City of Kalamazoo - August 13, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission

Updated about 5 hours ago

Members review the City Hall local historic district report. The commission also assesses the progress of a community engagement initiative aimed at fostering historic preservation partnerships within Kalamazoo. Notable highlights include securing CLG grant funds for City Hall restoration and the announcement of a new historic marker near Bronson Park. The session wraps up with plans for future meetings and workshops to enhance the commission's efforts in preserving Kalamazoo's historic legacy.

Chapters

Roll Call (00:02:09)
Roll call was conducted, and all members were present.

The meeting began with a roll call, conducted alphabetically by last name. All members were present, including Kayla, Fred, Nora, Dusty, Melissa, and Patrick.
Approval of Agenda (00:03:30)
The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and approved with no changes.

The meeting proceeded to the approval of the agenda. There were discussions about a report line needing more context, but it was decided to address it later in the meeting. A motion to approve the agenda was made and seconded.
Approval of Minutes (00:05:09)
Minutes from the last meeting were reviewed and approved as amended.

The commission reviewed the minutes from the last meeting. There was a discussion about a phrase in the Sexton's Lodge financial support paragraph, and it was suggested to amend the wording to avoid confusion. A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made and seconded.
Public Comments (00:06:57)
Public comments included an announcement about an article publication and a reminder for a community engagement report letter.

During the public comments section, Pam announced that her article on the history of City Hall would be published in Encore Magazine. There was also a reminder about discussing the community engagement report letter later in the meeting.
Financial Reports (00:09:49)
The financial reports were reviewed with no substantive changes from the last meeting.

The financial reports were presented, indicating no substantive changes from the previous meeting. There was a discussion about payments for conferences and lodging, with plans to amend the budget to reflect membership costs.
O'Connor Fund Report (00:12:19)
The O'Connor Fund report highlighted an uptick in net assets and ongoing grant work.

The O'Connor Fund report was presented. Pam and Luis discussed responses from the community foundation, and they are awaiting further feedback. There was also an update on the financial status of the O'Connor Fund, showing an increase in net assets.
Community Engagement Report (00:16:22)
The community engagement report was discussed, focusing on outreach and letter drafts.

The meeting discussed the community engagement report, with focus on outreach efforts and the draft of a letter to local organizations. The letter aims to introduce the commission and invite collaboration on preservation efforts. Suggestions were made to improve the letter's content and clarity.
Discussion on Community Engagement (00:37:15)
The committee discussed the process for sending out letters to neighborhood associations and the need to prepare for responses.

The group discussed the importance of reviewing a list for neighborhood associations not present on the initial list and the process for sending out letters. There was a consensus on needing a plan for responding to requests that might come in as a result of the outreach.
City Hall Local Historic District Report (00:39:43)
Pam provided an update on the City Hall's recognition in CLG grants and its implications for historic preservation efforts.

Pam shared that City Hall was awarded CLG funds to assess damage as a first step in preservation efforts. This recognition was picked up by local media, highlighting the importance of grants and the work of the CLG program.
Work Plan Request Review (00:42:31)
Pam presented a work plan framework for goal setting and planning, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the budgeting process.

The work plan summary was presented, outlining goals and responsibilities established in the last planning session. The need for a structured approach to planning in line with budget timelines was discussed, with emphasis on setting focused, attainable goals.
Draft Budget Review (01:01:22)
The draft budget for the upcoming year was presented, reflecting similar allocations to the previous year with minor changes.

The budget was discussed with an emphasis on balancing expenditures and revenues. Questions were raised about specific line items and the need for detailed planning in future work sessions. The draft serves as a starting point for further refinement.
Coordinator's Report and Miscellaneous Updates (01:08:14)
The coordinator provided updates on the Pioneer Cemetery gravestone and recognition of City Hall's CLG funding in local media.

Updates included the placement of a gravestone at Pioneer Cemetery and media coverage of City Hall's CLG funding. The importance of recognizing other communities' grant achievements was also highlighted.