility (01:04:44)
Approval of a grant agreement for a new Boys and Girls Club youth facility in Kalamazoo.

The commission approved a grant agreement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo for the construction of a new youth facility. The project, five years in the making, aims to provide a safe and engaging space for youth development, including educational and recreational programs. The facility will serve as a community hub for various organizations working with young people.
Welcome (01:09:55)
The meeting begins with expressions of gratitude and appreciation from the commissioners to the participants and partners.

The meeting opens with commissioners expressing their gratitude to the participants and partners involved in various projects. They emphasize the importance of collaboration and strong partnerships in achieving community goals.
Public Comments (01:10:00)
Commissioners invite any last comments from attendees, appreciating the ongoing collaboration and efforts.

Commissioners invite any last comments from attendees, reiterating the importance of collaboration and expressing gratitude for the contributions of various partners in community projects.
Discussion on Consent Agenda and Motion (01:11:01)
Commissioners discuss the importance of certain agenda items and a motion is made to approve the agenda.

During the discussion, a commissioner expresses the significance of certain agenda items, specifically those related to youth services and funding. A motion is made and seconded to approve the consent agenda, emphasizing the importance of reflecting the community's values in the decision-making process.
Reports and Legislation Manager's Update (01:13:33)
The Reports and Legislation Manager discusses issues with repeated removal of items from the consent agenda and suggests changes.

The Reports and Legislation Manager addresses the commissioners, highlighting issues with the removal of items from the consent agenda by the public. They suggest that changes might be needed to improve meeting efficiency and fairness to staff. The manager proposes that only commissioners should have the ability to remove items from the consent agenda.
Commissioner Comments and Motion on Consent Agenda Rules (01:15:22)
Commissioners discuss and propose changes to the rules about who can remove items from the consent agenda.

Commissioners discuss the possibility of changing the rules so that only commissioners, rather than the public, can remove items from the consent agenda. There is a motion to amend this rule and to increase public comment time from three minutes to four minutes. The motion is seconded and discussed extensively by the commissioners.
Vote on Motion to Change Consent Agenda Rules (01:30:37)
Commissioners vote on the motion to change consent agenda rules and increase public comment time.

The commissioners vote on the motion that proposes changes to the rules regarding the removal of items from the consent agenda, limiting it to commissioners only, and increasing public comment time from three to four minutes. The motion passes with a majority vote.
Commissioner Comments (01:31:19)
Commissioners share their individual comments on various topics, including recent events and initiatives.

Commissioners take turns sharing their thoughts and comments on various topics, including community events, recent initiatives, and expressions of gratitude towards community partners and staff. They reflect on the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving city goals.
Gun Violence Response and Community Support (01:40:48)
Discussion on the current state of gun violence in the community and how to support affected families.

The meeting addressed the issue of gun violence, noting that while the numbers are down, any number is too many. The discussion emphasized community response to homicides, encouraging donations to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's emergency fund to support funeral expenses for affected families.
Acknowledgment of Clerk's Office Contributions (01:41:36)
Recognition of the clerk's office for their efforts in facilitating student voter registration at Western Michigan University.

The commissioners gave a shoutout to the clerk's office, particularly Amanda and her team, for their work at the WMU satellite office. They processed hundreds of students to register or change addresses for voting, doing so with grace and commitment to the democratic process.
Election and Local Governance Commitment (01:42:36)
Reaffirmation of the commission's commitment to work with and for the people of Kalamazoo post-election.

The meeting discussed the importance of carrying on with hope and collaboration following the election results. The commissioners pledged to continue working for the people of Kalamazoo with faith and optimism, emphasizing the impact on local lives and the need for continued community engagement.
Recognition of Grassroots Efforts and Gun Violence Resolution (01:43:29)
Acknowledgment of grassroots efforts leading to a proclamation of gun violence as a public health crisis.

Commissioner Huffman recognized the grassroots work done by community members and Commissioner Tammy Ray in creating a resolution to declare gun violence a public health crisis. This work set the stage for further initiatives and was a significant effort at the community level.
Election Day and Veterans Day Observance (01:44:18)
Explanation of the meeting schedule adjustment due to election and Veterans Day, with acknowledgments to veterans.

The meeting was held on a Tuesday due to the previous week's election and Veterans Day. Commissioner Hoffman, a veteran, was acknowledged for his service. The importance of veterans was highlighted, emphasizing their commitment and the impact of their service on ensuring democratic processes.
Personal Responsibility in Reducing Gun Violence (01:47:31)
Encouragement for community members to make personal decisions to prevent gun violence.

The discussion focused on personal responsibility in reducing gun violence, urging individuals to make choices to avoid using weapons in conflicts. The community was encouraged to lead by example in deescalating situations and to take advantage of programs like gun turn-ins at local churches.
Consent Agenda and Housing Initiatives (01:50:00)
Discussion on the consent agenda, particularly the extension of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for housing projects.

The commission discussed the extension of PILOT agreements for housing, highlighting the city's commitment to investing in housing opportunities. This involves significant financial decisions, like waiving property taxes, to support housing projects, showcasing the commission's dedication to this cause.