City of Kalamazoo - October 30, 2025 Kalamazoo City Commission Special Meeting

Updated about 22 hours ago

The Kalamazoo City Commission Special Business Meeting focused on the approval of an employment agreement with Malcolm Hankins for the position of city manager. The meeting highlighted the decision-making process and community involvement in selecting Mr. Hankins, who is expected to start in the new year. Public comments expressed appreciation for the commission's choice and contributions of other candidates. Additionally, the commission discussed and approved a request from Western Michigan University for a fireworks permit related to an upcoming football game against Central Michigan University.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:22)
Mayor Anderson calls the special business meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission to order.

The special business meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission is officially called to order by Mayor Anderson.
Roll Call (00:00:30)
Clerk Borling conducts roll call, noting the presence of several commissioners, and a motion is made to excuse Commissioner Hoffman.

Clerk Borling conducts the roll call. Present are Commissioner Cradle, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson. A motion is made and passed to excuse Commissioner Hoffman.
Public Comments (00:01:03)
Members of the public express gratitude for the decision to hire Malcolm Hankins as city manager and discuss the importance of addressing white supremacy culture.

Public comments include expressions of gratitude for the commission's decision to hire Malcolm Hankins as city manager, acknowledgments of the thoughtful work put into the decision, and discussions on addressing white supremacy culture with suggested resources.
Discussion of Fireworks Permit (00:07:36)
Discussion on adding a fireworks permit for a football game between Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University.

Commissioners discuss adding a fireworks permit for Western Michigan University for their upcoming football game against Central Michigan University. The permit would allow fireworks to be used during the game at Waldo Stadium.
Approval of Employment Agreement for City Manager (00:09:39)
The commission discusses and approves the employment agreement with Malcolm Hankins for the position of city manager, with comments from commissioners on the selection process.

The commission discusses the approval of an employment agreement with Malcolm Hankins for the position of city manager. Commissioner Wilson provides comments on the agreement process. Commissioners express their support and expectations for the new city manager.
Approval of Fireworks Permit (00:18:28)
The motion to approve a fireworks permit for Western Michigan University's football game is discussed and passed.

A motion is made to approve a request from Western Michigan University to allow a public fireworks display at their football game against Central Michigan University. The motion is discussed and passed by the commission.
Additional Commissioner Comments and Adjournment (00:19:44)
Commissioners make final comments about the meeting, the upcoming election, and encourage absentee ballot submissions. The meeting is adjourned.

Commissioners provide additional comments, reminding the public about the upcoming election and the importance of submitting absentee ballots. Mayor Anderson adjourns the meeting, expressing love for Kalamazoo.