City of Kalamazoo - May 28, 2025 Natural Features Protection Review Board Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

The board reviews the K Zoo Country Club Legacy Golf course project, addressing regrading plans and their environmental impact. The discussion includes detailed plans for irrigation, tree removal, and slope restoration. The meeting also covers the Kalamazoo Pump Station Number Five project, which aims to upgrade water treatment facilities to meet new regulatory standards, with a focus on PFAS removal. Additionally, the board approves site plans for an accessible kayak launch and a bicycle pump track at the Kalamazoo River park. The board seeks to balance development with environmental considerations, ensuring compliance with local standards.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:05:18)
The meeting was called to order, and roll call conducted. Members present included Holland, Fredrickson, Merge, Stempel, and Martin.

The regular meeting of the NFP Review Board was called to order. Nolan conducted the roll call. The members present were Holland, Fredrickson, Merge, Stempel, and Martin. Bassett was noted as absent, and a motion was made to excuse absent members, which was approved unanimously.
Adoption of Agenda (00:06:11)
A motion was made to adopt the agenda as presented. The agenda was adopted without amendments.

Following the roll call, the board moved onto item B, which was the adoption of the agenda. A motion was made to adopt the agenda as presented. The agenda was adopted without any amendments or opposition.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:37)
The minutes from the previous NFP Board meeting were approved as presented without amendments or comments.

The next item on the agenda was the approval of minutes from the previous NFP Board meeting. The chair asked if there were any amendments or comments related to the draft minutes. Hearing none, a motion was made and the minutes were approved as presented.
Public Comments (00:07:24)
No public comments were made during the meeting, and no call-in comments were noted.

The floor was opened for public comments, inviting anyone from the public to come forward, state their name, and address the board with a time limit of three minutes. However, no one stepped forward to make any public comments, and no call-in comments were noted.
Board Member Comments (00:07:52)
No comments were made by the board members during this portion of the meeting.

The chair opened the floor for any comments from the board members. After a brief pause, no comments were made by any of the board members, and the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.
New Business - K Zoo Country Club Legacy Golf Course Project (00:08:04)
Board reviewed the proposed redevelopment and regrading of the K Zoo Country Club golf course. Discussion included utilities, slope restoration, and tree removal, with staff recommending not to approve the site plan at this time.

The primary new business item was the discussion of the K Zoo Country Club Legacy Golf Course Project. The applicant proposed regrading and redesigning the existing golf course, including new amenities and utilities. The project is located in a single-family residential zone and involves significant changes including the removal of structures and the introduction of new facilities like cart paths and landscaping. Concerns were raised about protected slopes, trees, and potential environmental impacts. The staff recommendation was to not approve the full NFP site plan at this time and to explore alternative solutions such as underground utility relocation and providing justification for tree removals. The board heard from the applicants and discussed the need for a slope restoration plan and a tree planting plan. The discussion was detailed and extensive, covering many technical aspects of the project.
Discussion on Golf Course Irrigation (00:44:09)
Discussion on the golf course irrigation system and slope considerations, including pipe types and irrigation paths.

The board discussed the existing irrigation system at the golf course, highlighting that the current 8-inch PVC pipes had no issues but proposed a switch to fused HDPE pipe for better durability. The irrigation layout ties directly to the golf course design, with main lines running northwest and southeast, following existing paths. They considered whether irrigation could be classified as a utility and discussed potential excavation work and grading changes.
Grading and Slope Changes (00:48:50)
Board discusses the grading changes around the lake and clubhouse area, noting minimal significant slope changes.

Discussion focused on the grading changes around the golf course, particularly near the lake and clubhouse area. The board noted that while there will be some regrading due to the removal of the clubhouse and tennis courts, the overall slopes aren't changing significantly. The board clarified that the changes are related to the golf aspect with new tee boxes and potential slight slope adjustments.
Protected Tree Removals Justification (00:52:50)
Justifications for removing protected trees on the golf course, considering design and tree health.

The board discussed the removal of protected trees, justified by the golf course design and the condition of the trees. They explained how the design necessitated tree removal in fairways and greens, and how cut-and-fill operations would impact tree retention. The board emphasized the poor condition of many trees, originally planted and not naturally occurring, and their strategy to replace them with better species.
Public Comments and Board Discussion (01:03:34)
Space provided for public comments, followed by board member discussion on conditional approval and further requirements.

The board opened the floor for public comments, receiving none in person or via call. Board members then discussed the conditional approval process, including requirements for a plant list and slope restoration plan. The discussion focused on whether additional details were needed before granting approval and how to proceed with reviewing the necessary plans.
Conditional Approval Motion (01:08:03)
Board deliberates on a motion for conditional approval, considering requirements for slope restoration plans.

The board discussed the specifics of a motion for conditional approval of the site plan, focusing on the need for a detailed slope restoration plan. They considered the balance of granting approval while ensuring all environmental and planning requirements were met, including the review of plant lists and slope restoration details.
New Business: City of Kalamazoo Water Station No. 5 (01:18:18)
Introduction of new business item regarding the redevelopment of Water Station No. 5 in Kalamazoo.

The board introduced a new business item concerning the redevelopment and expansion of Water Station No. 5 in Kalamazoo, aiming to meet new regulatory standards for PFAS removal. The project includes upgrading existing infrastructure, constructing a new treatment facility, and ensuring safe drinking water supply.
Facility Update and Water Treatment Overview (01:27:34)
Detailed presentation on water facility components including pumps, chemical treatment, and stormwater systems.

The speaker provided an overview of the water facility's components, including high service pumps, chemical buildings for fluoride, phosphates, and chlorine gas. The facility includes stormwater detention basins with treatment devices. The layout includes a high bay filter area and a lower bay with office and electrical spaces, alongside the clear well and service pumps. The facility will have a large overhead door for media changes and a truck loading dock for containment during chemical loading operations. The facility also features a planting plan with trees and shrubs.
Discussion on Tree Removals and Environmental Considerations (01:32:11)
Discussion on tree removal and retention related to the facility's construction and environmental regulations.

The discussion focused on proposed tree removals necessary for the building footprint and grading requirements. The justification for the project is to provide safe drinking water in light of new regulations. Questions were raised about wellhead protection plans and tree retention amidst construction. Concerns were addressed about the impact of construction on retained trees and advice was given on choosing more resilient tree species.
Public Comments and Questions (01:35:15)
Public comments addressed funding for the project and concerns about environmental impacts and tree retention.

Public comments included appreciation for received funding given the system's strain. Questions about the last wellhead protection plan update and the methodology used were posed. Concerns were raised regarding trees in construction zones and their health. Suggestions were made to replace certain trees rather than attempting retention.
Approval of NFP Site Plan for Water Station (01:39:00)
The board approved the NFP site plan for the water station with recommended conditions from the staff report.

The board moved to approve the NFP site plan for water station number five, incorporating conditions from the staff report. The roll was called for the vote.
Introduction to New Project in Kalamazoo (01:40:04)
Presentation of a new project in Kalamazoo that includes a kayak launch, visitor shelter, and bicycle pump track.

The project is located on the western bank of the Kalamazoo River and proposes to improve site amenities with a new accessible kayak launch, visitor shelter, and bicycle pump track. It meets zoning requirements and aims to enhance public access to the river. Necessary environmental reviews and documentation have been completed.
Applicant Presentation on Park Improvements (01:44:03)
Detailed presentation by Rachel Hughes Nissen on proposed park improvements including an accessible kayak launch and pump track.

Rachel Hughes Nissen, a landscape architect, presented proposed improvements to a park in Kalamazoo. The improvements include an ADA-accessible kayak launch, a bicycle pump track, a shelter, bike racks, and a playground area. The project aims to create amenities with minimal environmental impact and no tree removals. The presentation included detailed plans and visuals of the kayak launch and pump track.
Board Discussion and Approval of Park Project (01:54:08)
Board discussion on the park project, followed by a motion and approval of the NFP site plan for the park.

The board discussed the thoroughness of the project packet and expressed appreciation for the detailed presentation. A motion was made to approve the NFP site plan for the park improvements. The roll was called for the vote.
Unfinished Business: NFP Board Work Session (01:55:08)
Discussion on scheduling a work session for unfinished business related to NFP compliance and resources.

The board discussed the absence of a staff member to present on compliance but planned for a June meeting presentation. Discussions included connections with city attorneys for providing resources without showing preference, and the need for resources related to arborists and native plant producers.
Communications and Announcements (01:59:09)
Discussion on board member transitions and the need to fill open board positions with qualified candidates.

The current chair announced their upcoming departure and the need to discuss new chair and vice-chair positions. The board discussed promoting the open board position to fill it with qualified candidates, emphasizing the flexibility for candidates from various backgrounds.