Kalamazoo City Commission - Committee of the Whole - January 5, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 20 hours ago

A notable welcome is extended to the new city manager, Hankins, highlighting his commitment to addressing homelessness and infant mortality. The primary agenda item is a comprehensive training session on the rezoning and variance process, presented by Christina Anderson from the Community Planning Economic Development department, with legal insights from attorney Charlie Bear. The session covers the roles of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, public participation policies, and conflict of interest considerations for commissioners. This meeting sets the stage for upcoming rezoning discussions in Kalamazoo.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:56)
The meeting of the whole for the Kalamazoo City Commission was called to order by Mayor Anderson.

Mayor Anderson called the meeting of the whole for the Kalamazoo City Commission to order, marking the official start of the proceedings.
Roll Call (00:02:04)
Roll call was conducted by Clerk Bley with all commissioners present including Mayor Anderson.

Clerk Bley conducted the roll call, confirming the presence of all commissioners: Commissioner Hess, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner Cradle, Commissioner Slaby, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Duncan, and Mayor Anderson.
Public Comments (00:02:26)
Public comments were invited, with several members of the community speaking on issues such as housing, safety, and community projects.

Public comments were held, allowing community members two minutes to speak. Topics included welcoming the new city manager, concerns about housing safety issues, and suggestions for improved communication between KDPS and KPS for student safety during police activities.
Work Session: Training on Rezoning and Variance Request Process (00:07:43)
A training session was conducted for the commission on the rezoning and variance request process, led by Christina Anderson from Community Planning.

The work session focused on training for the commission regarding the rezoning and variance request process. Christina Anderson from the Community Planning and Economic Development department presented detailed information on the roles of the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, the application process, public participation policies, and the criteria for reviewing zoning changes.
Presentation by City Attorney on Meeting Procedures and Ethics (00:28:26)
City Attorney Charlie Bear provided guidance on meeting procedures, ex parte communications, and conflict of interest policies for commissioners.

City Attorney Charlie Bear addressed the commission, focusing on proper meeting procedures, the importance of impartiality, handling ex parte communications, and managing conflicts of interest. The presentation emphasized the quasi-judicial role of the commission and the necessity of maintaining public trust through transparent and fair decision-making processes.
Discussion on Conflict of Interest and Recusal (00:34:36)
The meeting covered ethics regarding conflicts of interest, emphasizing the importance of disclosure and recusal when necessary.

A detailed discussion was held on the ethical guidelines concerning conflicts of interest for city commissioners. It was emphasized that commissioners should not be involved in negotiations or contracts where they have a financial interest. The appearance of a conflict should also be disclosed, and commissioners are advised to seek legal counsel if unsure. The preferred method of handling a conflict is to step down and leave the room to avoid influencing others unintentionally.
Commissioner Questions and Comments (00:40:01)
Commissioners were invited to ask questions or make comments following the presentation, but none were made at this time.

Following the presentation on conflicts of interest, the floor was opened for commissioners to ask questions or provide comments. However, no commissioners took the opportunity to speak at this time. It was noted that another opportunity to comment would be available at the upcoming business meeting.
Adjournment of Committee of the Whole Meeting (00:40:50)
The Committee of the Whole meeting was adjourned, with a business meeting scheduled to start in an hour.

The Committee of the Whole meeting was formally adjourned by the mayor. It was announced that the next meeting, the business meeting, would commence in about an hour, providing another opportunity for commissioners to make comments.