City of Kalamazoo - November 18, 2024 Kalamazoo City Commission

Updated about 2 hours ago

The City of Kalamazoo's November 18, 2024, Regular Business meeting reviewed adjustments to water utility rates and the impact of inflation on infrastructure projects. Director of Public Services, James Baker presents, an overview of upcoming water and wastewater projects, emphasizing the city's proactive stance on lead and PFAS management. Public comments highlighted concerns about housing, homelessness, and the need for community support. The Commission also acknowledged the retirement of Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain and celebrated local achievements in community service and cultural events.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:21)
The city commission meeting is officially called to order by the mayor at 7:00 PM.

The mayor officially calls the city commission business meeting to order for Monday at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call (00:01:39)
Attendance is taken, noting which commissioners are present and the excusal of Commissioner Wilson.

Roll call is conducted. Commissioners Cooney, Decker, Hoffman, Praedel, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson are mentioned. Commissioner Wilson is excused from the meeting.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:08)
Bishop Daniel Cunningham gives the invocation and the attendees stand for the pledge of allegiance.

Bishop Daniel Cunningham is invited to provide the invocation. Attendees in the chambers are asked to stand for the invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance.
Award Presentation to Bike Friendly Kalamazoo (00:04:17)
Bike Friendly Kalamazoo presents an award to the City of Kalamazoo Parks Department for their contributions to bicycle friendliness.

Representatives from Bike Friendly Kalamazoo, including Paul Selden, present Civic Leadership Awards to the Kalamazoo City Parks Department for their contributions to making the community more bicycle-friendly, including organizing a popular bicycle rodeo.
Adoption of Formal Agenda (00:08:32)
No changes are made to the agenda, and it is adopted as presented.

The agenda is reviewed for any items commissioners would like to move from the consent agenda to the regular agenda. Seeing none, the agenda stands as presented.
Communications (00:08:48)
No communications from the city manager are presented at this time.

The mayor asks if there are any communications from the city manager, and the response is that there are none.
Public Comments (00:08:55)
Members of the public provide comments on various issues including housing and city policies.

Members of the public are invited to share comments on any item. Each speaker is given four minutes. Topics discussed include housing concerns, city policies, and personal experiences with city services.
Public Comment Period (00:33:19)
Residents expressed concerns about the housing crisis and thanked the city for efforts like the hotel and tax reductions.

During the public comment period, residents voiced their concerns about the ongoing housing crisis affecting the city. They highlighted how the crisis mirrors those in other cities across the United States and expressed disappointment that supportive housing solutions, such as the pods and hotel, would not be ready for the upcoming winter. They expressed gratitude for the efforts made by the city and county commissions, including the adoption of tax reductions and supportive housing projects, which although included in the consent agenda, they felt needed more public recognition.
Consent Agenda Items (00:37:01)
The consent agenda included approvals for various contracts and allocations, such as chemical purchases and staffing.

Manager Risma presented the consent agenda items for approval, which encompassed a wide range of contracts and agreements. These included contracts with chemical companies for water treatment supplies, extensions for audit services, and allocations for new staff positions such as a grants compliance specialist. Additionally, resolutions were adopted to authorize city representation in court and to allocate funds for bridge maintenance.
First Reading of an Ordinance (00:41:14)
The first reading of an ordinance to change drinking water rates was conducted, with a staff report provided.

The meeting proceeded with the first reading of an ordinance to amend the city code and adjust the rates charged for drinking water. Director of Public Services, James Baker, provided a staff report summarizing the ordinance, highlighting that a detailed presentation had been given at the previous committee meeting. The ordinance was aimed at addressing the financial sustainability of the water utility system.
Presentation on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure (00:43:08)
Director Baker presented on the scope of the water and wastewater systems, highlighting projects and rate impacts.

James Baker, Director of Public Services, delivered a presentation detailing the extensive coverage of the city's water and wastewater systems. He emphasized ongoing infrastructure projects, such as lead service line and water main replacements, and discussed the financial implications of these projects, including the need for rate adjustments. The presentation also covered affordability programs and the impact of inflation on operational costs.
Discussion on Alternative Uses of Cement (01:07:39)
Discussion on alternative uses of cement kiln manufacturing, such as using it as landfill cover and other creative solutions to manage material shortages and costs.

The meeting discusses the potential alternative uses of cement kiln manufacturing, including using it as an absorbent and landfill cover. The discussion includes addressing material shortages and the impact on project costs, and strategies to maintain project timelines and budgets.
Lead and PFAS Management Strategies (01:09:19)
Discussion on proactive management strategies for lead pipe removal and PFAS contamination, including EPA requirements and community education.

The meeting covers strategies for managing lead pipe removal and addressing PFAS contamination. Discussion includes the proactive approach to meet EPA requirements, community education on filter usage, and the importance of staying ahead of potential water quality issues. The impact of accelerated lead service line replacement is highlighted.
Water Quality Improvement Projects (01:12:26)
Water quality improvements through investments in infrastructure, focusing on reducing iron content and replacing galvanized service lines.

Discussion on the various water quality improvement projects, including investments in infrastructure to reduce iron content in water and replacing galvanized service lines. The impact of these projects on water quality, such as reducing brown water appearance, is discussed, along with the challenges of construction-related disturbances.
Quarterly Billing and Smart Meter Implementation (01:18:19)
Addressing the challenges of quarterly billing and the transition to smart meters to improve billing cycles and customer experience.

The discussion focuses on the challenges faced by the community due to quarterly billing and the plans to transition to smart meters. The benefits of smart meters in providing more frequent reads and the gradual implementation process to enhance customer experience and affordability are explained.
Commissioner Comments and Acknowledgments (01:26:06)
Acknowledgments of city staff contributions and commissioner remarks on various community engagements and activities.

Commissioners share comments and acknowledgments, highlighting the contributions of city staff, such as Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain. The comments also cover various community engagements, including interactions with the unhoused community, participation in local events, and recognition of cultural and educational activities within the city.
Welcome and Acknowledgements (01:38:18)
The meeting begins with a warm welcome and thanks to all participants for their community engagement and contributions.

The meeting starts with a welcome and expressions of gratitude towards everyone present. The speaker appreciates the hard work and community involvement of the attendees, noting the volunteer nature of their roles and acknowledging their contributions.
Community Events and Engagements (01:38:49)
Discussion on recent community events attended by members, highlighting the El concealer fundraising gala and local recognitions.

Members discuss recent community events, including the El concealer fundraising gala where a new building was recognized. A notable attendee was Santiago Services, frequently involved with the city. The speaker shares personal experiences from the event and recognizes outstanding community work.
Reach Sober Living Program (01:40:31)
Introduction to the Reach Sober Living program and its efforts to support recovery, highlighting a new sober living house.

The meeting highlights the Reach Sober Living program, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals in recovery. A new sober living house is introduced, and the program's role in assisting those with addiction is discussed. The speaker commends the program's approach and its impact on the community.
Public Communication and Comment Period (01:42:29)
Information on ways the public can communicate concerns to the city commission, including a four-minute public comment period.

The speaker outlines various methods for the public to communicate with the city commission, such as email and traditional mail. A four-minute public comment period has been established, allowing community members to voice their concerns before the consent agenda is addressed in meetings.
Upcoming Holiday Parade (01:43:44)
Announcement of the upcoming holiday parade in Kalamazoo, inviting community participation and enjoyment.

The meeting concludes with an announcement about the upcoming holiday parade in downtown Kalamazoo. The speaker invites the community, especially families with young children, to participate and enjoy this festive event, emphasizing its significance for the local community.
Adjournment (01:44:10)
The meeting is officially adjourned with a closing statement expressing love for Kalamazoo.

The meeting is formally closed with a brief adjournment announcement. The speaker concludes with a heartfelt expression of affection for the city of Kalamazoo, marking the end of the session.