Kalamazoo City Commission - April 6, 2026 Business Meeting

Updated about 4 hours ago

The commission reviewed a federal COPS grant proposal, which was met with significant community opposition due to concerns about its implications for immigration enforcement. As a result, the proposal was removed from the agenda. The meeting also highlighted over a million dollars in affordable housing investments and included a proclamation recognizing the work of local social service organization, Choices for Change.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:25)
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor, and a roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of the Commissioners.

The Mayor called the business meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission to order. Deputy Clerk Moss conducted a roll call, confirming the presence of Commissioners Hess, Praedel, Slaby, Wilson, Vice Mayor Duncan, and Mayor Anderson. Commissioner Hoffman was noted as absent, and a motion was made and passed to excuse his absence.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:11)
Pastor Jermaine Gale delivered the invocation, and the meeting attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pastor Jermaine Gale from the Kalamazoo Seventh-Day Adventist Church delivered the invocation, asking for wisdom and blessings for the city leaders and citizens. Attendees were invited to stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited afterwards.
Proclamation for Choices for Change (00:02:50)
The Mayor presented a proclamation to Choices for Change, recognizing their contributions to the community of Kalamazoo.

A proclamation was presented to Choices for Change, a pioneering social work organization in Kalamazoo, recognizing their services to Medicare, Medicaid, and indigent clients, and their collaborations with other agencies. Commissioner Hess read the proclamation, highlighting the organization's achievements and contributions. The recipients expressed gratitude and invited attendees to an event at Choices for Change.
Adoption of the Formal Agenda (00:07:30)
The formal agenda was adopted with modifications including the removal of a sentence and an item from the agenda.

The Mayor asked if any items should be moved from the consent agenda to the regular agenda. Manager Hankins requested two modifications: the removal of a sentence regarding the appointment of Drew Duncan and the removal of item H3 due to the need for additional review. The agenda was adopted with these changes.
Public Comments (00:09:32)
Residents and community leaders expressed their views on various issues, including the rejection of the COPS grant and concerns about policing and community safety.

The public comment section allowed residents and community leaders to express their views on local issues. Many speakers addressed the rejection of the COPS grant, expressing concerns about its implications for policing, racial profiling, and community safety. Comments included a critique of the conditions attached to the grant and support for alternative community safety measures. Speakers included representatives from local organizations, religious leaders, and concerned citizens, who emphasized the importance of moral courage and community-focused solutions.
Public Comments on COPS Grant (00:34:17)
Multiple community members express opposition to the COPS Grant due to its stipulations requiring cooperation with ICE and potential harm to immigrant communities.

During the meeting, numerous community members took the opportunity to speak against the acceptance of the COPS Grant. The primary concern raised was that the grant included stipulations that would require the city of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to share information, such as immigration status, with the Department of Homeland Security. Many speakers highlighted the fear and harm that such requirements could cause within the immigrant community and the broader community. Speakers argued that accepting the grant would undermine trust in local law enforcement and that the stipulations of the grant were coercive, potentially forcing local agencies to comply with federal immigration enforcement in ways that could lead to inhumane treatment and deportation. The community members appealed to the commissioners to refuse any such grants that come with similar conditions, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity and safety of all residents.
Public Comments on Policing and ICE Cooperation (01:06:54)
Citizens expressed concerns over police and ICE cooperation, urging city policies that limit such interactions and protect immigrant communities.

Multiple citizens spoke during the public comment period, expressing concerns about the police department's potential cooperation with ICE. They highlighted the historical and ongoing issues with policing in marginalized communities and urged the city to implement policies that prohibit cooperation with ICE. There was a strong emphasis on protecting immigrant communities and ensuring that city policies align with the values of safety and trust for all residents. Speakers included members of local advocacy groups and concerned residents who shared personal stories and broader implications of federal grants tied to immigration enforcement.
Discussion on COPS Grant Removal (01:20:19)
Community members discussed the removal of the COPS grant from the agenda, expressing relief but concern over future considerations.

Speakers addressed the city commission regarding the removal of the COPS grant from the agenda, expressing relief that it was rescinded but concern that it might reappear on future agendas. They emphasized the importance of keeping such grants off the agenda permanently due to their potential to increase policing and the financial and social costs involved. The discussion highlighted a desire for alternative approaches to community safety that do not rely on increased police presence.
Concerns Over Grant Conditions and Federal Compliance (01:21:00)
Speakers raised issues with grant conditions requiring compliance with federal orders, stressing risks to community safety and rights.

Several community members voiced concerns about the conditions attached to federal grants, particularly those requiring compliance with all federal laws and executive orders. They argued that such conditions could undermine local policies and increase risks for immigrant communities by aligning local enforcement with federal immigration priorities. The speakers urged the commission to prioritize community safety and civil rights over federal funding, warning against the erosion of public trust and the potential for increased scrutiny from federal authorities.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:40:11)
The consent agenda was presented, including contract extensions, change orders, and resolutions related to city projects.

The city manager presented the consent agenda items for approval, which included a variety of contracts, change orders, and resolutions. These covered areas such as lawn mowing services, engineering projects, equipment rehabilitation, firefighter gear, and office furniture. Additionally, resolutions related to social district permits, brownfield redevelopment, and housing development funds were included. The agenda items reflected ongoing city operations and developmental projects requiring commission approval.
Approval of Technical Assistance Grant (01:43:09)
The commission discussed the approval of a technical assistance grant through the Community Economic Association of Michigan.

The commission addressed the approval of a technical assistance grant facilitated through the Community Economic Association of Michigan. The terms of the grant and a sole source agreement for housing development were discussed.
Acceptance of State Funding for Firefighter Gear (01:43:27)
The commission considered accepting state funding for firefighter turnout gear and approving a related budget.

The commission discussed the acceptance of funding from the state of Michigan to purchase firefighter turnout gear. They also considered approving a budget to enable the expenditure of these funds.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions (01:43:41)
The commission reviewed appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Downtown Redevelopment Authority and the Planning Commission.

The commission discussed appointments to various boards and commissions. Connor Sampson was appointed to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Downtown Economic Growth Authority Boards for a partial term. Harvin Sandhu was appointed to the same boards and Housing Economic Growth Authority Boards. Nelson Nave was appointed to the historic commission for a partial term. Sarah Mhow was appointed to the Natural Features Protection Review Board for a partial term. Drew Duncan, Diego Sandoval, and Saki BIS were appointed to the planning commission. Reappointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals included Gary Wark, Allison Hanh, and Jack Urban.
Approval of Easement Agreement with KPS (01:45:17)
The commission approved an easement agreement with Kalamazoo Public Schools related to water infrastructure.

The commission discussed and approved an easement agreement with Kalamazoo Public Schools for water infrastructure installed as part of the KPS school project on Southwest Avenue.
Regular Agenda - Housing Services Agreement (01:46:37)
The commission considered an approval related to Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services to amend housing support.

The commission discussed approving an agreement related to Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services to amend housing support and services. This item was introduced and there were no questions or staff reports.
Approval of Purchase of Breathing Apparatus (01:51:31)
The commission approved the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus from McQueen Emergency for public safety.

The commission approved the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus for public safety from McQueen Emergency through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program. The importance of this equipment for firefighter safety due to toxic fumes and carcinogens was discussed.
Reports and Legislation from City Manager (01:53:54)
The city manager provided updates on sustainability efforts, tree canopy work, and yard waste collection.

The city manager provided several updates: the city's sustainability work continues with an Earth Day and Arbor Day observance; work on the city's tree canopy includes upcoming tree plantings; and yard waste pickup is ongoing, with a new program combining previous separate collections.
Commissioner Comments and Public Engagement (01:55:27)
Commissioners shared comments on community engagement, public safety, housing projects, and future initiatives.

Commissioners expressed gratitude for community engagement and public comments. Several commissioners commented on recent housing project approvals, public safety equipment purchases, and the importance of maintaining public trust and transparency. The upcoming transition in management of the Kalamazoo Farmer's Market was also discussed, with appreciation for past management by People's Food Co-op.

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