City of Kalamazoo - May 21, 2025 Environmental Concerns Committee Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Committee reviews the Reed Court Flood Plain Storm Water Improvement project, which aims to reduce flooding and create public green space. The committee also discusses deer and tick issues, emphasizing the need for local expertise on ecological impacts. Waste management initiatives such as the compost bin pilot program and foam recycling successes are highlighted. Additionally, the meeting reviews proposed changes to the committee's bylaws, focusing on quorum requirements and the role of subcommittees. The title of the meeting is 'Kalamazoo Environmental Concerns Committee Meeting'.

Chapters

Public Comments - Opening (00:00:00)
Initial public comments section. No public comments yet, will revisit later.

The meeting opens with a call for public comments. No one from the audience or online is eager to make a comment at this time. Public comments will be revisited at the end of the meeting.
Natural Features Protection Review Board (00:01:00)
Discussion on Reed Court Flood Plain Storm Water Improvement project and variance request.

The Natural Features Protection Review Board discusses the Reed Court Flood Plain Storm Water Improvement project, which includes a variance request to reduce flooding from the Portage Creek discharge. A mechanical capturing device will be installed, similar to a tornado, to collect sediments such as phosphorus. A boardwalk will also be added to create a public green space.
Air and Water Quality Report (00:02:27)
High pollution days from GPI pollution reported to the city.

Rita is absent, but the report mentions several high pollution days from GPI pollution. The city form for submitting odor reports is discussed, with concerns about information being sent to graphic packaging, a known polluter.
Wildlife and Natural Resources (00:03:33)
Discussion on deer issues, tick spread, and invasive species management.

The board discusses local deer issues, the spread of ticks, and the need for local ecological experts. The conversation covers the deer tick problem, invasive species like barberry and honeysuckle, and the effects of climate change on tick populations.
Planning Commission Report (00:09:00)
Rezoning requests for properties, election of new officers, site plan review delegation.

The Planning Commission had rezoning requests for properties on Roscoe & Millard and Bur & Vine. The Roscoe & Millard properties moved from manufacturing to live work. The Bur & Vine properties changed to downtown three designation. The commission also elected new officers and voted to delegate site plan reviews to the site plan committee.
Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council (00:10:31)
Discussion on burn permits, invasive species, and salt remediation project.

The council discussed upcoming burns for invasive species management, involving wild ones. They also discussed the salt remediation project, which is delayed due to lack of snow for testing.
Parks and Recreation (00:13:52)
Discussion on mowing practices and biodiversity in parks.

The Parks and Recreation report discusses the potential for reducing mowing to increase biodiversity and educational opportunities in parks, aligning with sustainability and budget control efforts.
Waste Working Group (00:16:48)
Update on composting program, Next Cycle program, and recycling initiatives.

The Waste Working Group discusses the pilot composting program locations, partnering with Next Cycle Michigan, and the success of foam and electronics recycling events. They encourage checking the city website for composting details and mention ongoing efforts to finalize committee mission goals.
Native Species and Urban Landscape (00:25:22)
No update this month, but interest in continuing work on urban landscapes.

The Native Species and Urban Landscape committee has no new updates this month. Rachel expresses willingness to take over responsibilities after a member's resignation. They mention the impact of funding issues on related projects.
Air Quality Update (00:26:38)
Brief note on air quality monitoring and research responsibilities.

Rita Chandler provides a brief update on air quality, mentioning a call for public comments on the air monitoring network plan. She seeks clarification on her responsibilities for obtaining air and water quality reports for future meetings.
Unfinished Business (00:28:34)
No unfinished business on the agenda for this meeting.

There is no unfinished business to address at this meeting, as confirmed by the chair.
Communications from City Staff (00:28:42)
City staff updates, including solar parking lot application and recycling growth.

City staff provide updates on several projects, including an application for a solar parking lot at Crosstown, the continued success of the composting and recycling programs, and the Buzzing the Zoo initiative.
New Business - Bylaws Discussion (00:29:27)
Discussion on committee bylaws and authority led by Assistant City Attorney.

Charles Bayer, Assistant City Attorney, discusses the committee's bylaws, emphasizing the need for consistency with the authority provided by the city ordinance. He addresses issues such as non-voting members and reimbursement provisions.
Discussion on Proposed Bylaws (00:33:21)
Discussion on the proposed bylaws covering election and duties of officers, meeting procedures, and conflict of interest provisions.

The discussion focused on the proposed bylaws for the committee, covering the election of officers, their duties and responsibilities, the adoption of Robert's Rules of Order for meeting procedures, and the inclusion of conflict of interest provisions. The need for clarity on the quorum requirements and rules for conducting meetings were also discussed.
Questions and Comments on Bylaws (00:39:37)
Members ask questions regarding the approval process of the bylaws and raise concerns about the Open Meetings Act.

Committee members posed questions about the approval process for the proposed bylaws and raised concerns about their alignment with the Open Meetings Act. There was a discussion on whether the ECC is subject to the Open Meetings Act given its advisory nature and what that means for subcommittee meetings. Members also discussed the quorum definition and the structure of the committee.
Public Comments (01:07:00)
Public comments were invited and included a presentation from Kalamazoo Animal Advocates.

The floor was opened for public comments. Iris Potter, representing Kalamazoo Animal Advocates, presented a report on deer management to the committee and offered to answer any questions related to the report. No other public comments were noted during this time.
Weather Discussion (01:11:01)
Discussion about the cold weather and the polar vortex affecting temperatures.

The meeting started with a casual discussion about the unusually cold weather. Participants joked about the polar vortex and the warmth of the meeting room.
Technical Check (01:11:51)
Confirmation that technical issues have been resolved and the meeting can proceed.

Justin confirmed that they have successfully resolved any technical issues, allowing the meeting to continue as planned.
Commissioner Comments (01:12:04)
Commissioners shared various comments and updates, including nonprofit activities and community involvement.

Commissioners took turns sharing their comments. Topics included a nonprofit's call for asthma experiences, the launch of a website by the Institute of Public Scholarship, and the availability of air quality monitors.
Neighborhood Plans (01:15:19)
Discussion on the importance of neighborhood plans and community involvement.

The commission discussed the importance of neighborhood plans and encouraged participation in creating these plans. They emphasized that these plans can include sustainability goals and potentially receive city funding.
Website Access Issues (01:16:30)
A commissioner mentioned issues accessing the air quality website via Facebook links.

A commissioner raised an issue regarding broken links to the air quality website on Facebook. The commission promised to update and share the correct link once available.
Adjournment (01:17:01)
The meeting was officially adjourned with a motion and support from members.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and supported by the members. The meeting was officially closed.