City of Kalamazoo - September 15, 2025 City Commission Business Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

Metro Transit provided an update on their services, including new initiatives and an upcoming millage election. The Commission approved proclamations for Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, Diaper Need Awareness Week, and honored Pastor Michael L. Brown for his community contributions. Community members expressed concerns over surveillance cameras, housing issues, and public safety practices. The meeting also addressed the ongoing city manager selection process, with discussions about the number of candidates to interview and the importance of community engagement in the decision-making process. The meeting highlighted the Commission's focus on community issues and the need for continued dialogue with residents.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:11)
The meeting is called to order for the KMSU city commission.

The meeting is officially called to order by the presiding officer for the KMSU city commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September.
Roll Call (00:01:36)
Roll call of commissioners is conducted to confirm attendance.

The clerk conducts a roll call to confirm the presence of commissioners: Commissioner Cooney, Commissioner Decker, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner Praedel, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson.
Agenda Adjustment (00:01:55)
Agenda is adjusted to swap the order of certain items.

The agenda is adjusted to have the Metro transit update come after the proclamations, swapping the order of these items.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:37)
An invocation is given followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Reverend Dr. Christopher Moore from Mount Zion Baptist Church leads the invocation, after which the assembly stands and recites the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamations (00:04:47)
Three proclamations are delivered to honor local initiatives and individuals.

Three proclamations are delivered: 1) Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, 2) Diaper Need Awareness Week, and 3) Honoring Pastor Michael L. Brown for his contributions to the community.
Introduction of Guests and Metro Transit Update (00:20:35)
An update on Metro transit is provided by Kurt Artema.

Kurt Artema, chair of the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority, provides an update on the Metro transit system, including its services, partnerships, and upcoming millage election.
Questions and Discussion (00:33:01)
Commissioners ask questions and discuss the Metro transit update.

Commissioners engage in a discussion with Kurt Artema, asking questions about the Metro transit system, its future plans, and community engagement strategies related to the upcoming millage election.
Discussion on Metro ID Card Policy and Accessibility (00:36:44)
Discussion on issues related to Metro ID cards, including replacement costs and accessibility for underserved communities.

The commission discussed the barriers that Metro ID card users face, especially those on fixed incomes. Concerns were raised about the cost of replacing lost cards and the necessity of a mobile app for accessibility. The discussion highlighted the need for solutions that consider the balance on lost cards and the provision of services to underserved communities, including language accessibility.
Metro Transit Service Hours and Hiring (00:40:00)
Consideration of extending Metro service hours to prevent alcohol-related incidents and announcement of job opportunities at Metro.

The commission considered extending Metro service hours to reduce alcohol-related incidents. The discussion emphasized the importance of Metro as a public service and its role in providing safe transportation options. Additionally, Metro's current job openings were announced, highlighting opportunities in various operational roles.
Collaboration with Veterans Services for Metro Accessibility (00:44:28)
Update on Metro's collaboration with veterans services to improve transportation accessibility for veterans.

The commission inquired about the progress of a collaborative program with the county's veterans services office to improve transportation options for veterans. The program aims to provide better service accessibility and potentially expand programming to include bus passes for veterans.
Adoption of Formal Agenda and Communications (00:47:43)
Formal agenda adoption with changes and announcement of RFP for winter shelter services.

The formal agenda was adopted with a change to remove item F2 for future consideration. Communications included an announcement about an RFP issued for winter shelter services, with the city and various partners seeking providers for day and night shelter services.
Public Comments (00:50:49)
Public comments covered topics from small business appreciation to infrastructure concerns and privacy issues with surveillance cameras.

Several public comments were made. A small business owner expressed gratitude for city support. Concerns were raised about surveillance cameras' impact on privacy. Students petitioned for funding to address food insecurity. Comments also highlighted infrastructure issues with city streets and proposed solutions for addressing funding gaps.
Public Comments on Community Events (01:08:15)
Nick Beal discusses upcoming community events in Kalamazoo, including an art fair and a street rod association competition.

Nick Beal, business development coordinator for Discover Kalamazoo, shares details about events happening in Kalamazoo this weekend. He mentions an art fair event at the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport featuring art displays, giveaways, food and drinks from local vendors, and DIY activities. He also talks about the National Street Rod Association's national north competition happening at the expo center. He emphasizes the positivity these events bring to the community and encourages everyone to attend.
Community Concerns and Mobile Nuisance Party (01:10:57)
Leah Pulley addresses issues of speeding cars in her neighborhood and proposes installing speed bumps.

Leah Pulley, a resident of Kalamazoo, highlights the problem of speeding cars in her neighborhood, known as the mobile nuisance party. She expresses concern for the safety of children, including her own, in the area and proposes installing speed bumps as a solution. Leah mentions that she submitted a petition with only two people opposing it and seeks information on the process and timeline for addressing the issue. She also thanks the commissioners for their hard work and talks about the importance of mentorship and community support.
Community Input on City Manager Selection (01:14:02)
Maggie Adams discusses the importance of community sessions for input on the new city manager selection.

Maggie Adams, a member of ISAAC, emphasizes the importance of community sessions organized by local organizations for gathering input on the city's next manager. She thanks various organizations for hosting these sessions and notes the lack of city-organized community input opportunities. Maggie expresses disappointment that the city council did not arrange these sessions and highlights the value of in-person community discussions. She urges the council to ensure that community insights guide the selection process for the new city manager.
Community-Based Sessions on City Manager Selection (01:18:03)
Kathy Faison highlights successful community sessions for input on the city manager selection process.

Kathy Faison, representing ISAAC and other organizations, acknowledges the city's efforts in beginning the selection process for a new city manager. She highlights successful community-based sessions that allowed residents to voice their opinions on the desired qualities in a new city manager. Kathy shares some community members' advice for the next city manager, including regular meetings with neighborhood leaders, leading with transparency, and building strong working relationships with commissioners. She urges the commission to ensure community insights guide the selection process.
Community Sessions and City Manager Search (01:20:45)
Charla Davis discusses the importance of community sessions and feedback for the city manager search process.

Charla Davis, with ISAAC, expresses gratitude to those who attended community sessions related to the city manager search process. She highlights the importance of these sessions in gathering community feedback and shares her hope that future processes will center community input from start to finish. Charla thanks commissioners who supported evening sessions and emphasizes the need for listening to community voices, especially regarding systemic disparities. She encourages elected officials to consider the wellbeing of the community at a systemic level.
Concerns About Police and Community Trust (01:25:00)
A community member raises concerns about police actions and trust within the Kalamazoo community.

A community member shares a disturbing incident involving the police and a houseless woman, highlighting issues of trust and empathy within the police force. The speaker criticizes the lack of response and empathy from the police during the incident and expresses frustration over systemic issues in the community, including housing and police accountability. They emphasize the need for housing as a human right and express disappointment with city leadership and resource allocation.
Flooding Issues in Kalamazoo Neighborhoods (01:29:09)
A resident addresses ongoing flooding issues in their neighborhood and calls for city action.

A resident who lives in a flood-prone area of Kalamazoo describes the persistent flooding problems that have affected their neighborhood for years. They express frustration with the city's lack of action in addressing storm drain issues and the resulting damage to homes and streets. The resident also highlights the broader issues of crime, homelessness, and infrastructure problems in Kalamazoo, urging the city to take responsibility and address these concerns for the betterment of all residents.
Concerns About ICE and Police Transparency (01:33:19)
Claire raises concerns about police transparency and the relationship with ICE in Kalamazoo.

Claire, a Kalamazoo resident, expresses concern over an email from the police chief regarding the relationship with ICE and the lack of transparency. She criticizes the vague language used by city officials and the police department, which she believes undermines community trust. Claire calls for more concrete protections and transparency regarding police interactions with federal agencies like ICE, emphasizing the need for oversight and the importance of addressing community concerns about policing and safety.
Community Concerns About Housing and Elections (01:37:29)
Shawna discusses the urgent need for affordable housing and the importance of elections.

Shawna, a community member, highlights the urgent need for affordable housing in Kalamazoo and the challenges faced by residents due to high rent and living costs. She criticizes the city for focusing on expensive developments that cater to the wealthy while neglecting the needs of the broader community. Shawna emphasizes the importance of elections and urges city officials to genuinely care about and address the issues affecting residents, particularly housing affordability and accessibility.
Public Comments (01:38:28)
Various community members voiced concerns about barriers to resources, infrastructure investments, public surveillance, and the need for warming shelters.

Several community members expressed their concerns over barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing resources, infrastructure decisions that do not consider the needs of the local community, the presence of surveillance cameras and their impact on privacy, as well as the need for warming shelters to protect the unhoused during winter. Speakers also urged accountability from local government officials and called for more transparency in the city manager search process.
Public Hearing on CAPER (01:54:18)
A public hearing was held on the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) with a presentation by city officials.

The city held a public hearing regarding the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Julie Johnston, a compliance specialist, presented the report which is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The report detailed the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, including activities and outcomes related to affordable housing, homeless assistance, neighborhood enhancements, and public services. The presentation highlighted achievements, funding allocations, and data on race and income levels of beneficiaries. The public was invited to provide feedback, but no public comments were made during the hearing.
Consent Agenda (02:06:10)
The city commission approved several items in the consent agenda, including contracts, resolutions, and appointments.

During the meeting, the city commission approved the consent agenda items which included a sole source purchase agreement, various contracts for services such as cloud migration and trash disposal, a resolution approving a change in street lighting contracts, a recommendation for a social district, amendments to contracts with the county land bank, and appointments to boards and commissions. The approval also included minor corrections to the meeting minutes.
City Manager's Report (02:10:24)
The city manager provided updates on local events, staffing changes, and increased participation in the employee medical clinic.

The city manager reported on upcoming celebrations for the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant's 70th anniversary, welcomed new staff members in the human resources department, and noted increased participation in the employee medical clinic, highlighting the significance of these developments for the community and city employees.
City Manager Search Update (02:12:00)
The commission discussed the city manager search process, including the number of candidates to interview.

An update was provided on the city manager search process. The subcommittee in charge of the search reported that applications have been received and are being vetted by RAF Tellis. The commission discussed the number of candidates to interview, ranging from three to five, and emphasized confidentiality until finalists are selected. The process includes evaluating resumes and selecting top candidates for interviews.
Interview Process Discussion (02:14:42)
Discussion on the process for selecting city manager candidates for interviews, including recommendations on the number of candidates to interview and the anonymity of the selection process.

The meeting discussed the process for selecting individuals to interview for the city manager position, focusing on the number of candidates, anonymity, and timing. There was a consensus on keeping the selection process anonymous by using identifying numbers rather than names. It was suggested by the recruitment firm to interview between three to five candidates, but the potential for candidates to withdraw was discussed. There was also a plan to hold meet-and-greet sessions and public feedback opportunities.
Public Comments and Feedback Opportunities (02:27:02)
Public feedback will be gathered through various events, including meet-and-greets and direct interactions with the candidates, to ensure public input is considered in the selection process.

The meeting outlined several opportunities for public feedback on the city manager candidates, including a meet-and-greet event and a follow-up interview day for public comments. The importance of providing multiple avenues for the public to express their opinions on the candidates was emphasized, allowing for direct interactions and surveys.
Considerations for Candidate Selection (02:29:18)
Discussion on the factors affecting candidate selection, including the possibility of candidates applying to multiple positions and the need for alternates in case of withdrawals.

The committee discussed various factors affecting the selection of candidates for interviews, such as candidates applying to multiple positions and possibly being selected elsewhere. The idea of having alternates in case chosen candidates withdrew was considered, and the legal aspects of keeping alternates confidential were discussed.
Commissioner Comments (02:31:33)
Commissioners provided comments on various topics, including recent community events, housing challenges, and appreciation for public service.

During the meeting, several commissioners provided comments on a range of topics. Commissioner Wilson highlighted community events and networking opportunities. Commissioner Cooney reflected on a housing and homelessness conference, noting the challenges and dedication of those working in this field. Commissioner Decker encouraged city commission candidates to introduce themselves and acknowledged community concerns about ICE activities. Commissioner Praedel emphasized the importance of the strategic vision process and the city's transitions.
Adjournment (02:47:03)
The meeting was adjourned after all items were discussed and commissioner comments were made.

The meeting concluded after discussing the agenda items and hearing comments from the commissioners. The next steps involve further discussions in the subcommittee meetings and gathering public input on the city manager selection process.
Recognition of the Police Athletic League (02:47:05)
The speaker appreciates the Police Athletic League (PAL) for fostering positive interactions and supporting youth.

The speaker expressed their appreciation for the values and principles of the Police Athletic League (PAL), highlighting its role in creating positive interactions with public safety departments and supporting youth through various activities like soccer, rocket football, and baseball. The speaker also recognized Johnny Berry and the public safety department for their great work in engaging with the community through PAL.
Adjournment (02:47:50)
The meeting was adjourned with a positive note expressing love for Kalamazoo.

The meeting concluded with an expression of love for Kalamazoo, marking the official adjournment of the session.