Portage public meetings in 2025

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will review and set its goals for 2026, consider participation in the Dark Sky International program, and hear a presentation on pesticide use and alternatives from Behavior Inc. The meeting also includes updates from existing subcommittees and a brief on youth‑led plastic recycling efforts.

• Year Goals for 2026
• Dark Sky International participation
• Behavior Inc. presentation on pesticide use / alternatives (Marry Ann Laurell)
• Youth Advisory Committee introduction on plastic recycling
• Existing Business Updates: Chair letter, parliamentary training (12/9/2025)

The Environmental Advisory Board approved the November 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous consent. A motion to support the Dark Sky International initiative was carried and will be addressed at the January 2026 meeting. The board also approved a motion to adjourn the session.

• Approved November 2025 meeting minutes (consent)
• Supported Dark Sky International; motion carried to January 2026 meeting
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will meet on Dec 3, 2025 to consider adopting its FY25‑26 Goals and Objectives. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of the November 5, 2025 meeting minutes, citizen comments, and member comments. No new contracts or ordinance votes are scheduled, though the commission previously recommended the amended Chapter 38 Historical Preservation ordinance to City Council.

• Adopt FY25‑26 Goals and Objectives for the historic district
• Approve minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting
• Citizen comments period
• Member comments period
• Transmit draft minutes and goal documents to the public

Park Board

The Park Board will meet to elect officers and review financial and department reports. Members will discuss the 2026 calendar of events and provide updates on various committees and initiatives.

• Election of officers
• Discussion of 2026 Calendar of Events
• Traditional Holiday event (Dec. 6)
• Lending Book Library initiative
• Park Passports initiative

The board approved the meeting agenda and the November board meeting minutes. New officers were elected: Chair Tara Gish, Vice Chair Dawn Smith, Treasurer Jenn Gomes, and Secretary Elanor Riley. A motion to send a letter of support for Lakeview Park to the COO was approved. No vote counts were recorded for these actions.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion approved)
• Approved November board meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Elected new officers: Chair Tara Gish, Vice Chair Dawn Smith, Treasurer Jenn Gomes, Secretary Elanor Riley
• Approved sending letter of support for Lakeview Park to COO (motion approved)

Portage Cultural Arts Committee

The Portage Cultural Arts Committee will meet on November 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parks & Recreation Office (320 Library Lane). The agenda includes discussion of member vacancies, artist exhibitions and venues, and the 2026 calendar of events. Subcommittee reports on theatre, outreach, and public art will also be presented.

• Member Vacancies (7)
• Artist Exhibitions & Venues
• 2026 Calendar of Events Discussion
• Theatre Subcommittee Report
• Outreach and Public Art Subcommittee Reports

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will approve the September 10 meeting minutes and set the agenda. Members will discuss updates such as Bee City certification, pesticide alternatives, and recycling initiatives. New business includes elections for Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary and adoption of the board’s goals for 2026.

• Approve September 10 meeting minutes
• Public comment period (2–3 minutes per speaker)
• Discussion of Bee City certification and pesticide alternatives (Behavior Inc.)
• Elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Adopt year goals for 2026

The Environmental Advisory Board gave consent to approve the October meeting minutes. The board elected David L. as Chair, Lauren as Vice‑Chair, and Wendy as Secretary, each by unanimous vote. A motion to adopt the draft letter outlining 2025‑2026 goals was passed with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved October meeting minutes (consent, all agreed)
• Elected Chair David L. (unanimous Yea)
• Elected Vice‑Chair Lauren (unanimous Yea)
• Elected Secretary Wendy (unanimous Yea)
• Adopted draft letter to City Council (all in favor, none opposed)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Portage Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a variance to locate a vehicle fueling station and convenience store at 4815 West Milham Avenue. The applicant seeks to reduce the required 300‑foot separation from residential property to 66 feet, citing nearby development and the park's low residential likelihood. The board will vote on whether to grant the variance.

• ZBA #25-02: variance to build a vehicle fueling station/convenience store at 4815 West Milham Ave, currently 66 ft from the nearest residential zoning (required 300 ft)
• Property is zoned B‑3 General Business; adjacent land includes R‑1B Westfield Park and B‑2 Community Business areas
• Applicant argues the park will not be redeveloped residentially and the variance will not impair ordinance intent
• ZBA #25-01: board denied a variance for two additional wall signs at 6005 South Westendge Avenue (exceeded allowance by 160.5 sq ft)
• Board accepted resignation of member Lena Jomaa

EDC, TIFA & Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will discuss a plan amendment for the Centreport Apartments, a 151-unit residential and retail project. The board will also consider a conveyance and assignment of tax increment revenues for "Project Depatie" at 5960 S. Sprinkle Rd.

• Centreport Apartments (7920 Portage Rd.): Proposed 151-unit mixed-use development with $32 million estimated investment
• Centreport Apartments: Request for 3.5% annual simple interest on unreimbursed capital costs
• Centreport Apartments: Proposed infrastructure improvements estimated at $1,346,213
• Centreport Apartments: Proposed site demolition of a 2,777 s.f. former bank building estimated at $80,000
• Project Depatie (5960 S. Sprinkle Rd.): Consent to convey property and collateral assignment of tax increment revenues to Milham Corners, LLC

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider Special Land Use Permits for a new church at 4401 Bishop Avenue and the redevelopment of two properties into indoor recreational facilities.

• Special Land Use Permit for new church at 4401 Bishop Avenue
• Special Land Use Permit for 'Soar N Bounce' indoor play area at 669 Mall Drive
• Special Land Use Permit for 'PickleRage' indoor facility at 525 Romence Road

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review draft FY25-26 goals and objectives and an edited Chapter 38 Historical Preservation Ordinance. The body previously tabled the goals until this meeting.

• Review of FY25-26 Goals and Objectives
• Review of edited Chapter 38 – Historical Preservation Ordinance
• Discussion of Certified Local Government Program
• Approval of October 1, 2025, meeting minutes
• Review of 10-1-2025 meeting minutes draft

Park Board

The Portage Park Board will elect its officers and approve the 2026 meeting schedule. It will review the September Bike Committee minutes and hear a financial report for September and October. Committee updates and subcommittee event reports will also be discussed.

• Election of Officers
• Approval of 2026 Meeting Schedule
• Financial Report: September & October
• Receive September Bike Committee Minutes
• Subcommittee Reports – Monster Mash (Sat., October 18) and Traditional Holiday (Sat., December 6)

The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October meeting. It also approved the 2026 meeting schedule, which includes location changes for May through October. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion approved)
• Approved October board meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule location changes (motion approved)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Portage Zoning Board of Appeals will hear a request from Metro Signs & Lighting, on behalf of Raising Cane’s, to increase the total wall‑sign area at 6005 South Westnedge Avenue to 360.58 square feet, exceeding the 200‑square‑foot limit by 160.58 square feet. Staff notes the property is under construction, that the additional signs would add visual clutter, and recommends that the variance not be approved. The board will vote on whether to grant the variance.

• ZBA #25-01 – variance request for two additional wall signs (combined 171.5 sq ft) raising total signage to 360.58 sq ft, 160.58 sq ft over the allowed 200 sq ft at 6005 S Westnedge Ave
• Property is a 0.85‑acre lot zoned B‑3 General Business, formed from parcels 6005 S Westnedge Ave, 6021 S Westnedge Ave, and 120 E Milham Ave
• Staff recommendation: do not approve the variance because there are no exceptional circumstances and the signs would increase visual clutter
• Four prior variances (ZBA #83‑49, #83‑64, #93‑41, #07‑21) were granted for this property but are unrelated to the current sign request
• The board will vote on the variance after reviewing the application and staff report

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-0 to deny the variance request for two additional wall signs that would exceed the allowance by 160.5 square feet. The board also approved the May 12, 2025 minutes and excused absent member Aimee Potts, each by a 6-0 voice vote. Lena Jomaa’s resignation was accepted. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

• Excused absent board member Aimee Potts (6-0 voice vote)
• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (6-0 voice vote)
• Denied variance for two additional wall signs at 6005 South Westnedge Ave (6-0 roll call)
• Accepted Lena Jomaa’s resignation

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will review and approve the September 10 meeting minutes. It will discuss policy and procedure updates, deer management, and vote on a pesticide use and alternatives initiative with the City and Behavior Inc. The meeting also includes a youth advisory committee introduction and a presentation to the City Council on a plastics challenge, weeds/grasses, and a land acknowledgment question.

• Approve September 10 meeting minutes
• Vote on policies and procedures updates
• Discuss deer management
• Vote to invite City to explore pesticide alternatives with Behavior Inc.
• Presentation to City Council on plastics challenge, weeds/grasses, and land acknowledgment

The board approved the September 10th meeting minutes. It voted to present the plastics challenge to City Council, to remove weeds and grasses from that presentation, and to add a land acknowledgement to the City Council agenda. All motions passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 10th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to present plastics challenge to City Council (all in agreement)
• Approved removal of weeds and grasses from City Council presentation (unanimous)
• Approved addition of land acknowledgement to City Council presentation schedule (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will consider two site‑plan applications: one for Depatie Fluid Power at 5960 S. Sprinkle Road and another for Centre Port Apartments at 7920 Portage Road. The meeting also includes a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone presentation, a review of the FY24‑25 work program and a Kalamazoo County housing plan update.

• Site‑plan approval request for Depatie Fluid Power, 5960 S. Sprinkle Road (industrial expansion)
• Site‑plan approval request for Centre Port Apartments, 7920 Portage Road (residential project)
• Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) informational presentation
• Planning Commission FY24‑25 work program and proposed FY25‑26 work program
• 2025 Kalamazoo County Housing Plan update presentation

Historic District Commission

The commission will discuss the Certified Local Government Program and review the city's historical preservation ordinance. The body will also address goals and objectives for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

• Review of Edited Chapter 38 – Historical Preservation Ordinance
• Certified Local Government Program overview
• Discussion of FY25-26 Goals and Objectives

Park Board

The Portage Park Board will consider its financial and department reports. Committee updates, foundation reports, and subcommittee event plans will be presented. The board will also review initiative reports such as the Lending Book Library and Park Passports.

• Ribbon Cutting ceremony – Oct 10 at 10 a.m., Lex Green (Kathleen)
• Monster Mash event – Sat, Oct 1 at 8 p.m. (Tim)
• Traditional Holiday event – Sat, Dec 6 (Elanor)
• Lending Book Library initiative report (Elanor)
• Park Passports initiative report (Angelique)

The Park Board approved its meeting agenda and the September meeting minutes. It approved up to $300 to cover materials for a lending/seed library box to be placed at Celery Flats. The board also approved a motion to support a grant application for repairs to the West Lake Overlook. No other actions were decided.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion by Gomes, second by Smith)
• Approved September meeting minutes (motion by Piotter, second by Gomes)
• Approved up to $300 for materials for the lending/seed library box (motion by Riley, second by Smith)
• Approved support for West Lake Overlook grant application (motion by Riley, second by Young)

Portage Cultural Arts Committee

The Portage Cultural Arts Committee will review member vacancies and material development revisions. It will discuss the 2025 calendar of events, including themed artist workshops, a doodling gathering, a Pecha Kucha event, and a holiday card entry. The meeting also includes reports from the theatre, outreach, and public‑art subcommittees.

• Member Vacancies (7)
• Material Development Revisions
• Artist Exhibitions & Venues
• 2025 Calendar of Events Discussion (themed workshops, doodling gathering, Pecha Kucha, holiday card entry)
• Subcommittee Reports: Theatre, Outreach, Public Art

The Portage Cultural Arts Committee granted approval for a double‑sided card to be used as both a mailer and an informational update. The committee noted that 2D, exterior, and multiple case spaces at the Parks and Recreation office are available for artist exhibitions, with the first exhibition scheduled for December 22 2025 – February 20 2026. Several program ideas, including themed artist workshops and doodling gatherings, were tabled until further notice.

• Approved dual‑purpose mailer card
• Tabled themed artist workshops
• Tabled doodling gathering
• Tabled Pechua Kucha events
• Tabled holiday card entries

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will review a presentation from Behavior Inc. regarding pesticide use and alternatives. The board will also vote on a new secretary and discuss revisions to meeting procedures per City Policy.

• Presentation by Behavior Inc. on pesticide use and alternatives
• Vote for a new secretary
• Discussion of Land Acknowledgement Letter to Council
• Discussion of Bench Presentation to Council
• Revisions to minutes and agenda procedures per City Policy

The Environmental Advisory Board approved the August 13th meeting minutes by unanimous consent. Wendy was appointed as Secretary to serve until the November 12, 2025 elections. The board also approved the June meeting minutes. Finally, the board approved revisions to minutes and agenda procedures as outlined in city policy.

• Approved August 13th meeting minutes (consent of entire board)
• Appointed Wendy as Secretary (unanimous agreement)
• Approved June meeting minutes (consent of entire board)
• Approved revisions to minutes and agenda procedures per City Policy (consent of entire board)
• Adjourned meeting (motion approved)

Park Board

The Portage Park Board will approve the agenda and the August meeting minutes. The board will hear financial, park department, and committee reports. Upcoming community events such as ribbon cuttings, Oktoberfest, and Monster Mash will be discussed. Initiative updates like the Lending Book Library and Park Passports will also be presented.

• Approval of August Park Board minutes
• Ribbon Cutting Lakeview (date TBD in September)
• Ribbon Cutting Lex Green (date TBD in September)
• Oktoberfest (Saturday, September 13)
• Monster Mash (Saturday, October 18)

The board approved the meeting agenda after a motion by McGuire and a second by Riley. It also approved the August Park Board meeting minutes following a motion by Smith and a second by Gomes. Discussion of the letter of support for Lakeview renovations was tabled pending further input from Wollerman. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved agenda (motion by McGuire, second by Riley)
• Approved August meeting minutes (motion by Smith, second by Gomes)
• Tabled discussion of Lakeview renovation letter of support until Wollerman provides response

Human Services Board

The Portage Human Services Board will convene to approve minutes, discuss the CAPER public hearing and report, and elect a new secretary.

• Approval of June 5, 2025 minutes
• CAPER Public Hearing to receive comments
• CAPER Report discussion
• Red Ribbon Week City Council Proclamation
• HSB Secretary Election

Planning Commission

The commission voted to approve the minutes from the July 17, 2025 meeting. The motion passed by a 9‑0 voice vote. No other actions or decisions were taken during the meeting. The session was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

• Approved July 17, 2025 minutes (9-0)

Environmental Board

The board approved the Plastics Challenge presentation and moved it forward to the City Council, with a majority vote. The Weeds and Grasses Ordinance was tabled by motion, which carried. The July 9 meeting minutes were approved as presented. The board also agreed to proceed with webpage content updates and plan the bench dedication ceremony.

• Approved Plastics Challenge presentation to City Council (majority approval)
• Moved presentation forward to City Council (majority approval)
• Tabled Weeds and Grasses Ordinance (motion carried)
• Approved July 9 minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Agreed to advance webpage content updates and submit edits to staff
• Planned bench dedication ceremony for late August/early September

Park Board

The board approved the amended meeting agenda and the July 2025 meeting minutes. It scheduled the Oktoberfest event for September 13 at South Westnedge. Additional community events were set for October 18 (Monster Mash) and December 6 (Traditional Holiday).

• Approved meeting agenda (amended) (motion passed)
• Approved July 2025 Park Board meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Scheduled Oktoberfest for September 13 at South Westnedge
• Scheduled Monster Mash at Ramona for October 18
• Scheduled Traditional Holiday at Celery Flats for December 6

Planning Commission

The commission approved the June 26, 2025 minutes by voice vote. It closed the public hearing on rezoning application No. 25/26‑1 and unanimously recommended that the City Council approve changing 4815 W. Milham Avenue from a B‑2 Community Business District to a B‑3 General Business District. The commission also voted to keep the current officers in their positions.

• Approved June 26, 2025 minutes (9-0)
• Closed public hearing on rezoning application No. 25/26‑1 (9-0)
• Recommended rezoning of 4815 W. Milham Ave to B‑3 district (9-0)
• Retained current officers: Chair Corridini, Vice Chair Baldwin, Secretary Freiman (9-0)

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board met on July 9, 2025, reviewed subcommittee updates and upcoming projects, but did not approve any actions or ordinances. No public comments were received and the June minutes could not be approved due to technical difficulties. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was carried.

• Motion to adjourn approved

Park Board

The board approved the agenda for the July 9 meeting and the minutes from the June meeting. No other formal actions were taken; the rest of the session was dedicated to reports and updates.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion passed)
• Approved June meeting minutes (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the excused commissioners and the May 1, 2025 minutes, each by a 6‑0 vote. It then approved the site plan for Jiffy Lube at 8516 Shaver Road with five specific conditions, also by a 6‑0 voice vote. The commission noted that the July 3, 2025 meeting is cancelled and the next meeting will be July 17, 2025.

• Approved excused commissioners (6-0)
• Approved May 1, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved Jiffy Lube site plan at 8516 Shaver Rd with conditions (6-0)

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board approved the May 14, 2025 minutes with minor amendments. It voted to establish four subcommittees—Webpage, Survey, Events, and Activities—to report at the next meeting. The board also set the agenda for the July 2025 meeting, focusing on the weeds and grasses ordinance, plastic‑bag recycling, subcommittee reports, and Bee City designation.

• Approved May 14, 2025 minutes with minor amendments
• Created Webpage, Survey, Events, and Activities subcommittees
• Set agenda for July 2025 meeting covering key sustainability topics

Human Services Board

The Human Services Board approved the April 3, 2025 minutes with an 8-0 vote. It unanimously passed an amendment to the CDBG & Kalamazoo County Housing Millage Home Repair Program Guidelines to allow accessibility‑related home improvements. The meeting was then adjourned by an 8-0 vote.

• Approved April 3 minutes (8-0)
• Amended CDBG & Kalamazoo County Housing Millage Home Repair Program Guidelines to allow accessibility improvements (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

EDC, TIFA & Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

The board approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting. It then approved City of Portage Act 381 Brownfield Plan Amendment #15 for the “McConley Cove” project at 1075 Bacon Avenue, recommending City Council approval and authorizing the board chair to finalize the development and reimbursement agreements. The board also voted to postpone the planned PA 90 training to a future meeting.

• Approved April 8, 2025 BRA meeting minutes (7‑0)
• Approved Act 381 Brownfield Plan Amendment #15 for McConley Cove, recommending council approval and authorizing chair to execute agreements (7‑0)
• Forewent PA 90 training; directed staff to schedule it for a later meeting (7‑0)
• Adjourned the meeting (7‑0)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the May 7, 2025 meeting minutes by a 7‑0 vote. Members discussed historic‑property upkeep, the AZO Venue application, and financial ideas for the commission. It was decided that the event scripts need revision for brevity. The next Flats event was set for June 27, 5 PM‑8 PM, with additional events on July 25 and August 22.

• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (7-0 vote)
• Decided to revise event scripts for brevity
• Scheduled Flats event for June 27, 5 PM‑8 PM
• Scheduled Flats events for July 25 and August 22

Park Board

The Park Board approved the meeting agenda and several sets of committee minutes. It also approved the receipt of April Art Committee notes. The board voted to cancel the Breakfast in the Park scheduled for June 14. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (motion approved)
• Approved May Park Board meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Approved receipt of February Bicycle Advisory Committee minutes (motion approved)
• Approved receipt of April Bicycle Advisory Committee minutes (motion approved)
• Approved receipt of April Art Committee notes (motion approved)
• Cancelled Breakfast in the Park scheduled for June 14 (motion approved)

Portage Cultural Arts Committee

The Cultural Arts Committee approved the meeting agenda. The proposal for additional workshops was tabled until the next meeting. The next committee meeting was scheduled for July 23, 2025 at 6:00 pm.

• Agenda approved (motion passed)
• Further workshops tabled to next meeting
• Next meeting set for July 23, 2025 at 6:00 pm

Environmental Board

The Environmental Board approved the May 14 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn the session was also passed unanimously. No substantive policy actions were decided, with several topics slated for discussion at the next meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board excused absent member Michael Stempihar by a 7‑0 voice vote. It approved the October 14, 2024 minutes by a 7‑0 voice vote. The board then approved a variance allowing a roof over a deck at 3630 E Shore Dr, also by a 7‑0 roll‑call vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

• Excused absent member Michael Stempihar (7-0 voice vote)
• Approved October 14, 2024 minutes (7-0 voice vote)
• Approved roof‑over‑deck variance for 3630 E Shore Dr (7-0 roll‑call vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:26 p.m.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission unanimously approved the April 2, 2025 meeting minutes. In reviewing the AZO Venue proposal, the commission decided that the ice‑cream truck, signs, tree lighting, airplane installation, and fire pits do not require HDC approval, leaving only the fence for a future vote. Commissioners discussed design preferences, recommending a wooden fence and a blended LED sign while asking that no exterior signs be affixed. The commission also assigned four members to present an overview of HDC work at the upcoming City Council meeting.

• Approved April 2, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Determined fence is the only AZO Venue element requiring HDC vote
• Requested no exterior signs be affixed to the dwelling
• Recommended wooden fence over plastic fence
• Suggested LED sign be blended with wood
• Assigned VanLonkhuyzen, Meyle, Rice, and Deming-Maytnier to present HDC overview to City Council

Park Board

The board approved the meeting agenda (as amended) and the April meeting minutes. A motion to approve the breakfast in the park mailer passed, which also removed the Biggby sponsorship from the postcard. The Picnic in the Park event for May 8 was confirmed with supplies purchased, and the Oktoberfest date for September 13 was held.

• Approved meeting agenda (as amended) – motion passed
• Approved April Park Board meeting minutes – motion passed
• Approved breakfast in the park mailer – motion passed
• Removed Biggby sponsorship from breakfast in the park postcard – part of mailer approval
• Confirmed Picnic in the Park – Westfield on May 8, supplies purchased
• Held Oktoberfest date – South Westnedge on September 13

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the April 17, 2025 meeting minutes. It closed the public hearing on Rezoning #24/25-4 and unanimously recommended the text amendment and rezoning to the City Council. The commission also unanimously accepted the FY 2025‑26 Capital Improvement Program. No other actions were taken.

• Approved April 17, 2025 meeting minutes (9-0)
• Closed public hearing on Rezoning #24/25-4 (9-0 voice vote)
• Recommended to City Council approval of Text Amendment and Rezoning #24/25-4 (9-0 voice vote)
• Accepted FY 2025‑26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) (9-0 voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission voted 8-0 to approve an excused commissioner and also 8-0 to adopt the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes. No public hearings or formal decisions on the Unified Development Ordinance were taken; the commission only heard a presentation from Kendig Keast Collaborative. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

• Approved excused commissioner (8-0)
• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (8-0)

Environmental Board

The Environmental Board approved the meeting minutes. The board adopted a neutral position on deer population management, citing a 43‑page report and noting the city has no authority to control the population. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved meeting minutes
• Adopted neutral position on deer population management
• Adjourned the meeting

Human Services Board

The Human Services Board approved the March 6, 2025 meeting minutes. It unanimously amended the CDBG & Kalamazoo County Housing Millage Home Repair Program Guidelines to increase the liquid‑asset limit for applicants to $40,000. The board decided to hold the November 6, 2025 Human Services Open House and job fair as in prior years after the PZSC declined to approve the event. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved March 6, 2025 minutes (8-0)
• Amended CDBG home‑repair asset limit to $40,000 (8-0)
• Decided to hold November 6, 2025 Human Services Open House/job fair (decision made)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved the March 5, 2025 meeting minutes (6‑0). Commissioner Duniphin was assigned to coordinate the Friday at the Flats event on May 23. An America 250 Grant Writing subcommittee was created with four members. Commissioner Rice will draft a letter to historic property owners about State Historic Preservation Tax Credits.

• Approved March 5, 2025 minutes (6-0 vote)
• Assigned Commissioner Duniphin to manage sign‑up for Friday at the Flats event
• Formed America 250 Grant Writing subcommittee (Deming-Maytnier, Rice, Duniphin, Dunleavy-Chandler)
• Commissioner Rice to draft letter on State Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Park Board

The board approved the meeting agenda and the March Park Board meeting minutes. An amended postcard for the Westfield Picnic was approved. The FY 25‑26 board goals were approved. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Agenda approved
• March meeting minutes approved
• Amended Picnic in the Park postcard approved
• FY 25‑26 board goals approved

Planning Commission

The commission approved the excusing of an absent commissioner and adopted the February 6, 2025 meeting minutes, each by an 8‑0 vote. It then approved a Special Land Use Permit and Site Plan for an indoor entertainment facility (Zap Zone) at 6780 S. Westnedge Avenue, requiring an engineering report and parking‑lot repairs by the end of 2025. No public comments were received and the public hearing was closed.

• Approved excusing absent commissioner (8-0)
• Approved February 6, 2025 meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved Special Land Use Permit and Site Plan for Zap Zone at 6780 S. Westnedge Ave with engineering‑report condition (8-0)
• Closed public hearing (motion carried)