City of Kalamazoo - December 10, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission

Updated 1 day ago

During the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission meeting members discuss several key topics. They finalize the restructuring of the O'Connor Fund to facilitate grant distribution, acknowledging the hard work of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. The commission reviews the year's progress in cemetery outreach and educational efforts, highlighting collaborations with local groups. Additionally, the meeting covers the strategic vision for the city's master planning process, highlighting the integration of preservation efforts within broader city goals. The commission appreciates the dedication of its members and looks forward to continued progress in the coming year.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:00)
The HPC meeting was called to order with a roll call confirming all members present.

The meeting was called to order, and a roll call was conducted. Members present included Kayla, Fred, Laura, Dusty, Melissa, and Patrick.
Agenda Approval (00:00:39)
The agenda for the meeting was approved after confirming no additional changes were needed.

Members were asked if there were any final changes to the agenda. No changes were made since the previous day, and a motion was adopted to approve the agenda.
Approval of Previous Minutes (00:01:14)
Amendments to the November minutes were discussed and approved, including corrections to names and recorded votes.

The minutes from November were reviewed. Corrections were noted, such as an extra 'C' in Melissa's name and verifying recorded votes. Discussion items like Pam's reimbursement and Arcadia Creek resurfacing were added.
Public Comments (00:04:00)
There were no public comments submitted prior to the meeting, but Pam provided comments during the meeting.

Fred confirmed no public comments were submitted before the meeting. Pam approached the bench to discuss planning for next year's meetings and budget considerations not included in the current work plan.
Financial Report (00:05:02)
The financial report was presented with no major changes. The reimbursement process was clarified.

The financial report was discussed, showing no significant changes from the previous year. A reimbursement to Pam was noted, with clarification on tax exemptions for reimbursements.
Committee Reports (00:09:13)
Reports from various committees were presented, covering Preservation Month, Community Engagement, and Garden Bed projects.

The Preservation Month plan was presented by Nora, Melissa, and Luis. The Community Engagement subcommittee discussed outreach plans. Fred discussed the Garden Bed project, seeking endorsement for the Three Sisters planting ceremonies.
Old Business - O'Connor Fund Changes (00:12:02)
The committee discussed changes to the O'Connor Fund, including a new structure for easier fund distribution.

Changes to the O'Connor Fund were reviewed, including creating a non-endowed field of interest fund for easier grant distribution. The implications for gifting policy and financial structures were considered.
Adjournment (00:31:06)
The meeting was concluded after all agenda items were addressed.

The meeting was adjourned after the committee completed the discussion on the agenda items.
Introduction of New Field of Interest Fund (00:32:53)
Discussion on the creation of a new field of interest fund and its initial setup and funding.

The meeting began with a discussion on the creation of a new field of interest fund. The document outlining the fund needs to be signed by several key individuals, including Pam O'Connor and Patsy Moore. Questions were raised about the fund's value and future grants, and the Community Foundation's role in managing it was highlighted.
Letter of Direction for Grant Making (00:36:38)
Explanation of the Letter of Direction for the O'Connor grant making process.

The meeting proceeded to discuss the Letter of Direction (LOD) for the O'Connor grant making. This document is necessary to direct the established fund, detailing who can make decisions and how the funds should be used. It was emphasized that Kalamazoo Community Foundation will need to approve all grants.
Approval of Meeting Schedule (00:42:09)
The meeting schedule for the next year was discussed and approved, after a change in location was noted.

The next year's meeting schedule was presented, noting a change of location to the community room due to a conflict with the Planning Commission. The schedule was approved by voice vote after a motion was made and seconded.
O'Connor Fund Work Plan Discussion (00:45:51)
Discussion of the O'Connor Fund work plan and approval of goals and expenditures.

The meeting discussed the O'Connor Fund work plan, seeking approval for its goals and expenditure structure. The commission aimed to reduce repetitive voting on expenses by approving a comprehensive plan. Concerns about specific budget lines were noted, but it was decided to approve the plan as is and adjust as needed in the future.
Cemetery Committee Report (00:55:51)
The cemetery committee reported on their progress and future plans for cemetery preservation.

The Cemetery Committee provided an update on their activities over the past year, including community outreach and foundation building for tours. Despite not achieving all their goals, significant progress was made. Plans for future work, including partnerships with local organizations, were discussed.
Coordinator's Report (01:01:33)
The coordinator presented a report on the city's master planning process and community engagement.

The coordinator's report focused on the city's ongoing master planning process, highlighting the strategic vision for a happy and healthy city. The engagement activities and timeline for the master plan were outlined, emphasizing the importance of community input and the flexibility of the timeline to accommodate further engagement.
Empowered Residents and Community Engagement (01:05:08)
Discussion on activities empowering residents to hold meetings and share results, including surveys and a successful book event.

The meeting discussed activities that have empowered residents to hold their own meetings and share results, including online surveys. A notable event was the Happy City book read, where the author gave a talk, encouraging community engagement with the book and related TED Talk.
Planning Phase and Public Meetings (01:06:22)
Review of the planning phase involving public meetings and focus groups to organize information into actionable goals.

The planning phase is divided into public meetings and focus groups, using information from the Imagine It phase to define goals. Public meetings across the city and topic-specific meetings helped distill ideas into actionable goals.
Contextualizing Data with Community Input (01:07:54)
Describes using data, community voices, and staff expertise as lenses to refine and contextualize information.

The process involves using data, community voices, and staff expertise to refine and contextualize information gathered. This involves balancing cold data with community insights to create a comprehensive vision.
Vision Statement and Organizational Purpose (01:09:45)
Presentation of Kalamazoo's vision statement and organizational purpose, emphasizing sustainable growth and resident wellbeing.

The vision statement for Kalamazoo highlights support for neighborhoods through sustainable, responsive, and accessible services. The organizational purpose focuses on providing essential resources and services to ensure resident wellbeing and sustainable city growth.
Strategic Vision and Implementation (01:11:45)
Discussion on translating strategic vision into a master plan and aligning department actions for effective implementation.

The strategic vision serves as a guiding document for the master plan, aligning government strategy documents with department plans to ensure effective implementation of the community vision.
Guiding Principles and Strategic Goals (01:13:11)
Outlines guiding principles like inclusion and sustainability, and strategic goals such as housing and economic mobility.

Guiding principles include diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, sustainability, operational excellence, economic mobility, and engagement. Strategic goals cover arts, culture, safety, economic vitality, effective operations, environment, housing, and transportation.
Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements (01:25:08)
Appreciation for the commission's efforts and wishes for a happy holiday season and continued progress in the new year.

The speaker expresses gratitude to the commission members for their dedication and contributions throughout the year, highlighting progress made and encouraging continued efforts in the upcoming year, while wishing everyone a happy holiday season.