City Commission - Regular Meeting

. Boy sit is seven o'clock I it's nicest. So everybody here in the chamber. Chambers in the happy conversation. We just got out of our five o'clock committee, the whole meeting. So no air, we go. No everybody's here. It's a perfect. So I want to welcome everybody to the chambers here in city hall this evening. It's nice to see everybody. And it's nice to see my colleagues again. After our five o'clock committee ended about. 10 minutes ago. So at this point I am going to call the KMSU city commission. Meeting two order for Monday. March 2nd, 20, 26. And our first order business is roll. Call cliff Foley, Commissioner Hess, present Commissioner Hoffman, present Commissioner Praedel present Commissioner Slaby present Commissioner Wilson, present vice mayor Duncan here. Mayor Anderson here. Thank you, clerk Orlan. We are blessed for our opening ceremony this evening to have. Sister, Patricia Ward Britton from the congregation of St. Joseph here to provide an Invocation. And as she comes forward, I'm gonna ask everybody in the chambers to please.

Stand for the Invocation and then remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Thank you. Great spirit as a Potawatomi addressed, you. Hold these men and women. And all who work with them closely. As they seek to serve all people equitably. Within this beautiful gifted city. They serve all that lives. And have expe accepted responsibility. For this portion of the earth. Guide them in best practices. Practices grant them wisdom and understanding with listening hearts. Hearts support them as they strive to hold fast. To the values of our democracy. And serve the common good. Provide all they need. So that through them, Kalamazoo may continue to be. A river of life, giving water. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance. Of the United States of America and through the Republic, which stands. Nation. Under God invisible with Liberty, Liberty, justice, justice. Thank you again, sister. Appreciate you having me here. We are now down to the adoption of the formal. Agenda commissioners. Are there any items that are on the consent Agenda? It's consent Agenda G that you would like to have moved to H the regular Agenda. All right. Scene. None. Any other changes to the formal Agenda? Manager Hankins mayor. I would just ask that Agenda item H three, be

removed from tonight's Agenda. Okay. Item H three will be removed from tonight's regular Agenda. Manager Hankins. The Agenda stands any communications from you at this point. Not at this time. All right. Thank you so much. Now is the opportunity for public comments at our business meeting. Just a reminder that you can comment on any item of your choosing at this time, including Agenda items or not Agenda items. You'll have four minutes. Please come forward, state your name and whether you live in the city. My name is Jim Hess and I am a resident of the city. For 35 years, I used to go to Commissioner Hess's workplace at Kalamazoo college, two to three times a week. Between August and November. During volleyball season, I would sometimes voice my opinion loudly. If the officials involved. Ruled against the volleyball Hornets for which she was the coach. I promised not to raise my voice to any officials tonight, unless you have a striped shirt on that's the only ones they ever yelled at. My reason for being here this evening is to express my gratitude to assistant chief for public safety, Victor green. And mayor Anderson. They took their time and recently spoke to my mentoring program. I have breakfast of champions. Champions. It's a very tight group, diverse group of young men from Kalamazoo public schools. We meet at Kalamazoo college for breakfast, and we have speakers from throughout the community and the state to share with the young men, what it takes to be a champion in life. What assistant chief green shared. About his role, what the public safety's role is in the community. And most importantly, what he shared with the boys. When they see a public safety officer is to look. At more than the badge and to see that they're also husbands.

Husbands fathers, but most importantly, they are their friends. Mary Anderson shared with the group, his life story, which is extremely interesting and how to get from one thing to the next. And he also explained how city government works. And how it serves our community. Both the mayor and the assistant chief were enthusiastic. Fully engaged and gave to the boys the most valuable asset, their time. And he clearly made a difference. Because the comment on the way back to school. Was both for chief green and Mary Anderson as their cool guys. . And Winston Churchill once said a pessimist. Pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. And an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Chief green and mayor Anderson. Let their O optimism for our youth. And what they could become. And just simply shine through those days when they came to speak to our group. It's also been set. That true faith is the ability to believe. In what you can't see and your reward is to see the things. You believe in and what I'd like to thank all of you on the Dias is to thank you for believing in Kalamazoo. And again, mayor Anderson. And chief green. Thank you so much. And the difference you made for these young men. Thank you. Thank you. Next please. Edward Nickerson. I live in the city of Kalamazoo. Little over a month ago, I called the mayor's office. Books, the person that answered the phone said this is two, one, one.

What's your mental problem. She asked me why I didn't send you an email. I told her because of my disability. All she did was criticize me. I really don't appreciate that. Oops. I'll no. So sorry. These people keep on breaking into my car and law enforcement can't seem to catch 'em. I guess they're trying to steal my car. They never succeed. So I'm putting low level. Well, in the car. So when they get in it to steal it, blowing up in the hospital. I couldn't say a lot of other things, but I'm pretty upset right now. So. Now just well to go right now. Thank you next, please. My name is Joel Snyder. I am the director of the Cree ensemble, C E L E B R I S. S, and I am not a resident of Kalamazoo. I am a resident of Comstock. I'm here because I wrote a song about. Kalamazoo and I sent an email to you all and you asked if I could play it for you here. It's also co-written by my wonderful co-writer. Jane kekova we're both graduates of Western Michigan. University. It's called my hearts in Kalamazoo. It's a blue song. Let's see here.

And I'll try to play it

through the microphone. I'll

do my best.

Thank you. Maybe we need more of that during our public. Comment time next, please. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. My name is Rachel Thompson. I am a resident of the city and I live on grand Prairie road. I'm here regarding the recent water main break and road closure. While the road has now been repaired in vehicles are no longer driving through our yards. Yards significant damage was done before it was fixed. Drivers traveled more than 40 feet. Into my yard to get around the road closure. I measured it myself and this was not minor edge damage. Vehicles drove deep into our property. I also found a sewer line utility flag. That had been driven over our neighborhood has older clay, super pipes. Pipes, which are vulnerable to cracking underweight and vibration. My concern is just not what we can see. It is what may have happened underground. Clay pipes can fail months or even years after being compromised. If that happens, homeowners are left with costly sewer repairs. Repairs through no fault of our own. I also want to highlight something that have, could have helped prevent this. At Drake and grand Prairie, a barricade was knocked down and left, lying on the ground from Friday night, February 20th. Until repairs were completed February 24th. Multiple calls were made to the non-emergency police line. To our knowledge city police did not respond. And the barricade was never placed upright. Township police did respond, but they did not cross onto the city side of the barricade to reset it. For several days, there was effectively nothing preventing drivers. From entering the closed road roadway. And cutting

through our private property. This was not just simply reckless drivers. This was a traffic control failure. That was allowed to continue. My concern is not only for our property. But for my neighbor's properties as well. Several yards were driven through and we all shared the same aging underground infrastructure. So I'm asking for some specific requests. Requests that the city send qualified personnel. To assess potential underground sewer damage in the impacted yards. Yards that residents receive clear guidance on how to identify or rep report sewer compromise. And that future road closures include active monitoring. So barricades are not left down for days at a time. The road may be repaired, but the impact may not be. I expect the city to stand behind its infrastructure work and ensure residents are not left with hi, hidden damage and costs. I have left my phone number with the city clerk, and I would appreciate a follow up and clear point of contact. Thank you. Thank you. Next please. Good evening. I am honored to be able to stand before you today. I am Elizabeth Odell. President of the Kalamazoo alumni chapter, but I am not a resident. I wish to thank mayor Anderson for his recent participation in our serenity workshop and economic development for black businesses. We the women of Kalamazoo alumni, chapter of Delta Sigma theta sorority stand before you. Because of this statement, I'm going to read. Of all forms of inequity. Inequity

injustice in healthcare. Is the most shocking and hit and humane. Humane today, we face a national mental health crisis. But the burden is not shared. Equally for a marginalized. Communities mental health. Isn't just a personal struggle. It's a policy. Failure. True equality. Requires us to move beyond individual treatment. And address the systematic roots. Of wellbeing. I wish to introduce to you now. Our chair of Gloria FASA Wembley, our chair of social action. Sure Wimberley. Good evening commissioners. I just wanted to state to you all. Excuse me, just a second. Do you wanna start the time over clerk? Don't want to get cut off there. Thank you. I wanna be short. Okay. Trust . So, as I was saying, I wanted to let you know that I did send a letter to mayor Anderson. In regards to a request. He was gracious enough to be at an economic development. Program that we had this weekend. But also we are looking to gather some. Information around health equity. And how it pertains to city policy. And outreach that the city provides. So I ask some questions. Questions and would like a written response. By what we would like a written response by March 31st, we're going to use this. Information to take to the state. Where we as a collective state chapters will be discussing. This important issue. And of course it, it impacts. The whole statement in the nation. So I wanted to

thank you again for considering. That. And I hope to. Grace you . Some other times. It's good to see Mr. Praedel. Mr. Praedel was one of my students when I was the principal at my gosh hillside middle school so many years ago. And Ms. Has her children went through my building as well. And so it's wonderful to be here and be able to see all my folks. Who who look all grown up? . And doing the work. I appreciate it. Oh, thank you. Oh, you mind, we gotta have a moment to pause. Sorry. Don't love fitness. Still your time. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank. Next please. Good evening. My name is Rachel Vinales. I'm not a resident of the city of Kalamazoo. I am a resident of the township of Kalamazoo. But importantly, I went to school in the city of Kalamazoo. I work in the city of Kalamazoo at Kalamazoo county defender, Inc. And I'm running for eighth district court, judge. In Kalamazoo county, which covers large, all of which. Includes Kalamazoo county or Kalamazoo county is completely within that district. I love coming to these meetings. I think that it's so evident from these meetings, how passionate people in the city of Kalamazoo are about local government. And about making a difference in our community. And that's exactly the reason why I'm running for district court. Judge. It's inspiring to be up here. I, I know that Ms. Foster Wimbley left, but I think I was a student of hers as well. And so just seeing the. Ongoing impact that people are having on our community, giving back and caring about important issues. Like. Inequities in, in healthcare, but also inequities in all other parts. Of our daily life. That's

something that I have seen firsthand in my work as a public defender over the last 13 years. And it's something that I think would be a unique. Aspect of my career that I would bring to the bench. If elected to ate this year court judge. I've seen firsthand how housing instability. Food instability, joblessness. As well as mental health and addiction can wreak havoc on someone's lives and put them on a course towards, you know, something that they don't wanna be involved with. And I think the district court is very important for being a point of first intervention. Recognizing the things that bring people into the legal system and trying to help them get back on the right track so that they can be thriving and productive members of our society. And, and then Kalamazoo the Kalamazoo community. So I, I'm sure you guys will see me here a lot more over the next eight months. And so I apologize for that in advance, but I'm looking forward. To having more and more conversations with other people. In this community about what's important to them. And how they see our courts as being a vital part of our community in making a difference here in Kalamazoo county. I can be found online at vote. viles.com. That's vote V I N a L E s.com. I'm on Facebook and Instagram. I'm happy to meet with anyone. Here and talk about my plans to be the next great. Eighth district court judge in Kazu county. Thank you. Thank you. I'm back. . So I am here again to talk about. The intersection at Merrill and. Howard and the safe routes to school project. Over the last couple weeks since the last meeting, when this was on the Agenda. I've done a lot of research and a lot of thinking. And so I

have brought some information. A little frustration and an ask. Duh. I have a picture of it. So this image is what we're talking about. The two sets of yellow arrows are the two crossings in question, the red arrows show, the use path, which is something Commissioner cradle was asking about. Where the kids, most of the kids walk. To school, especially when it's not snowy the yellow. Star is the entrance to the school. And you can also see that the proposed crossing is about 900 feet closer to the top of the hill. Than the existing crossing. So here's the data we have 25 kids. Trying to cross 66 feet. Of four lanes of traffic. Within excess of 13,000 cars a day. Going approximately 40 miles an hour. Down a hill. 25 kids, four lanes of traffic, 13,000 cars going 40 miles an hour. That is the problem we are trying to solve. The safest solution is a signal that stops the cars. Which is shown in every available plan from the city for this intersection. The safe routes to school report. And on the funding. Acceptance motion that you guys did last fall. A signal at Merrill and Howard. So I walked the proposed new route. 10 loaded school buses have to leave through the driveway adjacent to that crossing at the same time that kids are trying to get home from school. Those buses. Buses completely obscure any line of sight for drivers.

And cars of the kids trying to get across the crosswalk. And there's actually not a space for an island there because it has exactly the same geometry as the existing crossing, where cars from Howard are turning left to get into the parking lot. So you can't physically put an island there to fix that solution of having an safe refuge. Neighborhood parents have been trying to fix this crossing since at least 2012. I started in 2019 when the safe routes program started. Every year I emailed city staff. And called city staff multiple times and almost got no response, which was kind of frustrating. And this week I learned. That there's a third, a page report. Outlining an extensive outreach done by the city during the exact same time period to Winchell. All concerning safe routes to school. Mailers door hangers. Yard signs, community meetings. Meetings and I can't get an email answered. And then that led me to really ponder windshield's sidewalk. And when I thought of it, something came to me. What's at the end of Winchell, where dead ends into Oakland. I mean, you've all driven there. Probably what's at that intersection. It's the same exact. Type of intersection as where Merrill me towered. To signal. That stops traffic so people can cross. So for over 10 years. We've been asking for the same thing that windshield already has. And they've had it for over 20 years. That tells me that my neighborhood is worth less than Winchell that my kids' lives. Are worth less than the kids in other neighborhoods. Neighborhoods. So my ask is like, please come alongside us and help us find the right safest solution, which is that the traffic

stops. So the kids can cross. Thank you. Thank you. Next please. Hello, my name is Austin Shannon. And. On September 18th, 2019, I was almost killed crossing Howard street, near Merrill. Two cars had already stopped at the crosswalk. Waiting for waiting for middle schoolers to cross the road. A third driver came down the hill. Wasn't paying attention to that driver. Trying to stop veered. And like hid the other car, but. Hopped the curve and hit the tree that I was. Standing right behind and I honestly thought that it was gonna kill me. Police decided that the driver wait, police cited the driver of failure to stop within. The assured clear distance ahead. The reason is simple. Speed drivers were going too fast. To simply stop on that hill. Now I'm wondering. No. Now I understand the city is considering moving the crosswalk. Higher up the hill, closer to where vehicles are traveling at their fastest speeds. Speeds. I respectfully ask that you reconsider. If a driver can simply stop at the bottom of the hill, where vehicles should be slowing down. How a driver stop higher up. Where they're still accelerating and driving. Yeah. Traveling at their peak speed. Am I speaking from any hypotheticals I'm speaking from experience. I'm so lucky to be alive. The next kid may not be. Thank you next, please. Hi, my name is Esteven neighbors. Neighbors on September 18th, 2019, my son and my mother were nearly. Hit on Howard. They were only safe because the tree. Blocked the car from hitting them. The crash was serious

enough that. W w M T channel three news interviewed us the next day. It's still in line. If you'd like to watch it. Howard street is a steep downhill. Vehicles come down that hill. Very very quickly. And drivers has slept have less time. And distance to see and process and respond. To a crossing mid black. That reaction window. Becomes even smaller in the dark, in the rain, in the winter. Conditions, especially when students are walking. In the morning in the dark, moving the crosswalk up the hill, places, pedestrians in a section. Of roadway where drivers are already. Descending and must react quickly on a slope. Relo relocating the crosswalk does not. Address safety concerns. It shifts students in an area where stopping distance and VI visibility are more challenging. Please consider strengthening the safety at the current location with a pedestrian activated signal. Rather than moving the crossing a pill. Thank you. Thank you. Next please. Hello, everybody. Again, my name is Tina. I've been coming here for eight years. I live on lake street in the lovely floodplain area. But first I wanna hit on this topic. Crosstown. I mean, Howard hill, if you put a crosswalk on that hill, how are they gonna stop in the snow? When you're sliding. So you know, how many cars go up that hill and slow down or start to slide? And everybody else has gotta stop. You have another lane where you can slide into to where you won't hit that car. And you don't have to all slide down. If you make Howard hill. Two lanes one up and one down, you're gonna kill a lot of people. And you can't put that

crosswalk up there by that school. That is a dangerous, dangerous spot. You need to put it where leave it, where it's at, but you need to like, I agree. Put lighting, put streetlights. I know it's a block from a streetlight, but we stop at 'em all three minutes anyway. So what's the difference. You know, traffic backs up everywhere, but at least it'll save a child's life. But if you change Howard hill. From two lanes to one lane. Each you're gonna cause a lot of accidents. Accidents now onto my problem. It's gonna flood and it's wintertime and the ground's frozen. You took away 12 acres to build in my neighborhood. That caused the flooding in 2017. And it hasn't gotten any better. It's only gonna get worse. We're in a rain for three days. What are you gonna do for us? Put roll clothes signs out. So we're trapped in our houses even more. Even trapped the police station. He don't care. You need to start caring. If, if, if we were a different neighborhood, if we were a wealthier neighborhood. That's problem. Would've been fixed eight years ago at 64 years old. I wouldn't have to keep coming up here. Two times a month to speak on the same issues. Your storm drains are not working. In my neighborhood, they are failing the neighborhood. It is the city's job to provide clean drinking water. We should all have dry streets. Why is my neighborhood, the only neighborhood that doesn't have dry streets in Kalamazoo, we have to pack up and leave or try to figure out how to get outta your house. Hope what damage it does. Wintertime, it's gonna take out your furnace. How would you like to live in the winter without a furnace? How would you like to be in your house? And if there's emergency, you can't even get out. Because there's wide around both ends and all over the whole neighborhood.

It's cuz your storm drains are not working. It's a city's job to have. Proper working storm drinks. Drains. Nobody should have to deal with this. I shouldn't have to come up here and beg. Beg for eight years for you guys to do your job. To fix something that needs fixed. We didn't need no damn marina. We don't need all these breweries. We don't need all these pot shops. Shops people residents in the city of Kalamazoo. Should not be dealing with flooding. Coming up through their storm drains. Drains and your storm drains comes up through our basements. One day, it's gonna take out my fuse box. You don't care. I know you don't cuz you haven't did anything. All you wanna do is keep building in my neighborhood. The more you build without fixing these problems. Problems the worse it gets for your poor residents. Residents, and I shouldn't have to keep doing this. This is just getting to be. It's tiring. I know you're tired of looking at me. I'm tired of coming up here asking you. Over and over since two, December 18th. Of 2017. And your storm drain still don't work. They've never been clean. They've never been fixed. They could be made deep. No other neighborhood, every other neighborhood can enjoy the rain. We can't. Can't. Thank you. Thank you. Next, please. Good evening. My name is Susan Bennett and I am a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo and a 30 year resident of the vine neighborhood. I'm here to speak on the ump proposed chain for the pedestrian crossing at Merrill and Howard. I have walked the vine neighborhood for those 30 years. Very dangerous crossing. My son was a,

a student at maple street. He had to cross at the bottom that hill. The proposal to move it up. The hill I feel is not keeping in with the. Intention of safe routes to school. The whole grant is safe routes to school, the safest way to get kids across that road. Is by putting a stoplight pedestrian. Activated stoplight at that intersection. Period that is going to allow students and all pedestrians to cross that road safely. There's no other way to do it. A pedestrian operated a stoplight. That turns red brings the traffic to a stop and allows the pedestrians. Pedestrians to cross the lights and signage. And pedestrian crossing that is there now is a step in the right direction. That wasn't there. When my son attended school, it's a step in the right direction, but it is wholly inadequate. Some of the flashing blinker lights are actually blocked. By the pedestrian crossing sign. And a power pool. Tr drivers do not see those white flashing lights. And it is not an immediate message to them that they need to stop. Red means stop. There needs to be a red stop light. Thank you very much. Thank you. Next please. Everybody. My name is David Wilson. I'm a resident of Kalamazoo. Parent of three children. Who use that intersection? 2014, we moved here three small kids. One was a newborn we've lived in the vine the whole time. We quickly learned that the perception was our neighborhood was a rental neighborhood. And that we probably shouldn't expect a lot from this city. I know several of the

people sitting up there and those are, that's not your character, at least not that I know. So I hope that that's not how we continue to feel. When my oldest started middle school. I decided, okay. Since it's such a dangerous place, I'm gonna start being a crossing guard. So I went out with a reflective vest. I got on a hat and I grabbed an umbrella. I am six, four. I am not little cars would not stop for me. Cars would not stop for me. So I got bike lights and I covered myself in bike lights, and I became a flashing crossing guard. Cars would not stop for me. One morning. In 2022. Cars seemed like we're finally stopping. We're finally stopping. Right. We enter the first lane of traffic. We enter the second lane of traffic. I got a line of kids behind me because they just want to cross the road. We get to that third roll of traffic. Coming down the hill. No problem. My kids started to get ahead of me for that fourth lane. Just about creamed. Why cuz only three lanes stopped and the fourth lane kept going. Because I am a visible and Walker in that neighborhood, I would encounter people that I saw drive through crosswalks. Crosswalks because I am not afraid of confrontation. I would approach them. And I would say, are you aware of what you did this morning? Are you aware that you almost hit my child? Are you aware that you drove through my crosswalk? And they would say I was terrified, the cars behind me. Wouldn't stop. The only thing I can think of for why we don't have a pedestrian controlled crosswalk there. Is because of an inconvenience drivers. I don't care. Our kids are what matters. Another dad knew I was doing this. He came out there and we were doing it every morning. And it got to a point where it was starting to cause more stress for the kids. Because we were insisting

that they not cross until all the cars had stopped. And they wanted to just run. Because to them that was less stressful. When y'all approve that funding, it was for a push button. Stop cars. I don't see that right now. If you wanna move that crosswalk up the street, that's where the buses are coming out. And that is busy. I urge you like, come check this out. That is a production that happens at the end of the school day on maple. That is a production. Buses are coming out. Kids are going every which way. And now you want to crossing to be right there amongst the buses amongst all that, that just. It, it doesn't make me feel like anyone has been there and looked at this. Come to my neighborhood, please. I'd like to have you there. My daughter is here. She wants to talk about. Some of the things that she saw. Thank you for your time. Thank you. my name is Anaya Wilson. And I used to go to. Maple street, middle school. And when I went, it was. Bad the amount of times I've received kids actually just get fully wiped out. Was pretty insane. It was it's even worse in the morning than it is after school. Cars just don't stop. They're trying to get to work. They're trying to get their kids to school. They don't really care about the other kids crossing the street. And my me and my friends. At one point, we really just didn't want to cross the street cause of the amount of times it was very close. Where my friend almost got hit. They had to stop very quickly. But it was very

close and it was very scary for both of us. And I have two younger siblings. Siblings and middle school isn't supposed to be. Afraid of a crosswalk. There's like so many other things that you could be afraid of, but. Hearing my siblings come home saying I almost got hit by a car. It's like not what anyone wants to hear. And moving that crosswalk up to. The area that you want to move it to makes it extremely more dangerous, even if it's not winter, even if it's not raining. Cars do not stop up there. They keep going. I've witnessed kids literally get. Swiped by the car. Even up there because they didn't want to go down to the original crosswalk, cuz cars were still going super fast on there. They walked up and they. Almost died. Like they they're, they got swiped. Swiped moving it up there is. A terrible idea. And I think if you want to make it better. Take the flashing lights away. Nobody listens to those. Nobody cares about those. They care about. Things actually telling them what to do, green to go red, to stop. Make it so when someone pushes a button, either a red light shows up or a red person shows up. And they can just walk without worrying about cars, not stopping. That's what you should do cuz kids. Mainly are using that crosswalk. And kids shouldn't be afraid literally just to go to school. They shouldn't be afraid of if they will even make it to school. Or make it home after school, which when I was in school, that's what most kids were worried about. They

weren't worried about being bullied. They weren't worried about not making the team. After school. That a bunch of kids literally huddled. Huddled at the end of the street. To cross the road. And just stood there. Nobody moved, cuz they were so terrified to. Cross the street, they were so terrified to move. Because they were scared of getting hit. And when somebody did go. At least, maybe one car. Slowed down, nobody ever really stopped. They slowed down enough not to hit us. But they kept driving. Right after we crossed them. And. It was it was bad. That's like in sixth grade, that was the one thing I was most scared of. I've been hit by a car. It's not pleasant. I don't want that for my siblings. I don't want that for my siblings friend. I don't want the, for my friend's little siblings. I would like them not to worry about. Starting sixth grade. And being hit by a car. Thank you. Next please. Hello. Good evening. I'm Tracy Lowy. I'm a resident of Kalamazoo. Liz Healy and Holly Smith of Portage. We won't hold it against him though. Right? . I'm honored to introduce to you the chubby mermaids. We are a grassroots organization that began not as a formal nonprofit, but as just four friends with a bold idea. In 21, 4 local women decided to form a relay team to take on the Mackinac island swim. And we needed a team name being middle-aged women who are. A little extra padding, the Chevy mermaids was formed. What started as a personal challenge quickly became something much bigger. As we train together, other friends were inspired to join us drawn, not just by the swim itself, but the

camaraderie, the encouragement, and the fearless spirit that the team embodied. At every event we attended, we stood out. Not because we don't fit the traditional image of endurance athletes, but because of our infectious positivity, we have a bold team presence and unwavering support for one another. We showed up in bright colors, cheered the loudest celebrated every finish. And made space for women and men. Who had never seen themselves represented in endurance sports before. Through regular social media posts. We shared our training journeys, our struggles, victories, humor, and real life balance of work family. And fitness, our authenticity resonated. And followers grew messages poured in from women who felt seen for the first time. We what began as four friends training for a relay evolved into a movement centered on confidence inclusion. And redefining what an athlete looks like. As interest expanded, it became clear that this mission was bigger than a single swim. We made the intentional decision to form. A 5 0 1 nonprofit and our mission is simple but powerful. It is to create a judgment free zone where women feel comfortable. And confident, engaging in physical fitness, increasing self-acceptance and growing personally and socially. The tribute, the chubby mermaids host, regular swim groups at local lakes here in town and also on the coast. Training programs and events that remove common barriers to participation by providing access to gear. Training materials and scholarships as needed. But we're about more than just fitness. We're about building a supportive tribe of sisters. Who celebrate progress, motivate one another and redefine what athleticism looks like in our community. We've also become ambassadors for Kalamazoo beyond our city limits. Limits in addition to doing the Mackinac island swim every year, members have completed other challenging endurance swims, including the Mackinac bridge, swim. Swim to the moon, the five

great lakes challenge, where we swim in all five great lakes in 24 hours. And we recently participated as part of the relay team in the historic Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial swim, bringing positive visibility to local athletes while honoring great lakes, maritime history. Importantly, the chubby mermaids practice, community engagement and philanthropy choosing charities to support throughout the year in helping fundraise to cause for causes tied to our mission in statewide interests. Today date we've raised a $70,000. And benefactors have included first responders. Local food banks like lobes and fishes. Women's cancer resources and assisting low-income women in covering the cost of equipment and entry fees to make it accessible for all. In short, this group strengthens community health, uplifts women, and showcases Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo spirit. Of inclusive of inclusion and perseverance. And if you wanna find out more about us, that Shelby roommates.com is our website. And we welcome anyone to join us. Men can come too. We have a few. Our husbands, we call the chubby hubbies and they come out and support us as well. Thank you so much for this opportunity to share our story. And I also wanna shout out to Chris Praedel cuz you were my son's big brother almost 20 years ago in the big brother program. Oh yay. And he's doing great by the way. Thanks everyone. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Mike Stout. I'm the president of founder of Michigan waterway stewards. And I'm not a Kalamazoo residence. Residents. We are in Michigan's largest. Michigan waterway stewards organization. We go across the state, cleaning up rivers and Riverside parks and, and whatnot river trails. Trails. We began our journey in Kalamazoo three years ago, we had a huge event in the spring. And since down, this will be our fifth. Twice yearly event and 12th event.

The last three years. We have been coming up here in March 28th. Saturday, the headquarters would be at the mayor's riverfront front will be. Cleaning the river trail from Comstock parchment. And eradicating, and basically speaks these along mayors riverfront. Near red arrow. Golf course, and also Burbank park. Wanna thank the community. The city, the county for the generous supports. That's our start three years ago. Vietnam blessed with support of civic and social organizations, city and county governments, local businesses, churches, and schools. And in particular, Western Michigan university students. Students. So we have a huge plan for March 28th. You've already began discussions for fall of. This this year, which we hope will include. All three campuses to showcase the best of our young students and showcase the best of Kalamazoo. And I also like to thank. Patrick McVay director, parks and recreation, and also Justin Gish for their expert resources and support. So I asked you on March 28th. Come on out. Join us on a great community event. Bill Lansing lug nets will be providing. Hospitality hotdogs and Brotts and cookies. And soda this'll be a great day. The weather's warming up should be in the fifties to sixties. So it'll be a nice time to get outdoors and create some impact. Just wanna say thank you for again, the support you got a great community. It's been a great part. It's been a privilege to be a part of it. So, thank you. Thank you. Next please. Hello, my name is Angela

Castanos. I'm a resident here in Kalamazoo. I moved here. 2018. And left before, right when COVID hit. We moved out to Washington state and. My daughter and I, and she's like, mommy. I wanna go back home where's home because we lived in battle Creek for 16 years. She said, Kalamazoo is our home. So. Thank you for that song because my heart is also in Kalamazoo. And I wanna express my gratitude and just say, thank you for the city for coming out and doing my. My ceremony, my ribbon cutting ceremony for. The New Business that I opened up downtown. Unwind massage and stretch on north church street. And I just wanna express my gratitude. And thank you so much for coming and showing your support for me. And. I'm here to show my support to you guys. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else in the chambers wants to take advantage of the Public Comment period. Hi, my name is Kim James, and I'm a resident of Kalamazoo. I was born in Kalamazoo, moved away for a little bit, but decided to come back about 10 years ago. Today, I am here to support my community in asking for some considerations from you guys. I'm also here with some worry. And some frustration. As the department of Homeland security continues to unleash ice in communities across the country. And in fact, right here in our own backyard, I worry that Kalamazoo is unprepared. Or unwilling to support our black, brown and indigenous neighbors as they face. What will inevitably

become a more dangerous existence as we go? We need specific and explicit. Words and actions from you. I want this commission to loudly and unequivocally denounce 2 87. . I want law enforcement in Kalamazoo to immediately cease any cooperation with DHS. DHS ice agents are murdering people. DHSS kidnapping people. Another concern that I have. After writing this and seeing what was on the Agenda here is the acceptance of a 20. 25 cops hiring program. And it. I would urge you to reject that. I think that is putting in your hands. If you accept this. Kalamazoo is agreeing to comply with information sharing with the federal immigration authorities. So you take this money, but you gotta give a little bit of this. So that's another worry that I have. I want you guys to have a plan ready for how the city officials and the police are gonna protect all of us. When ice comes cuz and it gets violent. Everybody's going to need protection. I'm frustrated because I've seen Kalamazoo fail its most marginalized citizens before. I've seen progress benefits. Some. Well costing others. I've seen it. Praise, peaceful protest while refusing, refusing to recognize the us funded genocide of the Palestinian people. I've seen housing being built with two to three subsidized units while a hundreds of community members are without shelter. I see activists, activists working tirelessly for our ever-increasing unhoused population only to be. Dismissed by our mayor. Mayor I've seen fencing allowed to be put in place around the Arcadia festival site. Months before any work could have been done. Knowing very well

that that area served as a. Place of shelter and resource distribution for our house folks. When you're involved in planning. And decision making. I want you to ask yourselves two questions. Questions. The first one who is the most marginalized in this. Situation. and the answer to that, if you're being honest with yourself, will be iPOC women. The second question you should ask yourself. Is am I centering bipo? Boom. We need your help. And that's all I'm here to say. And please thank you, please. Thank you next, please. I couldn't even everybody. My name is Chad do and ummm, a resident in the north side community of Kalamazoo here, downtown on Frank and rose. So I'm not here for myself. I'm also here for my neighbors who probably couldn't make it, but they showed up to other city. Meetings before. And the main topic I'm here for is. The park on rose and Frankie church. It's a pollution ground. Drug activity and lautering and littering from people throwing. Trash into other people's neighborhoods. Neighborhoods and at nighttime, I also see, you know, cops doing their jobs. Speeding up and down from ecstasy lines. So. In my mindset. I'm like, I've saw that in the daytime too. So I know it's children. On the north side going. Towards the Western area in. The east part of Frankie's children all up and down that street. So. Main thing. A lot of my neighbors had a concern

about was putting humps. And also no Parkinsons out there. And the reason why I think you should also put no parking signs out there. Cuz I caught a violation not too long ago. My neighbor. I was telling my neighbor, I caught a violation. He laughed. I said, why are you laughing? He said I got one too, but I said, but I'm not looking at it as a bad thing. I looked at it as structure. So I got the ticket way, but if we had more of those, no parking. After a certain hour signs up because I didn't know you couldn't park out in front. And the reason why I had parked out in front of my house is cuz the person's truck who I was using broke down. But now that I know that you can't park at a certain time, that would also be a good thing of putting those signs back out there. And I think that would also stop the littering and people throwing trash in other neighbors. Neighbors around me and surrounding areas. So every time I cut my yard, that's right across the street from. A city park. I have to pick up my neighbor's trash. Because it's also connected with mine. So I see liquor bottles. Sh tons of stuff. So. She came to a little city town meeting one time and spoke her peach. But I think. I'd rather speak it for everybody in that area, going up rose and Frank. Especially for the children because we have speeding constantly going down that main strip. Of Frank and rose. In church. So if it was speed humps also put over in the areas, I think that would also. Save a lot of the officers. Officers times of, you know, cuz I see it all times of the night, they have to speed after tons of cards. Cards that strip doesn't have humps on it. So that's

why you get away with. Not catching the purple you're supposed to catch, but. That's why I came here for the neighbors in my communities. So the littering needs to stop. Because everything in this city is starting to look beautiful. And I'm gonna let a lot of y'all know I'm really from Ben Harbor, Michigan. So I've been residing in y'all community, just studying everything. And it is more progress being done daily. And that's the best thing about this town, because very soon I see the future of this town growing more and more, where more entertainment, more people coming. So to keep that in that threshold, where more people are talking about Kalamazoo, and I want to go to Kalamazoo, just like how my town, Ben Harbor. Everybody knows Ben Harbor for. Entertainment and other things, but this town. Is always known for having. Good entertainment too. So to get that going. Let's keep the city. A lot of people and children. Thank you, Chad. Your, your time is up. Yeah. Thank you. Hi, my name is Shauna Espinoza. And as he was explaining, like all these things are going on in the north side. But what are we doing about Alamo hill? There are so many students that walk from interfaith. They don't get a bus. They're crossing Patterson. They're walking up Patterson. They're crossing Douglas. They're walking up. Douglas, they're crossing Alamo. They're walking up

Alamo. Sometimes it's in the street. That sidewalk needs to be fixed. That sidewalk at times is not shoveled. So it's dark time in the morning. And guess what those students. Students are walking in the street. I get it's a township thing. So maybe. As a collective is something that you should talk to township about. It shouldn't always fall back on us. It shouldn't always. Fall back on those that live in Kalamazoo. Sometimes you need to be like, Hey, we're as a collective, this is a different district. Maybe we should have those conversations. Maybe some of us have more on our plate. Than others, but at the same time, this is a collective we're doing the work. As a community that some of this board that should be doing. That's something you guys should look into. Because it's not okay. That middle schoolers. Are walking in the dark. On sidewalks that should be fixed. That should be safe. And on the way home as well. As he just said, people are speeding. As people deem the north side is a bad side of town. So why is it there something that is being fixed? Why? Because it's not a white. Neighborhood. Our black and brown children. Deserve the same. Respect the same things as white. Neighborhoods do if this was windshield, it wouldn't be a problem. It would already be fixed. We have parents that can't make it here to speak. Why because they're working multiple jobs to take care of their children. They don't have ways here. There's too many barriers. Barriers to get him them here to speak. So us as other citizens. Citizens speak on their behalf. They don't have the right to be here because they're

taking care of their children. Or working multiple jobs. So please fix that sidewalk in that street. It's bad enough. They don't get a bus. Can you imagine walking from interfaith to hillside being a middle schooler in the dark in the morning? What ****** ass sidewalks. I'm just gonna put it out there. It's facts. And we can't keep our children safe to walk the school on sidewalks. Sidewalks. We no damn shirt. Ain't nobody gonna be safe when ice come. As a whole, we need to start keeping our communities safe. No matter if they're brown. Black white indigenous. Adults kids, no matter what they are, this is your job. This is your job. You signed up to do this. Protect your community. I didn't wanna come today. Because I have other things that I could be doing. But I know looking at my son and my grandson and my, my, my girls. I need to speak and continue to come here. Because that's important. Standing up for those that don't have that voice or those that can't make it here. You as a commission. Need to work hand in hand with each other. The community and other boards that serve this Kalamazoo county. It's just outta respect and doing what is right. Because it's, if this was somebody that you loved. Or you cared about or yourself. It would've been fixed, especially in Tina's situation. That'd have been fixed. These kids wouldn't have to walk in the street on a raggedy sidewalk. Do better. Thank you next, please. Good evening. My name is Jonathan Yarborough, representing Northside neighborhood. Just have a couple

announcements first before I. Share. I just wanted to lift up Northside day is gonna be happening August 8th, 2026. That day consists of a 5k Walker run. So please sign up for that. That's gonna be a great. Event and that's gonna be in the morning. We have a community celebration at Laron park. So if we have any community organizations that are watching online or that are in this room, please feel free to go on our website to sign up for that as well. And then we'll have a more beats on Northside alley. At the NA CD building that evening time. So again, Northside day is August 8th and we have a jam packed day that day. I also feel comfortable enough to just share with everyone, just some of the initiatives that NA CD is preparing in the coming years. One thing is the north side home ownership fund initiative. And so this has been planning since I literally stepped into. In my tenure eight months ago. And been meeting with various organizations and other community funders in the community. And this is to simply help those Northside residents that are in rise and property taxes on the north side of Kalamazoo. We know this event center is coming and so that's one of the things that is going to cause. Especially for our Northside residents. And specifically, we're going to try to. Dive or G kind of go in different ways within that fund to meet the need in other areas outside of just the rising property taxes. So more to come with that we've been meeting for the last six to seven months with just a small price group of individuals. Right now, we're going to go into the canvassing stages of. This project, which we will go into canvassing Northside residence this summer. So we can get their input, make sure they're their voices are feeling heard. And kind of get their wants and needs met. For this fund. So again, that's the Northside home ownership fund. That we've been working on for the last six, seven months. And I really. Would love the city's

support with that. And if you would like to get involved with that, please just email me. You know, regarding that. So. Just along with other things as I'm hearing. And I, you know, I'm working graciously with our CCP team, with the city Kalamazoo. Well, just some of the issues that some of our. Friends are bringing up to light. So it's important that I think hopefully you guys are in incorporate this in the summer. We maybe put in more of these island. Pauses in these streets. So that way the, the residents are feeling safe when they're crossing. I like those. I really truly do. Particularly, I love the island where it's more so you can just pause, you can stop and then you can go onto the other side of the roads or the other side of the street. So just something to kind of incorporate when you guys are planning this summer. Cause I know it's gonna be a lot of projects happening this summer. I think that is it. If you need any more additional information, please feel free to email me or you can go on our website. But we're still looking for sponsors for Northside day. So if you are willing to sponsor, please do so. You know, it's important that we invest in this, because again, at the end of the day, this is a fundraiser and I'm challenging all Northside residents. If you are watching online too, to donate a hundred, one time, a hundred dollars. Donation to the north side or N a C D it'll go directly towards workforce development housing. And of course the beautification projects that we have planned. Thank you. Thank you. Next please. Hi, I'm Clara living the vine. I'm not super well prepared today, so I'm sorry, but I wanted to come up and talk about. Advocate for a moratorium. On city ordinances, 33, 24, which deals with city parks and

public places. Specifically a B E L M N. O P Q R S within. The that palsy. So the types of things that are criminalized under those, that set of policies. Are things like using public outlets. Outlets entry in parks during nighttime hours. I think parking is in there, which somebody mentioned earlier. One is like no resting. In elevated spaces. So just really specific things. That unfairly target. Our unhoused neighbors. And so we need to put a moratorium on those policies. Until we can a provide like alternatives to those things. And then B like somebody mentioned, like those things aren't even really properly. Like signified. There's no signs on the outlets to say you can't use them. You just. I would just assume that we could use 'em and then end up you get a ticket and then that ticket can turn into. Like a million other different things that make people's lives more difficult and it is. Unfair to have those policies while there's no alternative in place. So until we can, for instance, provide a public restroom. I think the one that we have is currently locked and closed down. And so. Where are people gonna go? And I, I think that we need to not be, you know, for a city that says that we're. Inclusive. And we're not criminalizing houselessness. But we functionally are like these ordinances do that. These are behaviors that are normative in the context of houselessness. And we shouldn't be criminalizing those behaviors, especially when we're not prioritizing building those alternatives. Alternatives and also like marking it so that people know what they can and cannot do. So that is what I'm here to say.

Thank you for those of you that met and gave some feedback with that. The idea of putting a moratorium on those policies. I heard that we have a policy review board that's happening. That's really great. And I think that in the context that that's gonna take two years to get through those policies. I think we really need to prioritize this right now. Everything's important, but this is really important and it's unfair that people are being targeted in this way. Yeah, that's all. Thank you next, please. Good evening. My name's Justin Suarez. I live on the north side. There are some things that were brought up today. The park at Franken park street, my kids go down there to play, and there's always people smoking dope in the enclosure over there, right out in the open. It would be nice to see that park patrolled a little bit. One, it gets warm, bad stuff happens there. The kids are playing in the playground, but in the pavilion there's drug use. And drinking, and it's just, it's a bad vibe over there. So. There's a lot of kids that go over there. It's a busy neighborhood like that gentleman had mentioned it would be nice to see maybe some patrol store in the summer cuz that, that Park's out of control. The other thing, the main reason I wanted to come up here and speak is the flock cameras. And, and ice and everything going on in our, in our world right now. The flock cameras are. Increasingly worrisome to me when I drive by 'em and I see 'em I wonder, you know, is the, at some point is the city's police department. Or somebody, you know, who knows somebody in the city that maybe is pro ice. You know, we might not know about just decides, you know, I'm gonna start sharing information with them. I don't know how safe it is, but I know other cities across the country are starting to suspend their contracts with ice. Temporarily, it might be something nice that we could do

here. Until, you know, we don't like they're building. Concentration camps right now. Why? I mean, if they're, it just doesn't make sense, like it's not adding up and it's becoming more and more worrisome. And as a, as a, as a resident of the city, I, I shouldn't have to worry, just driving to work. Or, you know, oh great. Now they know I'm at work. You know, now, now there's no, now I'm, there's no adult at the house. You see what I'm saying? Like it's concerning. And like, I, I really hope that the city considers. Considers, maybe putting a pause on those services until, I mean, you know, it's not going to actually prevent crime. It might help solve some crime, but it's not gonna prevent crime. And the only thing right now, my worries is how it could be used against us. Cuz it's not just reading license plates. It's it's, it's, it's, it's all adding things up and putting it into a database and, and with the government's overreach right now, it's, it's pretty scary. So I just wanted to come and, and throw that out there. I think you guys could consider maybe a temporary pause on use of those. So thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the chambers that would like to take advantage of the Public Comment? Opportunity. Good evening, Jeff Messer city, resident. The city manager failed on the communications part of the Agenda tonight, maybe he will remind you later on. Reports and legislation part of the Agenda. But the city commission is holding its annual budget. Retreat to Saturdays from today. On Saturday. March 14th, 8:30 AM at the Foundry that's downtown Kalamazoo on 600 east Michigan avenue. That that's been canceled. It's not at the boundary. Foundry what? Oh, the location has been changed. It's not the Foundry communication. Okay. Is it the same date? Okay. So I guess

you'll have to check the, the city's calendar, but I guess still Saturday. March 14th, 8:30 AM at a location. I'll have to look up and you'll have to look up too. But many of you are unable to attend these meetings on the first and third Mondays. Mondays at seven or 8:00 PM. So this is one opportunity. If you do wanna address the commission in public. Or live until we, until Commissioner Slaby and vice mayor Duncan, get the commission to reestablish the phone and comments. Comments. So again, Saturday, March 14th at a location. That I guess now the city manager will probably mention later in the meeting. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the chambers who'd like to take advantage of the Public Comment? Period. Alright, thank you so much to everyone that took the time and made the effort to come here and provide us with public comments. Comments. I appreciate it very much. We are now down to our. Consent Agenda manager, Hankins. Hankins. Thank you, mayor. The following items are submitted for approval. G one approval of a sole source. Professional service agreement with Maine and Meridian, LLC. LLC former city of Kalamazoo employee Jeff Chamberlain for consulting services, not to exceed $49,000. To approval of a professional services agreement with preen and new for E coli sampling and site assessment to support Ms. Four. Total daily, maximum load monitoring in the amount of $102,500. It's three approval of a contract. Supplemental and change order with safe built for. Mechanical electrical plumbing and building inspections. Inspections in the amount of $110,000. For approval of a contract supplemental and change order for

analytical testing services with trace analytical laboratories incorporated in the amount of 115,000. $480 and 32 cents. Cents five approval of a contract supplemental and change order with mall, city mechanical and plumbing and fire suppression. On the one 50 east Crosstown facility renovation project in the amount of 122,000. $516, six approval of a cooperative contract with design two wellness for fitness equipment, and installation for the one 50 east Crosstown facility renovation project, and the amount of 140,000. 500 and excuse me, $140,503 and 61 cents. Cents seven approval of a professional service agreement with white men for building 20 old tertiary renovation in the amount of $157,670. Aid approval of a cooperative contract with Raco supply, Inc for sign installation, any amount of $268,282 and 50 cents. Cents nine approval of a contract with Millman and pension. Administration software system in an, in an amount not to exceed $312,000. 10 approval of a contract with next gen construction for erosion repairs. Repairs at water station 24 in the amount of $335,943 and 90 cents. Cents 11 approval of a contract with James E. Fulton and sons for the construction of downtown place making projects, any amount of $426,000. 12 adoption of a resolution. Designating the, the polling facility to be used for precinct 10 during the election on May 5th, 2026. And for each election thereafter. 13 adoption of a resolution setting forth the salaries of the city commission, appointees city, attorney, city clerk, and the internal auditor. Effective March 2nd, 2026. 14 approval of a temporary property, right of entry agreement with mill mill, Barker and sons, Inc. To install a new sound wall. On us, 1 31 adjacent to city owned properties.

15 approval of the minutes from the city commission meeting on February 16th, 2026. And that is it? Yes. Number 15. Thank you. Thank you, manager Hankins. Hankins commissioners are requested action as a motion to approve items. One through 15 and authorize city manager, Hankins to sign all related documents on behalf of the city. Is there a motion? So moved motion made by, by Commissioner Hong Hoffman support. Supported by Commissioner SLA. Slaby clerk boiling, please call the roll Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Commissioner Praedel yes. Commissioner Slaby. Yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess. Yes. Thank you. Commissioner's items on the consent Agenda are approved. Now we are at the regular Agenda city manager, Hankins. Hankins. Thank you. Mayor item H one approval of a contract with Whiteman of the dis excuse me for the design of west. Michigan south and level street in the amount of 3 million funded through the raised 2022 planning grant. Thank you so much. Mayor chair Hankins is a report on this item. There is, there's actually a presentation from staff. I have Dennis Randolph, the public works division manager. For a brief presentation. Welcome Dennis Randolph. What do you I want to talk a little bit about. Our program, our continuing program to make streets in. Kalamazoo safe. We have a couple components. Components one has been kind of the everyday. Implementation of lots of signs and devices around the city. Kind of a, an ongoing improvement process. The other has been to. Change the nature of some of our streets. And to that end, we've gotten a number of. Of federal grants. Grants to pay for the design engineering

and also construction. Over the next five or six years. It's a long process. What we have before you right now is a. Design contract for a major component of that work. It's for the intersection. Of west Michigan stadium drive level. It is a major intersection in the city. It's right in the center of a number of other projects that we have going our protect project. Our two-way conversion projects. You can see from the map. It's the. The blue segments that you see on the map, along with. Work on south. And level street where we'll be looking at. Potentially converting them also from one ways to two way streets. This project would do all of the engineering starting. With surveying and then preliminary designs. Designs NEPA processing. Just all the steps and I'll, I'll talk about those in a minute. To put this project. In context with all the rest of the projects we have, you see this map that we prepared and it. It has the projects we've gotten from our B I L grants. So bipartisan, bipartisan infrastructure, law grants over the past few years. They're all hooked together. Without one of them, the other parts of the projects don't really work as good as we hope they will. This is a, a comprehensive. Plan of con conversions that. Will really change the downtown area and, and a lot of the adjacent areas in the city. Moderate traffic. We hope slow a lot of folks down. Make it a little more convenient for people who want to patronize our businesses. And to attend

other activities downtown. This project is funded from our raised 2022 grant. Which is basically 12 million of federal funds for design and we're using them on Michigan avenue already. And the other streets are incorporated in this particular project. There's about $300,000 of FFA money we use to match it's a, it's a might or Mo amount of that, but there is some. Other funds in this project. We're running this project through the Michigan department of transportation. Local agency program. That means we follow M rules. Dot rules in pro procurement and how we do the work. They also evaluate the work as we go along and, and complete it. So it's not done in isolation, at least from the highway department and the federal highway administration's concern. To select the consultant in its white men associates. Associates. We went through a QBs or quality-based selection process. That's a process it's generally recommended and accepted for the selection of professional services. Services. And that process is a strict process. We go through several steps. To determine who's best qualified. Before we start looking at the funds. And what it's gonna cost. I think to put this project in context, which I think is really important because it's, it's going to be when we construct a major bit of disruption for the community, but also going, it's going to be change. Changing how traffic flows through that part of town. And it's a major connection between. Our educational institutions, Kalamazoo college and Western Michigan. And also the downtown area itself. The streets were dealing with and all these streets that we're working on,

I showed you a minute ago. Are. Our real high activity, pedestrian environment. And again, what we're trying to do is encourage. More direct connection. Between K college, Western, Michigan, all the other neighborhoods. Neighborhoods in, in, on the west side of town to be able to walk downtown. To be able to travel. Safely and, and right now they really can't, frankly, it's not a good situation. We anticipate and modifying or changing signals. Some of the designs we're looking at may not have signals in them, but that. Hasn't been determined at this point. That's the first step of our project will be to lay out a number of alternatives. Alternatives and then start gathering input from the community. Determine. Which alternative works best for everybody. It is part of our complete streets program. Again, it, it has some. Real meaningful safety things that we intend to do slowing traffic down. Making drivers. Feel they have to obey the laws. And that's the problem on a lot of our streets right now, when you have wide streets. People don't feel they have to obey our speed limits and they don't. Don't and, and so that's. That's a safety. First design approach that we'll be using out there. And of course we we'd be following other federal. Requirements that have been around for a number of years, inherent new. On equity and injury reduction. There is a lot of benefit to energy. Injury reduction. And I just wanted to. Tell you where things have been so far. You probably saw the press release earlier or over the weekend about crash reductions in the city. Because of the many steps we've taken over the last five or six

years. From stop signs to back plates, to. All types of radar science, lots of devices we've been putting again, we've been able to. Reduce so about 1700 crashes from happening or keep 1700 crashes from happening in the city. Before we started this program. The city averaged about 3,100 crashes a year. So what we've been able to do in the last five years? Is a limit eliminate over a half a year. Of crashes around the city. There's a cost to that. And it's not cost necessarily that we see in our budget. We do save money when police don't have to go out on a, on a run. Where the fire department has to go out on a run. Or when people don't knock down our devices and have to repair them. But people don't have to pay to repair their damaged cars. To pay hospital bills. To pay for the time that they lose from work taking care of the problems they've had from a crash. That money comes back or it stays in pockets of the residents of the community. Which is a real nice part about what we're doing before we stop and crashes before they happen. Helps everybody directly and it saves everybody money. And what our studies have been showing. Is that for these federal projects that I showed you at the beginning? We've generally been having at least a two to one in some cases, a three to one. Or close to four to one. Benefit cost. On these projects, they've been very. Well, well, based in safety and in savings for folks. There're always some risk with every project. And I just wanted to mention them to you. As part of this project, we're right in the middle of our protect. Grand project, which involves flooding in the Arcadia Creek side

of town. And I just wanted to mention, we also are starting work with the core of engineers. Engineers on a project on the east side of town for the Portage Creek area. So we are addressing. Major flooding problems across the city. But this particular project sits right in the middle of our protect grant. And we have to worry about floodplain. And if we have to change the floodplain around and we, we will, we've been improving. Limiting the blood plane, taking people out of the flood insurance requirements that they have. As much as possible. We're working with the state, we're working with Amtrak and MDOD rail to take care of. Train concerns that we have. There are also some federal just compliance risks that we do have to worry about. NEPA Shipo, which are the things that look at the environment. And historic aspects of the community. We have to make sure that we aren't doing damage to those items. And in fact, trying to help them, they've been neglected for a number of years. And these projects are generally going to help. Protect historic areas in the neighborhood. And protect. The environment, including the Arcadia Creek. And ultimately the Kalamazoo river. MDOT does provide oversight on the oversight on these projects. Projects. Everything we do has to be cleared by MDOT. They run it through multiple layers. Layers at the highway department, including their auditors review all of our work and how we charge work and what it costs. And so again, we're not doing this on ourselves. We're working with a large group of folks that are helping us. This project continues emphasis on safety. It connects the west side of the city to downtown, which is really important. I think. It supports economic development and place making. They integrate sustainability.

We, we following. The envision framework, which is a national. Guide for sustainable infrastructure. It advances our complete street policy. And it leverages federal dollars. To help us make improvements again, we've gotten. Nearly $90 million of federal dollars. To improve our street system to convert one-way streets, to two-way streets to make them safer. And we also have very good benefit cost ratios. And then on that money, so there are a lot of good things that can happen. The design will get us going. On making a really poor intersection. Into something better for the future. Our general schedule has been. We took proposals. Proposals and they were due January. And we spent the month of February. Looking at the proposals, we had seven proposals that we received, which is really good. Activity from the consulting community. They're interested in what we're doing, want to be part of it. Seven of our staff, went through those proposals and evaluated against the criteria that we had outlined and a request for proposals. So everybody knew what we were looking for. There were score sheets for them to look at. Once we selected. The most qualified consultant we reviewed. Their cost proposal to make sure it was in line to what our engineers had. Estimated. And they have one of the important. Steps that we're gonna be taking. Is immediately to work on our NEPA targets, the environmental protection act. And we hope to get going and have. Substantially been cleared for that work. By June and then we'll continue our design development through 2027. We're working right now

to try to determine an exact. Construction schedule. And again, because it sits in the middle of our protect grant. We have to coordinate with several projects that are gonna happen along the Arcadia Creek with this job. Right now work at this intersection. We'll probably take place in late 20, 28. In 2029, that's subject to adjustment. We're working our schedules over right now. A key part of that work is knowing when our Kalamazoo project will start. We're waiting. We have a deadline of Friday. To get that project going for bid. At the state. Once we get that bid, we'll be able to pretty much put all of the rest of our schedule together. Over the next five years for everybody. And we'll be letting everybody know what that is. So so what we're requesting. Is authorizing the city manager to be able to. Execute this particular professional service agreement. And again, subject to what MDOT. MCOT local agency program requirements are, and that means. We're going to be submitting after tonight. All the paperwork that showed how we selected the consultant. All the paperwork that we filed to make sure it met QBs requirements. In, as long as that clear, they won't be able to authorize work to start on this design. So, thank you. Thank you, Dennis Randolph. Appreciate it. Commissioner's questions on the specific. Action to approve a contract with Whiteman for design. Commissioner Praedel Dennis. Thanks for being here tonight. I had a question for you. I think it's visual slide. Number two. Is there any way you could go back to that? There's a color coating on all those streets. Sure. Can you explain a little bit about what each of those,

this one right here? Mm-hmm . Yeah. What we tried to do was just show. We have a half a dozen. D I O grants, bipartisan infrastructure grants. So. We try to illustrate these Kalamazoo and Michigan avenue or light lines. You can't see them real good, but those. Are part of the design work that we we've got going, but also. Another raise grant that we have to pay for construction. So we had another grant. The kind of the squiggly. Lines off on the right side. That is an F R a grant that we're currently working. To try to get under contract. It will look at removing one of the railroad tracks downtown. Eliminate 80% of the backups downtown. For, for drivers on Kalamazoo and Michigan. So that, that's what that project is. The three colors you see on the left side. Are the protect grant. It's a long project. It starts at Elle. Michale goes all the way down to Oliver. It's intended to, again, help the flood plane. Stop flooding on, on Western Michigan property. It's shown with those colors because we're probably gonna do that work in three pieces. Just to try to minimize. Backups and problems for drivers, but also. We have to fit this particular project that I'm talking about tonight. Into the middle of that one. So we aren't quite sure how we're gonna stage those projects yet. And that's why you see 'em in different colors. Colors, the green lines are also part. Of this particular project. Again, those are basically conversion projects. Projects they would be done. I think they aren't as, as significant in terms of the amount of construction or

the cost. And that's why we're rolling it into this particular project. For the design contract, there's mentions the do not exceed 3 million on a, in a scenario where say they come in and it's 2.5 million for all the design work, which, I mean, usually you probably have a pretty good estimate of no will yes. Come close to three, but let's say it comes significantly under budget. How. Does that work in a scenario where it ends up being less than anticipated? Would it be shifted to other design projects or could it be shifted to other design projects or is it restricted to right now? It it's basically right at that 3 million amount. If there is money left, it's a matter of if we have enough to do something different. But because we were given a fixed amount by the federal government, they'd have to approve on any changes. And we also would need enough to do something significant with the money. So what we'll try our best to do is spend all the grant money that we've got. And there are certain add-ons that we can do as part of a project. And we would look at doing things like that to spend all of it. I don't wanna send any back to Washington. Sure, absolutely. Keep it here. Then the last question I had for you as well is the, it's a contract with Whitman. If I'm not mistaken. I, I know you mentioned that there was really thorough process with seven individuals with city staff. If I'm not mistaken, Whitman is also the design firm. That's worked on small of our other. Design work downtown. Can you speak to a little bit about the value perhaps of having the same. Firm, that's doing the design work on all these elements are connecting to downtown. And if that carried any weight in the ranking and ultimately just deciding on Whitman to move forward. Yes first, it didn't carry direct weight. Where it counted was in the actual responses to our RFP. RFP and how well they responded. And, and to be Frank with you.

They just were able to answer all of the items. Concisely and to the point. I think our biggest worry had been, are they overloaded with our work? And they've assured us they are. And I think just having, been working with them now for the last five years. They have the staff and the capability to do it. But the whole point of QBs is basically to look at it without. Knowledge of that firm other than what they can show us as far as their people. How they wanna approach the work and how well. They responded to the questions in RFP. RFP. And they did a very good job on that. It's a lot like getting the grants. We had to do the same thing. We were successful. Because we were able to directly answer. The questions of federal highway administration. Put in their request for proposals. Proposals. And I, I think I'm like carrying that along with our consultants, respond to us. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner. Other questions. Questions on this item. Commissioners. All right. Scene none. Thank you so much. Mr. Randolph. I appreciate it. Is there anyone in the audience who would like to comment on this item? S M H one. If so, please come to the podium. Give us your name. And whether you live in the city, you'll have three minutes for your comments. Comments. See no one commissioners. The recommended action is a motion to approve. Is there a motion? So moving motion made by Commissioner SLA. Support supported by Commissioner Hess. Hess discussion commission. Scene none. Clerk boiling, please call the roll. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Commissioner Slaby yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes.

Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess. Yes. Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Thank you commissioners. The motion passes next on the Agenda is at an H two. City manager. Hankins. Thank you, mayor. Item H two is adoption of a resolution establishing the B N E Z N E Z. District at the Southwest corner. Of south Burdick street and vine street. Thank you so much. Is there a staff report on this item? There is not, but we do have staff present. If there are questions. Questions. All right. Thank you so much. So commissioners questions on this particular item. I know this is a topic we have talked about before it's on a brand new topic for us. Relative to the location that's identified and the N E Z. So, I guess we're comfortable with information at this point. No questions are the, is there anyone in the audience who would like to comment on this item is item H two. Seduction of a resolution establishing. The B Nez district at the Southwest corner of south burdock street and vine street. Good evening. Jeff Messer city resident looks like Chris Glasser has left. If, if he was still here, he probably would've asked the same question he asked a month ago. Was if the city commission was to deny this property tax abatement. How would it impact the project? Would it be able to go forward? The basic question on all these tax abatements. Is developers ask for them because they're available, I guess. And they have a responsibility to their investors to, to ask for them. But if the city commission was to deny them, would that. Canceled the project or whatever. So it, and on behalf of Chris Glasser, please let us know how it would impact this project. If the commission

was to deny this. 15 year, 50% tax abatement. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else who would like to make a comment on this particular item? H two. C, no one commissioners. The recommended action is a motion to approve. Is there a motion? So moved ocean made by Commissioner Hess support. Supported by Commissioner Wilson discussion commission. Scene, no discussion at this point. I will say, I mean, I, I appreciate the question. For the commissioners themselves. Relative to the, the development proforma. The capital requirements to build something that is not something that we. Necessarily individually evaluate on any given project. Not necessarily having the expertise on it, but I would say that it is the case. That we have city staff that look at all these projects and make the recommendations to us. And. Part of that in any given project is from time to time. Contracting with even outside assistance. I believe plant ran. We have a contract with that looks at some of these performers manager. Hankins. Do you wanna say anything more about that or. Yes, mayor. You're correct. We do evaluate them. It's a. But four type test. And so. This is not a it's a given. So there is an evaluation process. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. That said then no more discussion, I guess at Commissioner, Praedel sure I I'm gonna abstain from this one. I just set up an abundance of caution, Jamari, Bogan.

Who owns Bogan development as on my board of directors for my, the nonprofit that I lead. So I'll be abstaining from the voting. I just wanted to explain why I'm doing that. Thank you so much. Mm-hmm Kirk boiling, please call the roll. Oh, I'm sorry. Vice mayor Duncan. That's what this project is. I have to abstain from this vote. Do you wanna say anything more or just leave it? Yeah, he donated to my campaign and I want to be above board. Okay. Clerk, barley, please call the roll. Commissioner SLA. Yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. In upstair, mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess? Yes. Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Commissioner Praedel obscene. Thank you. Commissioners the motion. Passes. Next reports and legislation manager Hankins. Thank you, mayor. Just a few items for this evening. The Howard street, M dot project, which we've heard some conversation on tonight at maple and Howard. Since our last commission meeting staff have been. Working to coordinate conversations with community members. There is a. Meeting scheduled plan God willing tomorrow with leaders and. The Oakland drive and Winchell neighborhood and the vine neighborhood. So from that meeting, we hope to have a coordinated. Plan for engaging the broader community on the topic. So I wanted to make sure that that was. Made aware to the public. Our imagine Kalamazoo design it phase continues. We've had 10 meetings thus far. We have three left in March. March 4th, 10th and 12th had a good conversation and dialogue at the north side meeting. Last, I believe this past week. And so this is an opportunity again for. The public to weigh in under their thoughts and housing streets, parks, transportation,

and overall priorities in their community. For the foreseeable future. Finally, just to point a clarification since it was raised, partly, but our annual city commission, your annual city commission retreat is scheduled for March 14th, which is Saturday. 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The location, which you all are aware is Karissa at career connect center campus. 3,500 van Rick drive in Kalamazoo. So just a point of clarification to make sure that everyone was clear on that point. One last thing I'll mention is our leaf pickup in all three zones across the city. Is complete public works. Crews are now addressing any missed pickups and will continue to do so as the weather warms, crews are automatically going through these areas. Areas and all zones for miss pickup. So there's no need for residents to place a call. For any misses, but if there are questions. Questions folks can call three 11 to get information. That's it. Thank you, manager Hankins. Hankins. We are now to the point of our Agenda for Commissioner comments. Comments. And when, like to make comments this evening, Commissioner SLA. Thank you mayor. I look forward to the Commissioner retreat on the 14th. I just wanted to reiterate that I won't be in attendance of our. City commission meeting on the 16th. I will be representing the city. At the national league of cities conference in DC, so excited to be there for the week. And to be part of, one of their constituency groups, so excited to report back. Thank you. Thank you so much. Other comments, commissioners. Anyone Commissioner Hess. Sure. Thank you, mayor.

So on on Saturday, I was really blessed to be able to provide a proclamation for a trenches church here in Kalamazoo who celebrated their 15th anniversary. And it was really a wonderful event. They actually. Are a, a church that brings people in, but they send people out and they do a lot of really great work. Both in the, in our community and as they travel. Internationally. It's really wonderful. And I'm, I'm grateful to them for. The work they do. And pastor James Harris. For leading that congregation. I, I sent prayers out to the Portage firefighter and his son who were injured in. The accident at Douglas and north street last week. And unfortunately, you know, as, as. It came out that crashes in Kalamazoo are, are decreasing, which is wonderful news. And I I'm grateful to Dennis and his team and, and everybody working on, on the traffic. In this in Kalamazoo. And decreasing the, the numbers, but three. Major crashes happened to kind of upend that kind of news. But, but unfortunately this one. Hit home for a port with a Portage firefighter and his son. So I'm just letting them know that praying for them. We have work to do on the drivers in this town. And making sure as we well heard from our, from our commenters. That pedestrians bicyclists and folks that aren't in a car are also valuable. And J also, I believe Mike, Mike Stout came up and talked about the environmental stewardship. Of the Kalamazoo river and the cleanup that's happening on March 28th. I believe there are a few flyers out here on the ledge by the agendas. If you'd like to take that. Please join in and the fun and the students that have done that have all volunteered from.

From Western NK and K V C, C to be able to. Clean up our, our river and the invasive species they're in. So that's really exciting to me. And I'm happy to Mike I'm, I'm grateful to Mike for his. His work on, on our river. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner Hess. Christopher Praedel thank you. Mayor had a chance this morning to attend. I think with quite a few commissioners and city staff, the blueprint for peace peace had summit update. We had folks from our city staff team present and up update the groups. So chief boy and, and a assistant chief today, were they. To present about goal number one. So there were six goals as part of blueprint for peace, and then Laura Lamb and then C mall from our team also presented. On one of the goals as well is just really. Refreshing to see everybody coming together and talking about their piece to the puzzle. And just talking about how, you know, this is an issue that we have to continue to keep our, our foot on the gas with not forget about ever let up on it was. It was really nice to see everybody. Focused on that north star together as a city, I also saw a city manager Hankins was there as well. So I really appreciated having a really strong representation from the city there and appreciate all the folks that are involved with that effort to, to work, to towards getting to Z zero in our, in our community. I wanted to also just mention miss FAS Wimbley, who is here and, and. Was involved in my, my academic career. In middle school, my oldest son is gonna be entering middle school next year. So that tells you the time that goes by. But. I just wanted to just make sure to shout out, you know, how much of a difference folks like you. And people who are educators and mentors in the community, you know, make on people's lives. And I always think very fondly of you in, in the time I spent

at hillside. And in kilm zoo public schools, but you know, it's just kinda one of those blasts from the past things when you live. In a city like this, your whole life. Last meeting. I saw Natasha Robinson who was here with Isaac. And we went to school together and as somebody that just continues to stay active and is just an amazing advocate. And parent, and then Liz who was here tonight, her son, Jacob. Had a chance to mentor through big brothers, big sisters, about 20 years ago. And it's just a tremendous young man. And now he's an old man, but he, you know, just, it's exciting to see when you, when you're doing this work, it, it's a great grounding and reminder of why you're here and you do this work. And so I wanna thank you and thank you for everybody. Who's. You know, been a part of my personal journey to help me get here. So just wanted to make sure to lift that up and say, thank you. Thank you. Thanks mayor Duncan. Just wanna put it on the radar. We did open a New Business on the Kalamazoo mall, old school. Bar some of the feedback that I've heard from the business owners on that strip is. In the after hours, us still charging on the meters. Is affecting your business. So I want to put that on the radar of my colleagues here. Several of the businesses there have spoke to. Maybe coming up with a solution and that was not necessarily getting rid of. The tools there, but maybe a period of time in the evening where we're giving a, a pause. So that people can more frequently shop and park, et cetera. So it's something to think about. Thank you for all that attended the blueprint for peace. My colleague, Ms. Hoffman. Is not gonna Commissioner Hoffman is not going sing her own praises, but I will. She gave a speech to that room this morning. That was just energizing. Collectively re-grounded us in

the work that needs to happen. To move the city forward and, and to bring down the violence in. I just want to sing your praises again. It was an amazing speech. And the work that you do is amazing. I also want to shout out miss Tia, who was at my table today. But would not, she did not tell me that she was a part of the blueprint for peace until it was time for her to present. And so I told her that her name is big in the community. So I'm gonna shout her out again today. You beg out here, we appreciate you. And on that topic as we are leaving black history month, I want to thank the women of Delta Sigma theta. Thank you for leading our community. Leading our young ladies step in, in the gap. For those who need as a fellow Greek, I understand. What it means to, you know, wear those letters and where that pride. And sense of service into your community. So thank you for being here tonight and thank you for the work that you do. That is all. Thank you. Thank you, vice mayor. Well, I'll just follow up on that one. One thing that I'm continually. Reminded of vice mayor when we get an opportunity to go out. And whether we're visiting with businesses who care about the community, take time to. To make sure there's. I think that is supposed to be a phone free zone there at old school. Which is part of the old school. Right. Actually getting back to that time when maybe people are looking at each other instead of their phones all the time. How can we help those folks? So I appreciate you bringing that up and then. Every, I mean, what happens for me? I think when we sit in these seats, is that. You get to see over and over again. The total rich. Overlapping community efforts that are happening in so many ways in Kalamazoo. Even being around. As long as I have been doing

this here, I'm still. Surprised when I run across something new that's going on, that people are working on putting their heart and soul into. And like has been mentioned this past weekend. I, I got to spend some time with. The Delta Sigma theta sores. Sores. And what's the crew working on is economic development, right? That was what this whole gathering was about. I was kind of a second stringer there. I wish I'd had our economic development director. Bobby Boyd, but he was unable to attend. So I did the best job I could. And then over at trenches, another amazing. Work that's happening there at trenches. Thank you. A Commissioner Hess for going there and providing a proclamation from the city. For that great work over and over again. And we're just, we're just mentioning. I mean just a couple of a myriad of organizations that care a lot about this place. I, I do want to end it here. Just kind of talking about. Part of our team here. And I, I don't want to talk for a minute just about Campbell's department, public safety, which I think we have a great Campbell department of public safety. And outside of three very, very important things that the Cal department of public safety does, which is. Focus on public safety. And fight fires, but the third leg of that. Is first responders. And that does not matter whether you are. Someone who's who's been involved in a shooting yourself. Something that's desperate going on with you. Our public safety. Department's gonna show up. And do their darnedest. To provide immediate healthcare in the moment. To try to help you through something you've been in. And so I just wanna say thank you. That is not an easy. Job. And I think sometimes we forget.

That our public safety officers show up, you know, not just to enforce, but are there to help in the most critical moments. But outside of that, we've got this three things that we expect of public safety. There's additional. Important work that Kalamazoo department of public safety is very involved in. Been involved from the jump on the group violence. Intervention and our gun violence. Reduction efforts. Efforts right there leading off number one deep in that GVI work, we've got our community services team that was created. Particularly to address the needs of those who ha are in very challenging circumstances. Don't have housing, that sort of thing. That team. Public safety, but that's a different kind of work that happens in public safety. We have our, our victim support. Efforts that are happening. We have. Pastors on patrol another amazing program that works at a public safety. But the one I wanted particularly mention is our Pells program, which is a police athletic league, which you've had going for a few years here. And not this past Saturday, but the Saturday before I went to a event that was organized by our own. Johnny Berry who organizes that police athletic league program, the pals program. And the program he had pulled together. He had a very, very impressive panel. Some local high school coaches. And some college athletes who were either at Western. A ball state. Very important panel. Now the focus of this presentation, which I really wish we would do again to a, a, a little larger audience was. How to get recruited. You're hoping to go to school and, and maybe what's gonna help you is the fact that you're going to be recruited and be able to play some sport at that school. But it was that

but I would actually retitle this into how to succeed in life. Because if you are going to put all the work into doing what you have to do to work hard, to show up, to make connections, to get recruited. To play college sports. That's the same sort of. Strategy that you're gonna use, whether you're in sports or not. So I, I just wanna say thank you, Katie BS. Thank you, Johnny Berry in particular, that organized that put a great panel together. And it's it's, it's just such a great experience to be able to, to sit in an audience for something like that. Luckily, I have to speak at all. I could sit in the back and I could. Listen to young people. Provide what I would SU suggest is wisdom. Beyond their years and perhaps the younger people there who were in high school or middle school. Maybe we're more likely to listen. To those individuals than they would be to listen to me. So. It's a good message. Thank you to your team chief for doing that work. Appreciate it. And please thank Johnny Berry for organizing that. Appreciate that very much. I love you. Kalamazoo. We're adjourned.