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City of Kalamazoo - April 22, 2025 Natural Features Protection Review Board Meeting

Updated about 13 hours ago

The Board reviews a significant stormwater management project in Kalamazoo. The project, located on Reed Street, seeks a variance to allow stormwater BMPs within wetland setbacks, aiming to improve water quality and habitat. The board discusses the project's impact, maintenance plans, and funding sources. Public comments include support from local residents like Raymond Gant, and board members express appreciation for their service as their terms conclude. New board members will join next month. This meeting provides insight into local environmental protection efforts and community involvement.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:59)
The chairperson calls the meeting to order to commence the proceedings.

The regular meeting of the NFP review board for Tuesday is called to order.
Roll Call (00:03:08)
Attendance of board members is confirmed by calling out names.

Board members Frederickson, Fuller, Merge, Level, and Martin are present. Holland and Bassett are excused.
Motion to Excuse Absent Members (00:03:44)
A motion is made to excuse absent members from the meeting.

A motion is made and seconded to excuse Holland and Bassett from the meeting. The motion carries with no opposition.
Adoption of the Agenda (00:04:05)
The agenda for the meeting is adopted as presented.

A motion is made and seconded to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion carries with no opposition.
Approval of Minutes (00:04:33)
The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved.

No amendments or comments are made regarding the draft minutes. A motion is made, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes.
Public Comments (00:05:27)
Members of the public are invited to make comments to the board.

Brandon Gant, a resident of Kalamazoo, supports the city's initiative to develop a wetland and create reservoirs behind his property.
Board Member Comments (00:08:26)
Board members are given the opportunity to make comments.

No board member comments are made during this time.
New Business (00:08:43)
Discussion of a new business item involving a stormwater management project.

Nolan provides background on a project involving a dimensional variance for a wetland standard related to stormwater management. The project is supported by staff and involves improving stormwater infrastructure.
Project Presentation by Tom Columbo (00:10:49)
Tom Columbo presents details about the stormwater management project.

Tom Columbo, along with Mark Kaiser, discusses environmental and stormwater improvements to improve water quality in Portage Creek using a BMP device.
Discussion on Floodplain and Superfund Site (00:34:35)
Discussion on the history and restoration of a floodplain area designated as a brownfield and Superfund site.

The meeting discusses the history of a floodplain that has been channelized and designated as a brownfield. The area was part of a Superfund initiative to clean up Portage Creek, which had residual PCBs. The contractors used the site as a staging area and removed contaminated soils. The area is being restored to enhance wetland habitat and floodplain features.
Tree Inventory and Removal (00:38:00)
Discussion about the inventory and planned removal of trees at the project site, including ecological considerations.

The board discusses a tree inventory conducted at the site, noting that some trees will be removed as part of the project. Most trees are native species, and removed trees will be kept on site for habitat enhancement. The city's tree committee regulates removals and replanting, usually requiring a three-to-one replacement ratio.
Public Comments on Project (00:43:27)
Public comments on the project include concerns about tree removal and impacts on wildlife habitat.

During the public comment period, a participant asks about plans to remove dead trees and pumping stations, and expresses concern about impacts on wildlife. The discussion notes that while some trees might be removed for aesthetic reasons, many will remain to support ecological habitat. The project aims to enhance the area's natural habitat.
Board Member Discussion (00:53:32)
Board members discuss philosophical aspects of the project and its impact on stormwater management.

Board members discuss how the project, which aims to solve an existing stormwater problem, differs from typical developments. The project is seen as a positive improvement despite requiring a variance to allow stormwater BMPs within wetland setbacks. The project provides an opportunity for public engagement and exposure.
Recommendation to Zoning Board of Appeals (00:56:41)
The board recommends granting a variance to allow stormwater BMPs within wetland setbacks for the project.

A motion is made to approve a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant relief from the wetlands and water resources standards. This would allow the installation of new stormwater BMPs within the setbacks of wetlands and water resources. The motion is passed with a roll call vote.
Unfinished Business: NFP Board Work Session (00:57:29)
Update on coordinating staff presentations for future board work sessions on zoning compliance and stormwater.

The unfinished business section includes updates on coordinating staff presentations for future board meetings. Upcoming presentations will cover zoning code compliance and stormwater management issues. The assistant city planner will present in May, followed by other staff presentations in June.
Staff Reports and Updates (00:59:02)
Announcement of new board members and gratitude for outgoing members' service.

Staff announce that two new board members will start in May, replacing outgoing members. Outgoing members are thanked for their service and contributions to the board. The staff also plan to orient the new members soon to prepare them for their roles.
Communications and Announcements (01:00:57)
Outgoing board members reflect on their experiences and contributions to the board.

Outgoing board members express gratitude and reflect on their experiences serving on the board. They discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing conservation with city development needs, and express pride in the board's efforts to preserve natural areas.
Approval of Minutes (01:04:28)
The minutes should be available on Civic Clerk, where agendas and packets are published. Updates will be made if needed.

The minutes of the meeting should be available on Civic Clerk, which is the platform where the agendas and agenda packets are published. It was noted that, regardless of the current situation, any necessary updates would be made to ensure everything is up to date.
Adjournment (01:04:46)
The meeting was adjourned as there were no further items or discussions to address.

The meeting was concluded as there were no additional items on the agenda or further discussions to conduct. The meeting was officially adjourned.