City of Kalamazoo - August 4, 2025 City Commission Business Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The commission discusses the approval of an agreement to establish the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District. Jane Goosh from Discover Kalamazoo presents details about the project, highlighting its potential benefits for community youth and visitors. The commission also addresses public concerns regarding ICE activities and emphasizes the importance of protecting all residents. Commissioners express their support for community safety and discuss ongoing projects, including the Police Athletic League and infrastructure improvements.

Chapters

Welcome and Opening Remarks (00:01:07)
The meeting began with a warm welcome from the mayor to all attending commissioners and guests.

The mayor welcomed everyone to the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting, emphasizing the pleasure of seeing everyone gathered in the chambers.
Call to Order and Roll Call (00:01:15)
The meeting was officially called to order, and the roll was taken to confirm attendance of commissioners.

The mayor officially called the meeting to order, and Clerk Ling conducted the roll call. Commissioners Cooney, Decker, Hoffman, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson were present. A motion was made and passed to excuse Commissioner Praedel.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:52)
Pastor David Ky gave an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the mayor.

Pastor David Ky from Calvary Bible Church delivered an invocation, praying for wisdom and guidance for the commission. Following the invocation, the attendees participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:07:39)
The formal agenda was presented and adopted with an addition to New Business regarding the city manager search.

The mayor asked if there were any changes to the formal agenda. Vice Mayor Hess requested to add a report on the city manager search to New Business, which was accepted. No other changes were proposed, and the agenda was adopted.
Public Comments (00:08:30)
Multiple citizens provided public comments on various topics including housing, public safety, and immigration policies.

During the public comment period, citizens expressed concerns over issues such as housing affordability, immigration enforcement by ICE, public safety, and community development. Comments included calls for action on social justice matters and infrastructure improvements. Several speakers highlighted the impact of gun violence and the need for strategic approaches to community safety.
Public Comment Period (00:33:23)
Residents expressed concerns about homelessness, ICE raids, and city priorities. Calls to protect all citizens and address affordable housing were emphasized.

Multiple residents spoke during the public comment period. A speaker highlighted the issue of feeding children from the streets and the mission, emphasizing the need for food security in Kalamazoo. Concerns were raised about police wearing masks, affordable housing not being truly affordable, and citizens facing homelessness. Another resident discussed the failure of a past sanctuary city resolution and the need for policies to protect against ICE raids, urging the city not to cooperate with ICE. Further comments stressed the importance of supporting the entire community, not just the wealthy, and ensuring that resources are used to help those in need. The public comments concluded with a call for accountability from city leaders and the impact of election outcomes.
Consent Agenda Items (00:46:23)
Several contracts and agreements were presented for approval. Key items included environmental compliance, legal services, and public service contracts.

The consent agenda included items such as approval of contracts with N Swan Environmental LLC for FEMA compliance map revisions, Miller Canfield for legal services, and Tree Works Incorporated for tree removal. Other items included contracts for industrial uniform rental, parking ramp repairs, and sewer lining projects. The agenda also included reappointments to the Retirement and Perpetual Care Investment Committee and approval of minutes from previous meetings.
Regular Agenda: Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District (01:00:39)
Approval of an agreement to create an assessment district for funding the Kalamazoo County Event Center. The center aims to benefit local hotels and the community.

The commission reviewed and approved an agreement with Kalamazoo County to establish the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District. This initiative aims to fund the event center through assessments on local hotels, increasing tourism and providing community benefits. The center will host tournaments and other events, with plans for community access when not in use for tourism activities.
Regular Agenda: Issuance of General Obligation Bonds (01:00:59)
Authorization of bonds to finance city projects, including parks, streets, and building infrastructure. The bond issuance faced no public petitions against it.

The commission authorized the issuance of general obligation limited tax bonds to finance various city projects. These projects include improvements to parks, streets, parking facilities, and city infrastructure. The bonds were previously noticed for public petition, but no petitions were filed, allowing the issuance to proceed without objections.
Reports and Legislation (01:03:46)
Upcoming events and initiatives were announced, including National Night Out and an airborne survey of aquifers. Public safety and community engagement were highlighted.

Reports included announcements of upcoming city events such as the National Night Out and a youth talent show. Additionally, an airborne survey to map underground aquifers was mentioned, involving a helicopter with a hexagonal antenna flying low over open areas to gather data.
New Business: City Manager Search Update (01:05:31)
An update on the ongoing city manager search was provided, emphasizing transparency and community involvement. The search is being conducted with the assistance of a search firm.

The commission provided an update on the search for a new city manager. A subcommittee, along with city staff and a search firm, is conducting the process. The update emphasized the importance of community involvement and transparency in selecting the right candidate for the position.
City Manager Search Update (01:06:22)
The city manager search landing page is now live, and the community can provide input via online and paper surveys.

The city manager search landing page is live at www.kalamazoocity.org/citymanagersearch. Citizens can complete an online survey or pick up paper surveys at various locations, including the National Night Out. The surveys will inform the selection process, and Pamela Weidman from Ref Telus will present at a special committee meeting next week. A special committee of the whole meeting will be scheduled for further discussion.
Motions and Votes (01:09:33)
A motion was made and supported to set a special committee of the whole meeting for the city manager search process.

The commission discussed the need for a special committee of the whole meeting to continue the city manager search process. A motion was made and supported, and a roll call vote was conducted, with all commissioners voting yes. The meeting will include public comment and further presentations by Pamela Weidman.
Commissioner Comments (01:11:51)
Commissioners expressed gratitude for a retiring community member, discussed a sister city visit to Japan, and addressed local and national issues.

Commissioners took turns making comments on various topics. Commissioner Wilson and Commissioner Decker shared their experiences from a recent visit to Kalamazoo's sister city in Japan. Several commissioners expressed concerns about recent actions by ICE and emphasized the importance of protecting all community residents, regardless of documentation status. There was also a discussion about gun violence and proactive measures, such as the Police Athletic League, to engage youth positively.
Adjournment (01:19:09)
The meeting was adjourned with a reminder about the upcoming special committee meeting.

Mayor Anderson wrapped up the meeting with a mention of recent gun violence concerns and appreciation for public safety efforts. He reminded the community about the upcoming special committee of the whole meeting to discuss the city manager hiring process. The meeting was officially adjourned with a closing statement of appreciation for Kalamazoo.