City of Kalamazoo - August 18, 2025 City Commission Business Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Commission considers the establishment of a new Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) to support housing development near downtown. The Commission also issues proclamations recognizing the contributions of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and celebrating August as Emancipation Celebration Month. Public comments are heard regarding housing challenges, community safety, and environmental concerns. The meeting concludes with a discussion on the city manager search process and updates on local initiatives.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:16)
The meeting was officially called to order by Mayor Anderson.

Mayor Anderson called the business meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission to order, marking the official start of the meeting.
Roll Call (00:01:40)
Roll call was conducted to confirm attendance of commissioners.

Clerk Boiling conducted the roll call. Commissioners Cooney, Hoffman, Praedel, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson were present. Commissioner Decker was absent.
Excusing Absence (00:01:54)
A motion was passed to excuse Commissioner Decker from the meeting.

A motion was made by Commissioner Cooney, supported by Vice Mayor Hess, to excuse Commissioner Decker from the meeting. The motion was passed unanimously.
Invocation (00:02:16)
Chaplain Regina Mays delivered the Invocation and prayer for the meeting.

Chaplain Regina Mays delivered an Invocation, asking for guidance and blessings for the commission and the community. She emphasized the importance of love, stewardship, and unity in her prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:06:30)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees.

Following the Invocation, all attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
Proclamations (00:06:36)
Two proclamations were presented recognizing important events and activities.

Two proclamations were presented. The first recognized the OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU, read by Commissioner Chris Praedel. The second recognized August as Emancipation Celebration Month, read by Vice Mayor Hess, with Michelle Johnson from the Institute for Public Scholarship present.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:18:42)
The formal agenda was adopted with one addition to New Business.

The formal agenda was adopted with the addition of the City Manager Search Report to New Business, as requested by Vice Mayor Hess. No other changes were made.
Public Comments (00:19:27)
Public comments were made by several residents on various issues.

Several residents, including Tina, Jess Thompson, Kay, Shona, and Jane Goosh, addressed the commission. Topics included flooding issues, high rent and homelessness, the composting program, the housing crisis, and the conversion of lodging properties for transitional housing.
Public Comments (00:36:27)
Residents express concerns over housing, community safety, and the impact of flooding.

During the public comment section, several residents addressed the commission. One resident applauded the city's efforts for the unhoused and supported pausing a housing program to ensure its suitability. Another resident thanked the commission for addressing community concerns about K-D-A-P-S officers wearing masks and highlighted ongoing flooding issues affecting their property. Additionally, there was a call for proactive measures to protect the community from ICE actions. A third resident urged the commission to denounce certain actions and called for expanded protections for vulnerable populations, including sanctuary policies and support for grassroots organizations. There was a strong emphasis on taking a stand with the community against state violence and supporting affected families.
Public Hearing on Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (00:42:03)
Public hearing to discuss the establishment of a NEZ for housing development in Kalamazoo.

The meeting continued with a public hearing regarding the establishment of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) in Kalamazoo. The NEZ aims to encourage housing development within a designated area bounded by East Frank Street, Walbridge Street, East Ransom Street, and North Pitcher Street. Bobby, the assistant city planner, provided a presentation on the NEZ proposal, outlining its potential benefits for residential development and the associated tax abatements. The NEZ is intended to facilitate the transformational brownfield project, which includes residential dwellings and mixed-use developments on currently vacant sites. The hearing included discussions on the criteria for NEZ qualification, the impact on local taxes, and the need for more housing in urban centers. Several commissioners asked questions about the specifics of the NEZ, the applicability of tax incentives, and the potential for similar initiatives in other neighborhoods. A resident expressed concerns about how tax incentives for developers might impact existing homeowners.
Public Comments (01:07:49)
Residents express concerns over housing and development in the Northside Cultural Business District.

Several residents voiced concerns over the impact of development incentives on long-term homeowners in the Northside Cultural Business District. They emphasized the need for more support for existing residents who have been paying taxes and contributing to the community. There were calls for equitable treatment between developers and homeowners, and for more robust programs to address housing and homelessness issues.
Consent Agenda (01:13:16)
Approval of multiple contracts and resolutions related to city projects and services.

The consent agenda included the approval of various contracts and resolutions, such as a contract for asphalt patching, a sole source agreement extension with Enviro Suite, and a professional service contract with GHD Service for environmental consulting. Other items included agreements related to budget adjustments, renovations at Princeton Park, and the purchase of a fire apparatus.
Reports and Legislation (01:31:20)
City Manager provides updates on summer activities and the impact of new ordinances.

The City Manager reported on upcoming summer activities, including a final summer cinema and kayaking lessons. An update was provided on the success of a new ordinance aimed at reducing mobile nuisance parties, noting a significant decrease in such activities.
New Business (01:33:19)
Updates on the city manager search process and community engagement efforts.

Vice Mayor Hess provided updates on the search for a new city manager, including the posting of the position and community engagement efforts to gather input on desired traits and priorities. A special committee meeting was proposed for candidate interviews.
Commissioner Comments (01:41:26)
Commissioners share personal experiences and concerns.

Commissioner Hoffman shared a personal experience involving gunshots and the fear it instilled, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of gun violence. The comment underscored the importance of addressing public safety concerns in the community.