City of Kalamazoo - June 23, 2025 Kalamazoo City Commission Special Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

Commissioners reviewed proposals from executive search firms to assist in hiring a new city manager. The meeting featured presentations from three firms: SGRC, PSR, and Ralph Tellis. Community members provided feedback, with significant support for Ralph Tellis due to their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. After deliberation, the commission voted to select Ralph Tellis as the search firm for the new city manager.

Chapters

Welcome and Meeting Introduction (00:05:55)
The meeting began with a welcome to attendees and a reminder about the special business meeting start time.

The meeting commenced with greetings to all attendees present in the chambers, followed by a reminder that the special business meeting had started at 5:00 PM instead of the usual 7:00 PM. This was noted to ensure everyone was aware of the adjusted schedule.
Call to Order and Overview of Agenda (00:06:12)
The chair outlined the agenda, noting prior completion of communications and public comments, and introduced the transition to work items.

The chair provided an overview of the meeting agenda, mentioning that communications from Manager RiskMan and public comments on any topic had already been covered. The meeting then transitioned to work items on the agenda.
Closed Session for Confidential Matters (00:06:38)
A motion to enter into a closed session was made and supported for confidential discussions.

A motion was proposed and supported to enter into a closed session for confidential discussions. Following the closed session, the meeting resumed with the agenda that started at 5:00 PM.
Executive Search Services Discussion (00:07:00)
Consideration of proposals for executive search services to assist in the city manager search process, with updates from committee members.

The agenda item focused on reviewing proposals for executive search services to aid in the city manager search process. Vice Mayor Hess and committee members provided updates on the selection of potential search firms and shared criteria for evaluation. Commissioner Wilson and Commissioner Cradle gave updates on diversity placement statistics and responses from search firms.
Public Comments on Executive Search Services (00:14:28)
Public comments were invited regarding the executive search services, focusing on firm presentations and diversity commitments.

During this segment, members of the public were invited to comment on the executive search services, specifically the presentations from search firms and their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Various community members expressed their preferences and concerns regarding the firms under consideration, highlighting the importance of selecting a firm that aligns with the city's values on diversity and anti-racism.
Commissioner Discussion and Motion on Search Firm Selection (00:35:11)
Commissioners discussed their preferences for the search firm and a motion was made to select one firm.

Commissioners engaged in a discussion about their preferences for the executive search firm based on presentations and public comments. A motion was proposed and supported to select Ralph Tellis as the search firm for the city manager recruitment process. Commissioners expressed confidence in the firm's preparedness and alignment with the city's goals.
Community Comments on the Process (00:40:17)
The meeting acknowledges community participation and the importance of public input in the decision-making process, encouraging ongoing dialogue.

The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the community's continued participation and the importance of providing the public with the opportunity to express their views on the process being discussed. The speaker thanked the community for returning to the meetings and standing up for their beliefs, emphasizing the value of this practice.
Discussion on Evaluation of Firms (00:40:40)
The discussion highlights the evaluation process for selecting a firm, stressing the importance of personal interaction with key personnel before making decisions.

During the meeting, there was a discussion on the evaluation process used to select a firm. It was noted that while paper evaluations and research on a firm's past results are important, there is also significant value in meeting the person who will lead the task. The speaker expressed regret that the lead for SGR was not present, but acknowledged that Pamela, who was designated as the lead, had set a positive tone for future collaboration.
Roll Call Vote on Motion (00:42:07)
A roll call vote was conducted on a motion, with unanimous approval from all commissioners present, leading to the passage of the motion.

The clerk conducted a roll call vote on the motion discussed. Commissioners Hoffman, Cradle, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, Mayor Anderson, Commissioner Cooney, and Commissioner Decker all voted in favor, resulting in the motion's passage. The successful vote was acknowledged, and the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.
Motion to Enter Closed Session (00:42:24)
A motion was made and supported to enter into a closed session, with confirmation that no further public meeting actions would occur.

The meeting included a motion to enter into a closed session. The motion was made and supported by Commissioners Hoffman and Decker, respectively. It was confirmed that there would be no return to the public meeting for additional actions. The roll call confirmed unanimous support for entering the closed session.
Adjournment of Public Meeting (00:43:05)
The public meeting was adjourned as the commissioners entered closed session, concluding the public portion of the meeting.

The public meeting was adjourned as the commissioners prepared to enter a closed session. The clerk confirmed the procedure and the commissioners unanimously supported the motion to transition to a closed setting. The meeting concluded with a note of appreciation for the city of Kalamazoo.