Kalamazoo City Commission - October 6, 2025 Business Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

During the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting on Monday, significant topics include the discussion of the transformational brownfield plan involving projects like Spear Flex and the Michigan Avenue Courthouse. The Commission also reviews the creation of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (N.E.Z.) on Porter Street, and approves candidates for the city manager position, with a public meet and greet scheduled. Additionally, the meeting highlights the city's commitment to public art and economic development initiatives with a visit from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and an update on the success of Kalamazoo's first Brush the Block Mural festival.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:01:24)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo city commission is officially called to order, followed by a roll call of commissioners.

The meeting of the Kalamazoo city commission for Monday is called to order. Clerk Boiling performs the roll call. Present are Commissioner Cooney, Commissioner Decker, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner Praedel, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson.
Proclamation for Juvenile Justice Awareness Month (00:04:30)
Commissioner Wilson reads a proclamation for Juvenile Justice Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of reform and support for at-risk youth.

Commissioner Wilson reads a proclamation recognizing Juvenile Justice Awareness Month, highlighting the need for reform and support for at-risk youth. Representatives from Bent Not Broken, an organization dedicated to empowering youth impacted by the juvenile justice system, receive the proclamation.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:10:42)
The formal agenda is adjusted and adopted, moving an item related to hiring a new city manager forward.

The agenda is adjusted to move an item related to the process for hiring a new city manager forward. The amended agenda is adopted following a motion by Vice Mayor Hess, supported by Commissioner Hoffman.
Communications and Presentations (00:11:53)
Presentations by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and a briefing on the Transformational Brownfield Plan.

Presentations include a thank you from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo for the Brush the Block mural festival, and a briefing on the Transformational Brownfield Plan by Jamie McCarthy and Logan Ma Holland, detailing economic benefits and project specifics.
Public Comments (00:35:25)
Public comments are opened, allowing attendees four minutes each to speak on any topic.

Public comments are opened, with attendees given four minutes each to speak on any topic of their choice. Speakers are reminded to sign in if they wish to have their comments recorded or receive responses.
Public Comments on Housing Issues (00:37:36)
Discussion about the lack of affordable housing options and the burden on low-income residents.

A speaker discusses the inadequate housing options for very low and extremely low income residents, emphasizing the need for robust programs and criticizing the focus on downtown housing developments.
Thanking Commissioners and Community Support (00:40:02)
Community member thanks commissioners for support and collaboration on community events.

A community member thanks Commissioner Decker and the commission for supporting a successful Freedom Fund banquet and acknowledges collaboration with the city and county clerk offices for upcoming events.
Senior Citizens Discount Inquiry (00:42:09)
Request for senior citizens' discount on water bills in line with other utilities.

A resident suggests the city provide discounts for senior citizens on water bills, similar to other utilities, noting the financial burden on seniors due to inflation.
ICE Activity and Local Response (00:43:28)
Call for proactive measures against ICE raids and racial profiling in the community.

A speaker urges the city to respond to increased ICE activities and racial profiling, referencing a guide for municipalities on how to address these issues.
Flooding Issues in South Town Neighborhood (00:44:22)
Long-standing issues with flooding and storm drain failures in the south side of town.

A resident, who has attended meetings for eight years, reiterates the plea for the city to address storm drain and flooding issues affecting the south side neighborhood, criticizing the lack of action from city officials.
Tourism and Economic Impact Report (00:48:24)
Report on visitor spending and support for local tourism-related projects.

The president of Discover Kalamazoo shares positive data on visitor spending and supports the development of a unique boutique hotel as part of the economic development strategy to enhance tourism.
City Manager Candidate Interview Process (00:53:00)
Discussion on the selection and interview process for the new city manager.

The commission discusses the process for selecting city manager candidates, including confidentiality of applicants, public interviews, and the ranking process to determine the top candidates for the position.
Voting Procedure (01:08:43)
Discussion of the voting process for candidates and collection of ballots.

The meeting covered the procedure for confirming the willingness of the top four candidates to interview, ensuring commissioners put their names on ballots, and the collection process for ballots.
Call to Order and Tally Announcement (01:32:56)
Call to order and announcement of top four candidates based on point totals.

The meeting was called back to order, and Clerk Bolan announced the top four candidates after the ranking process. These candidates will proceed to the next step, confirming their willingness to have their names made public and continue in the process.
Consent Agenda (01:35:32)
Approval of various contracts and agreements presented by the city manager.

The meeting reviewed and approved several items in the consent agenda, including contracts with PBS Chemical Solutions, County Line, Jones Chemical, and others for providing chemical solutions and equipment for water treatment and other services.
Regular Agenda Item H1: Property Acquisition Discussion (01:40:04)
Discussion about the purchase of property for a new water station.

Commissioners discussed the acquisition of property in Comstock for a water station, its strategic location, and the process of negotiation for the land purchase, which was available and not residential.
Regular Agenda Item H2: Porter Street NEZ (01:47:01)
Resolution to establish the Porter Street Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ).

Assistant City Planner Bobby Durkey presented on establishing an NEZ at Porter Street to support residential development, including public improvements and alignment with city and county housing plans.
Reports and Legislation (02:00:48)
City manager's report on leaf pickup program.

City Manager Risa provided information on the city's leaf pickup program, including the schedule for curbside pickup and a new drop-off option for residents.
New Business: Announcement of City Manager Candidates (02:02:24)
Announcement of four candidates for the city manager position.

Vice Mayor Hess announced the four candidates for the city manager position: Elle Cole, Malcolm Hankins, Otis Jones Sr., and Laura Lamb. Details on public meet and greet and interviews were provided.
Commissioner Wilson's Comments (02:05:52)
Commissioner Wilson thanks the subcommittee and the community for their trust in the candidate selection process. He discusses concerns about the new arena and anti-displacement solutions.

Commissioner Wilson expresses gratitude to Vice Mayor Hess, Chris Praedel, and the commission for the trust placed in them as a subcommittee. He reflects on the surreal feeling of nearing the selection of four quality candidates. Wilson shares concerns about the impact of the new arena on the neighboring community and discusses attending an event focused on anti-displacement solutions, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preventing displacement.
Commissioner Praedel's Comments (02:07:39)
Commissioner Praedel expresses excitement about welcoming finalists and thanks the community for engagement. He highlights the importance of journalism in safeguarding democracy.

Commissioner Praedel shares excitement for the upcoming visit of finalists and appreciates the community and fellow commissioners for their engagement and hard work. He thanks Dan and Holly Carmichael for preserving the Kalamazoo State Theater and recognizes Vice Mayor Hess's induction into the K College Hall of Fame. Praedel emphasizes the role of journalism students present at the meeting in safeguarding democracy and reflects on the importance of modeling constructive disagreement.
Vice Mayor Hess's Comments (02:11:21)
Vice Mayor Hess delivers a proclamation to Judy Sarcozi and stresses Kalamazoo's role as an education destination. She encourages student engagement with the city commission.

Vice Mayor Hess recounts delivering a proclamation to Judy Sarcozi for her contributions to Kalamazoo. She reflects on Kalamazoo's status as an education city and invites students to engage with the commission by presenting information about their campus activities and concerns. Hess highlights the groundbreaking of the event center and the grand opening of the Kalamazoo Candle Company and Zero Bar, noting the positive developments in downtown Kalamazoo.
Mayor's Comments (02:15:38)
The Mayor appreciates the NAACP event and offers to meet with individuals who commented. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue and expresses love for Kalamazoo.

The Mayor reflects on attending the NAACP's annual gathering and thanks the volunteers for organizing the event. He addresses comments directed at him, offering to meet with those individuals for more productive discussions. The Mayor emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and cooperation in addressing issues and ends with an expression of love for the city of Kalamazoo.