City of Kalamazoo - September 4, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting

Updated 4 days ago

The Commission met briefly to approve the committee recommendation for Bissonnette to join the board upon the approval of the Kalamazoo City Commission. Commission Liason Chris Praedel also updated the board on the City Manager search process. Bisonnette was recommended to fill the position left by Ian Smith, who moved to Minneapolis. The commissioners expressed their support for the new candidate, noting his alignment with the master plan and values of Kalamazoo. A motion was passed to to further the recommendation to the City Commission for its final approval. Other topics included an update on the city manager search process and a brief mention of upcoming drafts of stated values and goals.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:45)
The meeting was called to order, and roll call was conducted to confirm attendance of members.

The planning commission meeting was called to order, and a roll call was conducted. Members present included Audette Bauman, Curtis, DeCenzo, and Reva. Patelco and Swan were mentioned, but their presence was not confirmed. Tolbert and Wilson were present.
Approval of Agenda and Minutes (00:01:16)
The agenda and minutes from the last meeting were approved with no changes or objections.

The agenda for the meeting was presented, and there were no changes. The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed, and a motion was made to approve them. A voice vote was taken, and the minutes were approved unanimously.
Communications and Announcements (00:01:44)
There were no communications or announcements from city staff.

The chair asked if there were any communications or announcements from city staff. It was confirmed that there were none for this meeting.
Public Hearings (00:01:48)
There were no public hearings scheduled for this meeting.

The agenda moved to public hearings, and it was confirmed that there were no public hearings scheduled for this meeting.
Action Items - Recommendation for Planning Commission Vacancy (00:01:56)
The interview committee recommended Roland Binet to fill the vacant seat on the Planning Commission.

Commissioner Tolbert and another commissioner interviewed Roland Binet for the vacant seat on the Planning Commission. They found him to be an excellent candidate whose experience and values align with the master plan and the values of Kalamazoo. A motion was made to recommend him to the City Commission to fill the vacancy left by Ian Smith, who moved to Minneapolis. A roll call vote was conducted, and the recommendation was approved unanimously.
City Planner's Report (00:04:45)
There were no updates from the city planner at this meeting.

The city planner reported that there were no updates to provide at this meeting. Commissioner Curtis mentioned a recent partners meeting but noted that nothing significant was reported.
Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (00:06:05)
There were no public comments on non-agenda items during this meeting.

The floor was opened for public comments on non-agenda items. Attendees could approach the microphone or call in, but no comments were received.
City Commission Liaison Comments (00:06:51)
The liaison provided an update on the city manager search process.

The city commission liaison provided an update on the ongoing city manager search process. The job posting has been advertised nationwide, and there is strong interest with 24 applicants so far. Community input is being gathered through surveys and forums. Finalist interviews will be conducted in a public meeting, and the community is encouraged to participate and provide feedback.
Planning Commissioner Comments (00:10:24)
There were no additional comments from planning commissioners.

The chair invited planning commissioners to share any comments. There were no additional comments or items brought forward by the commissioners.
Adjournment (00:10:55)
The meeting was adjourned after completing the agenda items.

The meeting was officially adjourned after all agenda items were covered. The chair thanked everyone for their participation and noted that it was their first time running a meeting.