Kalamazoo City Commission - October 6, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The commission focuses on selecting a new city manager - entering closed session for the duration of the Committee of the Whole meeting. The brief open session includes public comments emphasizing the need for a leader who addresses structural racism and public health disparities.The Commission aim is to ensure the chosen candidate aligns with the community's needs and expectations for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:31)
The Kalamazoo City Commission committee of the whole meeting was officially called to order.

The meeting was officially called to order by the presiding officer for the Kalamazoo City Commission committee of the whole on Monday.
Roll Call (00:01:45)
Roll call was conducted with several commissioners present, including Commissioner Cooney, Commissioner Decker, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner Praedel, and others.

Roll call was conducted for the meeting. Commissioners present included Commissioner Cooney, Decker, Hoffman, Praedel, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson.
Manager Communications (00:02:05)
The city manager had no communications to report at this time.

The city manager was asked if there were any communications to report, to which the response was no communications at this time.
Public Comment (00:05:00)
Members of the public provided comments focusing on the selection of a new city manager, emphasizing diversity, community involvement, and addressing structural racism.

During the public comment period, several community members spoke about the importance of selecting a new city manager who is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They highlighted the need for addressing issues such as structural racism, community trust, and the health disparities affecting black and brown communities. Comments emphasized the importance of a city manager who is a strategic thinker, community-focused, and capable of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Motion to Enter Closed Session (00:13:18)
A motion was made and passed to enter a closed session to discuss candidate selection for the city manager position.

The commission moved to enter a closed session to discuss matters related to the selection of candidates for the city manager position. The motion was supported and passed after a roll call vote. The closed session was intended to allow the commission to meet with the representative from Ref Tellis and discuss candidates while respecting confidentiality protocols.
Adjournment (00:16:21)
The committee of the whole meeting was adjourned as the commission entered closed session.

The meeting was officially adjourned as the commission prepared to enter a closed session to discuss the city manager candidates. No further public business was conducted after this point.