City of Kalamazoo - December 1, 2025 City Commission Business Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Commission continues discussions regarding water and wastewater rates with Director of Public Services James Baker and Assistant City Planner Bobby Durkee answering questions. The Commission recognized Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, highlighting its contributions to the community and its 50 year anniversary. Public comments address zoning issues related to Asylum Lake Preserve and concerns over fireworks permits for New Year's celebrations. The commission also discusses the importance of public participation and communication with neighborhood associations.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:31)
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson on a cold Michigan evening.

Mayor Anderson called the Kalamazoo City Commission business meeting to order, noting the recent committee of the whole meeting on water and wastewater rates.
Roll Call (00:01:48)
Roll call was taken by Clerk Bley, with all commissioners present.

Clerk Bley conducted the roll call, confirming the presence of all commissioners, including Vice Mayor Duncan and Mayor Anderson.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:30)
Rabbi Shelly Goldman provided an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rabbi Shelly Goldman from the congregation of Moses delivered an invocation focusing on gratitude and service, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognitions and Proclamations (00:05:27)
The commission recognized the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Psi Lambda Chapter, for its contributions to the community.

A proclamation was read by Commissioner Wilson honoring the Kappa Psi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, acknowledging their community service and leadership.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:12:24)
The formal agenda was adopted with changes, moving a fireworks permit request to the regular agenda.

Commissioner Slaby requested to move the fireworks permit request from the consent agenda to the regular agenda, and the agenda was adopted with this change.
Communications (00:13:35)
Manager Moore communicated budget work session details and public input opportunities.

Manager Moore informed the commission of the upcoming budget work session and public hearing, encouraging community input.
Public Comments (00:14:16)
Several members of the public provided comments on various local issues, including zoning and public safety.

Public comments were received on topics such as the Asylum Lake zoning issue, non-motorized transportation, the Model UN conference, and community safety concerns.
Public Comment Period (00:35:03)
Public comments on various community issues, including safety, environmental concerns, and housing for the unhoused.

Several community members voiced their concerns about local issues. A speaker emphasized the need for vocal opposition to current political actions affecting local safety. Another representative from the Asylum Lake Preservation Association spoke about environmental preservation efforts and thanked the commission for delaying a public hearing. Verna McIntosh raised issues about funding for Crime Victim Services and the need for extended shelter hours during winter. Shauna Espinoza and others highlighted the treatment of the unhoused and requested transparency in fund allocation. Tom Howes revisited concerns about public participation in city planning processes.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:56:20)
The consent agenda was presented and approved, including contracts, resolutions, and appointments.

Commissioner Andrew Moore presented the consent agenda, which included various contract approvals, service agreements, and resolutions. The agenda covered topics such as temporary fencing, waste disposal, real estate consulting, pedestrian bridge repair, and several other infrastructure projects. The commission approved the consent agenda items, including appointments to boards and committees.
Regular Agenda - Economic Development Loan Discussion (01:03:19)
Discussion on an economic development corporation loan to Winston LLC to support local business development.

The commission discussed a proposed economic development loan for Winston LLC. The loan is intended to provide gap financing for a new bar development that encountered unexpected construction costs. The project is expected to create full-time and part-time jobs in the Kalamazoo area. Questions from commissioners focused on loan repayment policies, criteria for loan approval, and how businesses are informed about such opportunities.
Discussion on Funding for Victim Services (01:11:08)
Discussion about funding cuts affecting victim services, shelters, and housing, with a call to consider reintroducing funding to support these essential services.

The meeting included a discussion on the impact of funding cuts on victim services, shelters, and housing. It was noted that funding for these services is being cut, resulting in job losses and reductions in services such as warming shelters and homeless shelters. The speaker emphasized the need for reintroducing funding to support crime victims and the unhoused. Concerns were raised about the inability to present victim cases in court due to the lack of streamlined services, and the barriers faced by victims in speaking out about their experiences.
Public Comments on Victim Services Funding (01:13:48)
Open floor for additional public comments on the victim services funding issue, with no further comments received.

The floor was opened for any additional public comments on the discussion regarding funding cuts to victim services. No further comments were made by the public at this time.
Motion to Approve Funding Request (01:14:00)
Motion to approve the funding request related to the previous discussion was made and seconded, followed by a roll call vote.

A motion to approve the funding request related to the previously discussed victim services was made by Vice Mayor Duncan and supported by Commissioner Hoffman. A roll call vote was conducted, with all commissioners present voting in favor, leading to the motion's approval.
Approval for Fireworks Display Permit (01:14:44)
Consideration of a request from Kalamazoo Country Club to publicly display fireworks, with discussion on community impact and engagement.

The commission considered a request from the Kalamazoo Country Club for a permit to publicly display fireworks. Commissioner Slaby raised concerns about community engagement and the impact of fireworks on residents, particularly those with PTSD and pets. The importance of targeted outreach to inform local residents of the event was emphasized. After discussion, the motion to approve the permit was made by Commissioner Wilson and supported by Commissioner Slaby, with most commissioners in favor.
Public Comments on Fireworks Display (01:19:40)
Public comments were invited regarding the fireworks display permit, with concerns about noise pollution and its effects on residents and pets.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments on the fireworks display permit request. Several residents expressed concerns about noise pollution from fireworks, mentioning the negative impact on individuals with PTSD and pets. Suggestions were made for better enforcement of existing noise ordinances and more effective public safety responses during times when fireworks are prevalent.
Approval of Fireworks Display Permit (01:22:21)
Final approval of the fireworks display permit after discussion about public engagement and the impact of fireworks on the community.

The commissioners discussed the approval of the fireworks display permit for the Kalamazoo Country Club. Commissioner Slaby emphasized the need for improved public engagement practices and suggested that the club be encouraged to notify nearby neighborhoods about the event. Despite concerns, the motion to approve the permit was supported by the majority of commissioners, with one abstention. The importance of public participation and communication with local residents was reiterated.
Approval of Contract for Arcadia Creek Design (01:27:52)
Approval of a contract with Hurley and Stewart for the design of Arcadia Creek Phases 1-3, funded through a Protect grant.

The commission considered the approval of a contract with Hurley and Stewart for the design of Arcadia Creek Phases 1 through 3, covering areas from Kalamazoo Avenue to Oliver. This project is funded through a Protect grant, and a motion to approve the contract was made. The commission discussed the city's contribution to this project in relation to other community projects.