City of Kalamazoo - Civil Rights Board

City of Kalamazoo - Civil Rights Board - August 6, 2025 Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

Members discussed updates on ordinance enforcement, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the city commission and the search for a new city manager. The board appointed members to various subcommittees, including the educational and ordinance review committees. They reviewed the public complaint log, noting several complaints regarding housing and law enforcement, and discussed the importance of educating the public on filing civil rights complaints. The meeting also highlighted the significance of community input in the upcoming city manager search.

Chapters

Roll Call (00:00:56)
Director Smith conducts roll call confirming the presence of all board members.

Director Smith conducts roll call, confirming the presence of all board members: Chairperson Faison, Vice Chair Luman, Directors Burpee, Moore Doyle, Calderon, Ship Link Sip, de Bore, and Commissioner Hoffman.
Adoption of Agenda (00:01:42)
Motion to adopt the meeting agenda is moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Director Hewitt Smith entertains a motion to adopt the agenda. The motion is moved by Director Burpee and seconded by Chair Luman. The agenda is adopted unanimously after a vote.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:25)
Motion to approve minutes of the previous meeting with corrections is passed.

Director Hewitt Smith entertains a motion to approve the minutes of the Civil Rights Board meeting with corrections. The motion is moved by Director Moore Doyle and seconded by Vice Chair Luman. The minutes are approved unanimously.
Public Announcements and Communications (00:03:39)
No new public announcements; board welcomes new directors Sling and Debore.

Director Hewitt Smith asks for any public announcements or communications. There are no new announcements, but there is an expression of appreciation for welcoming Directors Sling and Debore to the Civil Rights Board.
Ordinance Edits Discussion (00:04:36)
Discussion about the current status and enforcement of the ordinance and the role of a new city manager.

Discussion on the ordinance edits: no changes have been made as the current wording is enforceable. The board is working with the city commission to ensure proper enforcement. The search for a new city manager who will play a key role in ordinance enforcement is also discussed.
Subcommittee Process Maps and Involvement (00:09:09)
Discussion on creating process maps for subcommittee involvement in complaints.

Vice Chair Luman discusses developing process maps for subcommittee involvement in complaint reviews. The goal is to involve a subcommittee at the inception of complaints, rather than waiting until the board hears them.
Potential Name Change of the Board (00:12:13)
Consideration of changing the board's name to better reflect its scope.

The board discusses the potential name change to 'Human Rights Board' to better reflect its scope. The discussion arises from the types of complaints received and the board's frustration over jurisdiction issues.
Appointees to Subcommittees (00:14:11)
Appointments to subcommittees are made to ensure full participation.

Director Hewitt Smith appoints members to subcommittees, including Director Burpee to the educational subcommittee. The need for full participation in subcommittees is emphasized.
Educational Subcommittee Planning (00:16:58)
Discussion on planning the first educational subcommittee meeting and community involvement.

Discussion on planning the educational subcommittee's first meeting and the importance of involving community members, including collaboration with local organizations like Isaac.
Monthly Meeting Frequency Discussion (00:21:15)
Discussion on whether to continue meeting every other month or move to monthly meetings.

The board discusses whether to continue meeting every other month or return to monthly meetings. The consensus is to maintain the current schedule due to the workload on subcommittees.
Update on Complaint Log (00:24:24)
Report on complaints received and processed by the office of DEI.

An update is provided on the complaint log, detailing the types and numbers of complaints received, and how they were handled or referred to appropriate agencies.
Discussion on Civil Rights Complaints (00:37:23)
Discussion about how civil rights complaints are handled and if they are properly directed to the appropriate departments.

The discussion centered around whether civil rights complaints received by various departments are being properly directed to the correct entities. Director Smith noted that while he can't speak for the 311 call center, they are vigilant in ensuring complaints land in the right place. Complaints are closed promptly, and follow-ups are made to ensure they are addressed.
Public Comments (00:40:18)
Public comments were made by Maggie Adams and Toby Hannah Davies, raising questions about subcommittees and the city manager search survey.

Maggie Adams, a resident, expressed excitement about the board's transparency and asked questions regarding the formation of a subcommittee and the role of the educational subcommittee. She emphasized the need for more training and education for board members. Toby Hannah Davies highlighted the importance of the new city manager search and encouraged residents to fill out the city survey to ensure the right person is chosen.
Board Comments and Discussion (00:46:35)
Board members discussed various topics including the possibility of changing the board's name and the importance of community involvement.

Board members expressed gratitude for serving on the board and discussed the potential renaming of the board to reflect its functions better. There was a consensus on the need for community involvement and the importance of residents participating in the city manager search survey. Members stressed the need for the board to be a trusted entity in the community.
Adjournment (00:54:47)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion seconded by Director Burpee and approval by the board.

The meeting was concluded with a motion to dismiss, which was seconded and approved by all present. The board members expressed their readiness to continue their work and their commitment to serving the community.