City of Kalamazoo - November 19, 2025 Environmental Concerns Committee Meeting

Updated about 4 hours ago

The Kalamazoo Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) meets to discuss two major issues: a recommendation against the rezoning of land near Asylum Lake and a proposal to reduce the city's use of single-use plastics. The committee agrees to draft a letter to the city commission opposing the rezoning, due to environmental concerns and community opposition. The discussion on single-use plastics leads to a decision to seek more information before finalizing any recommendations. The meeting also includes updates on various environmental projects and the announcement of member departures.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:03)
The meeting is called to order and live streaming is checked.

The meeting is officially called to order by the chair, and a check is made to ensure that the live streaming of the meeting is active.
Roll Call (00:02:18)
Roll call of members is conducted to confirm attendance.

A roll call is conducted to confirm the attendance of the committee members. Each member present states their name and position, ensuring a quorum is established for the meeting.
Approval of Agenda (00:03:00)
The agenda is reviewed, and a motion is made to approve it with additions under unfinished and new business.

The chair reviews the agenda and requests a motion to approve it. Additions to the agenda are discussed, including under unfinished business and new business. A motion is made and seconded, and the agenda is approved as amended.
Approval of Minutes (00:04:17)
Previous meeting minutes are reviewed, and a motion is made to approve them.

The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed. The chair asks if there are any changes to be made that have not already been submitted. A motion is made to approve the minutes, which is seconded and passed by a show of hands.
Public Comments (00:05:55)
Public comments are invited from the audience, both in person and via phone.

The chair opens the floor for public comments, inviting members of the audience to address the committee. A phone line is available for additional comments, and the chair notes that there will be another opportunity for public comments at the end of the meeting.
Reports (00:13:25)
Various committee and board reports are presented, including updates on natural features, planning, and parks.

Reports are presented from different committees and boards, including the Natural Features Protection Review Board, Planning Commission, Tree Committee, Asylum Lake Council, Parks and Recreation, and others. Each report covers recent activities, approvals, and ongoing projects.
Unfinished Business (00:34:37)
Discussion of a recommendation to deter the purchase of single-use plastics.

Under unfinished business, the committee discusses a recommendation to the city to create regulations aimed at deterring the purchase of single-use plastics. The item is brought up for further consideration and potential action.
New Business (00:35:15)
New business includes discussion of officer positions and other agenda items.

The committee discusses new business, including the election of officer positions for the next year and other agenda items. The chair brings attention to upcoming changes and decisions that need to be made.
Discussion on Single Use Plastics Policy (00:35:15)
Discussion on a policy to reduce single use plastics in city purchasing, including challenges and strategy recommendations.

The meeting included a detailed discussion on a proposed policy to reduce single use plastics in city purchasing. The Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) recommended that the Kalamazoo city commission create a policy requiring all city purchases to be shipped in packaging free of single use plastics. Exceptions would be made when no feasible alternative is available. The discussion covered the practicality of the policy, potential loopholes, and the importance of public accountability. Members expressed concerns about the enforceability of the policy and the need for due diligence in finding sustainable alternatives. Suggestions were made to first assess current practices and engage with the purchasing department to understand existing policies.
Motion to Table Single Use Plastics Policy Discussion (00:59:59)
A motion was made and passed to table the single use plastics policy discussion until December or January.

Following extensive discussion, a motion was made to table the discussion on the single use plastics policy until December or January. The motion was seconded and passed with a majority vote. The decision was made to gather more information on current practices and explore the life cycle approach to sustainable purchasing before proceeding.
New Business Introduction (01:00:55)
Introduction to new business items, including officer elections and term considerations.

The chair introduced the new business section of the meeting, noting that officer terms change with the calendar year. New officers will be needed in January, and the committee was asked to consider nominations for chair, vice-chair, and treasurer positions. Members were encouraged to express their interest in serving as officers.
Rezoning Discussion of Stadium Drive Property (01:01:22)
Discussion on the rezoning proposal for a property on Stadium Drive and its environmental implications.

The committee discussed a proposal to rezone a property on Stadium Drive to commercial use. The potential buyer requested the rezoning as a condition of purchase, but did not provide a specific plan for the property's use. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact on the adjacent Asylum Lake Preserve. The planning commission previously voted against the rezoning, but it will still go before the city commission. A letter recommending against the rezoning was considered, citing the lack of a specific development plan and potential environmental harm.
Discussion on Rezoning Impact (01:06:36)
The commission debated the implications of rezoning, focusing on environmental impacts and community opposition.

The discussion centered around the city's largest green space and the potential impact of rezoning on it. Members expressed concerns about the environmental ramifications and the economic versus natural value of the area. Public opposition was noted, with several organizations and neighborhood associations submitting letters against the rezoning proposal. The commission is considering making a recommendation against the rezoning to preserve the area as green space.
Approval of Recommendation on Rezoning (01:17:03)
The commission decided to approve a letter recommending against rezoning.

The commission reviewed two versions of a recommendation letter regarding the rezoning issue. After discussing edits and ensuring the recommendation aligns with the commission's stance, they agreed to approve the letter with editorial changes. The letter will reflect the commission's opposition to rezoning unless it offers more green space protections.
Public Comments (01:21:35)
Public comments were received, supporting the commission's stance on rezoning.

A member of the public, Iris Potter, expressed gratitude for the commission's recommendation against rezoning. She emphasized the community's opposition to the rezoning and the importance of preserving Asylum Lake Preserve. She requested to see the letter being sent to the city commission.
Final Thoughts from Commissioners (01:26:14)
Commissioners shared their final thoughts, with some announcing their departure.

Esteven and another commissioner announced they would be stepping down from the commission in January. They encouraged citizens to get involved with the commission, highlighting the need for new members to avoid quorum issues. Commissioners reflected on their time on the commission and expressed hope for continued community engagement.
Public Services Update (01:29:32)
An update on public services projects was provided by Jean Tolanda.

Jean Tolanda from the Public Services Department shared updates on various projects, including tree harvesting, deer management, and an airborne electromagnetic study for well fields. These projects aim to enhance environmental management and water resource planning.
Adjournment (01:38:26)
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The final agenda item was the adjournment of the meeting, with a motion made and seconded to conclude the session.
Motion to Adjourn (01:38:31)
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded, concluding the session.

At the end of the meeting, a motion was made to adjourn. This motion was seconded by another participant, and the meeting was officially concluded. The participants expressed their gratitude and the session was closed.