City of Kalamazoo - September 16, 2026 Environmental Concerns Committee Meeting

Updated about 6 hours ago

The Environmental Concerns Committee considered green zoning initiatives, air quality concerns, and the impact of Western Michigan University's soccer complex lighting. The meeting features public comments from community members, highlighting the importance of green space protection and the need for proactive environmental policies. The committee also considers new member applications, adding expertise in environmental health and wildlife conservation to its ranks.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:35)
The Kalamazoo Environmental Concerns Committee meeting is officially called to order.

The meeting is called to order for the Kalamazoo Environmental Concerns Committee.
Roll Call (00:01:23)
Roll call is conducted to confirm quorum. Members present include John Kreuzer, Rachel Jondle and Katie Bloom.

Roll call is conducted to confirm quorum for the meeting. Members present include John Kreuzer, Rachel Jondle, and Katie Bloom, confirming that a quorum is present.
Adoption of the Agenda (00:01:46)
The agenda is reviewed and adopted with an addition to allow City Planner Christina Anderson to speak.

The agenda for the meeting is reviewed and adopted. An addition is made to include a segment for City Planner, Christina Anderson to speak. A motion is made and seconded to approve the agenda with this addition.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:17)
Minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved after correcting a spelling error in a member's name.

The minutes from the previous meeting, as sent in the package, are reviewed. A comment is made regarding a spelling error in a member's name, which is corrected. A motion is made to approve the minutes with the correction, and it is seconded and passed.
Communications (00:02:50)
City requests input on their budget, and the ECC will have a joint meeting with the Planning Commission in November.

Sustainability Planner, Justin Gish reports on communications, mentioning the city's request for input on their budget, which will be discussed in a meeting tomorrow. There's also a city budget community input survey available online. Additionally, the ECC will have a joint training meeting with the Planning Commission in November, and members should have received a survey to schedule it.
Public Comments (00:03:52)
Public comments are heard from multiple individuals on topics such as green space, energy systems, and road safety.

The floor is opened for public comments. Tom Howes speaks on behalf of ALPA about green space and conservation zoning districts, thanking the committee for its support. Rob Morrison speaks about energy systems and road safety improvements. Jeanne Hess from the City Commission acknowledges receipt of memos from the ECC and discusses representation on the Asylum Lake Preserve management.
Reports (00:13:44)
Various committee reports are presented, including on natural features, air quality, planning, and tree committee activities.

Reports are given from various committees. Natural Features Protection Review Board has no updates due to a canceled meeting. Katie reports on air quality related to wildfires. The Planning Commission report covers green zoning and data center moratorium discussions. The Tree Committee discusses sidewalk projects and tree planting. Updates are also given on Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council, Parks and Recreation, and other groups.
Unfinished Business (00:26:00)
The draft letter regarding stadium lights at WMU Soccer Complex is reviewed and approved with minor changes.

Member Katie Bloom presents a draft letter to Western Michigan University regarding stadium lights at the soccer complex. The letter congratulates them on the complex and invites them to join Lights Out Kalamazoo to reduce unnecessary lighting. Suggestions are made to improve the letter, including clarifying the term 'buffer' and including a Lights Out flyer. A motion is made to approve the letter with these changes, and it is seconded and passed.
New Business (00:33:31)
Christina Anderson, City Planner, addresses the committee on topics such as zoning and strategic vision review.

Christina Anderson, City Planner and interim director of CPED, is present to answer questions and discuss zoning and city planning. She mentions the strategic vision document is out for public review and encourages feedback. Members are invited to ask questions regarding green zoning and other planning concerns.
Green Zoning Discussion (00:36:45)
Detailed discussion on green zoning, its implications, and how it fits into Kalamazoo's strategic vision and master plan.

The meeting discussed the past conversations on green zoning, including reviewing ordinances and planning updates. The strategic vision for Kalamazoo and its master plan timeline were highlighted. The importance of considering green zoning after completing the master plan was emphasized. Various components of zoning updates, including residential district updates, were outlined. The meeting also touched on the sustainability plan and the climate emergency plan, discussing how green zoning could integrate with these existing policies. The challenges of zoning as a non-permanent tool and the potential of conservation easements were discussed.
Conservation Easements Explanation (01:01:06)
Explanation of conservation easements and their role in land preservation and property management.

The speaker explained conservation easements as agreements between property owners and land trusts that permanently change the deed of a property to restrict future uses. It was noted that such easements can impact property taxes and are often used for estate planning. The process of setting up conservation easements and their benefits for large properties were discussed. Examples from Traverse City Land Conservancy were mentioned to illustrate the concept.
New Business: New Applicants Introduction (01:02:00)
Introduction of new applicants for the Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) and their qualifications.

The meeting proceeded to new business, focusing on the introduction of new applicants for the ECC. Two applicants were introduced. The first presented her background in environmental health and safety, regulatory compliance, and previous involvement with the Asylum Lake Preservation Association Board. She expressed interest in bringing his expertise to the ECC. The second applicant a PhD candidate and instructor at Western Michigan University, introduced his background in biological sciences and wetland restoration. His experience with a nonprofit was also discussed. The applicants' potential contributions to the ECC were considered.
Discussion on Environmental Concerns in Kalamazoo (01:08:40)
Discussion on environmental concerns in Kalamazoo, focusing on water quality issues due to proximity to wetlands and brownfield sites.

The meeting addressed pressing environmental concerns in Kalamazoo, emphasizing the importance of water quality in relation to nearby wetland areas and brownfield sites adjacent to the Kalman River. The discussion highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to manage these issues effectively.
Green Space and Conservation Districting (01:09:51)
Discussion on the distinction between green space and conservation districting, and the need for zoning changes to protect green spaces.

Participants discussed the difference between green space and conservation districting, emphasizing the need for zoning changes to protect vital green public spaces. Examples included a park zoned as residential, demonstrating the need for clearer zoning to protect these areas.
Motion and Vote on New Committee Members (01:12:12)
A motion was made and passed to approve two new members for the Kalamazoo Environmental Concerns Committee, pending city commission approval.

The committee made a motion to approve two new members, which was seconded and approved. The decision will be forwarded to the city commission for final approval. The new members are expected to start in October, pending the commission's decision.
New Business - Michigan Time Bank (01:14:19)
Introduction of Michigan Time Bank pamphlets and slideshows for interested parties.

During the New Business section, Rita introduced pamphlets and slideshows about the Michigan Time Bank, offering them to attendees interested in learning more about the initiative.
Public Comments and Zoning Discussion (01:15:49)
Public comments included support for green zoning and a call for comprehensive zoning strategies.

Public comments were received, with support expressed for green zoning initiatives. The discussion included the effectiveness of zoning as a tool for environmental protection and the importance of comprehensive strategies that include zoning changes and conservation easements.
Commissioner Comments and Closing (01:20:02)
Commissioners encouraged public attendance at budget hearings and shared final comments before adjournment.

During the Commissioner Comments segment, attendees were encouraged to participate in upcoming budget hearings to voice their priorities. The meeting concluded with commissioners sharing their thoughts and closing the session.

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