City of Kalamazoo - August 26, 2025 Natural Features Protection Review Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The NFP Board reviews plans for a pump station project at Spring Valley Park in Kalamazoo. The project aims to consolidate and upgrade pump station five to enhance water treatment capabilities, particularly for iron and PFAS removal. The board reviews the project's alignment with the Natural Features Protection overlay district, ensuring minimal environmental impact, including tree preservation and erosion control measures. The meeting provides detailed insights into the project's logistics, environmental considerations, and regulatory compliance, highlighting the collaboration between city engineers and regulatory bodies to meet new water quality standards.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:56)
The meeting of the NFP Review Board was called to order.

The meeting of the Natural Features Protection Review Board was officially called to order by the chairperson.
Roll Call (00:02:05)
Roll call was conducted, and the attendance of board members was confirmed.

The roll call was conducted by Nolan. Board members Hollander, Meia, Stempel, Martin, and Bassett were present. Fredrickson and RO were absent and had informed the board in advance.
Motion to Excuse Absent Members (00:02:34)
A motion to excuse absent members Fredrickson and RO was passed.

A motion was made and supported to excuse the absent members, Fredrickson and RO. The motion passed with all in favor.
Adoption of the Agenda (00:02:59)
The agenda for the meeting was adopted as presented.

A motion was made and supported to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously with all in favor.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:30)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved with corrections noted.

The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. Corrections were noted regarding the absence of Directors Bassett and Martin. A motion was made to approve the minutes with these corrections, which was supported and passed.
Public Comments (00:04:45)
There were no public comments during the meeting.

The chair opened the floor for public comments, allowing attendees to step forward or call in with comments. No one came forward, and no call-in comments were received.
Board Member Comments (00:05:10)
There were no comments from the board members.

The chair invited any comments from the board members regarding the meeting or other matters, but none were made.
New Business - Spring Valley Park Project (00:05:22)
Discussion of the Spring Valley Park project involving pump station consolidation and water treatment enhancements.

Nolan provided an overview of a new business item involving the Spring Valley Park project. The project is part of a pump station consolidation effort to increase water treatment capacity for removing iron and PFAS. Eric from the Kalamazoo Water Resources Division detailed the project scope, including well field updates, pump station upgrades, and environmental considerations.
Unfinished Business - NFP Board Work Session (00:25:01)
Discussion on scheduling a joint training session for NFP and other city boards.

Discussion continued on organizing a joint training session for the NFP Board, Planning Commissioners, and Zoning Board of Appeals as part of redevelopment readiness. Nolan provided updates on scheduling and content preparations for the session.
Discussion on Critical Infrastructure Project (00:40:25)
Discussion about the critical infrastructure project, its impact, and the regulatory requirements involved.

The meeting discussed a critical infrastructure project that involves sensitive materials and is classified as critical due to its connection to public water sources. Concerns were raised about the lack of public notification due to conflicting Department of Defense requirements. The discussion also compared this project to a similar one involving a golf course, highlighting regulatory differences and best management practices.
Staff Reports and Updates (00:46:40)
An update on staff reports and recent activities within the department.

The staff provided updates on their current activities and projects. This was noted as the conclusion of staff reports and updates for the meeting.
Board Communications and Announcements (00:46:50)
Opportunity for board members to share any communications or announcements.

Board members were invited to share any communications or announcements they might have. No additional communications or announcements were made at this time.
Adjournment (00:47:00)
The meeting was adjourned.

With no further communications or announcements from the board members, the meeting was officially adjourned.