Kalamazoo public meetings in 2024

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will review a summary of 2023 Brownfield Tax Increment Revenue Capture and a list of 2024 grant projects. The board will also discuss a policy framework for a Local Brownfield Revolving Fund.

• Review 2023 Brownfield Tax Increment Revenue Capture Summary
• Review 2024 Grant Projects Summary
• Discuss Local Brownfield Revolving Fund Policy Framework
• Receive update on City Commission Approved Act 381 Brownfield Plan for Bronco Commons

The Kalamazoo Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board met and heard presentations on the 2023 tax increment revenue capture and 2024 grant projects, plus a discussion on a Local Brownfield Revolving Fund (LBRF) policy framework. No formal decisions or votes were taken on these items; the meeting was informational and discussion-only. The board unanimously approved the agenda, prior meeting minutes, and excusing absent members.

• Approved motion to excuse absent members (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved minutes from November 21, 2024 meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board will meet to review a recommendation for cannabis permits. The board will also receive updates on the Façade/Whitebox Grant Program and the Marihuana Business Permit Renewal Review Committee.

• Recommendation for 2 Adult Use Class C Grower and 1 Adult Use Processor Permits to Pure, LLC

The Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation Board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Clerk's Office approve 1-year Adult Use Class C Grower and Adult Use Processor permits for Pure, LLC. The board discussed cannabis businesses' frequent late filing of personal property statements but made no change to the motion. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included routine approvals of minutes and agenda.

• Approved recommendation for 1-year Adult Use Class C Grower and Adult Use Processor permits for Pure, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved motion to excuse absent members (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 21, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board will adopt its agenda and approve minutes from the November 21, 2024 meeting. It will set the dates for its 2025 meetings and continue discussion of the Social District Policy and Step-Aside Policy. A staff financial report for October 2024 will be presented.

• Adopt agenda (motion to approve)
• Approve minutes from November 21, 2024 meeting
• Determine 2025 meeting dates for the Authority
• Unfinished business: NCBDA Social District Policy
• Staff report: October 2024 Financial Report

The board approved the NCBDA Step-Aside Policy and Request Form, which standardizes how Brownfield reimbursement requests are evaluated, including terms for tax capture and administrative fees. The board also tabled the social district policy, forming a subcommittee to refine it. Meeting dates for 2025 were set for the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., with January at a different location. No public comments were made.

• Adopted NCBDA Step-Aside Policy and Request Form (voice vote, no objections)
• Tabled social district policy pending subcommittee review
• Approved 2025 meeting schedule: third Thursday monthly at 6 p.m. (voice vote, no objections)
• Adopted agenda as presented (voice vote, no objections)
• Approved November 21, 2024 minutes (voice vote, no objections)

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee will adopt its agenda and approve minutes from the November 20 meeting. It will hear public comments, consider the City of Kalamazoo Urban Deer Report and a presentation by Don Poppe of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and discuss bird‑friendly building design and member attendance issues. The committee will also receive reports from several related boards and task forces.

• City of Kalamazoo Urban Deer Report
• Presentation by Don Poppe (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
• Bird‑friendly building design discussion
• Status review of member who missed more than three meetings in 2024
• Reports from Natural Features Protection Review Board and Air & Water Quality

The Environmental Concerns Committee voted to send a bird-friendly building design ordinance to the City Commission, with a 25% glass threshold to be phased in over five years. The committee also made Bobby Glasser an associate member due to attendance issues, and discussed a deer management report and budget request for 2026. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved sending bird-friendly building design ordinance to City Commission with 25% glass change within 5 years (unanimous)
• Made Bobby Glasser an associate member due to missed meetings (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with addition of applicant interviews (unanimous)
• Approved November 20, 2024 minutes with change to Chair Dever's position (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss and take action on a site plan review for an office building addition. The meeting also includes the approval of previous minutes and the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Site Plan Review for office building addition at 3301 Tech Circle Drive (#P.C. #2024.11)

The Kalamazoo Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for a 5,124 square foot office building addition at 3301 Tech Circle Drive, with the condition that the applicant obtain full site plan approval from the Site Plan Review Committee. The project also includes 16 additional parking spaces and landscaping improvements. The commission also confirmed the 2025 meeting calendar and approved the November 7, 2024 minutes.

• Approved site plan for office addition at 3301 Tech Circle Drive (unanimous)
• Approved December 18, 2024 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved November 7, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Confirmed 2025 Planning Commission meeting calendar (voice vote)

Historic District Commission

The commission will consider five applications for work on historic properties, including alterations to doors, windows, a chimney, and a demolition request. They will also vote on the schedule for the 2025 commission meetings. Public comments will be taken before decisions are made.

• 530 W Kalamazoo – Front door replacement (Alteration) PPZ24-0043
• 810 Grant – Window replacements after fire (Alteration) PPZ24-0044
• 516 Douglas – Chimney removal (Alteration) PPZ24-0045
• 432 S Westnedge – Demolition (PPZ24-0046)
• 814 S Westnedge – Replace two south-side windows (Alteration) PPZ24-0047

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission approved Certificates of Appropriateness for a front door replacement at 530 W Kalamazoo, window replacement after a fire at 810 Grant, chimney removal at 516 Douglas, and a Notice to Proceed for demolition at 432 S Westnedge. The commission postponed a window replacement application at 814 S Westnedge to January 21, 2025, pending more information. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for front door replacement at 530 W Kalamazoo (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement at 810 Grant (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for chimney removal at 516 Douglas (unanimous)
• Approved Notice to Proceed for demolition at 432 S Westnedge (unanimous)
• Postponed window replacement at 814 S Westnedge to January 21, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 HDC meeting schedule (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission will receive public comments on the proposed FY2025 budget. The body is also considering several high-value contracts and ARPA grant allocations for housing, childcare, and health pilots.

• Public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget
• Contract extension with Solenis LLC for biosolids dewatering polymer for $1,321,910.37
• ARPA grant of $1,500,000 to Kalamazoo Community Foundation for RX Kids Kalamazoo pilot
• ARPA grant of $480,000 to Kalamazoo County Land Bank for housing unit construction
• Interfund loan consolidations with DEGA ($1,060,000) and DDA ($1,070,680)

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $1.5 million ARPA grant agreement with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation for the RX Kids Kalamazoo pilot program, which will provide cash support to new parents. The vote was 6-0 with one abstention. The commission also approved the consent agenda, including a $500,000 allocation for emergency shelter space in the FY2025 budget, and approved loan consolidation agreements with the Downtown Economic Growth Authority and Downtown Development Authority.

• Approved $1.5M ARPA grant for RX Kids program (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved consent agenda including $500,000 for emergency shelter in FY2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved $1,321,910.37 contract extension with Solenis LLC for biosolids dewatering polymer (unanimous)
• Approved $1,060,000 loan consolidation agreement with DEGA (unanimous)
• Approved $1,070,680 loan consolidation agreement with DDA, with corrected start date (unanimous)

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will consider several actions, including approving a consolidated loan agreement with the City of Kalamazoo. It will also vote on a $20,000 donation from the Hall Foundation for the downtown waste and recycling program and a budget amendment that raises the 2024 budget by $40,853.12. Additional items include adopting the 2025 meeting calendar and approving minutes from the November 18, 2024 meeting.

• Approve Consolidated Loan Agreement between DEGA and the City of Kalamazoo
• Approve $20,000 donation from the Hall Foundation for waste and recycling program
• Approve budget amendment increasing 2024 budget by $40,853.12
• Approve 2025 Board and Committee meeting calendar
• Approve minutes from the November 18, 2024 board meeting

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board approved a consolidated loan agreement with the City of Kalamazoo, accepted a $20,000 donation from the Hall Foundation for waste and recycling, and passed a $40,853.12 budget amendment for 2024. The board also approved the 2025 meeting calendar as amended. No public comments were made.

• Approved consolidated loan agreement with City of Kalamazoo (unanimous)
• Accepted $20,000 donation from Hall Foundation for waste/recycling (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 budget amendment increasing budget by $40,853.12 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Board and Committee meeting calendar as amended (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will consider three actions: approving a consolidated loan agreement with the City of Kalamazoo, increasing the 2024 Downtown Economic Growth Authority budget by $13,659.00, and adopting the 2025 board and committee meeting calendar. The board will also adopt the agenda, approve the minutes from the November 18, 2024 meeting, and accept the October 2024 financial report.

• Approve Consolidated Loan Agreement with the City of Kalamazoo
• Approve budget amendment to increase DEGA budget by $13,659.00
• Approve 2025 Board and Committee meeting calendar
• Approve October 2024 financial report
• Approve minutes from the November 18, 2024 meeting

The Downtown Development Authority Board approved a consolidated loan agreement with the City of Kalamazoo, authorized the Board Chair to sign it, and approved a $13,659 budget increase for 2024. The board also accepted the October 2024 financial report and approved the 2025 meeting calendar with corrected dates. All motions passed unanimously with no objections.

• Approved consolidated loan agreement with City of Kalamazoo (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment increasing 2024 DDA budget by $13,659 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Board and Committee meeting calendar as amended (unanimous)
• Accepted October 2024 financial report (unanimous)
• Approved September 16, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two requests from Graphic Packaging International. The board will consider variances for off-street parking and building setbacks at multiple properties.

• ZBA #24-12-15: Request for dimensional variance to add 82 off-street parking spaces (total 805) at 1400 & 1401 Harrison St, E. Paterson St, and N Pitcher St
• ZBA #24-12-16: Request for zero-foot front building setbacks on Prouty Street and N. Pitcher Street at 1421 N Pitcher St

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will adopt its formal agenda, approve minutes from meetings on October 9 and November 13, 2024, receive financial and program reports, and discuss the schedule for its 2025 meetings. No decisions beyond the schedule discussion are listed.

• Adoption of formal agenda
• Approval of minutes from 9 Oct and 13 Nov 2024 meetings
• Financial report
• O'Connor Fund report
• Discussion of 2025 Historic Preservation Commission meeting schedule

The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission approved its 2025 meeting schedule and adopted the October minutes with amendments. The meeting was largely procedural, with no substantive policy decisions or project approvals. Public comments included reminders about an upcoming conference and a discussion about equity in preservation.

• Approved absence of Vail and Akina
• Approved formal agenda
• Approved October minutes as amended
• Approved 2025 meeting schedule

Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

The Kalamazoo Pension Board of Trustees approved 12 retirement applications and 17 refund applications for the third quarter of 2024, all by unanimous voice vote. The board also approved the minutes from the September 4, 2024 meeting and the 2025 meeting calendar. No public comment was received, and no military buy-back, prior service buy-back, or duty disability applications were submitted this quarter.

• Approved 12 retirement applications for Q3 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved 17 refund applications for Q3 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 4, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Pension Board meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Excused absence of Jim Ritsema (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Kalamazoo County Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 11, 2024. Staff will present updates on zoning changes, the county’s economic development strategy, and brownfield redevelopment. Commissioners will discuss collaborative opportunities based on these presentations. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Staff presentation on zoning changes
• Staff presentation on economic development strategy
• Staff presentation on brownfield redevelopment updates
• Discussion of collaborative opportunities

The Kalamazoo Planning Commission and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority held a joint training meeting with no formal decisions or votes. Staff presented updates on zoning changes, the Economic Development Strategy, and brownfield redevelopment tools. Discussions focused on future collaboration opportunities, including the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 planning process.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at joint training meeting
• Staff announced upcoming Developer Information Session and open houses in 2025
• Staff noted Economic Development Strategy approved by City Commission in October
• Staff reported City Commission approved first housing project under expanded brownfield tools

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The Natural Features Protection Review Board will adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the November 26 meeting, and hear public comments. It will consider a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant relief from the NFP slope standard for an upgraded pump house at 1609 Whites Road. The board will also discuss draft topics for the 2025 work session.

• Motion to approve the agenda
• Motion to approve minutes from the November 26, 2024 meeting
• Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals for slope‑standard relief for a pump house at 1609 Whites Road
• Discussion of draft 2025 work session topics

The Natural Features Protection Review Board unanimously approved a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant relief from the NFP Slope Standard for an upgraded pump house at 1609 Whites Road. The board also approved minutes from the November 26th meeting with amendments, and discussed 2025 work session topics. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved recommendation to ZBA for NFP Slope Standard relief at 1609 Whites Road (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from November 26th meeting with amendments (unanimous)
• Excused absences for Hollander and Bassett (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee will approve the minutes from the October 7, 2024 meeting and review several SWOT and performance reports without taking action. In a closed‑session, the board will consider a periodic personnel evaluation of the Executive Director as requested by that director. The committee will also approve the agenda for the February 24, 2025 board meeting.

• Approve minutes of October 7, 2024
• Review (no action) 2024 SWOT report
• Review (no action) draft 2025 SWOT report
• Closed session: consider periodic personnel evaluation of Executive Director
• Approve board meeting agenda for February 24, 2025

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee met on Dec. 9, 2024, and approved the minutes from October with typo corrections. They also approved the February 24, 2025, board agenda, noting the meeting would run until 5 p.m. instead of the usual 4 p.m. No other substantive decisions were made; items like annual reporting, SWOT communications, and a board survey review were discussed for future agendas.

• Approved October 7, 2024, minutes with typo corrections (unanimous)
• Approved February 24, 2025, board agenda with corrections and 5 p.m. end time (unanimous)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee will call the meeting to order, approve the minutes of the October 7, 2024 board meeting, and receive two informational reports that require no action. The reports cover an update on the FFE endowment and the structure of the Investment Subcommittee. The agenda also includes time for public comments, board member comments, and adjournment.

• Approve the minutes of October 7, 2024
• No-action report: FFE Endowment Update
• No-action report: Investment Subcommittee Meeting Structure
• Public comments period
• Board member comments

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee met on December 9, 2024, and approved the draft minutes from the October 7, 2024 meeting by unanimous voice vote. No substantive financial decisions were made; the committee discussed follow-ups on investment consultant memo typos and the 2025 contract expiration, and directed that the 2024 newsletter be recalled from the publisher for updates.

• Approved October 7, 2024 draft minutes (unanimous)
• Recalled 2024 newsletter from publisher for updates

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission meeting on December 9, 2024 will include standard procedural items such as call to order, communications, public comments, and commissioner comments. The main substantive agenda item is a review of the proposed FY2025 budget during the work session. No decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Review of the Proposed FY2025 Budget

Civil Rights Board

The Civil Rights Board will discuss the City Attorney’s review of edits to Ordinance 18 and 18A. The board will consider a proposed Civil Rights Board Attendance Bylaw. The board will vote on the approved meeting schedule for 2025.

• Discussion of City Attorney’s review of Ordinance 18 and 18A edits
• Consideration of Civil Rights Board Attendance Bylaw
• Approval of 2025 meeting schedule

City Commission

The City Commission will consider updating rates for drinking water and wastewater services. The body is also reviewing several infrastructure contracts and a grant for the Blueprint for Peace.

• Ordinance to change drinking water rates and resolution for wastewater service rates
• Contract extension with SWT Excavating, Inc. for 2025 water service installation for $1,426,680.56
• Grant agreement with Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards for $1,250,000
• Brownfield Plan for redevelopment at 3607, 3619, and 3625 West Michigan Avenue
• Purchase of auto parts and lubricants from NAPA Auto for $250,000

The Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously approved all agenda items, including a $1.25M grant for the Blueprint for Peace, a water rate ordinance, a wastewater rate resolution, and several contracts and easements. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved $1.25M grant for Blueprint for Peace (unanimous)
• Adopted water rate ordinance 2098 (unanimous)
• Adopted wastewater rate resolution 24-76 (unanimous)
• Approved $1.43M contract extension with SWT Excavating (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $192,500 actuarial contract (unanimous)
• Approved $232,500 biosolids engineering agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $250,000 NAPA auto parts purchase (unanimous)
• Approved Brownfield plan for West Michigan Ave redevelopment (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting to conduct work sessions. The agenda focuses on presentations regarding the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act and the Bronco Commons project.

• Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) presentation
• Bronco Commons Project presentation

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The Natural Features Protection Review Board will review two site plans for building additions and improvements. The board will also consider the adoption of its 2025 meeting schedule.

• NFP Site Plan for Friendship Village Campus Repositioning & Skilled Additions at 1400 and 1402 N. Drake Road
• NFP Site Plan for Site Improvements and Building Addition at 3301 Tech Circle Drive
• Adoption of the 2025 Natural Features Protection Board Meeting Schedule

The Natural Features Protection Review Board discussed the Friendship Village Senior Living planned unit development at 1400 and 1402 Drake Rd. The applicant presented landscape plans, including tree replanting and removal of 6% of woodlands, and asked about fencing. No formal decisions were made; the board asked questions and the applicant will return with more plans.

• Discussed Friendship Village PUD natural features plans (no vote)
• Applicant to return with more plans at next meeting

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board adopted its agenda and approved minutes from three prior meetings. It confirmed the vote on the 2025 draft budget, which has been submitted to the City for approval in January. The board also reviewed a BRA presentation and considered a Public Works recommendation to approve or modify the tree plan for Ransom St.

• Adoption of agenda (motion to approve)
• Approval of minutes from July 18, 2024; October 10, 2024; October 17, 2024
• Vote on the 2025 draft budget, submitted to the City for January approval
• BRA Presentation Part 2 with Jamie McCarthy, Jessica Wood, and David Stegink
• Public Works Trees Presentation – recommendation to approve or change tree plan for Ransom St.

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will hold a public hearing on the Act 381 Brownfield Plan for three sites on West Michigan Avenue. After the hearing, the Board will vote to adopt a resolution implementing the plan and recommend it to the City Commission. The Board will also adopt the 2025 meeting schedule and authorize up to $40,600 from Fund 242 for electric service at 500 Harrison Street. A budget report for Funds 242 and 243 will be presented.

• Public hearing for Act 381 Brownfield Plan at 3607, 3619, and 3625 W Michigan Ave
• Adoption of resolution to implement the Act 381 Brownfield Plan and recommend City Commission adoption
• Adoption of the 2025 annual meeting schedule for the Authority
• Authorization of up to $40,600 from Fund 242 for electric service at 500 Harrison Street
• Budget reports for Fund 242 (Local Brownfield Revolving Fund) and Fund 243 (Brownfield Operations)

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved an Act 381 Brownfield Plan for a $41 million redevelopment at 3607, 3619, and 3625 W Michigan Ave, including 214 apartment units with 42 income-qualified units. The board also approved the 2025 meeting schedule and authorized up to $40,600 from the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund for electric service at 500 Harrison Street. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Act 381 Brownfield Plan for 3607, 3619, 3625 W Michigan Ave redevelopment (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Annual Meeting Schedule (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $40,600 from Fund 242 for electric service at 500 Harrison Street (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The board will approve two-year adult-use retailer permits for QPS Michigan Holdings’ High Profile locations, one at 4037 S Westnedge Ave with zoning-deficiency conditions and another at 823 W Michigan Ave. It will also adopt the 2025 meeting schedule for the Economic Development Corporation. Staff reports on the 2024 quarterly budget, the economic development strategy, and a draft OPRA city policy will be presented.

• Approve 2‑year adult‑use retailer permit for High Profile at 4037 S Westnedge Ave, contingent on correcting zoning deficiencies by Nov 30 2024
• Approve 2‑year adult‑use retailer permit for High Profile at 823 W Michigan Ave
• Adopt the 2025 Annual Meeting Schedule of the Economic Development Corporation

Environmental Concerns Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035- Meeting on the Go. Members will also discuss attendance bylaws and 2025 officer positions. The meeting includes reports from various environmental and planning boards.

• Imagine Kalamazoo 2035- Meeting on the Go
• Environmental Concerns Committee attendance bylaw change
• 2025 officer positions for January 2025 vote
• Reports from Natural Features Protection Review Board and Air and Water Quality

The Environmental Concerns Committee tabled the bird-friendly window design proposal to gather more input from contractors, homeowners, and stakeholders, and to involve the Historic District. The committee also discussed attendance policy for members missing more than three meetings, deferring a vote until December, and announced upcoming officer elections in January 2025.

• Tabled bird-friendly window design proposal for further discussion
• Deferred attendance policy vote on members with 3+ absences to December meeting
• Approved agenda for November 20, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from October 16, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission will adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the October 15 meeting, hear public comments, and consider five applications for exterior alterations to historic properties. Each application will be reviewed for compliance with historic preservation standards, and a decision will be made unless the review is postponed. The commission must have a quorum of at least four members to act on these matters.

• 617 Stuart – window replacement and demolition of side porch (Craftsman, 1923) – PPZ24-0039
• 739 McCourtie – replace six windows with period‑appropriate wood windows (Greek Revival, 1876) – PPZ24-0026
• 161 E Michigan – installation of three signs (Commercial, 1901) – PPZ24-0041
• 923 W Vine – removal of rear second‑story door and installation of window (Colonial Revival, 1931) – postponed – PPZ24-0034
• 807 W Vine – replacement of windows (Tudor Revival, 1915) – PPZ24-0035

The commission granted Certificates of Appropriateness for window replacements, porch demolition, and sign installations. One approval was conditional on the use of specific materials and dimensions to match existing features.

• Approved window replacement and side porch demolition at 617 Stuart (Unanimous)
• Approved replacement of 6 windows at 739 Mc Courtie (Unanimous)
• Approved installation of 3 internally illuminated signs at 161 E Michigan (Unanimous)
• Approved removal of 2nd story door and installation of window at 923 W Vine, provided wood or aluminum clad wood is used to match existing windows (Unanimous)
• Postponed window replacement review for 807 W Vine to January 21, 2025

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will vote on a consent agenda that includes several service contracts and two grant approvals. Commissioners will also adopt a resolution to set a public hearing on the FY 2025 budget and begin first reading of an ordinance to change drinking water rates. The meeting includes routine items such as public comments and reports.

• Approve $100,000 contract with Santiago Services for sidewalk snow and ice clearing (2024‑2025)
• Approve $173,375 contract with Jones Chemical Inc. for liquid chlorine cylinders
• Approve $500,000 ARPA grant to Kalamazoo Youth Development Network for 2025 summer youth programming
• Accept $304,000 Michigan DOT grant for 2026 Local Bridge Program on Alcott, Dutton, Portage, and Vine Streets
• First reading of ordinance to amend Chapter 38 of the City Code to change drinking water rates

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved the consent agenda, including contracts for snow removal, water treatment chemicals, auditing services, and a $500,000 ARPA grant for youth programming. They also set a public hearing for the FY2025 budget and introduced an ordinance to change drinking water rates.

• Approved $100,000 sidewalk snow/ice clearing contract with Santiago Services (6-0)
• Approved $173,375 liquid chlorine contract with Jones Chemical Inc. (6-0)
• Approved $184,140 sodium hexametaphosphate contract with Carus LLC (6-0)
• Approved $192,265.92 liquid phosphate contract with Elhorn Engineering (6-0)
• Approved $200,600 auditing contract extension with Maner Costerisan PC (6-0)
• Approved $214,500 fluorosilicic acid contract with Alexander Chemical (6-0)
• Approved $498,150 sole source odor control chemicals contract with D3W Industries (6-0)
• Approved $500,000 ARPA grant to Kalamazoo Youth Development Network (6-0)

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting. The primary focus of the session is a work session regarding a transportation safety update.

• Transportation Safety Update work session

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will consider two motions: one to authorize the DEGA Board Chair to execute the Final Settlement Agreement with MAVCON, and another to amend and extend the Beats on Bates Agreement with Guess Who’s Dancing Fitness, LLC for one year. The meeting also includes a September 2024 financial report, presentations on 234‑238 E. Michigan and Park Kalamazoo, and committee reports. Public comments and director comments are scheduled before adjournment.

• Motion to authorize DEGA Board Chair to execute Final Settlement Agreement with MAVCON
• Motion to amend and extend Beats on Bates Agreement with Guess Who’s Dancing Fitness, LLC for one year
• Financial Report – September 2024
• Presentation on 234‑238 E. Michigan – DEGA Step‑Aside
• Park Kalamazoo presentation by Rob Bacigalupi, Mission North

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board approved a step-aside agreement allowing the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to capture taxes for a project converting the vacant second level of 234-238 E Michigan Ave into four 1-bedroom apartments. The board also authorized the chair to execute a settlement agreement with MAVCON and to extend the Beats on Bates agreement with Guess Who's Dancing Fitness for one year. The September 2024 financial report was accepted.

• Approved step-aside request for 234-238 E Michigan Ave (unanimous)
• Authorized board chair to execute MAVCON settlement agreement (unanimous)
• Authorized one-year extension of Beats on Bates agreement with Guess Who's Dancing Fitness (unanimous)
• Accepted September 2024 financial report (unanimous)
• Adopted November 18, 2024 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved October 21, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will adopt its formal agenda and approve the minutes from its September 16, 2024 meeting. It will receive the August and September 2024 financial report. The board will consider a motion to authorize the board chair to execute the Final Settlement Agreement with MAVCON, in consultation with legal counsel. The meeting will also include public and director comments before adjourning.

• Adopt formal agenda
• Approve minutes from September 16, 2024 meeting
• Motion to authorize DDA Board Chair to execute Final Settlement Agreement with MAVCON

The Downtown Development Authority Board approved a motion to authorize the Board Chair to execute a final settlement agreement with MAVCON. The Board also accepted financial reports for August and September 2024 and approved the meeting agenda and minutes from September 16, 2024.

• Adopted September 16, 2024 agenda (Approved)
• Approved September 16, 2024 meeting minutes (Approved)
• Accepted August and September 2024 financial reports (Approved)
• Authorized Board Chair to execute MAVCON settlement agreement (Approved)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission will adopt its agenda, approve minutes from the October 9 meeting, and hear several reports including financial, O'Connor Fund, grant making, city hall, and the Ransom Street Project update. Commissioners will conduct officer elections. The meeting will include a vote to approve a payment to KNAC for training space.

• Officer elections
• Vote to approve payment to KNAC for training space
• Financial report
• O'Connor Fund report
• Ransom Street Project update

The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission approved a $75 expenditure from the O'Connor 1 account for KNAC training space, with a unanimous vote. No other substantive decisions were made; officer elections were postponed to spring 2025, and the commission discussed upcoming events and reports.

• Approved $75 payment to KNAC for training space (unanimous)
• Postponed officer elections to spring 2025

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will consider approving a series of contracts and grant agreements for public works, healthcare, and housing, including a $1.44 million wastewater system extension and a $750,000 grant for a youth facility.

• Contract extension with Xylem Vue for wastewater monitoring ($1.44M)
• Contract extension with Marathon Health for employee clinic ($2.63M)
• Grant for Arcadia Creek Festival Site Project ($2.07M)
• ARPA grant for Boys and Girls Clubs youth facility ($750K)
• Sidewalk construction on West Main Street and Gull Road ($991,500)

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $2,071,500 sub-grant to Southwest Michigan First for phase one of the Arcadia Creek Festival Site Project, funded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Revitalization and Placemaking 2.0 program. All other agenda items, including consent agenda approvals and several contract extensions, were passed unanimously. The commission also voted 6-1 to remove the public's ability to pull items from the consent agenda and to increase public comments to four minutes.

• Approved $2,071,500 sub-grant to Southwest Michigan First for Arcadia Creek Festival Site (7-0)
• Approved $750,000 ARPA grant to Boys and Girls Clubs for new youth facility (7-0)
• Approved $2,627,315.28 three-year contract extension with Marathon Health for employee clinic (7-0)
• Approved $1,441,046 two-year contract extension with Xylem Vue for wastewater monitoring (7-0)
• Approved $140,000 change order with Santiago Services for cemetery mowing (7-0)
• Approved $16,000 change order with Eco Patcher for pavement patching (7-0)
• Approved $250,000 ARPA and $250,000 Foundation for Excellence grants for Residential Predevelopment Assistance (7-0)
• Voted 6-1 to remove public consent agenda removal option and increase public comments to four minutes

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting. The primary focus of the work session is the proposed 2025 Water and Wastewater Utility Rates.

• Proposed 2025 Water and Wastewater Utility Rates

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will convene to approve minutes from October and discuss the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) proposed by the Community Planning and Economic Development Department.

• Approval of October 3, 2024 minutes
• Review of 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• City Planner Report
• Site Plan List

The Planning Commission received a presentation on the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) from Public Services Director James Baker, covering projects in general fund, parking, streets, water, and wastewater. No formal action was taken; the commission was informed that its role was to receive the information, not to vote. The meeting also included a public comment from Ms. Montoya Sims about alleged injustices, which was noted but not acted upon.

• Approved November 7, 2024 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved October 3, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Received 2025 Capital Improvement Plan presentation (no action taken)

Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee

The Organizing Committee is meeting to discuss the Economic Development Strategy and Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. The session includes staff reports regarding the Aspen Think XChange 2024.

• Discussion of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures
• Review of Economic Development Strategy
• Staff report on Aspen Think XChange 2024

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee met and heard a presentation from Bobby Hopewell about Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, a private investment firm with a $50 million fund focused on under-resourced communities. The committee also discussed the City Commission's approved Economic Development Strategy, reframing SPK's work toward community wealth building. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational.

• Excused absent members (voice vote passed)
• Approved September 9, 2024 minutes as amended (voice vote passed)
• Approved agenda by consensus

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors will meet to approve the 2025 budget, a public meeting schedule, and several agreements with the City of Kalamazoo, including a grant and legal services renewal.

• Approve 2025 Budget
• Approve 2025 Aspirational Grant Agreement with City of Kalamazoo
• Approve Renewal of Annual Service Agreement with City of Kalamazoo
• Approve Renewal of Legal Services Agreement with Miller Johnson Attorneys
• Approve Amending At-Large Director Eligibility

The Foundation for Excellence Board approved its 2025 budget, an updated endowment investment allocation, and the 2025 Aspirational Grant Agreement with the City of Kalamazoo. The board also approved amendments to director and officer eligibility, the 2025 public meeting schedule, and several service and insurance renewals. All votes were unanimous except the grant and service agreements, where Director Ritsema abstained due to a conflict of interest.

• Approved 2025 Public Meeting Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved amending At-Large Director Eligibility (unanimous roll call)
• Approved amending Officer Eligibility in Bylaws and Articles (unanimous roll call)
• Approved updated Endowment Investment Allocation (unanimous roll call)
• Approved 2025 Budget (unanimous roll call)
• Approved 2025 Aspirational Grant Agreement with City of Kalamazoo (8-0, Ritsema abstained)
• Approved renewal of Annual Service Agreement with City of Kalamazoo (8-0, Ritsema abstained)
• Approved renewals of Legal Services Agreement and Liability/D&O Insurance (unanimous)

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The Natural Features Protection Review Board will meet to discuss a site plan for the Friendship Village Campus Repositioning IL & Skilled Additions project. The board will also receive a presentation regarding Imagine Kalamazoo 2035.

• Discussion of NFP Site Plan for Friendship Village Campus Repositioning IL & Skilled Additions at 1400 and 1402 N. Drake Road
• Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 Meeting on the Go Presentation
• Approval of July 23, 2024 meeting minutes

The Natural Features Protection Review Board held an initial discussion on the Friendship Village Campus Repositioning project at 1400 and 1402 N Drake Road. No formal decisions were made; the board asked questions about tree removal, native plants, and stormwater. The project will return for further review.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from July 23, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission is reviewing several grants and tax agreements for permanent supportive and affordable housing. The body is also deciding on various municipal service contracts and road safety awards.

• ARPA grants of $700,000 each for housing units at 3405 Duke Street and 333 East Alcott Street
• MDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program awards of $750,000 for Portage Road and $750,000 for Cork Street and Lovers Lane
• Contract with SNR Technologies for wastewater treatment powder activated carbon for $1,224,000
• Contract with Rowell Chemical for wastewater treatment sodium hypochlorite for $749,840
• Ordinance to eliminate the sunset clause for Social Districts and Commons Area (Section 4A-6)

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a series of housing measures on October 21, 2024, including tax breaks and grants for affordable and permanent supportive housing projects. The commission also approved routine contracts for city services and adopted an ordinance eliminating the sunset clause for social districts. All votes were unanimous except for two housing items where Commissioner Decker abstained and one where Commissioner Wilson was absent.

• Approved 10-year 5% PILOT for rehabilitation of 40 affordable units at 1500 E. Kilgore (unanimous)
• Approved $400,000 HOME loan for rehabilitation of 40 affordable units at 1500 E. Kilgore Rd. (unanimous)
• Approved 35-year 4% PILOT for 18 permanent supportive housing units at 3405 Duke St. (6-0, Decker abstained)
• Approved $700,000 ARPA grant for 18 permanent supportive housing units at 3405 Duke Street (5-0, Decker abstained, Wilson absent)
• Approved 50-year 4% PILOT for 46 housing units at 333 East Alcott Street (unanimous)
• Approved $700,000 ARPA grant for 46 permanent supportive housing units at 333 East Alcott Street (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2097 eliminating sunset clause for social districts (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $1.2M contract extension with SNR Technologies for wastewater treatment (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission meeting on October 21, 2024 includes routine procedural items such as call to order, communications, and public comments. A work session will feature a presentation on the progress of the draft HUD 5-Year Consolidated Plan. No specific decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Call to Order and Roll Call
• Public Comments
• Presentation on progress of draft HUD 5-Year Consolidated Plan
• Commissioner Comments
• Adjournment

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will adopt its formal agenda and approve the minutes from the September 16 meeting. The board will hear a financial report from Meghan Behymer and a presentation on the Michigan Avenue Redesign. Committee reports from Events & Marketing, Ambassador Program, Finance, Business Recruitment & Retention, and the Executive Committee will also be presented.

• Approve minutes from September 16 board meeting
• Financial report presented by Meghan Behymer
• Presentation on Michigan Avenue Redesign
• Events and Marketing Committee report
• Finance Committee report

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board heard a presentation on the Michigan Avenue Redesign, including community feedback themes and upcoming engagement events, and participated in a design exercise. The board also accepted the August 2024 financial report, which corrected prior mis-categorizations of legal fees and community promotion expenses. No formal action items were discussed or voted on beyond routine approvals.

• Adopted October 21, 2024 agenda as amended (moved item 2 before item 1) (unanimous)
• Approved September 16, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted August 2024 financial report as presented (unanimous)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will consider a resolution to approve a temporary access agreement for River Caddis Development, LLC concerning the property at 500 Harrison Street. The board will also vote on authorizing staff to collaborate on an application for the U.S. EPA FY 2025 Brownfield Assessment Grant. Additionally, the board will consent to an agreement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for soil and groundwater monitoring wells at 700 River and 812 Gull Road.

• Adopt resolution approving a temporary access agreement for River Caddis Development, LLC at 500 Harrison
• Authorize staff and Fishbeck to collaborate on the U.S. EPA FY 2025 Brownfield Assessment Grant application
• Consent to enter agreement with Michigan DEE for soil and groundwater monitoring wells at 700 River and 812 Gull Road

The Kalamazoo Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board approved a temporary access agreement for the property at 500 Harrison and authorized staff to collaborate with the county on a U.S. EPA FY 2025 Brownfield Assessment Grant application. Both motions passed unanimously, with Director Schipper abstaining on the first item. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved temporary access agreement for Standard Caddis Limited Dividend Housing Association Partnership at 500 Harrison (unanimous, Schipper abstained)
• Authorized staff and Fishbeck to collaborate with Kalamazoo County BRA on EPA FY 2025 Brownfield Assessment Grant application (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board is meeting to vote on permit recommendations for cannabis retailers and growers. The board will also receive updates on the Economic Development Strategy and the Kalamazoo Social Equity Cannabis Chamber.

• Recommendation for a 2-year Adult Use Retailer Permit for Great Lakes Holistics Kalamazoo Inc.
• Recommendation for 2-year Medical Class C Grower and Adult Use Class C Grower Permits for The Woods Cultivation LLC dba AHKI Canna

The Economic Development Corporation Board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Clerk's Office grant 2-year permit approvals to two cannabis businesses, Great Lakes Holistics Kalamazoo Inc. and The Woods Cultivation LLC dba AHKI Canna. Both were reported by staff as in good standing with Gold level designation. The rest of the meeting was updates and discussion, including a presentation on the Kalamazoo Social Equity Cannabis Chamber and its $300,000-per-year, three-year contract; no action was taken on that item.

• Approved recommendation to City Clerk's Office for 2-year Adult Use Retailer Permit for Great Lakes Holistics Kalamazoo Inc. (unanimous roll call)
• Approved recommendation to City Clerk's Office for 2-year Medical Class C Grower & Adult Use Class C Grower Permits for The Woods Cultivation LLC dba AHKI Canna (unanimous roll call)
• Approved excusing absent members (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 19, 2024 meeting (voice vote, unanimous)

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board will adopt its agenda and approve minutes from the July 18 and October 10, 2024 meetings. It will hear a presentation from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and discuss meeting dates and locations for the remainder of 2024. A financial report for August 2024 will also be presented.

• Adoption of agenda
• Approval of minutes from July 18 and October 10, 2024
• Brownfield Redevelopment Authority presentation
• Discussion of meeting dates and locations for the remainder of 2024
• Financial report – August 2024

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board tabled approval of its July minutes pending corrections, and heard a presentation on Brownfield Redevelopment Authority processes. No formal decisions were made on Brownfield policy; the board agreed to continue the discussion at a future meeting. The board also noted the budget as unfinished business.

• Tabled approval of July minutes for further review
• Agreed to move Brownfield/TIF discussion to next meeting
• Noted budget as unfinished business

Election Commission

The Kalamazoo County City Election Commission will meet on October 17, 2024. The agenda includes a public accuracy test of the voting equipment for the November 5, 2024 election. Routine items such as call to order, approval of minutes, and public comments are also scheduled.

• Public Accuracy Test for the November 5, 2024 election

The Kalamazoo City Election Commission held a public accuracy test on October 17, 2024, for tabulators and programming to be used in the November 5, 2024 General Election across the city's 27 voting precincts and 1 absent voter counting board. After successful tests on tabulators for Precincts 2, 9, 17, and 23, the commission certified the test results and sealed the predetermined test results, test decks, and tabulator result tapes in an approved ballot container. No public comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned at 10:13 a.m.

• Certified results of public accuracy test for November 5, 2024 election tabulators
• Sealed test results, test decks, and tabulator result tapes in an approved ballot container

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee will discuss several items, including an application by Justin Sanders to join the committee and a review of member attendance and service terms. The committee will also consider elevating the urban deer issue within the Wildlife and Natural Resource Protection subcommittee and creating a new Waste Subcommittee to address waste collection and trash remediation. Additional reports from related boards and task forces will be presented.

• Application of Justin Sanders to join the Environmental Concerns Committee
• Review of member attendance and terms of service per Bylaw 2.4
• Elevate the urban deer issue within the Wildlife and Natural Resource Protection subcommittee
• Creation of a Waste Subcommittee to discuss waste collection and trash remediation
• Reports from Natural Features Protection Review Board and Air and Water Quality Report

The Environmental Concerns Committee approved the agenda and minutes, recommended a new member, and created two subcommittees: one for Urban Deer/Wildlife and Natural Resources, and another for No Mow May/Natural Resource Protection/Native Plants. No other substantive decisions were made; most subcommittee reports had no updates.

• Approved agenda for October 16, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from August 21, 2024, with a name spelling correction (unanimous)
• Recommended Justin Sanders for committee membership (unanimous)
• Created subcommittee for Urban Deer/Wildlife and Natural Resources (unanimous)
• Created subcommittee for No Mow May/Natural Resource Protection/Native Plants (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission will adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the August 20 meeting, and hear public comments. The commission will then consider six applications to alter or demolish historic properties in designated districts. Decisions will be made by a quorum of commissioners present.

• 151 E Michigan – alteration to install four signs (PPZ24-0030)
• 911 S Park – alteration to remove and replace front porch (PPZ24-0032)
• 419 S Westnedge – alteration to replace a bathroom window (PPZ24-0033)
• 923 W Vine – alteration to remove rear second‑story door and install a window (PPZ24-0034)
• 826 Vine Pl – demolition of a 1881 Queen Anne building (PPZ24-0036)

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission approved Certificates of Appropriateness for four projects: installing four signs at 151 E Michigan, replacing a front porch at 911 S Park, replacing a bathroom window at 419 S Westnedge (5-1), and demolishing a fire-damaged home at 826 Vine Pl. Two items were postponed: a second-story door removal at 923 W Vine (applicant absent) and window replacements at 807 W Vine (pending more documentation).

• Approved 4-sign installation at 151 E Michigan (unanimous)
• Approved front porch replacement at 911 S Park (unanimous)
• Approved bathroom window replacement at 419 S Westnedge (5-1)
• Approved demolition of 826 Vine Pl (unanimous)
• Postponed 923 W Vine door removal (applicant absent)
• Postponed 807 W Vine window replacement to Nov 19

Election Commission

The City Election Commission will meet to approve the roster of election inspectors for the November 5, 2024 election. The body will also review the minutes from its July 19, 2024 meeting.

• Approval of minutes from July 19, 2024 meeting
• Appointment of election inspectors for 27 precincts
• Appointment of inspectors for absent voting counting board
• Appointment of inspectors for receiving board
• Public comments period available

The Kalamazoo City Election Commission approved the roster of election inspectors for the November 5, 2024 election, with a correction to assign James Langeland to Precinct 01 instead of Precinct 02. The commission also approved the minutes from its July 19, 2024 meeting. No public comments were offered.

• Approved minutes from July 19, 2024 meeting (voice vote)
• Approved Roster of Election Inspectors for Nov. 5, 2024 election, with correction to James Langeland's precinct assignment (unanimous voice vote)

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board will consider and vote on the draft budget for fiscal year 2025. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, agenda adoption, public comments, director comments, and staff reports.

• Approval of 2025 Draft Budget (motion to approve)

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board approved the 2025 draft budget as amended, adding a line item for grants/loans to cover $400,000 for the cultural monuments project. The motion was made by Director Pulley, seconded by Director Rey, and passed by voice vote. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural otherwise.

• Approved 2025 draft budget as amended (voice vote)
• Added grants/loans line item for $400,000 cultural monuments project

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will adopt its formal agenda, approve the minutes from the August 14 meeting, receive several reports, and review two preservation applications. Public comments will also be heard.

• Adopt formal agenda
• Approve minutes from 14 August 2024 meeting
• Financial Report
• O'Connor Fund Report
• Review applications: Dusti Morton and Melissa Paduk

The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a $5,000 contribution from the O'Connor 2 fund to support the Bronson Park Mound Project. The commission also reviewed a draft 2025 budget, estimating $4,000 for operations funded by O'Connor funds, and approved the August 14, 2024 minutes as amended.

• Approved $5,000 contribution to Bronson Park Mound Project from O'Connor 2 fund (unanimous)
• Approved August 14, 2024 minutes as amended
• Approved formal agenda with items F1 and F2 flipped
• Approved absence of Akina and White

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee will recommend approval of the 2025 schedule of committee and board meetings. It will also recommend one-year renewals of liability and directors and officers insurance, the Miller Johnson attorneys agreement, and the City-FFE service agreement. Additionally, the board will consider a one-year aspirational grant agreement with the City of Kalamazoo and approve the upcoming October 28, 2024 board agenda.

• Recommend approval of the 2025 schedule of committee and board meetings
• Recommend a one-year renewal of liability and directors and officers insurance
• Recommend a one-year renewal of the Miller Johnson attorneys agreement
• Recommend a one-year renewal of the City-FFE service agreement
• Recommend a one-year aspirational grant agreement with the City of Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee met and unanimously recommended approval of the 2025 meeting schedule, a one-year renewal of liability and D&O insurance, a one-year renewal of the Miller Johnson legal services agreement, a one-year City-FFE services agreement, and a one-year aspirational grant agreement with the City of Kalamazoo. The committee also recommended the October 28, 2024 board agenda and adoption of a consent agenda format starting in 2025. All motions passed by unanimous voice vote, with Vice President Ritsema abstaining on the City-FFE services and aspirational grant agreements.

• Approved 2025 Schedule of Committee and Board Meetings (unanimous)
• Approved one-year renewal of liability and D&O insurance through Nonprofit Insurance Alliance (unanimous)
• Approved one-year renewal of Miller Johnson Attorneys legal services agreement (unanimous)
• Approved one-year renewal of City-FFE services agreement for 1.1.2025-12.31.2025 (unanimous; Ritsema abstained)
• Approved one-year aspirational grant agreement with City of Kalamazoo (unanimous; Ritsema abstained)
• Approved October 28, 2024 board agenda and consent agenda format starting 2025 (unanimous)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Finance Committee will discuss three recommendations: a schedule for the 2025 Finance Committee meetings, an update to the investment allocation for the Foundation for Excellence endowment, and the 2025 budget. Each item will be presented for board approval. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of minutes from the August 26, 2024 meeting and public comment.

• Recommend 2025 Finance Committee meeting schedule for approval
• Recommend update to investment allocation for the FFE endowment
• Recommend 2025 budget for approval

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee met and unanimously recommended the 2025 budget of $26,923,302, an update to the investment allocation, and the 2025 meeting schedule for approval. The committee also discussed future plans to open an RFP for investment consultation services and combining tax reduction payment draws from four to two, moving the June payment earlier. No public or board comments were made.

• Approved draft minutes of August 26, 2024 (unanimous)
• Recommended 2025 Finance Committee Meeting Schedule (unanimous)
• Recommended update to investment allocation (unanimous)
• Recommended 2025 Budget of $26,923,302 (unanimous)

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will adopt the 2024 Economic Development Strategy. It will also approve a series of contracts and agreements totaling over $2.5 million, including software leases, sewer work, traffic equipment, and a Crosstown Facility renovation. Additional items include changes to Social District hours, street lighting contract adjustments, and new pedestrian safety ordinances.

• Approval of a two‑year $263,869.60 contract with Galls, LLC for public safety uniforms
• Approval of a $332,700 contract with Corby Energy Services for cast‑in‑place pipe lining of Paterson Street storm sewer, plus a $500,000 budget amendment
• Approval of a $563,120 professional services agreement with Intersect Studio for design, engineering, and construction management of the Crosstown Facility renovation
• Adoption of an ordinance adding Section 36‑290, Pedestrians in Work Zone Areas
• Adoption of the 2024 Economic Development Strategy

The Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously adopted two ordinances related to pedestrian safety, approved a two-year contract for public safety uniforms, and approved the 2024 Economic Development Strategy. The consent agenda, including multiple contracts and resolutions, was also approved unanimously, with one commissioner abstaining on two items due to a conflict of interest.

• Adopted Ordinance 2095 adding Section 36-290, Pedestrians in Work Zone Areas (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2096 amending Section 22-19, Impeding Pedestrian or Vehicular Passage (unanimous)
• Approved two-year contract with Galls, LLC for Public Safety uniforms, $263,869.60 (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Economic Development Strategy (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $132,708 Envirosuite contract extension, $137,128.79 sewer change order, $140,000 wastewater rate agreement, $151,092.06 lab testing contract, $163,152.40 traffic signal equipment, $170,000 traffic control rental, $179,652 backhoe purchase, $184,315.26 sewer change order, $332,700 storm sewer lining, $563,120 Crosstown renovation design, and resolutions on Social District hours and street lighting (unanimous; Wilson abstained on two CD Arena items)
• Introduced for first reading an ordinance to eliminate sunset clause in Social Districts section 4A-6 (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a work session to discuss the 2024 Economic Development Strategy. The body will also review the draft 2025 Foundation for Excellence Budget and Grants.

• Economic Development Strategy 2024
• Draft 2025 Foundation for Excellence Budget and Grants

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to approve minutes from July 8, 2024, and receive reports from the City Planner. The scheduled public hearing for a Special Use Permit has been withdrawn.

• Withdrawn application for a Transitional Residence Special Use Permit at 214 Woodward Avenue

The Kalamazoo Planning Commission meeting was largely procedural, with no public hearings or action items. The only votes were to approve the agenda and the July 8, 2024 minutes, both unanimous. The main substantive content was a report from City Planner Christina Anderson on the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 master plan update process, including community engagement activities and a timeline for a new Master Plan by 2026. No decisions were made on zoning, permits, or other regulatory matters.

• Approved October 3, 2024 agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved July 8, 2024 minutes as presented (unanimous)

Civil Rights Board

The Civil Rights Board will review the City Attorney's edits to Ordinance 18 and 18A. The board is also scheduled to discuss the Civil Rights Board Attendance Bylaw.

• City Attorney’s Review of Ordinance 18 and 18A Edits
• Civil Rights Board Attendance Bylaw

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Board will consider several actions at its September 23 meeting. It will approve an increase in the Executive Director’s base salary, adopt a draft description for the Chief Financial Officer position, and appoint Adrian Vazquez-Alatorre to the vacant Affinity Director role. The board will also review a 2024 Aspirational Funded Project Progress Report, a draft 2025 budget, and proposed amendments to the bylaws, all marked as no‑action items.

• Approve increase in Executive Director’s base salary
• Approve draft Chief Financial Officer description
• Approve appointment of Adrian Vazquez-Alatorre as Affinity Director
• Review 2024 FFE Aspirational Funded Project Progress Report (no action)
• Review draft 2025 budget (no action)

The Foundation for Excellence Board unanimously approved an increase to the Executive Director's base salary and adopted a draft description for the Chief Financial Officer role. The Board also appointed Adrian Vazquez to fill a vacant Affinity Director position. Several reports on the 2024 project progress and the draft 2025 budget were reviewed without action, and proposed bylaw amendments regarding At-Large eligibility and officer selection were discussed but not voted on.

• Approved increase in Executive Director's base salary (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved amended draft CFO Description including audit committee attendee status (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved appointment of Adrian Vazquez as Affinity Director (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved agenda and April 22, 2024 minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Reviewed 2024 Aspirational Funded Project Progress Report (no action)
• Reviewed Draft 2025 Budget (no action)
• Discussed amending At-Large description in Bylaws (no action)
• Discussed amending Officer Eligibility Guidelines in Bylaws (no action)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is reviewing development and grant agreements for the Brewster Redevelopment Project. The board will also consider property agreements for 116 W Cedar Street and 125 E North Street, and adopt FY 2025 budgets for Fund 242 and Fund 243.

• Brownfield Plan Development and Reimbursement Agreement with 5135 Portage Road, LLC for the Brewster Redevelopment Project
• Grant Agreement with 5135 Portage Road, LLC for the Brewster's Redevelopment Project
• Fifth Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for 116 W Cedar Street
• Assignment of Option Agreement for 125 E North Street
• Adoption of FY 2025 Budgets for Fund 242 and Fund 243

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board unanimously approved a Development and Reimbursement Agreement with 5135 Portage Road, LLC for the Brewster Redevelopment Project, reimbursing the developer up to $1,017,200.00 or for 15 years. The board also approved a related grant agreement, a purchase agreement amendment for 116 W Cedar Street, an option agreement assignment for 125 E North Street, a letter of intent for Davis Creek Business Park, new officer positions, and FY 2025 budgets. Director Schipper abstained from items 1-4.

• Approved Brownfield Plan Development and Reimbursement Agreement with 5135 Portage Road, LLC (unanimous, Schipper abstained)
• Approved Brewster's Redevelopment Project Grant Agreement with 5135 Portage Road, LLC (unanimous, Schipper abstained)
• Approved Fifth Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement with 116 West Cedar, LLC (unanimous, Schipper abstained)
• Approved Assignment of Option Agreement for 125 E North Street (unanimous, Schipper abstained)
• Approved Letter of Intent with Davis Creek Land Development Co. (unanimous)
• Approved new officers: Lucas Middleton (Chair), Kyle Gulau (Vice-Chair), Rachel Bair (Treasurer/Secretary) effective Oct 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Adopted FY 2025 Budgets for Fund 242 and Fund 243 (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board is meeting to approve the 2025 budget and the Economic Development Strategy 2024. The board will also consider a permit for an adult use retailer and nominate new officer positions.

• Approval of 2025 EDC Budget
• Recommendation for a 1-year Adult Use Retailer Permit to Kalamazoo Gallery Inc. DBA Herbana
• Adoption and recommendation of the Economic Development Strategy 2024 to City Commission
• Nomination of Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer/Secretary positions

The Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation Board approved the 2025 EDC Budget and adopted the Economic Development Strategy 2024, recommending it to the City Commission. The board also approved a one-year Adult Use Retailer Permit for Kalamazoo Gallery Inc. DBA Herbana and elected new officers effective October 1, 2024.

• Approved 1-year Adult Use Retailer Permit for Kalamazoo Gallery Inc. DBA Herbana (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 EDC Budget (unanimous)
• Elected Jason Novotny as Chair, Lucas Middleton as Vice-Chair, Kyle Gulau as Treasurer/Secretary (unanimous)
• Adopted and recommended Economic Development Strategy 2024 to City Commission (unanimous)

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee will review ongoing air quality issues and consider forming new subcommittees, with a vote scheduled for the October meeting. Members will consider the application of Justin Sanders to join the committee and discuss the associate member position. The meeting will also include reports from related boards and allow public comments via email, phone, and in‑person.

• Application of Justin Sanders to join the Environmental Concerns Committee
• Continue discussion of the air quality presentation from the August meeting
• Vote to finalize new subcommittees at the October meeting
• Discussion of the associate member position
• Reports from Natural Features Protection Review Board, Air and Water Quality, Wildlife and Natural Resource Protection, and other advisory boards

The Kalamazoo County Environmental Concerns Committee unanimously approved the agenda and August minutes, and filled the open Vice Chair position with Rachel Jondle. Final review of proposed bylaws was postponed to the November meeting, with the October meeting canceled. No other substantive decisions were made; reports were informational only.

• Approved agenda for 09/17/25 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for 08/20/2025 (unanimous)
• Filled Vice Chair position with Rachel Jondle (unanimous)
• Postponed final review of proposed bylaws to November meeting

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will vote on a consent agenda that includes multiple contracts and budget amendments. On the regular agenda, commissioners will consider a 20‑year renewable energy contract with Consumers Energy and a $5,391,592 construction contract for a new Farmers Market building. Two pedestrian‑safety ordinances will receive first readings. The meeting also includes public comments and other routine items.

• Approve $5,391,592 contract with Owen‑Ames Kimball for Farmers Market multipurpose building
• Approve 20‑year renewable energy contract with Consumers Energy for 100% renewable power
• Approve $999,365.83 police records management contract with AXON Enterprises via Sourcewell
• First reading of ordinance adding section 36‑290: Pedestrians in Work Zone Areas
• Approve $205,657 supplemental/change order with Balkema Site Work & Development for Brookfield Avenue Water Main Replacement

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $5,391,592 construction contract with Owen-Ames Kimball for the Farmers Market multipurpose building, along with a 20-year renewable energy contract with Consumers Energy. All consent agenda items were approved 6-0, and several other contracts and ordinances were passed. One item, the reallocation of Community Homeworks CDBG funds, passed 5-0 with one abstention.

• Approved $5,391,592 Farmers Market multipurpose building contract with Owen-Ames Kimball (6-0)
• Approved 20-year renewable energy contract with Consumers Energy (6-0)
• Approved $167,000 stormwater utility business plan with Tetra Tech (6-0)
• Approved $999,365.83 police records management contract with AXON (6-0)
• Approved $112,850.02 voice routers purchase from Trace3 (6-0)
• Approved $361,707.66 water system change order with SWT Excavating (6-0)
• Approved $205,657 Brookfield Avenue water main change order with Balkema (6-0)
• Reallocated Community Homeworks CDBG funds from Code Enforcement to Critical Repair (5-0, 1 abstention)

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will consider the 2025 draft budget and a new events and marketing sponsorship policy. The board is also discussing changes to the hours of operation for the Downtown Kalamazoo Social District.

• 2025 DEGA Draft Budget
• 2025 Events and Marketing Sponsorship Policy
• Establishment of Business Recruitment and Retention Committee
• Changes to Downtown Kalamazoo Social District hours of operation
• July 2024 financial report

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board approved the 2025 draft budget, the 2025 Events and Marketing Sponsorship Policy, and formally established the Business Recruitment and Retention Committee. They also passed a resolution supporting changes to the Downtown Kalamazoo Social District hours, which will go to the City Commission in October. All votes were unanimous with no objections.

• Approved July 2024 financial report (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 DEGA draft budget (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Events and Marketing Sponsorship Policy (unanimous)
• Established Business Recruitment and Retention Committee (unanimous)
• Supported changes to Downtown Kalamazoo Social District hours (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission meeting on September 16, 2024 includes a presentation by the City Attorney's Office on two proposed ordinances. One ordinance would amend Chapter 36, Article X to add section 36-290 titled "Pedestrians in Work Zone Areas." The other would amend Section 22-19 with a provision titled "Impeding Pedestrian or Vehicular Passage." Both ordinances are scheduled for first reading at the 7:00 Business Meeting.

• Presentation by Discover Kalamazoo
• City Attorney's Office presentation on proposed ordinance to add section 36-290 "Pedestrians in Work Zone Areas"
• City Attorney's Office presentation on proposed ordinance to amend Section 22-19 "Impeding Pedestrian or Vehicular Passage"
• Ordinances slated for first reading at the 7:00 Business Meeting

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will adopt the formal agenda and approve the minutes from the August 19, 2024 meeting. The board will accept the July 2024 financial report for the Downtown Economic Growth Authority. A motion will be taken to approve the draft budget for the DEGA for fiscal year 2025. The meeting also includes standard reports, public comments, and director comments.

• Adopt formal agenda
• Approve minutes from August 19, 2024 meeting
• Accept July 2024 DEGA financial report
• Approve 2025 DEGA draft budget

The Downtown Development Authority Board approved the 2025 draft budget subject to amendment, with a change to the Portland Loo maintenance cost. The board also accepted the July 2024 financial report, which showed a negative balance of -$29,430 but projected $274,000 in tax revenue. No public comments were made, and the meeting was adjourned at 5 p.m.

• Approved 2025 draft budget subject to amendment (unanimous)
• Accepted July 2024 financial report (unanimous)
• Adopted September 16, 2024 agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved August 19, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two variance requests at its September 12 meeting. One request involves a pizza restaurant seeking approval for a drive-through window, while the other involves a fence height request for a local nonprofit.

• Hearing: RPM Pizza drive-through variance at 4129 Portage Street
• Hearing: YWCA fence height variance at 325 E. Michigan Avenue
• Approval of July 11, 2024 ZBA minutes

Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee will adopt the agenda and approve minutes from the July 1, 2024 meeting. New business includes a presentation on the Region 8 Childcare Plan by Beth Berglin. Unfinished business will cover 2025 Requests presented by Kevin Ford. Staff will give updates on the Economic Development Plan and SPK National Representation before public comments and adjournment.

• Region 8 Childcare Plan presentation by Beth Berglin
• 2025 Requests discussion by Kevin Ford
• Economic Development Plan staff report
• SPK National Representation staff report

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee heard a presentation on the Region 8 Childcare Plan and discussed implementation steps. The committee approved the agenda and minutes, and excused absent members. Kevin Ford reported that two of three 2025 funding requests will go to the City Commission, with the FOC request ($80,000) not moving forward.

• Excused absent members (voice vote, passed)
• Approved agenda as presented (consensus)
• Approved minutes of July 1, 2024 (voice vote, passed)
• Heard Region 8 Childcare Plan presentation (no action)
• Discussed 2025 requests; two of three to proceed, FOC request not moving forward

City Commission

The City Commission is reviewing several infrastructure contracts and development plans. The body will hold public hearings on redevelopment exemptions and a planned unit development amendment.

• Professional service agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant No. 14 & 5 consolidation design for $1,954,800
• Public hearing for Commercial Redevelopment Exemption Certificate at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road
• Public hearing for development plan amendment for Friendship Village at 1400 & 1402 North Drake Road and 4300 Beech Avenue
• Professional service agreement with Prein & Newhof for regional water system expansion design for $987,600
• Contract with Waste Management of Michigan for street sweeping roll-off containers for $410,025

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $1.95 million professional service agreement with Tetra Tech for the design of Water Treatment Plant No. 14 & 5 consolidation, along with a consent agenda covering multiple contracts, grants, and appointments. All votes were unanimous (7-0), with one abstention on a consent item. The meeting also included public hearings and approvals for commercial redevelopment exemptions and a planned unit development amendment.

• Approved $1,954,800 Tetra Tech design contract for Water Treatment Plant No. 14 & 5 consolidation (7-0)
• Approved Commercial Redevelopment Exemption Certificate at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road (7-0)
• Approved amendment to Friendship Village PUD final development plan at 1400 & 1402 N. Drake Rd and 4300 Beech Ave (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $987,600 Prein & Newhof water system expansion design contract (7-0, Decker abstained on G.10)
• Approved $516,752 sole source contract with Pure Air for carbon filtration replacement (consent)
• Approved $410,025 Waste Management roll-off container contract for street sweeping (consent)
• Approved $50,000 grants to YWCA Reproductive Health Fund and $50,000 to Victim Services Program (consent)
• Approved $123,000 ARPA grant to Boys and Girls Club for Bridging Opportunities program (consent)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss participation in Consumer Energy's Renewable Energy Program. The session includes public comments and a work session focused on the energy program.

• Work session: Consumer Energy's Renewable Energy Program - City of Kalamazoo Participation
• Public Comments
• Committee of the Whole meeting
• Meeting location: City Commission Chambers, 241 West South Street

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee will recommend amending the Officer Eligibility Guidelines in the FFE bylaws. It will also recommend increasing the Executive Director's base salary. Finally, the committee will approve the agenda for the September 23, 2024 Board meeting.

• Recommend amending the Officer Eligibility Guidelines in the FFE bylaws
• Recommend an increase in the Executive Director's base salary
• Approve the September 23, 2024 Board meeting agenda

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee approved three recommendations to the full Board: amending Bylaws Section 5.01 to prioritize Stakeholder or At-Large Directors in officer elections, increasing the Executive Director's base salary by 7%, and approving the September 23, 2024 board meeting agenda. All motions passed unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Bylaws amendment to prioritize Stakeholder/At-Large Directors in officer elections (unanimous)
• Approved 7% increase to Executive Director's base salary (unanimous)
• Approved September 23, 2024 board meeting agenda (unanimous)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee will meet to approve minutes, review program progress, and recommend changes to bylaws and officer eligibility guidelines. The committee will also recommend a salary increase for the Executive Director and a candidate for the Affinity Director position.

• Approve minutes from April 8, 2024
• Review 2024 program progress report
• Recommend bylaw amendments for City Commission
• Recommend Executive Director salary increase
• Approve September 23, 2024, meeting agenda

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee recommended Adrian Vazquez-Alatorre for Affinity Director and approved a bylaw amendment to the At-Large description. It also passed motions on officer eligibility guidelines, an executive director salary increase, and the next board meeting agenda. The meeting adjourned early due to loss of quorum.

• Recommended Adrian Vazquez-Alatorre for Affinity Director (unanimous)
• Recommended amending At-Large description in FFE Bylaws and Articles (unanimous)
• Recommended amending Officer Eligibility Guidelines in FFE Bylaws (unanimous)
• Recommended increase in Executive Director's base salary (unanimous)
• Approved September 23, 2024 Board meeting agenda (unanimous)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee will meet to approve minutes, review financial reports, and discuss the draft 2025 budget and a proposed Chief Financial Officer description. The meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2024, at Kalamazoo City Hall.

• Approval of April 8, 2024, meeting minutes
• (No Action) Cash and Endowment Reports
• (No Action) Draft 2025 Budget
• Recommendation for Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Description

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee met and recommended the Draft CFO Description to the full board, with four specific edits. The committee also approved the April 8, 2024 meeting minutes and excused an absent director. No action was taken on cash flow, endowment reports, or the draft 2025 budget, which were discussed only.

• Recommended Draft CFO Description to Board with 4 edits (unanimous)
• Approved April 8, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Excused Director Balkema's absence (unanimous)

Environmental Concerns Committee

The committee will receive a presentation on PM 2.5 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Members will also discuss subcommittee roles and a solar purchase agreement with Consumer's Energy.

• PM 2.5 Update Presentation by Erica Shuff and John Olson
• Solar Purchase Agreement with Consumer's Energy
• Endorsement of Solar Purchase Plan by ICLEI-USA
• Proposed placement of Stephen Romenelli on the Waste Subcommittee
• Introduction of Loraine Smith for the final open ECC position

The Environmental Concerns Committee heard a presentation on a solar electricity purchase agreement for Kalamazoo, with a city vote scheduled for September 16, and received an informational update from EGLE on new PM2.5 air quality standards. No formal decisions were made; the committee approved the agenda and minutes unanimously.

• Approved agenda for August 21, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from July 17, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission will review applications for exterior alterations to four historic properties. The body will also consider a commissioner application for Katie Boertman.

• 911 S Park: Remove and replace front porch
• 703 S Park St: Remove and replace rear porch
• 739 McCourtie: Siding, window, porch, and door replacements
• 207 W Vine St: Relocate door from rear of property to east porch
• Commissioner application for Katie Boertman

The Historic District Commission denied a Certificate of Appropriateness for removing and replacing the front porch at 911 S Park, despite the applicant's request. The commission approved a COA for extensive renovations at 739 McCourtie, including siding, windows, and porches, and approved moving a door at 207 W Vine St. A request to replace a rear porch at 703 S Park was postponed to the October 15 meeting. The commission also recommended Katie Boertman for appointment.

• Denied COA for front porch removal/replacement at 911 S Park (all disapproved)
• Approved COA for siding, windows, front and rear porch work at 739 McCourtie (all approved)
• Approved COA to move door from rear to side porch at 207 W Vine St (all approved)
• Postponed decision on rear porch replacement at 703 S Park to Oct 15, 2024 (all approved)
• Recommended Katie Boertman for appointment to HDC (all approved)

City Commission

The City Commission will adopt a consent agenda that includes approvals of several contracts, easements and a budget allocation. It will consider a first reading of an ordinance to amend the Friendship Village Planned Unit Development and an ordinance updating sidewalk snow‑removal requirements. The commission will vote to allocate $1,200,000 of ARPA grant money for emergency and residential shelter resources. A public hearing on the Friendship Village amendment is scheduled for September 3, 2024.

• Approve $421,925 three‑year packer truck rental contract with Big Truck Rental for leaf removal
• Approve $110,678 sole‑source professional service agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for wastewater plant maintenance
• Allocate $12,000 from City Commission Initiatives budget to the annual Shop with a Senior program
• Approve $1,200,000 ARPA grant allocation for emergency/residential shelter space
• First reading of ordinance to amend the final development plan for Friendship Village PUD at 1400 & 1402 North Drake Road and 4300 Beech Avenue

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $1.2 million ARPA agreement with Kalamazoo County for emergency shelter space, adopted sidewalk snow/ice clearing ordinance amendments, and moved a Friendship Village PUD amendment to first reading. All consent agenda items, including contracts and easements, were approved 5-0.

• Approved $1.2M ARPA agreement with Kalamazoo County for shelter space (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending sidewalk snow/ice clearing requirements (5-0)
• Set public hearing for Friendship Village PUD amendment for Sept 3 (5-0)
• Approved $54,707 change order for wastewater blower repair (consent)
• Approved $110,678 sole source agreement with Alfred Benesch (consent)
• Approved $421,925 three-year packer truck rental contract (consent)
• Approved $12,000 for Shop with a Senior program (consent)
• Postponed purchase agreement for 502 Lawrence Street to Sept 3 (consent)

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the June 17 meeting, and accept the annual audit and financial report. It will hear a draft 2025 budget presentation. The board will discuss a request to include maintenance funding for a Portland Loo public restroom in the 2025 budget.

• Adopt formal agenda
• Approve minutes from June 17, 2024 meeting
• Accept annual audit by Aaron Stevens of Maner Costerisan
• Financial report and draft 2025 budget presentation by CFO Steve Vicenzi
• Discussion of Portland Loo public restroom installation – request for 2025 maintenance budget

The Downtown Development Authority Board discussed a request to include $5,000 in the 2025 budget for maintenance of a new Portland Loo public restroom behind City Hall. The Board did not approve the request, with members expressing concerns about the location's effectiveness and safety. The Board indicated it might support the idea if the Loo were placed within the Ambassador area, but no formal action was taken.

• Adopted formal agenda (unanimous)
• Approved June 17, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted May and June 2024 financial report (unanimous)
• Discussed but did not approve Portland Loo maintenance budget request

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting to review updates on neighborhood plans. The session will include a work session focused on these plans and allow for public comments.

• Committee of the Whole meeting
• Neighborhood Plans Update work session
• Public comments period

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will review the annual audit and the draft 2025 budget. The board is deciding on grants for downtown holiday lighting and additional funding and extensions for Beats on Bates events.

• Grant to the City of Kalamazoo for holiday lighting downtown
• Extension and additional funding for Beats on Bates events
• Resolution to establish Ambassador Program Committee
• Presentation of the Annual Audit by Maner Costerisan
• 2025 Draft Budget and Revenue Projections

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board approved three resolutions: a $20,000 grant to the City of Kalamazoo for holiday lighting, establishment of an Ambassador Program Committee to review the program and develop an RFP before the Block by Block contract expires in April 2025, and a $6,000 extension of Beats on Bates events into September. The board also accepted the 2023 audit, which reported a $100,728 deficit in the DEGA general fund, and the May/June financial report. No public comments were made.

• Approved $20,000 grant to City of Kalamazoo for holiday lighting (unanimous)
• Established Ambassador Program Committee to review program and develop RFP (unanimous)
• Approved $6,000 extension for Beats on Bates events through September (unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 DEGA audit as presented (unanimous)
• Accepted May/June 2024 financial report (unanimous)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will adopt three resolutions: one to reimburse $51,642 for work at 215 E Michigan Avenue, one to accept an EGLE Brownfield Grant Agreement, and one to approve a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Zone 32 Phase II, LLC. Staff will also present quarterly budget reports for the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund and the Brownfield Operating Budget, both without required action.

• Resolution approving Reimbursement Request #2 for 215 E Michigan Avenue, $51,642
• Resolution accepting an EGLE Brownfield Grant Agreement and authorizing the board chair to sign
• Resolution approving the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Zone 32 Phase II, LLC, authorizing the vice chair to sign
• Quarterly Budget Report – Fund 242 Local Brownfield Revolving Fund (no action)
• Quarterly Budget Report – Fund 243 Brownfield Operating Budget (no action)

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board approved three items: a $51,642 reimbursement request for 215 E Michigan Avenue, a two-year EGLE Brownfield grant agreement (up to $1 million), and a purchase and sale agreement with Zone 32, Phase II, LLC. All votes were unanimous, with Director Novotny abstaining from the Zone 32 item due to involvement. The board also discussed 2025 budget planning, including potential real estate marketing services and professional development.

• Approved Reimbursement Request #2 for 215 E Michigan Avenue in the amount of $51,642 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution accepting EGLE Brownfield Grant Agreement, authorizing Board Chair to sign (unanimous)
• Approved Purchase and Sale Agreement with Zone 32, Phase II, LLC, authorizing Vice Chair to sign (unanimous, Novotny abstained)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from June 20, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Excused absent members (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board will adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the June 20 meeting, and vote on a second amendment to the approved 2024 budget. It will also recommend several adult‑use cannabis permits to the City Clerk, including 1‑year and 2‑year approvals with specific zoning remediation conditions. Staff will present quarterly and planning budget reports and updates on the cannabis equity chamber and economic development strategy.

• Approve Second Amendment to the Approved 2024 Economic Development Corporation Budget
• Recommend 1‑year adult‑use retailer permit for 2233 N Burdick Inc. DBA Levels Cannabis, contingent on replacing four shrubs and one tree
• Recommend 2‑year adult‑use retailer permit for Nirvana Kalamazoo, LLC, contingent on replacing dumpster enclosure doors
• Recommend 1‑year adult‑use retailer permit for J Elias Management Inc. DBA Puff Kalamazoo
• Recommend 2‑year adult‑use Grower Class C (4) permits for Sweet Cut Grow, LLC

The Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation Board approved a $10,045 budget amendment for additional Economic Development Strategy meetings with Camoin Associates, funded by a $50,000 MEDC grant. The board also unanimously recommended approval of several adult-use cannabis permits, including conditional approvals for Levels Cannabis and Nirvana Kalamazoo, and a 1-year permit for Puff Kalamazoo. No substantive decisions were made on the 2025 budget, which was only discussed.

• Approved $10,045 budget amendment for Camoin Associates meetings (unanimous)
• Recommended 1-year adult-use retailer permit for 2233 N Burdick Inc DBA Levels Cannabis, contingent on fixing zoning deficiencies by Aug 31 (unanimous)
• Recommended 2-year adult-use retailer permit for Nirvana Kalamazoo, LLC, contingent on fixing dumpster enclosure doors by Aug 31 (unanimous)
• Recommended 1-year adult-use retailer permit for J Elias Management Inc. DBA Puff Kalamazoo (unanimous)
• Recommended 2-year adult-use grower Class C (4) permits for Sweet Cut Grow, LLC (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss support for the Bronson Park Mound Project and review the 2025 budget. The body will also receive financial and grant-making reports.

• Support for Bronson Park Mound Project
• 2025 Budget Review
• O'Connor Fund Report
• City Hall Designation Report
• Grant Making Report

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a $5,000 contribution from the O'Connor 2 fund to support the Bronson Park Mound Project, with a unanimous vote. The commission also reviewed the 2025 budget, estimating $4,000 for operations funded by O'Connor funds, and approved the August 14 minutes as amended. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $5,000 contribution to Bronson Park Mound Project from O'Connor 2 fund (unanimous)
• Approved August 14, 2024 minutes as amended
• Approved formal agenda with items F1 and F2 flipped
• Approved absence of Akina and White

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Audit Subcommittee will approve the minutes from the April 1, 2024 meeting. It will receive the Fiscal Year 2023 Form‑990 and conduct the annual financial policy review, both marked as no‑action items. The meeting also includes standard public comment, board member comments, and adjournment.

• Approve minutes of April 1, 2024 meeting
• Receive Fiscal Year 2023 Form‑990 (no action)
• Annual Financial Policy Review (no action)

The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence Audit Subcommittee met and approved the minutes from April 1, 2024. They reviewed the Fiscal Year 2023 Form 990 and made several clarifications to the Annual Financial Policy, including changing reporting frequency from monthly to quarterly and clarifying roles. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved April 1, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reviewed FY2023 Form 990
• Clarified Annual Financial Policy: quarterly financial reporting to Audit
• Clarified policy language on staff roles and titles

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will hold a public hearing on a resolution to create a Commercial Redevelopment District at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road. A consent agenda will approve multiple contracts and grants, including a $500,000 traffic‑signal purchase and a $530,770 water‑system construction agreement. The regular agenda includes the first reading of an ordinance to update sidewalk snow‑and‑ice clearing rules and actions on parking‑related ordinances and fee schedules.

• Public hearing on a resolution establishing a Commercial Redevelopment District at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road
• Approval of a $500,000 contract with Carrier and Gable for traffic signals, controllers, and equipment
• Approval of a $530,770 construction agreement with CD Arena LLC for water system infrastructure
• First reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 33, Sections 18‑20 to update sidewalk snow and ice clearing requirements
• Adoption of ordinances and resolutions to amend parking regulations and set updated parking fee schedules

The Kalamazoo City Commission adopted ordinances and resolutions updating the Traffic Code for overnight parking, establishing fees for the overnight parking permit program, and amending parking system operations including meter hours and technology use. The commission also approved a consent agenda with contracts, grants, and appointments, and established a Commercial Redevelopment District at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road.

• Adopted ordinances 2088-2090 and Resolution 24-54 for overnight parking rules and permit fees (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2091 updating parking system operations and meter hours (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution 24-55 setting updated parking fee schedule for public facilities (5-1)
• Established Commercial Redevelopment District at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $500,000 traffic signal contract and $530,770 water infrastructure agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $75,000 DNR grant for Portage Creek habitat restoration at Milham Park
• Approved $80,000 Gilmore Foundation grant for 2024 holiday events
• Offered first reading of ordinance updating sidewalk snow and ice clearing requirements (6-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will open the meeting, hear public comments, and consider a special agenda item to move into a closed session to discuss an attorney‑client privileged communication. No other decisions or public hearings are scheduled. The remainder of the meeting includes routine work session and commissioner comments.

• Closed session to discuss an attorney‑client privileged communication (motion to go into closed session)

The Kalamazoo City Commission met as a Committee of the Whole and took only procedural actions. It excused two absent commissioners, held a closed session to discuss an attorney-client privileged communication (approved 5-0), and adjourned without any substantive decisions or public comment.

• Excused absences of Commissioners Cooney and Hoffman (voice vote)
• Approved closed session for attorney-client privileged communication (5-0)

Civil Rights Board

The Civil Rights Board will hear an update from the City Attorney’s office on a draft review. It will also receive a subcommittee report on new board member bylaws for members within city limits. No specific actions or approvals are listed on the agenda.

• Update from City Attorney’s office on the draft review
• New Board Member subcommittee update & discussion on bylaws for members in City limits

The Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board meeting was called to order but immediately adjourned because only three members were present, falling short of a quorum. No substantive decisions were made. The next meeting is scheduled for October 2, 2024.

• Meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The Natural Features Protection Review Board will consider and vote on two site plan approvals: one for the 3401 Nazareth Road project and another for the 3625 W Michigan project, each conditioned on approval by the Site Plan Review Committee. The board will also vote on recommendations to reappoint Laura Fredrickson for a two‑year term and to appoint Evangelia Murgia to the NFP Review Board. A staff update from the NFP Phase 3 Subcommittee will be presented.

• Approve NFP Site Plan for 3401 Nazareth Road (conditioned on Site Plan Review Committee approval)
• Approve NFP Site Plan for 3625 W Michigan (conditioned on Site Plan Review Committee approval and variance conditions)
• Recommend reappointment of Laura Fredrickson to the NFP Board for a two‑year term
• Recommend appointment of Evangelia Murgia to the NFP Review Board
• NFP Phase 3 Subcommittee update

The minutes for the September 16, 2024, Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Economic Growth Authority meeting list agenda items including approval of minutes, financial reports, a draft budget, and several resolutions, but record no motions, seconds, or votes for any item. All roll call votes are shown as 0 to 0 with no yeas or nays, indicating no substantive decisions were made.

Election Commission

The Kalamazoo City Election Commission will hold a public accuracy test of voting equipment for the upcoming August 6, 2024 election. The meeting will also include routine approval of minutes from the previous meeting and a public comment period.

• Public accuracy test for August 6, 2024 election equipment
• Approval of minutes from July 15, 2024 meeting

The Kalamazoo City Election Commission approved the minutes from its July 15 meeting and conducted a public accuracy test of tabulators for the August 6, 2024 Statewide Primary Election. The test was successful for precincts 7, 13, and 25, and the commission certified the results, sealing test materials in an approved ballot container. No public comments were offered.

• Approved minutes from July 15, 2024 meeting (voice vote)
• Certified public accuracy test results for August 6 primary tabulators
• Sealed test results, test decks, and tabulator result tapes in approved ballot container

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board will meet to discuss and potentially approve a social district policy, a procedure for committee members attending conferences, and a budget for cultural monuments. The board will also review minutes from the previous meeting and hear public and board comments.

• Adoption of minutes from June 20, 2024 meeting
• NCBDA Social District Policy (new business)
• Budget for Cultural Monuments including compensation for Northside Historians (unfinished business)
• Ecumenical Senior Center Budget for July 27th Event (unfinished business)

The Board approved canceling its August and September meetings to allow committees time to work on projects. A decision on the Social District Policy was tabled while two directors research existing models. The Board agreed to handle conference attendance requests on a case-by-case basis until a formal policy is established.

• Agenda amended to add meeting cancellation discussion (voice vote)
• June 2024 minutes approved as amended (voice vote)
• Social District Policy decision tabled for further research
• Director Gamsho and Mayor Anderson assigned to research Social District policy
• Conference attendance requests approved on case-by-case basis (verbal agreement)
• August and September meetings cancelled (verbal agreement)
• Special meeting scheduled for October 10 to approve 2025 budget
• Director Henderson to report on t-shirt design for Ecumenical Senior Center event at next meeting

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee will meet to approve minutes, discuss air quality standards, and review updates on the Kalamazoo River and solid waste.

• Approval of May 15, 2024 minutes
• Discussion of air quality standards from EGLE
• Kalamazoo River litter discussion
• Solid waste update from Chris Broadbent
• Community Sustainability Plan Update from Justin Gish

The Environmental Concerns Committee met on July 17, 2024, and approved its agenda and the minutes from May 15, 2024, both by unanimous voice vote. Most of the meeting was informational: staff and committee members gave updates on the Wellhead Protection Program, the Community Sustainability Plan, and various subcommittees. No substantive policy decisions, ordinances, contracts, or funding votes were recorded beyond approving the agenda and prior minutes.

• Approved the July 17, 2024 meeting agenda (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved the May 15, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• No other substantive decisions, approvals, denials, or tabled items were recorded

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider two applications for exterior work in the South Street and Stuart historic districts. The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and a coordinator's report.

• Review of 813 W Lovell exterior painting and signs (PPZ24-0018)
• Review of 712 W Kalamazoo siding replacement (PPZ24-0019)
• Approval of June 18, 2024 minutes
• Coordinator's report
• Public comments period

The Historic District Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for painting a non-contributing brick building and installing a new sign at 813 W Lovell. The commission denied a request to replace wood siding with fiber cement at 712 W Kalamazoo, with commissioners citing concerns about preserving historic value and the extent of damage. Procedural items such as agenda approval and minutes were passed unanimously.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 813 W Lovell paint and sign (Unanimous)
• Denied Certificate of Appropriateness for 712 W Kalamazoo siding replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved June 18, 2024 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved absence of commissioners Stucky and Grayson (Unanimous)

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will decide on $67.2 million in bonds, grants, and contracts, including wastewater and water supply revenue bonds, a $1 million USDA forestry grant, and a $1 million state brownfield redevelopment grant. The meeting also includes a vote on the Westwood Neighborhood Plan 2024 and a public hearing for a proposed Commercial Redevelopment District at 5135 Portage Road.

• Renew DarkTrace licensing for $149,876.22
• Approve $223,000 water main design contract for F Avenue & 28th Street
• Adopt Westwood Neighborhood Plan 2024 as sub-area plan to 2025 Master Plan
• Accept $1M USDA Urban and Community Forestry Grant
• Authorize $14M Wastewater Supply System Revenue Bonds, Series 2024

The City Commission approved several large bond issuances for water and wastewater systems and accepted $2M in grants for forestry and redevelopment. It also adopted the Westwood Neighborhood Plan 2024 and amended the floodplain management code.

• Authorized $14M in Wastewater Supply System Revenue Bonds (7-0)
• Authorized $33M in Water Supply System Revenue Refunding Bonds (7-0)
• Authorized $19M in Water Supply System Revenue Bonds (7-0)
• Authorized $9.2M in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds for FY 2024 capital projects (7-0)
• Accepted $1M EGLE Brownfield Redevelopment Grant for Brewsters Redevelopment Project (7-0)
• Accepted $1M USDA Urban and Community Forestry Grant (7-0)
• Approved Westwood Neighborhood Plan 2024 (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Postponed decision on traffic code amendments regarding parking and meter rates (4-3)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a work session to discuss a draft of the Economic Development Strategy. The meeting also includes an update on the Sidewalk Snow Clearing Project.

• Economic Development Strategy Draft
• Sidewalk Snow Clearing Project Update

Election Commission

The City of Kalamazoo Election Commission is meeting to appoint individuals to boards of election inspectors. These appointments cover the city's 27 election day precincts, the absent voting counting board, and the receiving board for the August 6, 2024 election.

• Appointment of election inspectors for 27 precincts, the absent voting counting board, and the receiving board for the August 6, 2024 election

The Kalamazoo City Election Commission approved the Roster of Election Inspectors for the August 6, 2024 election by unanimous voice vote. The roster was described as roughly 30% Republican and 70% Democrat, with each precinct having at least two Republican workers. The commission also approved minutes from its July 3, 2024 meeting and heard that a Public Accuracy Test is scheduled for July 19.

• Approved minutes from the July 3, 2024 Election Commission meeting (voice vote)
• Approved the Roster of Election Inspectors for the August 6, 2024 election (voice vote, unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The City of Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a request from American Village Development V, LLC. The developer is seeking variances related to impervious cover and light pole height for the properties at 5135 and 5147 Portage Street.

• Variance to allow 83% impervious cover at 5135 and 5147 Portage Street
• Variance to allow 30-foot parking lot light poles

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will review 2025 budget plans and O'Connor Fund grant recommendations. The agenda also includes a presentation on historic cemeteries and a mound discussion with tribal representatives.

• O'Connor Fund grant recommendations
• 2025 budget review
• New Commissioner appointment recommendation
• Presentation by Friends of Historic Kalamazoo Cemeteries
• Mound discussion with Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians

The Historic Preservation Commission approved $20,000 in grants from the O’Connor Fund for three local organizations. They also moved to recommend Eleanor Harris to the mayor for appointment as a new commissioner. The commission reviewed the 2025 budget draft, which requires a finalized version by September 3, 2024, and heard presentations on cemetery preservation and the Bronson Park Mounds project.

• Approved $20,000 total in O’Connor Fund grants for Stuart Neighborhood Association, Civic, and Disability Network
• Recommended Eleanor Harris to the mayor for appointment as a new commissioner
• Directed finance subcommittee to draft 2025 budget for approval at next meeting
• Paused discussion on gift spending policy until guidelines are established
• Approved previous meeting minutes as amended

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a rezoning request for the Friendship Village Planned Unit Development. The agenda also includes the City Planner's report and the 2024 Site Plan Review List.

• Rezoning of Friendship Village PUD at 1400 & 1402 N Drake Rd and part of 4300 Beech Avenue
• Approval of June 6, 2024, meeting minutes
• City Planner's Report
• 2024 Site Plan Review List

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Commission approve an amendment to the Friendship Village Planned Unit Development (PUD). The amendment allows for the installation of stormwater retention basins within the northern 225 feet of the existing eastern buffer easement.

• Recommended approval of Friendship Village PUD amendment to allow stormwater basins in the northern 225' of the eastern buffer (Unanimous)
• Approved July 8, 2024 agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved June 6, 2024 minutes (Unanimous)

Election Commission

The City Election Commission is considering a resolution to establish absent voter counting boards. This measure would authorize the pre-processing of absentee ballots for the August 6 and November 5, 2024, elections.

• Creation of absent voter counting boards
• Pre-processing of absentee ballots for August 6 and November 5, 2024
• Approval of February 1, 2024, meeting minutes

The Commission adopted a resolution to create absent voter counting boards. This action authorizes the pre-processing of absentee ballots for the August 6 and November 5, 2024 elections.

• Approved February 1, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Adopted resolution to create absent voter counting boards and authorize absentee ballot pre-processing (2-0)

Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee will receive a presentation on the Economic Development Plan and discuss SPK 2026. The meeting also includes an update regarding the IK 2035 rollout.

• Economic Development Plan Presentation
• SPK 2026 discussion
• IK 2035 Rollout update

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee met on July 1, 2024, and approved the agenda and minutes of May 6, 2024. Kevin Ford reported he submitted FFE special requests for 2025 based on City Commission priorities (Rx Kids, home-based childcare business supports, and the Financial Opportunity Center). Jerrid Burdue presented the draft Economic Development Plan, which will go to the Committee of the Whole on July 15, the Economic Development Corporation in August, and City Commission for approval in September. No formal decisions on the plan or funding requests were made; the committee discussed housing, economic strategy, and upcoming engagement opportunities.

• Approved agenda by consensus
• Approved minutes of May 6, 2024 (voice vote, passed)
• Excused absent members (voice vote, passed)

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission is reviewing several large-scale infrastructure contracts, including a $14 million project for Edison non-copper service line replacements. The meeting also includes first readings of ordinances regarding floodplain management and traffic code amendments. Other items involve professional service agreements and a housing development grant.

• $14,250,097.01 contract for Edison non-copper service line replacement project
• $3,272,899 contract for the Knollwood pipe lining project
• $858,000 agreement for Central Water Treatment Plant upgrades
• $100,000 housing development grant for 2203 South Burdick Street
• Ordinance amendments for floodplain management and traffic code

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $306,763.76 settlement agreement in the Lakisha McMillon v City of Kalamazoo lawsuit and authorized the City Attorney to sign it, voting 6-0 after a closed session. Commissioners also approved a 17-item consent agenda 6-0, including a $140,575 ballot scanner, a $100,000 housing rehabilitation grant at 2203 South Burdick Street, and a State Disaster Contingency Fund grant request for the May 7, 2024 severe weather and tornado. Two large water contracts passed 6-0: $3,272,899 to Fer-Pal Construction USA, LLC for Knollwood pipe lining and $14,250,097.01 to SWT Excavating, Inc for Edison non-copper service line replacement. First readings of ordinances amending floodplain management (Chapter 29-5) and the traffic code parking system (Chapter 36) each passed 6-0; a purchase agreement for 731 and 737 Pioneer Street was held until July 15, 2024.

• Approved $306,763.76 settlement in Lakisha McMillon v City of Kalamazoo (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda of 17 items, including $140,575 ballot scanner and $100,000 housing grant at 2203 South Burdick Street (6-0)
• Approved $3,272,899 contract with Fer-Pal Construction USA, LLC for Knollwood pipe lining (6-0)
• Approved $14,250,097.01 contract with SWT Excavating, Inc for Edison non-copper service line replacement (6-0)
• First reading passed for ordinance amending Chapter 29-5 Floodplain Management (6-0)
• First reading passed for ordinance amending Chapter 36 Traffic Code on overnight parking, meter rates, and meter hours (6-0)
• Held until July 15, 2024 consideration of purchase agreement for 731 and 737 Pioneer Street
• Excused Commissioner Decker's absence (voice vote)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting and work session. The agenda includes an update regarding flood mitigation projects.

• Flood Mitigation Projects Update

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding the 12th Amendment to the City of Kalamazoo's Revised Brownfield Plan. The meeting also includes votes on several reimbursement requests and property purchase agreements.

• Public hearing for the 12th Amendment to the City of Kalamazoo's Revised Brownfield Plan
• $180,198.50 reimbursement request for 215 E Michigan Avenue
• Up to $100,000 commitment in Local Brownfield Revolving Funds for an EGLE grant match
• $96,957.16 reimbursement request from Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services
• Purchase and Sale Agreement for the property at 708 Ampersee

The Kalamazoo Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board approved multiple property agreements, brownfield plan amendments, and reimbursement requests during its June 20, 2024 meeting. The board adopted a resolution committing up to $100,000 in local brownfield revolving funds as a grant match for an EGLE Environmental Justice Impact Grant. The board also extended the investigation period for a downtown development project and approved various reimbursement requests and plan updates.

• Approved implementation of the 12th Amendment to the Revised Brownfield Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted revised capture and reimbursement schedule for the 4th Amendment to the Scattered Site Brownfield Plan (unanimous)
• Approved $96,957.16 reimbursement request #3 from Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services (unanimous)
• Approved $180,198.50 reimbursement request #1 for 215 E Michigan Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved purchase and sale agreement with Zone 32 Phase II, LLC, with Chair Novotny abstaining (unanimous)
• Approved 3rd amendment to brownfield plan development agreement with Bogan Developments, LLC, with Chair Novotny abstaining (unanimous)
• Approved 4th amendment to purchase and sale agreement with 116 West Cedar, LLC and Burdick@Cedar, LLC extending investigation period to September 28, 2024 (unanimous)
• Committed up to $100,000 in local brownfield revolving funds as a grant match for an EGLE Environmental Justice Impact Grant (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board will review a recommendation to approve two-year adult-use grower, processor, and retailer permits for Yuma Way MI, LLC dba Urban Gardens. The meeting also includes an economic development strategy update presentation from Camoin Associates.

• Recommendation for Adult Use Class A Grower, Processor, and Retailer permits to Yuma Way MI, LLC dba Urban Gardens
• Economic Development Strategy Update Presentation by Camoin Associates
• Approval of May 16, 2024, meeting minutes

The Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation Board excused absent members, approved the agenda and May 16, 2024 minutes, and recommended City Clerk approval of 2-year adult-use cannabis permits for Yuma Way MI, LLC dba Urban Gardens. The board also received an Economic Development Strategy presentation from Camoin Associates.

• Excused absent members unanimously (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as amended unanimously (voice vote)
• Approved May 16, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously (voice vote)
• Recommended City Clerk approve 2-year Adult Use Class A Grower, Processor, and Retailer permits for Yuma Way MI, LLC dba Urban Gardens (roll call vote, passed)

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Board will address unfinished business regarding planning committee assignments. This includes a proposal to combine the Economic Vitality and Organization and Design and Promotion committees. The board will also discuss resident and business engagement for historical markers.

• Approval of May 16, 2024 meeting minutes
• Proposal to combine Economic Vitality and Organization and Design and Promotion committees
• Discussion on resident/business engagement for historical markers

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board met June 20, 2024; quorum was reached only after Mayor David Anderson arrived at 6:10 p.m. The board approved its agenda as amended and approved corrected May 16, 2024 minutes. It selected the third design option for the Northside cultural markers and discussed collecting resident and business names and stories for the historical marker project, including a planned July event with the Senior Ecumenical Center. No new business was presented, and no funding or contract decisions were recorded.

• Approved the agenda as amended (voice vote)
• Approved amended May 16, 2024 minutes, correcting who seconded adjournment and adding the July Northside celebration (voice vote)
• Selected the 3rd cultural marker design option, which includes LED lighting and QR codes
• Agreed all board members would promote data collection and bring forward names of residents and family members
• Assigned Director Rey to finalize plans with Lou Bilancio for the July 24th event at the Senior Ecumenical Center and report back next meeting
• Adjourned at 7:07 p.m. (voice vote)

Historic District Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission is reviewing applications for property alterations and demolitions. The commission will also approve minutes from the May 21, 2024 meeting. An application for demolition at 722 Eleanor has been postponed.

• Alteration at 1014 Davis involving siding replacement and window changes
• Postponed demolition of carriage barn/garage at 722 Eleanor

The Historic District Commission approved a request to replace vinyl windows with wood windows at 1014 Davis. A request to demolish a carriage barn/garage at 722 Eleanor was denied.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for wood window replacement at 1014 Davis (unanimous)
• Denied Notice to Proceed for demolition of carriage barn/garage at 722 Eleanor (unanimous)

City Commission

The commission will review several items including a loan for 228 housing and live/work units. The agenda also includes infrastructure contracts and amendments to community development fund allocations.

• $420,000 loan for 228 housing and live/work units at 508 Harrison Street and 660 Gull Road
• $603,346 contract for Springfield Avenue water main replacement
• $859,766.76 contract for Microsoft licenses through MiDeal
• $483,000 grant from Michigan State Police for crisis intervention training
• Brownfield Plan resolution for redevelopment at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road

The City Commission approved a consent agenda including water main and well projects, software licenses, and housing development loans. The commission also approved amendments to HUD Action Plans for grant fund allocations.

• Approved $603,346 contract for Springfield Avenue water main replacement
• Approved $236,300 professional service agreement with Peerless-Midwest for well rehabilitation
• Approved $859,766.76 contract with CDWG for Microsoft licenses
• Approved $420,000 housing development loan for 228 units at 508 Harrison St and 660 Gull Rd
• Approved 5% PILOT for River's Edge project (Resolution 24-39)
• Approved Act 381 Brownfield Plan for 5135 and 5147 Portage Road (Resolution 24-38)
• Accepted $483,000 Michigan State Police grant for crisis intervention and behavioral health services
• Approved amendments to 2019 and 2023 Annual Action Plans for CDBG and HOME funds

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting and work session. The agenda includes a discussion regarding a Brownfield Plan for properties at 5135 and 5147 Portage Street.

• Brownfield Plan: 5135 & 5147 Portage Street

The Kalamazoo City Commission met as a Committee of the Whole to review a presentation on the Portage Road Corridor Investment Project. Developers and staff outlined plans for a Residence Inn hotel, with construction starting in 2025 and opening in spring 2026. Commissioners discussed the project's potential impact on the area and noted informal interest from the City of Portage, but no formal decisions or votes on the project were recorded.

• Excused absence of Commissioner Decker (voice vote)
• Reviewed presentation on Portage Road hotel project
• No formal vote or approval taken on the project

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The board will review financial reports and committee updates. Members will also consider authorizing a support letter to EGLE for a grant application. A presentation on Downtown Ambassadors is scheduled.

• Authorization of a support letter to EGLE for a grant application
• Approval of May 20, 2024, meeting minutes
• Review of the financial report by Steve Vicenzi
• Presentation on Downtown Ambassadors

The Kalamazoo Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board adopted the meeting agenda, approved May 2024 minutes, accepted the financial report, and voted to sign a letter of support for an EGLE grant application regarding the former public safety building at 116 W Cedar Street, with Directors Aardema and Hinman abstaining. The board also heard presentations from the Downtown Ambassadors and committee reports.

• Adopted the June 17, 2024 agenda as amended
• Approved the May 20, 2024 minutes
• Accepted the financial report
• Approved signing a letter of support for the EGLE grant application for 116 W Cedar Street with two abstentions

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Kalamazoo Downtown Development Authority Board will review the May 20, 2024, meeting minutes and a financial report from City CFO Steve Vicenzi. The board will also consider a resolution regarding a real estate sales agreement for the purchase of Arcadia Creek Parcels.

• Resolution to approve property sale and execution of a real estate sales agreement for the purchase of Arcadia Creek Parcels
• Approval of May 20, 2024, meeting minutes
• Financial report from City CFO Steve Vicenzi

The Board approved the sale of property and the execution of the real estate sales agreement for the purchase of Arcadia Creek parcels. The Board also accepted the financial report and approved the May 20, 2024 minutes.

• Approved sale of property and execution of real estate sales agreement for Arcadia Creek parcels
• Accepted financial report as presented
• Approved May 20, 2024 minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two variance requests. These include a setback adjustment at 4300 W. Main Street and trail construction within the Bow in the Clouds Nature Preserve.

• Public hearing for Panda Express Group Inc. to request an 18-foot front setback variance at 4300 W. Main Street
• Public hearing for Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy to allow nonmotorized trails at 3401 Nazareth Road

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will review financial, O'Connor Fund, and grant making reports. The agenda also includes discussions regarding an Eastern Michigan University oral history project and a merger between Grave Issue Squad and Friends of Kalamazoo's Historic Cemeteries.

• Reimbursement for Awards of Merit refreshments
• Eastern Michigan University oral history project assistance
• Grave Issue Squad and Friends of Kalamazoo's Historic Cemeteries merger

The commission approved a small reimbursement for event refreshments. Members discussed a public request regarding the historical significance of properties on Pioneer Street and potential collaborations for oral history and cemetery maintenance.

• Approved $61.98 reimbursement to Chair Hibbard for Awards of Merit refreshments

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a recommendation to the City Commission regarding a sub-plan for the Imagine Westwood 2024 Neighborhood Plan. The commission will also hold a vote to select its Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.

• Recommendation for the Imagine Westwood 2024 Neighborhood Plan sub-plan
• Vote on Commission Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary)
• City Planner's Report and Site Plan List

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the Imagine Westwood 2024 Neighborhood Plan as a sub-plan to the 2025 Master Plan for City Commission approval. The commission also elected its officers for the year. A presentation on Robert’s Rules of Order was provided by the Assistant City Attorney.

• Recommended Imagine Westwood 2024 Neighborhood Plan to City Commission (Unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Milliken as Chair (Unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Pittelko as Vice Chair (Unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Swan as Secretary (Unanimous)
• Approved June 6, 2024 agenda as amended (Unanimous)
• Approved May 2, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Civil Rights Board

The City of Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board will discuss expanding applicant eligibility to include non-city residents. The board will also review proposed edits to an ordinance.

• Discussion regarding including non-city residents in Civil Rights Board applications
• Review of edited ordinance shared with board members

The Civil Rights Board approved a draft ordinance to be sent to the City Attorney's office for review. The board also held discussions regarding potential future changes to board membership requirements and reviewed edits to the ordinance language.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 3, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved draft ordinance for City Attorney review (unanimous)

Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

The Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees approved retirement and refund applications for the first quarter of 2024. The board also reviewed investment activity for the period ending March 31, 2024, which showed a portfolio increase to $927.0 million.

• Approved March 13, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Q1 retirement applications (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Q1 refund applications (unanimous)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Board will consider authorizing up to $15,500 for real estate analysis services provided by Plante Moran Realpoint. The meeting also includes policy discussions regarding housing activities and incentives, as well as the local Brownfield Revolving Fund.

• Funding authorization up to $15,500 for real estate analysis services
• Policy discussion on housing activities and incentives
• Policy discussion on the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund

City Commission

The City Commission will consider accepting a $12,272,799 Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agenda also includes an ordinance amendment regarding parking and meter rates. Several infrastructure and engineering contracts are scheduled for approval.

• Acceptance of a $12,272,799 Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Grant
• Approval of a $229,000 contract for the Kalamazoo Avenue 2-way conversion design
• Ordinance amendment regarding overnight parking and meter rates
• Social District permit request for Barrio at 215 E Michigan Ave
• Approval of a $465,000 agreement for lift station control panels and engineering support

The City Commission approved a $12.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and authorized a $300,000 offer of judgement in a lawsuit. Other actions included approving several engineering contracts and updating Act 51 funding certifications.

• Accepted $12,272,799 Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Grant (6-0)
• Approved $300,000 offer of judgement in Lakisha McMillon v City of Kalamazoo (6-0)
• Approved $229,000 contract supplemental with Wightman & Associates for Kalamazoo Avenue 2-way conversion (5-1)
• Approved $214,050 agreement with Wightman & Associates for Michikal improvements (6-0)
• Approved $465,000 agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc for lift station support (6-0)
• Approved DDA tax rate of 1.9638 mills (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2083 amending Employee Retirement System code (6-0)
• Decertified Peake Road and Circle Street for Act 51 funding (6-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting and a work session. The work session focuses on the Foundation for Excellence Endowment. Other agenda items include standard procedural matters such as public comments.

• Work session regarding Foundation for Excellence Endowment

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The board will consider a recommendation to grant slope and setback relief for the Bow in the Clouds Trail project. Members will also appoint subcommittees for nominations and Phase 3 reviews.

• Slope and setback relief for Bow in the Clouds Trail at 3401 Nazareth Road
• Appointment of an NFP Nominating subcommittee
• Appointment of an NFP Phase 3 subcommittee
• Review of NFP Board applications

The Natural Features Protection Review Board unanimously recommended that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant relief from slope preservation and setback standards for two projects. These recommendations move the cases forward for final decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

• Approved recommendation to Zoning Board of Appeals for slope variances for Angling Road Realignment Project at 4100 Oakland Drive (Unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to Zoning Board of Appeals for slope variances for upgraded pump house at 1609 Whites Road (Unanimous)
• Approved January 23, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission will review several applications for exterior changes to properties within historic districts. The agenda includes reviews for window replacements, lead abatement, and the demolition of a garage.

• 824 Elmwood: replacement of 17 windows and a rear door
• 722 Eleanor: demolition of a carriage barn/garage
• 238 E Michigan: installation of metal balconies and new second-story windows and doors
• 802 S Park: installation of aluminum over fascia

The Historic District Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacements at 824 Elmwood, requiring wood-clad windows instead of aluminum. They also approved alterations for 238 E Michigan and a door replacement at 824 Elmwood. The commission denied an application for aluminum fascia wrapping at 802 S Park and postponed a demolition request for a carriage barn at 722 Eleanor pending further structural evidence.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for wood-clad window replacement at 824 Elmwood (4-1)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for rear door replacement at 824 Elmwood (Unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations at 238 E Michigan (Unanimous)
• Denied Certificate of Appropriateness for aluminum fascia at 802 S Park (Unanimous)
• Postponed demolition of carriage barn at 722 Eleanor to June 18, 2024 (Unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission will consider adopting a project plan for the FY2025 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The agenda also includes proposals for an engineering agreement for water service replacement and a downtown economic vitality study.

• $115,000 agreement with Western Michigan University for a downtown economic vitality study
• $109,000 engineering agreement for the EPA non-copper service replacement project
• First reading of an ordinance to amend the City Employee Retirement System
• Resolution adopting the FY2025 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund project plan
• $1,479 infrastructure easement from 19 PROPS, LLC

The City Commission approved a multiyear study of downtown economic vitality with Western Michigan University. Other actions included approving water system infrastructure projects and a first reading of an employee retirement system ordinance amendment.

• Approved $115,000 agreement with Western Michigan University for downtown economic study (7-0)
• Approved $109,000 professional service agreement with Prein & Newhof for EPA non-copper service replacement (7-0)
• Approved public infrastructure easement from 19 PROPS, LLC for $1,479 (7-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to amend Employee Retirement System code §2-243 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 24-31 for FY2025 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund project plan (7-0)

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board is meeting to discuss and potentially adopt a committee formation and governance policy. The agenda also includes a financial report from CFO Steve Vicenzi and the approval of minutes from the April 15, 2024 meeting.

• Adoption of Committee Formation and Governance Policy
• Financial Report presentation by CFO Steve Vicenzi
• Approval of April 15, 2024, meeting minutes

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority approved its April 15, 2024 minutes and accepted the financial report as presented, both without objections. The board amended its draft Committee Formation and Governance Policy so that every full board member must serve on at least one committee, except for the Mayor. The board also discussed the Ambassador Program, a planned downtown marketing RFP and webpage, and announced Meghan Beyhmer as the new Downtown Coordinator starting June 10, 2024.

• Approved the May 20, 2024 agenda as presented (no objections)
• Approved the April 15, 2024 minutes (no objections)
• Accepted the financial report as presented (no objections)
• Amended Committee Formation and Governance Policy: every full board member must serve on at least one committee, except the Mayor (no objections)

Downtown Development Authority Board

This meeting includes the approval of April 15, 2024, meeting minutes and a financial report presentation by CFO Steve Vicenzi. No specific development projects or new ordinances are listed for discussion or action on this agenda.

• Approval of April 15, 2024, meeting minutes
• Financial Report from CFO Steve Vicenzi

The board approved the agenda, previous minutes, and the financial report without objection. The board entered a closed session to discuss confidential business. In that session, they authorized Director Lindemann to finalize and sign a proposal with developers and counsel.

• Agenda adopted (no objections)
• April 15, 2024 minutes approved (no objections)
• Financial report accepted (no objections)
• Entered closed session under MCL 15.268(h) (no objections)
• Agenda amended to vote on closed session business (no objections)
• Authorized Director Lindemann to sign developer agreement (no objections)

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board will discuss the Ransom St. Cultural Monument Exercise. The meeting also includes updates on committee formation and a step aside request.

• Ransom St. Cultural Monument Exercise
• Committee Formation
• Step Aside Request
• Approval of April 18, 2024 minutes

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Kalamazoo County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider an Act 381 Brownfield Plan for properties at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road. The agenda also lists proposed votes on contract extensions, agreement amendments, and reimbursement requests tied to specific redevelopment sites in Kalamazoo. Additionally, the board will review a one-year consulting contract with Fishbeck valued at $50,000. These items address site preparation, developer partnerships, and project funding for local economic development.

• Public hearing and potential adoption of an Act 381 Brownfield Plan for redevelopment at 5135 and 5147 Portage Road
• Extension of a Letter of Intent with Bogan Developments, LLC for the Zone 32 Phase 2 Redevelopment Project
• Second Amendment to the Development Agreement for 315 E Frank Street and approval of Reimbursement Request #2 for $90,867.80
• Fourth Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for 508 Harrison Street
• One-year contract for brownfield consulting services with Fishbeck for $50,000

The Board approved a Brownfield Plan for a proposed four-story hotel and authorized several project amendments and reimbursements. A one-year consulting contract with Fishbeck was also approved.

• Approved Act 381 Brownfield Plan for 5135 and 5147 Portage Road (Unanimous)
• Approved Letter of Intent extension for Bogan Developments Zone 32 Phase 2 (Unanimous; 1 abstention)
• Approved second amendment to Brownfield Plan Development Agreement for 315 E Frank Street (Unanimous; 1 abstention)
• Approved $90,867.80 reimbursement for 315 E Frank Street Brownfield Plan (Unanimous; 1 abstention)
• Approved fourth amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for 508 Harrison Street (Unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 one-year consulting contract with Fishbeck (Unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The board will consider a recommendation to renew medical and adult-use retail permits for AEY Capital, LLC dba Gage Cannabis Company for two years. The meeting also includes an Economic Development Strategy Update presentation by Camoin Associates.

• 2-year renewal of Medical Provisioning & Adult Use Retail Permits for AEY Capital, LLC dba Gage Cannabis Company
• Economic Development Strategy Update Presentation by Camoin Associates
• Approval of April 18, 2024 meeting minutes

Environmental Concerns Committee

The committee will discuss Kalamazoo River litter and waste updates from Public Services. It includes reports from various local boards and a presentation by Paul Hickman of Urban Ashes. An update on the Community Sustainability Plan is delayed until June.

• Presentation by Paul Hickman, Founder and CEO of Urban Ashes
• Kalamazoo River litter issue discussion
• Waste update from City of Kalamazoo Public Services
• ModeShift Kalamazoo updates
• Reports from various advisory boards and committees

The Environmental Concerns Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 17, 2024 meeting. The committee received updates on ongoing projects like the Hydrogen Hub and Kalamazoo River litter, and heard a presentation from Paul Hickman of Urban Ashes about utilizing salvaged urban wood. No new ordinances or funding decisions were voted on during this session.

• Agenda for May 15, 2024 approved unanimously (voice vote)
• Minutes from April 17, 2024 approved unanimously (voice vote)
• Presentation by Paul Hickman (Urban Ashes) on urban wood infrastructure received
• Update on 'Love to Ride' app for bike infrastructure tracking noted
• Community Sustainability Plan update deferred to July due to member absence

City Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing regarding the 2024 HUD Action Plan and Budget. The agenda includes several contract approvals for street improvements, park maintenance, and utility services. Additionally, the body will consider budget amendments and various resolutions for bridge funding applications.

• $1,937,308.25 contract with USA Earthworks LLC for Michikal Avenue improvements
• $1,100,000 contract extension with J & H Oil Inc. for fuel services
• $751,923.04 contract renewal with Trace3 for Cisco Smartnet Licenses
• Public hearing for the Program Year 2024 HUD Action Plan and Budget
• $324,553.05 contract for Southside Park improvements via Sinclair Recreation

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $1,937,308.25 contract for Streets For All improvements on Michikal Avenue and a $1,100,000 fuel contract extension. The body also accepted a $98,000 grant for a Crime Analyst position and passed a consent agenda covering various service contracts, bridge funding resolutions, and board appointments. A public hearing on the 2024 Housing Action Plan concluded with a 6-0 vote to approve the plan and budget.

• Approved $1,937,308.25 contract for Michikal Avenue improvements (7-0)
• Approved $1,100,000 fuel contract extension with J & H Oil Inc. (7-0)
• Accepted $98,000 grant for Crime Analyst position (7-0)
• Approved Program Year 2024 Housing Action Plan and Budget (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved consent agenda including $199,266 sidewalk lighting plan and $219,724 Central Station repaving
• Adopted resolutions to apply for federal bridge funding for Crosstown Parkway, Lovers Lane, Stockbridge Ave, and Reed Street
• Rescinded $100,000 agreement for Tiny Houses of Hope; approved $100,000 subgrant for same project
• Approved Mayor's appointments to Planning Commission and Building Board of Appeals

City Commission

The meeting includes a work session regarding the City Commission Initiatives Fund. The rest of the agenda consists of standard procedural items such as public comments and communications.

• City Commission Initiatives Fund

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding variance requests for 411 W. Kalamazoo Avenue. CD Arena LLC is seeking relief from various building, height, and parking regulations for a proposed event center and parking deck.

• Dimensional variances for building siting and height at 411 W. Kalamazoo Avenue
• Request to reduce required bike parking from 144 spaces to 60 spaces
• Relief from street-facing facade transparency requirements
• Use variance regarding occupied space in the proposed parking deck

Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee will meet to approve minutes from the March 4, 2024 meeting. The agenda includes updates regarding RX Kids and the SPK Coordinator.

• RX Kids update from Alyssa Stewart
• SPK Coordinator updates from Kevin Ford
• Economic Development Open House announcement

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and agenda. Alyssa Stewart reported on the Rx Kids program, noting a $10 million state budget placeholder and local fundraising goals for a potential January 2025 pilot. Kevin Ford provided updates on Foundation for Excellence funding requests and neighborhood development projects, while public comments addressed housing initiatives and business district priorities.

• Approved minutes from March 4, 2024 (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (consensus)
• Motion to excuse absent members passed (voice vote)
• No substantive policy decisions or votes on new ordinances

Planning Commission

The commission will hold training sessions regarding Form Based Code Districts in the City of Kalamazoo and the Master Plan Update. Members will also vote on delegating site plan reviews and consider recommendations for vacant commissioner positions.

• Training on Form Based Code Districts in City of Kalamazoo
• Annual vote to delegate Site Plan Review to the Site Plan Review Committee
• Recommendations for candidates to fill vacant Planning Commissioner positions

The Planning Commission unanimously approved delegating site plan review authority to the Site Plan Review Committee for the year. They also unanimously recommended three candidates to the Mayor to fill vacant commissioner seats and accepted the 2023 Annual Report. The meeting included a training session on form-based zoning codes and public comments regarding a proposed pod community at 2015 Lake Street, though no action was taken on the pod community by this body.

• Approved delegation of site plan review to Site Plan Review Committee (voice vote, unanimous)
• Recommended Wendell Tolber, Ian Smith, and Michelle Audette-Bauman to Mayor for vacant seats (voice vote, unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 Annual Report of Planning Activities (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved May 2, 2024 agenda (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved March 7, 2024 minutes (voice vote, unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will review the Historic Preservation Awards of Merit and discuss a payment to KNAC for space to host awards. The meeting also includes reports on finances, the O'Connor Fund, and the DEI subcommittee.

• Review of Historic Preservation Awards of Merit
• Payment to KNAC for space to host preservation awards
• Financial Report
• O'Connor Fund Report
• 106 Quarer 1 Report

The commission appointed a new chair and vice chair and approved five recipients for the Historic Preservation Awards of Merit. The body also authorized a $225 payment for hosting an upcoming award event.

• Appointed Hibbard as chair
• Appointed Vail as vice chair
• Approved Historic Preservation Award of Merit for Tom Huff
• Approved Historic Preservation Award of Merit for 330-333 S Park
• Approved Historic Preservation Award of Merit for 405 Stuart
• Approved Historic Preservation Award of Merit for 506 W South
• Approved Historic Preservation Award of Merit for 712 S Burdick
• Approved $225.00 for hosting upcoming award (KNAC)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Board will review audit reports and decide on several bylaws amendments. The meeting includes votes on a $39,000 budget amendment for fiduciary insurance and the 2025 draft grant distribution to the City of Kalamazoo.

• $39,000 budget amendment for FFE Investment Subcommittee fiduciary insurance
• 2025 Draft Grant Distribution to the City of Kalamazoo
• Removal of Attorney General concurrence provisions from Bylaws
• Amendment to Executive Director Employment Agreement regarding staff COLA
• Acceptance of Johnathan Yarbrough's resignation

The Board approved the 2025 draft grant distribution to the City of Kalamazoo and a $39,000 budget amendment for fiduciary insurance. Members also approved a new Board attendance policy and amended the Executive Director's agreement to include City cost-of-living adjustments.

• Approved 2025 Draft Grant Distribution to the City of Kalamazoo (unanimous)
• Approved $39,000 budget amendment for fiduciary insurance (unanimous)
• Approved Board of Directors Attendance Policy with specific language change to line 5 (unanimous)
• Approved removal of Attorney General concurrence provisions from Articles and Bylaws (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Executive Director employment agreement for City COLA (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Director Johnathan Yarbrough effective Feb. 27, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved appointments of Jamauri Bogan, Andrea Bostrom, Dr. Karika Parker, and Kelsey McKague (unanimous)
• Elected officers and approved committee appointments for terms ending April 2025 (unanimous)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Board will consider renewing a one-year legal services contract with Dickinson-Wright. Members will also review a resolution to authorize an EGLE Brownfield Grant Application. Staff will present Quarter 1 financial status reports for Fund 242 and Fund 243.

• One-year contract renewal with Dickinson-Wright for legal services
• Resolution authorizing an EGLE Brownfield Grant Application
• Quarter 1 Financial Status Report for Fund 242 (Local Brownfield Revolving Fund)
• Quarter 1 Financial Status Report for Fund 243 (BRA Operations)

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board unanimously approved a one-year contract renewal with Dickinson-Wright for legal services. The board also adopted a resolution authorizing the chair to sign an EGLE Brownfield Grant Application for the Brewster Hotel project if invited, aiming for up to $1 million. Staff reviewed Quarter 1 financial reports for the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund and BRA Operations, discussing property sales and grant timelines.

• Approved one-year contract renewal with Dickinson-Wright for legal services (unanimous roll call vote)
• Adopted resolution authorizing chair to sign EGLE Brownfield Grant Application for Brewster Hotel (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved agenda and minutes from March 21, 2024 meeting (voice votes)
• Excused absent members (voice vote)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The board will consider a one-year permit renewal for Laja Investments 2 LLC DBA Puer Lab. Members will also vote on an amendment to the 2024 EDC budget and a contract renewal with Dickinson-Wright for legal services. Additionally, staff will provide an update on the Economic Development Strategy.

• One-year permit renewal for Laja Investments 2 LLC DBA Puer Lab
• Amendment to the approved 2024 EDC budget
• One-year contract renewal with Dickinson-Wright for legal services
• Swearing-in of Commissioner Wilson

The Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation Board approved a recommendation to the City Clerk for a one-year renewal of Adult Use and Medical Safety Compliance for Laja Investments 2 LLC DBA Puer Lab. The board also approved an amendment to the 2024 EDC budget totaling $863.00 and a one-year contract renewal with Dickinson-Wright for legal services, which includes a $10 per hour fee increase. All votes were unanimous roll call votes. The board also swore in Commissioner Alonzo Wilson and heard updates on a Camoin Associates economic development study.

• Approved recommendation to City Clerk for 1-year renewal of Adult Use and Medical Safety Compliance for Laja Investments 2 LLC DBA Puer Lab (unanimous roll call)
• Approved amendment to the 2024 EDC budget totaling $863.00 (unanimous roll call)
• Approved one-year contract renewal with Dickinson-Wright for legal services, with $10/hour fee increase (unanimous roll call)
• Excused absent members (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved minutes from March 21, 2024 meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board will meet at Kalamazoo City Hall to approve its March minutes, review staff updates on a social district expansion and a step aside request, and discuss forming an NCBDA committee. All items remain pending discussion or board action; no final decisions are recorded in this agenda.

• Approval of the March 21, 2024 meeting minutes
• Staff report on Social District Expansion by Business Specialist Jared Chambers
• New business item: Step Aside Request presented by SPK Coordinator Kevin Ford
• Discussion on NCBDA Committee Formation between board members and staff

Environmental Concerns Committee

The committee will discuss a composting program used in Canton Township and solid waste handling within the City of Kalamazoo. The meeting also includes updates on the Community Sustainability Plan and various committee reports.

• Discussion of a composting program in Canton Township, MI
• Discussion of solid waste handling in the City of Kalamazoo
• Follow-up on an EV charging station grant for City use
• Information regarding the Natural World Symposium on April 27, 2024

The committee approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members received updates on solid waste recycling volumes, upcoming community environmental events, and a presentation on a composting pilot program in Canton Township.

• Approved April 17, 2024 agenda (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved March 20, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)

Historic District Commission

The commission will consider applications for a rear porch alteration, an addition, and sign installation in historic districts. The agenda also includes a review of the annual report.

• Alteration to third-story rear porch at 808 W South
• Addition construction at 621 S Park
• Sign installation at 507 S Westnedge
• Review of the Historic District Commission Annual Report

The Historic District Commission approved three Certificates of Appropriateness: a third-story rear porch rebuild at 808 W South St, an addition at 621 S Park St, and a sign installation at 507 S Westnedge. Each motion passed with all commissioners approving. The meeting also included approval of the agenda, March 19, 2024 minutes, and absences, and adjourned at 5:44 PM.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for third-story rear porch rebuild at 808 W South St (all commissioners)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition on the east side of 621 S Park St (all commissioners)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for sign installation at 507 S Westnedge (all commissioners)
• Approved absences of Mr. Grayson and Ms. Underwood (all commissioners)
• Approved the agenda with no changes (all commissioners)
• Approved the March 19, 2024 minutes (all commissioners)
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:44 PM (all commissioners)

City Commission

The City Commission is reviewing a series of contracts for road improvements, water system maintenance, and software services. The body is also deciding on budget amendments, a liquor license for Western Michigan University, and a property vacation on West Water Street.

• Contract with Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc. for asphalt paving materials for $1,259,500
• Contract with Ferguson Waterworks for miscellaneous water inventory for $1,172,536.86
• MDOT contract for resurfacing and pedestrian improvements on Howard Street for $722,000
• Settlement agreement among the City, DDA, and other entities for $403,052.40
• Liquor license application for the WMU Student Center at 1070 Arcadia Loop

The City Commission unanimously approved several high-value contracts for water inventory, asphalt paving, and cycle track installation. The board also passed a wide range of consent agenda items including software agreements, facility repairs, and a liquor license recommendation.

• Approved $1.26M asphalt paving contract extension with Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc. (7-0)
• Approved $1.17M water inventory contract with Ferguson Waterworks (7-0)
• Approved $167,383.10 contract with Rathco Safety Supply for cycle tracks and restriping (7-0)
• Approved $722,000 MDOT contract for Howard Street improvements (7-0)
• Approved $403,052.40 settlement agreement among city entities and private partners (7-0)
• Approved $225,600 construction agreement with CD Arena LLC (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved $30,000 for a Police Athletic League youth transport vehicle (7-0)
• Recommended approval of Class C Liquor License for WMU Student Center (7-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will conduct a Committee of the Whole meeting. The agenda includes discussions regarding Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 and a Safe Streets for All presentation.

• Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 discussion
• Safe Streets for All presentation

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board is meeting to review financial reports and approve several service agreements. The board will discuss member reappointment and the authorization of funds for budgeted goods and services.

• Recommendation for the reappointment of board member Matt Hollander
• Authorization of up to $5,000 for budgeted contractual services and goods
• One-year contract extension with MyDatt Services Inc DBA Block by Block for Ambassador services
• Ratification of the service agreement for 2024 Beats on Bates
• Authorization for the City to conduct DEGA-related holiday events through April 1, 2027

The Board approved a one-year extension of the Block by Block ambassador contract with a $38,989.60 increase, approved the 2024 Beats on Bates agreement, and authorized the City to manage holiday events for three years. The Board also accepted the financial report and recommended Matt Hollander for reappointment to the Mayor/City Commission.

• Recommended Matt Hollander for reappointment to Mayor/City Commission (Roll Call Vote)
• Authorized Finance Committee and staff to spend up to $5,000 for budgeted items (No objections)
• Approved one-year extension of Block by Block ambassador contract with $38,989.60 increase (No objections)
• Approved 2024 Beats on Bates agreement (No objections)
• Authorized City to carry out DEGA-related holiday events through April 1, 2027 (No objections)
• Accepted Financial Report as presented (No objections)

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will discuss a budget amendment for FY2023. The board is also considering authorizing staff and the Finance Committee to spend up to $5,000 for budgeted goods and services.

• Budget amendment for the Downtown Development Authority for FY2023
• Authorization of up to $5,000 for contractual services and goods
• Recommendation for the reappointment of DDA Board Member Matt Hollander

The Board approved a budget amendment to recognize 2023 debt service expenses and liabilities. Members also authorized the Finance Committee and staff to spend up to $5,000 on budgeted contractual services and goods.

• Approved FY2023 budget amendment to recognize debt service payments
• Authorized Finance Committee and staff to expend up to $5,000 for budgeted contractual services and goods
• Recommended reappointment of Matt Hollander to the Mayor/City Commission
• Accepted financial report as presented
• Approved March 18, 2024 meeting minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two variance requests. The board will review a request for additional parking at a marihuana retailer and a request for residential use variances at a hotel redevelopment site.

• ZBA #24-04-07: Request by Simple AG, LLC for 32 off-street parking spaces at 1367 Portage Street
• ZBA #24-04-08: Request by ANR Kalamazoo Hotel LLC for residential use variances at 1500 E. Kilgore Road

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee is meeting to review administrative items. The committee will consider recommending a Board Attendance Policy for approval by the full Board.

• Recommendation of Board Attendance Policy
• Approval of April 22, 2024, Board Agenda
• Approval of December 11, 2023, meeting minutes

The Executive Committee recommended a draft attendance policy for full Board approval. The committee also approved the agenda for the April 22, 2024, meeting and confirmed a proposed slate of officers.

• Approved December 11, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Recommended Draft Board Director Attendance Policy for Board approval with corrections (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved April 22, 2024, draft Board agenda (unanimous voice vote)
• Confirmed proposed slate of Officers for Regular Agenda item 8

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee is meeting to review financial reports and a draft board agenda. The committee will consider recommendations for annual grant distributions and a budget amendment for insurance.

• Recommendation of the Draft Annual Grant Distribution to the Board of Directors
• Proposed $39,000 budget amendment for Fiduciary Insurance for FFE Investment Subcommittee

The Finance Committee approved a recommendation for the 2025 annual grant distribution to be presented to the Board of Directors. The committee also approved a budget amendment for fiduciary insurance.

• Approved recommendation of draft 2025 Grant Distribution to the Board of Directors (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 budget amendment not to exceed $39,000 for FFE Investment Subcommittee fiduciary insurance (unanimous)
• Approved December 11, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct training on Form Based Code Districts and the Master Plan update. The body will also vote on delegating site plan reviews and review candidates for vacant commissioner positions.

• Training on Form Based Code Districts in the City of Kalamazoo
• Discussion of Master Plan Update
• Annual vote to delegate Site Plan Review to the Site Plan Review Committee
• Review of candidate recommendations for vacant Planning Commissioner positions
• 2023 Annual Report of Planning Activities

Civil Rights Board

The Civil Rights Board will meet to discuss board expectations and goals. The agenda includes an update from the Ordinance Review Subcommittee.

• Ordinance Review Subcommittee update
• Discussion regarding board expectations and goals

The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from February 7, 2024. Members discussed the status of an ordinance review subcommittee and the board's current focus on education and the complaint process.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 7, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Audit Subcommittee is meeting to review the draft audit for Fiscal Year 2023. The body will also consider recommendations for 2024 subcommittee appointments.

• Review of Draft Fiscal Year 2023 Audit
• Recommendation of 2024 Audit Subcommittee Appointments
• Approval of December 11, 2023, minutes

The Audit Subcommittee reviewed the 2023 fiscal year independent audit, which received an unmodified rating. The committee also approved a roster of subcommittee members to be recommended to the Board.

• Approved December 11, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation of Audit Subcommittee member roster for Board approval (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission is reviewing several infrastructure contracts, including wastewater systems and a two-way conversion design for Michigan Avenue. The body is also considering a legal settlement and the purchase of property on Balch Street.

• Construction agreement with Graphic Packaging International and James E. Fulton Excavating for wastewater systems for $2,164,591.50
• Contract with Wightman and Associates to design the two-way conversion of Michigan Avenue for $1,976,459
• Proposed settlement in the case of Biance Wilson v. City of Kalamazoo for $450,000
• Purchase of 232 and 310 Balch Street from Norwegian Winds, LLC for $250,000
• Contract with L.D. Docsa Associates, Inc. for reconstruction of Water Station 26 for $232,140

The City Commission approved several infrastructure projects, including wastewater systems and a design contract for the Michigan Avenue two-way conversion. The board also authorized the purchase of two properties on Balch Street and approved a $450,000 legal settlement.

• Approved $2,164,591.50 wastewater systems construction agreement (6-0)
• Approved $1,976,459 contract for Michigan Avenue two-way conversion design (5-1)
• Approved $250,000 purchase of 232 and 310 Balch Street (6-0)
• Approved $450,000 settlement for Biance Wilson v. City of Kalamazoo (6-0)
• Approved $120,000 sidewalk gap project supplemental contract (6-0)
• Approved $158,965 well rehabilitation agreement (6-0)
• Approved $232,140 reconstruction of Water Station 26 (6-0)
• Postponed W Water Street vacation resolution until April 15, 2024 (6-0)

City Commission

The City Commission is meeting for a Committee of the Whole session. The agenda focuses on a work session regarding the February 17, 2024 retreat and an update on the Commission's Initiative Fund.

• February 17, 2024 City Commission Retreat follow-up
• City Commission's Initiative Fund update

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board is meeting to vote on several property agreements and a grant proposal. The board will also consider a contract extension for brownfield consulting services.

• EGLE Brownfield Grant Proposal for up to $1,000,000 for Brewsters Redevelopment Project
• Third Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for 116 W Cedar Street
• First Amendment to the Right of First Refusal Agreement with Republic Services of Michigan Hauling, LLC
• Month-to-month contract extension with Fishbeck, Inc. for up to 6 months
• Update on Rivers Edge Development Project (no action)

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board approved an EGLE Brownfield Grant proposal of up to $1,000,000 for the Brewsters Redevelopment Project and authorized the chair to sign. It also accepted a third amendment to the purchase and sale agreement for 116 W Cedar Street and a first amendment to the Right of First Refusal agreement with Republic Services of Michigan Hauling, LLC. A month-to-month contract extension with Fishbeck, Inc. for up to six months was approved, along with authorization for staff to begin an RFP process for a new brownfield consulting contract. An update on the Rivers Edge Development Project was presented with no action taken.

• Approved EGLE Brownfield Grant proposal up to $1,000,000 for Brewsters Redevelopment Project (unanimous roll call; Schipper abstained)
• Accepted Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for 116 W Cedar Street (unanimous roll call; Schipper abstained)
• Accepted First Amendment to Right of First Refusal Agreement with Republic Services of Michigan Hauling, LLC (unanimous roll call)
• Approved month-to-month contract extension with Fishbeck, Inc. up to 6 months and authorized staff to begin RFP process (unanimous roll call)
• Excused absent members (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved minutes from February 15, 2024 meeting (unanimous voice vote)
• Rivers Edge Development Project update — no action taken

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board is meeting to vote on a permit renewal and a board member re-appointment. The body will provide recommendations to the City Clerk and City Commission regarding these items.

• Recommendation for 1-year renewal of Adult Use Retailer Permit for Windsor Township OG, LLC DBA Rair
• Recommendation to re-appoint Director Kyle Gulau to a second six-year term

The board recommended the renewal of a one-year adult use retailer permit for Windsor Township OG, LLC. Additionally, the board recommended the reappointment of Director Kyle Gulau for a second six-year term.

• Recommended 1-year renewal of Adult Use Retailer Permit for Windsor Township OG, LLC DBA Rair (Unanimous)
• Recommended re-appointment of Director Kyle Gulau to a second six-year term (Unanimous)

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Board of Directors will receive updates on the Ransom St. project and a proposed social district expansion. Members will also discuss boundary expansion and the formation of committees.

• Ransom St. project update
• Social District Expansion
• Step Aside update
• Boundary Expansion discussion
• Committee/Subcommittee Formation

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board met on March 21, 2024, but the minutes header incorrectly states January 18, 2024. The Board approved the agenda as amended, tabling two new business items (Social District Expansion and Step Aside) until the May meeting due to time constraints. The Board also approved the minutes from January 18, 2024, and received an update on the Ransom Street construction project, including retaining wall, lighting, and tree selection details. No other substantive decisions were made; committee formation and boundary expansion were discussed but not voted on.

• Approved agenda as amended, tabling items F.2 (Social District Expansion) and F.3 (Step Aside) to May meeting (voice vote)
• Approved minutes from January 18, 2024 (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:14 p.m. (voice vote)

Environmental Concerns Committee

The committee is meeting to review new committee applicants and discuss ModeShift. The agenda also includes updates on Kalamazoo River litter and the Community Sustainability Plan.

• Review of new committee applicants
• Discussion of ModeShift
• Kalamazoo River litter waste update
• Community Sustainability Plan update

The committee unanimously approved David Deback and Damaris Potter as candidates for two vacancies, forwarding their names to the City Clerk for a vote on April 1st. The meeting also included updates on city charging stations, river cleanup events, and tree removal projects.

• Approved agenda for March 20, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes for January 17 and February 17, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved David Deback and Damaris Potter as candidates for committee vacancies (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission will review multiple applications for exterior alterations, including window replacements and porch work. Some applications, such as those for 409 W Dutton St and 266 E Michigan, have been postponed.

• 723 McCourtie: Installation of deck/landing at rear of property
• 114 W Vine St: Replacement of 10 windows for lead abatement
• 519 Stuart Ave: Window replacement
• 218 Monroe: Sun porch window replacement and trim repair
• 409 W Dutton St: Removal of rear porch and installation of new basement door (postponed)

The commission issued Certificates of Appropriateness for five projects involving window replacements and a deck installation. One request for porch removal and door installation was removed from the agenda.

• Approved deck and landing installation at 723 Mc Courtie (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of 10 windows at 114 W Vine St (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of one window at 519 Stuart Ave (unanimous)
• Approved sun porch window replacement and trim repair at 218 Monroe (unanimous)
• Approved elevator shaft and window replacements at 266 E Michigan (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission is meeting to vote on a consent agenda featuring 19 items, including various service contracts and board appointments. The body will also discuss pending litigation in a closed session.

• Professional design engineering for Burdick Street Improvements (Reed Avenue to Lovell Street) for $470,000
• Sub-recipient agreement with Kalamazoo Youth Development Network for $750,000 for summer youth programming
• Primary clarifier rehabilitation purchase with Brentwood Industries for $385,400
• Electric vehicle charging stations contract with Westside Solutions Inc. for $265,953
• Demolition agreement for 322 E. Stockbridge Avenue with Kalamazoo County Land Bank

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved its consent agenda 6-0, covering contracts for waste removal, roof replacement, custodial services, EV charging stations, and other items, plus board appointments. The commission then approved six items moved to the regular agenda, each by a 6-0 roll call vote, including a $470,000 design engineering agreement with Hurley & Stewart, LLC for Burdick Street Improvements from Reed Avenue to Lovell Street, and a resolution adopting the Amended Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan for the Kalamazoo Downtown Economic Growth Authority (Resolution No. 24-16). The commission also approved a subrecipient agreement with the Kalamazoo County Land Bank for demolition of 322 E. Stockbridge Avenue, and voted 6-0 to enter closed session to discuss pending litigation. Commissioner Decker was absent.

• Approved consent agenda including waste, roof, custodial, EV charging, and other contracts (6-0)
• Approved $104,840 sole source purchase with Applied Asset Management Consultants for Wastewater infrastructure (6-0)
• Approved $203,000 contract supplemental with Carrier and Gable for traffic signal maintenance supplies (6-0)
• Approved $204,998.39 agreement with Hubbell Rother & Clark for MDOT traffic signal optimization (6-0)
• Approved $470,000 agreement with Hurley & Stewart for Burdick Street Improvements design (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 24-16 approving Amended Development and TIF Plan for Kalamazoo Downtown Economic Growth Authority (6-0)
• Approved subrecipient agreement with Kalamazoo County Land Bank for demolition of 322 E. Stockbridge Avenue (6-0)
• Voted 6-0 to enter closed session to discuss pending litigation

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting. The primary focus is a work session featuring presentations from the presidents of three local educational institutions.

• Presentations by the President of Kalamazoo College
• Presentations by the President of Kalamazoo Valley Community College
• Presentations by the President of Western Michigan University

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board is meeting to approve its 2023-2024 officers and a BRA TIF Step-Aside Policy. The board will also consider a nomination for a new board member and review a 2023 report from the Kalamazoo Downtown Ambassador.

• Approval of 2023-2024 Slate of Officers
• BRA TIF Step-Aside Policy
• Recommendation of Jessica Thompson for DEGA Board appointment
• Kalamazoo Downtown Ambassador 2023 Reports

The Board established a standardized procedure for handling Brownfield reimbursement step-aside requests and authorized the Board Chair to execute a debt settlement agreement. The Board also appointed its 2023-2024 officers and recommended a new board member nomination.

• Approved BRA TIF Step-Aside Policy
• Authorized Board Chair to execute debt settlement agreement
• Appointed 2023-2024 officers: Susan Lindemann (Chair), Jeff Breneman (Vice-Chair), Stephanie Hinman (Treasurer), Matt Hollander (Secretary)
• Recommended Jessica Thompson for DDA Board appointment to Mayor/City Commission
• Accepted December 2023 and January 2024 financial reports
• Approved February 19, 2024 meeting minutes

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will meet to appoint its 2023-2024 slate of officers. The board will also consider recommending Jessica Thompson for appointment to the board to the Mayor and City Commission.

• Appointment of 2023-2024 officers: Susan Lindemann (Chair), Jeff Breneman (Vice-Chair), Stephanie Hinman (Treasurer), and Matt Hollander (Secretary)
• Recommendation of Jessica Thompson for DDA Board appointment

The Downtown Development Authority Board approved its 2023-2024 slate of officers and voted to recommend Jessica Thompson to the Mayor and City Commission for a board appointment. It also accepted the financial report as presented and approved the February 19, 2024 minutes. The minutes do not record the result of the roll call vote on the Thompson recommendation.

• Approved 2023-2024 slate of officers: Chair Susan Lindemann, Vice-Chair Jeff Breneman, Treasurer Stephanie Hinman, Secretary Matt Hollander (no objections)
• Recommended Jessica Thompson for DDA Board appointment to Mayor/City Commission (roll call vote; result not recorded in minutes)
• Accepted financial report as presented (no objections)
• Approved February 19, 2024 minutes (no objections)
• Adopted March 18, 2024 agenda as amended, moving Staff Updates before Public Comments (no objections)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three variance requests. These include requests for additional driveways at a housing development and encroachments into protected slopes for road alignment and a pump house.

• ZBA #24-03-04: Request for two driveways on Bridge Street and three on Ampersee Street at 700 River Street
• ZBA #24-03-05: Request to align Angling Road with Oakland Drive at 4100 Oakland Drive, impacting 0.031 acres of protected slope
• ZBA #24-03-06: Request for a new golf course pump house to encroach into a protected slope at 1609 Whites Road

Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

The Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees approved retirement and refund applications for the fourth quarter of 2023. The board also approved one military buy-back application and reviewed investment activity for the period ending December 31, 2023.

• Approved December 6 and December 20, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved 9 retirement applications for 2023 Q4 (3-0)
• Approved 9 refund applications for 2023 Q4 (3-0)
• Approved military buy-back application for Brandon Bromley-Root (3-0)

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission is meeting to discuss administrative updates and organizational planning. Members will review the annual report and determine subcommittee assignments for the workplan.

• Workplan review and subcommittee assignments
• MHPN dues and conference fees
• Annual report review
• O'Connor Fund grant program update

The Commission assigned members and leaders to the workplan and discussed MHPN conference fees. The body also reviewed the annual report regarding listing City Hall on the National Registry.

• Assigned members and leaders to workplan
• Approved $230.00 per person for MHPN conference fees

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the vacation of a section of W Water Street. Other agenda items are procedural, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and reports from the City Planner.

• Public hearing PC #2024.07 to vacate the northern 17 feet of W Water Street between N Park Street and N Westnedge Avenue

The Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend that the City Commission approve vacating the northern 17 feet of W. Water Street between N. Park Street and N. Westnedge Avenue. The recommendation includes conditions requiring a 4-foot public easement for utilities and sidewalks, and that private utility relocations be covered by easements or paid for by the developer. The commission also acknowledged the end of terms for three commissioners and noted no other substantive agenda items were present.

• Recommended approval of W. Water Street vacation (5-1 vote)
• Approved March 7, 2024 agenda (voice vote)
• Approved February 1, 2024 minutes (voice vote)
• Acknowledged end of terms for Commissioners Burgess, Pitts, and Harrison

Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee

The Organizing Committee is meeting to discuss alignment between the City Commission and Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo. The agenda includes a presentation on The Kalamazoo Investment and staff introductions.

• Introduction of Justin Gish, City of Kalamazoo Sustainability Planner
• Presentation on The Kalamazoo Investment by Josh Gottlieb & KPS Class
• Discussion on City Commission and SPK OC alignment
• Update on Edison Neighborhood Economic Tool Development
• Review of 2023 Economic Development Annual Report

The committee reviewed a proposal from Kalamazoo Public Schools students for a two-tier investment program providing retirement and basic income accounts. Members expressed support for the initiative and discussed potential partnerships. No formal votes were taken on the proposal.

• Approved January 8, 2024 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved amended agenda (consensus)
• Excused absent members (voice vote)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold public hearings on two rezoning requests and a downtown economic growth plan. The body is also deciding on several service contracts and a housing readiness grant.

• Contract with SWT Excavating for non-copper water service replacement for $1,593,663.89
• Rezoning of 1316 South Park Street from Commercial Office to Live-Work 1
• Rezoning of 107 Reed Avenue from CN-1 to RM-15
• Contract with Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo for murals and public artwork for $200,000
• Housing Readiness Grant agreement with Michigan State Housing Development Authority for $50,000

The Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously approved two zoning changes and a $1.6 million contract for water service replacement. The board also passed a consent agenda approving several contracts, including $200,000 for public artwork and $183,244 for police equipment. One infrastructure agreement was postponed until March 18, 2024.

• Approved rezoning 1316 South Park Street to Live-Work 1 (6-0)
• Approved rezoning 107 Reed Avenue to Residential, Multi-Dwelling (6-0)
• Approved $1,593,663.89 contract with SWT Excavating for water service replacement (6-0)
• Approved $200,000 contract for public artwork administration (6-0)
• Approved $183,244.06 purchase of emergency warning equipment (6-0)
• Approved $168,500 contract for hydroexcavator spoils disposal (6-0)
• Approved $168,760 contract for lawn mowing services (6-0)
• Postponed Public Infrastructure Right of Way Agreement with Oakwood Bible Church

City Commission

The City Commission is meeting for a Committee of the Whole session. The primary focus of the meeting is a work session regarding Housing Development Fund Programs.

• Work session on Housing Development Fund Programs

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The Natural Features Protection Review Board is meeting to vote on recommendations for the Zoning Board of Appeals. These recommendations concern relief from preservation standards for two specific projects.

• Recommendation for relief from Woodland Preservation and Slope standards for the Angling Road Realignment Project at 4100 Oakland Drive
• Recommendation for relief from the Slope Standard for a pump house addition at 1609 Whites Road

The Natural Features Protection Review Board unanimously recommended that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant slope preservation and setback relief for two projects. These include a road realignment at 4100 Oakland Drive and a new pump house at 1609 Whites Road.

• Recommended approval of slope preservation and setback relief for Angling Road Realignment Project at 4100 Oakland Drive (Unanimous)
• Recommended approval of slope preservation and setback relief for upgraded pump house at 1609 Whites Road (Unanimous)
• Approved January 23, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Environmental Concerns Committee

The committee will discuss setting an application deadline for open board seats. The agenda also includes updates on the Kalamazoo River, zoning, and waste, alongside reports from several city committees.

• Discussion of end date for open board seat applications
• Kalamazoo River litter discussion
• Zoning update
• Waste update
• Reports from various environmental and planning bodies

The Environmental Concerns Committee approved adding a municipal composting presentation to the April agenda. Members discussed forming a multi-stakeholder group to address litter in the Kalamazoo River and reviewed forest management plans for city property.

• Approved adding municipal composting presentation to April agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Minutes for January 14th, 2024 not approved due to staff capacity

Historic District Commission

The commission is reviewing applications for exterior alterations and repairs to historic buildings. These reviews determine if proposed changes comply with local historic district regulations.

• 530 W South: barrier free ramp, sign, and porte cohere pillar repairs
• 229 E Michigan: internally illuminated wall sign, ADA automatic door openers, and service window
• 409 W Dutton St: removal of rear porch and installation of new basement door
• 266 E Michigan: new elevator shaft at rear and new windows throughout building

The commission approved several Certificates of Appropriateness for signage, accessibility ramps, and structural repairs across the South Street-Vine and Haymarket districts. Some requests for new decks and replacement windows were postponed pending further information.

• Approved pillar repair, non-permanent composite handicap ramp, and sign installation at 530 W South St
• Approved internally illuminated wall sign at 229 E Michigan
• Approved ADA push button and commercial service window at 229 E Michigan
• Approved steel basement door replacement and rear porch removal at 409 W Dutton St
• Postponed decision on new deck at 409 W Dutton St until March 19, 2024
• Approved elevator shaft height change at 266 E Michigan
• Approved removal of windows at 266 E Michigan
• Postponed decision on replacement windows at 266 E Michigan until March 19, 2024

City Commission

The City Commission is voting on several large bond issuances for capital improvements, wastewater, and water supply systems. The body is also reviewing infrastructure contracts, rezoning requests, and the allocation of ARPA funds for a festival place renovation.

• Notice of Intent for bonds: $52 million (Water Supply), $14 million (Wastewater), and $9.2 million (Capital Improvements)
• Allocation of $1.65 million in ARPA funds for the Arcadia Creek Festival Place Renovation Project
• Contract for resurfacing Riverview Drive from East Michigan Avenue to Gull Road for $689,897.05
• First reading of rezoning for 1316 South Park Street and 107 Reed Avenue
• Contract for ML Avenue and 35th Street Water Transmission Main Project for $267,750

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a large consent agenda covering contracts, easements, liquor and social district permits, alley and street vacations, and a federal EV charging grant. On the regular agenda, commissioners advanced two rezoning first readings to a March 4 public hearing and adopted three notices of intent for 2024 bonds: up to $9.2 million in capital improvement bonds, $14 million in wastewater revenue bonds, and $52 million in water supply revenue bonds. The commission also approved allocating $1.65 million in ARPA funds for the Arcadia Creek Festival Place Renovation Project on a 5-2 vote, with Commissioners Cooney and Hoffman opposed. All other votes were unanimous.

• Approved consent agenda including $199,056 Kronos HR contract extension and $689,897.05 Riverview Drive resurfacing (unanimous)
• Approved $267,750 Jones and Henry Engineers agreement for ML Avenue and 35th Street water main project (unanimous)
• Approved $357,402 upfitting of two dump truck chassis from Truck & Trailer Specialties (unanimous)
• Accepted $135,750 US Department of Energy grant for four EV charging stations (unanimous)
• Advanced rezoning of 1316 South Park Street from CO to LW1 to first reading; public hearing March 4 (unanimous)
• Advanced rezoning of 107 Reed Avenue from CN-1 to RM-15 to first reading; public hearing March 4 (unanimous)
• Adopted notices of intent for 2024 bonds: up to $9.2M capital improvement, $14M wastewater, $52M water supply (unanimous)
• Approved $1.65M ARPA allocation for Arcadia Creek Festival Place Renovation Project (5-2; Cooney and Hoffman opposed)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a work session featuring a presentation on the Green House Gasses (GHG) Inventory. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss attorney-client privileged communication.

• Green House Gasses (GHG) Inventory Presentation
• Closed session regarding attorney-client privileged communication

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will review an amended service agreement with the City of Kalamazoo. The board is also considering a resolution to authorize staff to distribute RFPs for marketing, summer events, and holiday events.

• Amended Service Agreement between DDA/DEGA and The City of Kalamazoo
• Resolution to create and distribute RFPs for summer events, holiday events, and marketing
• Closed session to consider a privileged legal opinion under MCL 15.268(h)

The Board approved a service agreement between the DDA/DEGA and the City of Kalamazoo, budgeted at $125,000 in each entity's budget. The Board also authorized the creation of RFPs for summer events, holiday events, and marketing. However, the Board tabled the acceptance of the Financial Report until March, requesting the presence of the Chief Financial Officer to address questions about missing revenue for the Ambassador program.

• Approved amended Service Agreement between DDA/DEGA and City of Kalamazoo (Roll Call Vote)
• Tabled acceptance of Financial Report until March (5-0)
• Approved creation and distribution of RFPs for summer/holiday events and marketing (5-0)
• Entered closed session for privileged legal opinion (Roll Call Vote)

City Commission

The Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors will meet to review financial reports and a service agreement with the City of Kalamazoo. The board will also consider a recommendation for a liquor license application.

• Service Agreement between DDA/DEGA and the City of Kalamazoo
• Liquor license application for Old Skool Bars LLC at 125 S Kalamazoo Mall

The Board recommended approval of a Redevelopment District Liquor License for a new business at 125 S Kalamazoo Mall. Members also approved a service agreement between the City of Kalamazoo and the DDA/DEGA.

• Approved service agreement between DDA/DEGA and the City of Kalamazoo (Roll call vote)
• Recommended approval of Redevelopment District Liquor License for Old Skool Bars LLC at 125 S Kalamazoo Mall (Roll call vote)
• Accepted financial report as presented (No objections)
• Approved December 18, 2023 minutes (No objections)

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting. The primary focus of the session is a discussion regarding city priorities for 2025.

• Discussion of City Commission priorities for 2025

The Kalamazoo City Commission held a special session retreat to discuss priorities for Fiscal Year 2025. Commissioners participated in facilitated exercises and reviewed current programs before voting on specific strategies to prioritize in the upcoming budget. The meeting was a planning session; no final budget amounts or contracts were approved.

• Motion to excuse Commissioner Cooney's absence passed by voice vote
• Commissioners selected Rx Kids as a priority strategy
• Commissioners selected Infill/Rehab Housing as a priority strategy
• Commissioners selected Homebased Daycare Grants as a priority strategy
• Commissioners selected Home Share Program as a priority strategy
• Commissioners selected At-Risk Youth Development as a priority strategy
• Staff to provide summary report of retreat outcomes by February 23

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors is meeting to discuss new business and approve previous minutes. The primary action item is the adoption of a fund reserve policy for the Cannabis Chamber.

• Cannabis Chamber Fund Reserve Policy Resolution

The Economic Development Corporation Board approved a Fund Reserve Policy Resolution to secure funding for the Social Equity Cannabis Chamber contract. Staff reported that The Woods Cultivation LLC met requirements and received permit approval.

• Adopted Fund Reserve Policy Resolution for Social Equity Cannabis Chamber Contract (Unanimous)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is meeting to review and approve letters of intent and eligibility documents. The board will decide on a redevelopment agreement with Bogan Developments LLC and a dual eligibility letter for Arcadia Lofts.

• Letter of Intent with Bogan Developments LLC for Redevelopment Project Zone 32 Phase 2
• Letter to Michigan Economic Development Corporation regarding Arcadia Loft's dual eligibility as Brownfield Property
• Staff report on First Amendment to Brownfield Plan for 266 E Michigan

The Board approved a Letter of Intent with Bogan Developments LLC for the Zone 32 Phase 2 project. It also approved a dual eligibility letter for the Arcadia Loft project to be sent to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

• Approved Letter of Intent with Bogan Developments LLC for Zone 32 Phase 2 (Passed unanimously; 3 abstentions)
• Approved dual eligibility letter for Arcadia Loft to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (Passed unanimously)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to review financial reports and the O'Connor Fund summary. The body is scheduled to recommend the reappointment of three commission members.

• Recommend reappointment of Fred Edison, Katherine White, and Kyle Hibbard
• Review of Financial Report
• O'Connor Fund Summary
• HPC/O’Connor Fund Organizing Committee Report

The Historic Preservation Commission recommended the reappointment of three members to the Mayor and City Commissioner. The commission also approved a budget for a grant-making workshop lunch.

• Approved up to $700.00 for lunch at the February 19th O’Connor fund pre-application meeting
• Recommended reappointment of Edison, White, and Hibbard to the Mayor and City Commissioner
• Approved minutes from December 13, 2023, and January 10, 2024, as amended

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors will meet to receive staff presentations on funded projects and the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 engagement. The board will also review a draft 2024 Action Plan including a SWOT analysis.

• Approval of October 30, 2023 minutes
• Staff presentation of FFE funded project information
• Staff presentation of Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 engagement
• Review of Draft 2024 Action Plan (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)

The Board approved the minutes from the October 30, 2023 meeting. Members received staff presentations on a new funded project information website and the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 engagement plan. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved October 30, 2023 minutes (unanimous voice vote)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding two requested dimensional variances for the Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo. The board will determine if the requests meet the necessary criteria for approval.

• ZBA #24-03-03: Request to increase maximum impervious surface coverage to 80% from 70% at 825 and 847 Portage Street / 720 and 726 E. Vine Street
• ZBA #24-03-03: Request to authorize one street facing entrance on Portage Street instead of the required two

Civil Rights Board

The board will discuss whether to hold meetings monthly or bimonthly. The agenda also includes updates regarding the Ordinance Review Subcommittee and current board vacancies.

• Discussion of monthly or bimonthly meeting frequency
• Ordinance Review Subcommittee update
• Board vacancy update

The board voted to move from monthly to bimonthly meetings, with the option to return to monthly as needed. Members discussed the ongoing ordinance review and the current process for handling civil rights complaints.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved December 6, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved changing meeting frequency to bimonthly with option to switch back to monthly (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission is voting on several high-value contracts for water system improvements and public safety technology. The body is also reviewing a social equity cannabis chamber contract and various utility easements.

• Agreement with AXON Enterprises for cameras and Tasers for $9,712,076.18
• Contract with LD Docsa Associates for Water System Corrosion Control Improvements for $6,037,000
• Three-year contract with Detroit Cannabis Project, LLC for a social equity cannabis chamber for $900,000
• Purchase of 12 Public Safety fleet vehicles from Lafontaine Dodge for $522,516.00
• Sole source purchase with Rezatec Global, Inc. for Water System Modeling for $304,934

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a ten-year, $9,712,076.18 agreement with AXON Enterprises for body worn cameras, in-car cameras, Tasers, and off-site digital storage, plus a $6,037,000 contract with LD Docsa Associates for water system corrosion control and a $900,000 three-year contract with Detroit Cannabis Project, LLC. The commission also approved a 17-item consent agenda covering purchases, grants, easements, appointments, and bylaws, and postponed two street and alley vacation resolutions to February 19, 2024. All votes were unanimous among the six commissioners present; Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman was absent.

• Approved ten-year AXON Enterprises agreement for body worn cameras, in-car cameras, Tasers, and digital storage, $9,712,076.18 (6-0)
• Approved LD Docsa Associates contract for Water System Corrosion Control Improvements, $6,037,000 (6-0)
• Approved three-year Detroit Cannabis Project, LLC contract for a social equity cannabis chamber, $900,000 (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda of 17 items and authorized the City Manager to sign related documents (7-0)
• Approved $522,516.00 cooperative purchase of 12 Public Safety fleet vehicles from Lafontaine Dodge through MiDeal
• Approved $304,934 sole source purchase with Rezatec Global, Inc. for Water System Modeling
• Accepted grants: $25,025 Bulletproof Vest Program, $127,797 Justice Assistance Grant, $25,000 Office of Highway Safety Planning
• Postponed to February 19, 2024 resolutions vacating an unimproved segment of West Street and a 234-foot-long unimproved platted alley between West Street and Cooley Street

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting featuring presentations and updates. The agenda includes a presentation by Discover Kalamazoo and an update on the Arcadia Creek Festival Site Project.

• Discover Kalamazoo Presentation
• Arcadia Creek Festival Site Project Update

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider rezoning two properties. The body will also review the City Planner's report and the site plan list.

• Rezoning of 1316 S Park Street from Commercial Office (CO) to Live-Work 1 (LW1)
• Rezoning of 107 Reed Avenue from CN-1 (Commercial - (Local) Neighborhood) to RM-15 (Residential, Multi-Dwelling)

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approving two rezonings for parcels previously missed in a commercial rezoning project. The first rezoning changes 1316 S Park Street from Commercial Office to Live-Work 1, and the second changes 107 Reed Avenue from Commercial Neighborhood to Residential Multi-Dwelling. Staff described these actions as procedural corrections to align zoning maps with the Master Plan and eliminate obsolete zoning designations.

• Recommended approval of rezoning 1316 S Park Street from CO to LW1 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning 107 Reed Avenue from CN-1 to RM-15 (unanimous)
• Approved January 4, 2024 minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Adopted February 1, 2024 agenda (unanimous voice vote)

Election Commission

The City of Kalamazoo Election Commission is meeting to establish counting boards and appoint election inspectors for the February 27, 2024 election. The body will also conduct a public accuracy test of voting equipment.

• Resolution to create and operate absent voter counting boards for the Feb 27 election
• Appointment of election inspectors for 27 precincts, the absent voting counting board, and the receiving board
• Public Accuracy Test for the Feb 27 election
• Approval of the 2024 regular meeting schedule

The Commission approved the appointment of election inspectors and the creation of absent voter counting boards for the February 27, 2024 election. Members also certified the results of a public accuracy test for tabulators and programs. The annual meeting schedule was approved.

• Approved minutes from October 16 and November 2, 2023 (voice vote)
• Adopted resolution to create and operate absent voter counting boards for Feb 27, 2024 election (voice vote)
• Approved list of election inspectors for 27 precincts, absent voter counting board, and receiving board (voice vote)
• Approved annual meeting schedule (voice vote)
• Certified results of public accuracy test for tabulators and program

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The Natural Features Protection Review Board is meeting to consider a site plan approval and conduct board elections. The board will also adjust its February meeting date to avoid a conflict with Election Day.

• Approval of NFP Site Plan for 4120 South Sprinkle Road
• Election of Director Kyle Martin as Chairperson
• Election of Director Erin Fuller as Vice-Chairperson
• Rescheduling February meeting from February 27 to February 21

The board granted conditional approval for a 480-square-foot accessory structure at a cannabis grow facility. The board also elected new leadership and rescheduled its February meeting.

• Approved NFP Site Plan for 4120 South Sprinkle Road conditioned upon Zoning Administrator and Stormwater Engineer approval (Unanimous)
• Elected Director Kyle Martin as Chairperson and Director Erin Fuller as Vice-Chairperson (Unanimous)
• Moved February regular meeting from February 27, 2024, to February 29, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved November 28, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission is deciding on the 2024 annual appropriation, including mill levies and fee schedules for various city departments. The body will also consider several high-value contracts for water infrastructure and insurance.

• Annual appropriation for 2024 and interim appropriation for 2025
• Contract extension with SWT Excavating, Inc. for water service installation: $1,201,066.05
• Insurance premium and loss fund deposit with MMARMA: not to exceed $1,129,393
• Sole source contract extension with Ferguson Water Works for Neptune Meters: $1,000,000
• Grant amendment from MEDC Revitalization and Placemaking 1.0 increasing award to $990,000

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved its consent agenda and adopted the fiscal year 2024 budget, including component unit budgets and fee schedules, but without the proposed $1.65 million in ARPA funds for the Arcadia Festival Place Renovation project. Commissioners also approved several contracts, including $1,000,000 for water meters and $1,201,066.05 for water service installation, and entered closed session for an attorney-client privileged communication. All votes were unanimous except a $50,000 traffic services contract, which passed 6-1 with Commissioner Cooney opposed.

• Approved consent agenda, including $187,294.88 Salesforce 311 software renewal and $250,000 Student Haulers trash contract (7-0)
• Adopted FY2024 budget and fee schedules, excluding $1.65M ARPA allocation for Arcadia Festival Place Renovation (7-0)
• Approved annual agreement between Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence and City (7-0)
• Approved $1,000,000 extension with Ferguson Water Works for 2024 Neptune Meters (7-0)
• Approved $1,201,066.05 contract extension with SWT Excavating for 2024 water service installation (7-0)
• Approved one-year insurance extension with Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority via Ibex Insurance, not to exceed $1,129,393 (7-0)
• Approved $50,000 professional service agreement with Traffic Tech Services over 24 months (6-1, Cooney opposed)
• Approved $199,403.75 change order with Moss Communications for Epic Center Parking Ramp security cameras (7-0)

City Commission

The City Commission is meeting for a Committee of the Whole session. The primary focus of the meeting is a work session regarding the City Commission Initiatives Fund.

• Work session on City Commission Initiatives Fund

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The board will meet to discuss the reappointment of a member and updates to bylaws. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding a TIF District amendment.

• Reappointment of Chad Dodd to the NCBDA Board
• Update on NCBDA Bylaw Amendments by Kevin Ford
• Discussion on NCBDA TIF District Amendment

The Board approved amendments to its bylaws regarding membership composition and authorized a letter of support for the Kalamazoo Public Library. The Board also voted to reappoint Director Chad Dodd. Discussions regarding TIF district boundary amendments were tabled pending further analysis.

• Approved reappointment of Chad Dodd to the NCBDA Board (voice vote)
• Approved bylaw amendments to Article B.1 and Article III, Section A (voice vote)
• Authorized a letter of support to the Kalamazoo Public Library (voice vote)
• Tabled discussion on NCBDA TIF District boundary amendments
• Approved November 16, 2023 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board is meeting to vote on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reimbursement requests for multiple properties. The board will also consider an amendment to a development agreement for a property on Michigan Avenue.

• First Amendment to Brownfield Plan Development Agreement with 266 Michigan Ave Kalamazoo LLC
• Second and final TIF reimbursement request for 615 W Kalamazoo Avenue
• TIF reimbursement request for 400 Rose Phase 2
• TIF reimbursement request for 315 E Frank Street

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board approved three TIF reimbursement requests and authorized a development agreement amendment. The actions cover projects at 615 W Kalamazoo Avenue, 400 Rose Phase 2, and 315 E Frank Street.

• Approved First Amendment to Brownfield Plan Development Agreement with 266 Michigan Ave Kalamazoo LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved second and final TIF reimbursement request for 615 W Kalamazoo Avenue (Unanimous)
• Approved TIF reimbursement request for 400 Rose Phase 2 (Unanimous)
• Approved TIF reimbursement request for 315 E Frank Street (Unanimous; Director Novotny abstained)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation is reviewing permit renewals for cannabis businesses and awarding contracts for professional services. The board will also consider a contract to establish a Social Equity Cannabis Chamber.

• 1-year Adult Use Retailer Permit renewal for Compassionate Care Advisors, LLC DBA Pincanna
• Contract with Detroit Cannabis, LLC to form the Social Equity Cannabis Chamber
• Contract award to Camoin Associates, Inc. for Economic Strategy Consultant Services
• 1-year Medical and Adult Use Grower Class C permit renewal for The Woods Cultivation LLC DBA AHKI Canna

The board recommended a contract with Detroit Cannabis, LLC to establish a Social Equity Cannabis Chamber. It also approved permit renewals for two cannabis businesses and ratified a contract for economic strategy consultant services.

• Recommended City Commission contract with Detroit Cannabis, LLC for Social Equity Cannabis Chamber (Unanimous)
• Recommended City Clerk approve 1-year Adult Use Retailer Permit renewal for Compassionate Care Advisors, LLC DBA Pincanna (Unanimous)
• Recommended City Clerk approve 1-year Medical and Adult Use Grower Class C Permit renewal for The Woods Cultivation LLC DBA AHKI Canna, pending dumpster enclosure by Jan 30, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Ratified contract award to Camoin Associates, Inc. for Economic Strategy Consultant Services (Unanimous)

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will meet to approve the 2024 event sponsorship process. The board will also review a financial report and minutes from the December 18, 2023 meeting.

• Approval of the DDA/DEGA Events and Marketing Committee Events Sponsorships 2024 Process
• Approval of the Financial Report
• Approval of December 18, 2023 meeting minutes

The Board approved the 2024 Event Sponsorship process, contingent on legal counsel review and the addition of a conflict of interest clause. They accepted the November financial report and discussed the upcoming MichiKal construction's impact on downtown retail. Staff reported that over 300 boxes of former Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership files will be moved for $9,575, with costs split between the City and DEGA.

• Approved 2024 Event Sponsorship process pending legal review (voice vote)
• Accepted November Financial Report (voice vote)
• Adopted amended meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved December 18, 2023 minutes (voice vote)
• Noted Service Agreement requires ratification by both DDA and DEGA boards

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission is reviewing applications for new construction and alterations to historic properties. The body will consider a city-led infill program and several specific property modifications in the South Street-Vine, Stuart, and West Main Hill districts.

• Pre-approval of 9 house styles with three variants each for a city-led infill construction program (PPZ24-001)
• Retroactive review of a third-story rear porch at 808 W South (PPZ23-0031)
• Replacement of a non-historic rear window and front door at 723 McCourtie (PPZ23-0032)
• Porch restoration including columns, railings, and decoration at 712 Willard (PPZ23-0033)
• Rear door replacement at 151 Prospect (PPZ23-0034)

The Historic District Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for pre-approved infill construction plans covering multiple building types and elevation options, intended for neighborhood builders. It also approved alterations at 723 Mc Courtie and 712 Willard, and a rear door replacement at 151 Prospect. A retroactive rear-porch application at 808 W South St failed on a 2-2 roll-call vote, with one commissioner not voting. The remaining items were procedural.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for pre-approved infill construction plans (all commissioners approve)
• Approved second Certificate of Appropriateness for the infill plans, door approved administratively (all commissioners approve)
• 808 W South St retroactive rear third-story porch alteration failed on 2-2 roll call, one commissioner not voting
• Approved 723 Mc Courtie rear window and front door alteration, door approved administratively (all commissioners approve)
• Approved 712 Willard porch restoration (all commissioners approve)
• Approved 151 Prospect rear wood door replacement (all commissioners approve)
• Approved absence of Mr. Grayson (all commissioners approve)
• Approved October 17, 2023 and December 19, 2023 minutes (all commissioners approve)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two requests for dimensional variances. Both requests involve residential additions that do not meet required building setbacks.

• ZBA #24-01-01: 8-foot variance from 25-foot front setback at 2222 Glenwood Drive
• ZBA #24-01-02: 10-foot variance from 25-foot rear setback at 2223 Benjamin Avenue

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss and act upon the finalization of its workplan. The body will also review financial and grant making reports.

• Workplan Finalization
• Financial Report
• Grant making Report

The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission met on January 10, 2024, but no quorum was present, so the meeting was adjourned at 6:07 PM without taking up any agenda items. No decisions were made on the minutes, financial report, grant making report, or workplan finalization. The minutes are largely procedural and record only the call to order, lack of quorum, and adjournment.

City Commission

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee is meeting to review updates and conduct committee business. The agenda includes a report on RX Kids Flint and updates on past and future projects.

• RX Kids Flint update by Alyssa Stewart
• Past project update by Kevin Ford
• Future business discussion by Kevin Ford

The committee reviewed the Rx Kids program from Flint, which provides prenatal payments to improve infant mortality and nutrition. Members discussed the need for core funding and pediatric champions to implement a similar model locally. The committee also discussed its future role and the need for clearer direction from the City Commission.

• Approved minutes of the last meeting
• Approved the meeting agenda

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two special use permits and two requests to vacate public right-of-way segments. The body will also review the City Planner's report and the site plan list.

• Special Use Permit for Kazoo School at 2007 Saxonia Lane
• Special Use Permit for a community service center at 2501 Millcork Street
• Vacation of a 234-foot public right-of-way between West Street and Cooley Street
• Vacation of a segment of West Street east of N Westnedge Avenue

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approving two street vacations in the Downtown neighborhood to clear title records for CD Arena. The Commission also unanimously approved Special Use Permits for Kazoo School to expand into a residential property at 2007 Saxonia Lane and for El Concilio to develop a community service center at 2501 Millcork Street. No public comments were received during the hearings.

• Recommended approval of right-of-way vacation between West Street and Cooley Street (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of West Street vacation between W Kalamazoo Ave and W Water Street (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for Kazoo School at 2007 Saxonia Lane with condition to permanently block driveway access (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for community service center at 2501 Millcork Street (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Commission will receive public comments on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The body is also considering contracts for water infrastructure and treatment, an ordinance regarding employee retirement adjustments, and a change to commission rules.

• Public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget
• Contract supplemental and change order with Ferguson Waterworks for $416,449
• One-year contract with Elhorn Engineering Company for $192,265.92
• Source Water Protection Program grant of $70,000 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
• Ordinance amending City Code Chapter 2-Article X regarding post-retirement adjustments

The Kalamazoo City Commission held a public hearing on the proposed FY2024 budget; no public comments were offered, and the budget will go to the commission for approval on January 22. The commission unanimously approved a consent agenda including a $416,449 water main materials change order, a $192,265.92 liquid phosphate contract, and a $70,000 state grant. It also unanimously advanced a first reading of an ordinance giving non-bargaining-unit employees a post-retirement cost-of-living adjustment, and unanimously amended its rules on agenda order and moving consent items to the regular agenda.

• Approved consent agenda: $416,449 Ferguson Waterworks water main materials change order (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda: $192,265.92 one-year Elhorn Engineering liquid phosphate contract (7-0)
• Accepted $70,000 Source Water Protection Program grant from Michigan EGLE (7-0)
• Advanced first reading of ordinance amending City Code §2-237 on post-retirement adjustments for non-bargaining-unit employees (7-0)
• Approved amendment to City Commission Policy 10.1 on agenda order and moving consent items to regular agenda (7-0)
• Held public hearing on FY2024 proposed budget; no public comments offered; approval set for January 22
• Received LOCC Report of Determination on officer salaries; no commission action required unless it chooses to reject

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting. The primary focus of the session is a presentation regarding the draft 5-Year Parks & Recreation Plan.

• Presentation of Draft 5-Year Parks & Recreation Plan

The Kalamazoo City Commission met as a Committee of the Whole to review a presentation on the draft 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. No formal motions, votes, or approvals were taken during this session. The meeting served as an informational discussion regarding park priorities, funding sources, and current project status.

• Reviewed draft 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan presentation
• No public comments were offered due to technical difficulties
• No formal votes or approvals recorded