City of Kalamazoo - May 8, 2025 Utility Policy Committee Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The committee addresses the Westnedge water transmission oversizing project, which is crucial for future growth and system redundancy. The committee also reviews the proposal to realign franchise areas with the City of Galesburg, particularly concerning the service area for a new fire station and residential areas along North 35th street. Additionally, the meeting covers member compensation for professional committee members and addresses public concerns about water rates and affordability programs.

Chapters

Call to Order and Setting of Agenda (00:00:23)
The meeting was called to order and the agenda was set without any changes or corrections.

The meeting began with the call to order. The first item was to set the agenda. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Peter and seconded by John. The motion carried unanimously.
Introductions and Guests (00:01:01)
Meeting members and guests introduced themselves, including several city and regional officials.

Introductions were made around the room. Members included Steve Bassenian, Jeff Chamberlain, and others from city and regional commissions. There were also attendees online from Stantec and other organizations.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (00:02:53)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without any objections.

A motion was made by Jeff Chamberlain to accept the minutes from the last meeting as presented. It was seconded by Peter Hafner. The motion carried with all in favor and no objections.
Public Comments (00:03:15)
Public comments were solicited both in-person and virtually, including a discussion on water rate increases.

The floor was opened for public comments. A discussion arose regarding water rate increases and their impact on the community. An attendee expressed concerns about affordability and potential increases leading to homelessness.
Unfinished Business - Neighborhood Expansion Policy (00:05:54)
The Neighborhood Expansion Policy was reviewed with final modifications incorporated from the last meeting.

The Neighborhood Expansion Policy, adopted last month with modifications, was reviewed. The final document was included in the meeting packet with some grammatical changes and added lines for township resolutions.
Capital Improvement Plan (00:07:36)
Updates on the Capital Improvement Plan were provided, highlighting ongoing budget preparations.

An update was given on the Capital Improvement Plan, noting that work is ongoing and in budget preparation stages. Townships were encouraged to communicate any changes needed in planned projects.
Action Item - Westnedge Project (00:08:36)
The board approved the water transmission oversizing for the Westnedge Project.

The Westnedge Project, involving water transmission oversizing, was discussed. The project's alignment with various infrastructure improvements was noted. A motion to approve the oversizing was made and carried.
Discussion on Franchise Agreements (00:20:36)
Discussion on water service and franchise agreements involving Galesburg and Comstock Township.

A detailed discussion took place regarding the current and proposed franchise agreements for water service involving Galesburg, Comstock Township, and the City of Kalamazoo. The need to update and formalize agreements was highlighted.
New Business - Member Stipend Discussion (00:32:23)
The board discussed the possibility of providing stipends to certain professional members.

The board reviewed the current compensation structure for board members. A proposal was discussed to provide per diem compensation to professional members who are not currently receiving any form of payment for their service.
Appointments and Nominations (00:35:29)
Discussion on appointing professional members Jeff Chamberlain, Will, and Mark Elliott to the committee to ensure they receive appropriate compensation.

The meeting addressed the need to appoint professional members such as Jeff Chamberlain, Will, and Mark Elliott to ensure they are compensated for their service. These individuals were identified as needing official action to set up per diem compensation since they are not employed by a business and provide professional expertise. The city commission's approval is needed for any compensation involving former employees.
Motions and Votes on Compensation (00:41:05)
A motion was made and approved to compensate professional members who are not part of a business or otherwise compensated, ensuring fair treatment.

A motion was proposed to provide compensation to professional members who are not part of a business and thus do not receive compensation through invoicing. The motion was supported and carried with a vote of seven to zero. The motion allows those who provide professional expertise and are not employed elsewhere to receive a per diem for their contributions.
Invoice Approvals (00:44:00)
Two invoices were presented for approval: one from the Hefner group and another from Maine and Meridian. Both were approved by the committee.

The committee reviewed and approved two invoices during the meeting. One invoice was from the Hefner group and the other from Maine and Meridian. Motions were made to approve these invoices, and they were passed with the necessary support from committee members, ensuring that the services rendered were compensated.
Committee Member and Attendee Comments (00:45:27)
Committee members and attendees were invited to provide comments. Discussions included water system security, cooperation with local authorities, and community outreach.

During the comments section, attendees discussed various topics, including the security measures in place for the water system, cooperation with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff and the Department of Homeland Security, and community outreach initiatives. The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the water infrastructure and the importance of engaging with the community to address concerns and provide assistance.
Water Affordability Program (00:50:02)
The city of Kalamazoo's water affordability program was highlighted, offering assistance to residents struggling with their water bills via various qualifying programs.

Tom discussed the city of Kalamazoo's water affordability program, which helps residents who face challenges in paying their water bills. This program is available to those who are part of the water and wastewater systems. Residents who qualify under state benefit programs, such as supplemental nutritional assistance, can automatically enroll in the water affordability program. The program aims to alleviate financial burdens by covering water bill arrears.