City Commission - Regular Meeting

Call this meeting at the Kalm zoo. City commission to order. For Monday, March 16th. 2026 clerk Barling please call the roll Commissioner Hess. Hess present Commissioner Hoffman, present Commissioner Praedel present Commissioner Slaby. Slaby Commissioner Wilson, present vice mayor Duncan here. Mayor Anderson. Here. Thank you. Clerk boiling. I would first like to ask for. An excused absence for Commissioner, Jay Slaby who. And I'd like to take care of this now for our committee of the whole meeting. As well as for this meeting at this time. Can I have a motion to excuse Commissioner, Jay Slaby so moved. Support motion made by Commissioner. Praedel supported by Commissioner Hess. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Pose. Nay motion passes. Passes now I would like to, excuse Commissioner drew. I mean, vice mayor, drew Duncan. From the committee of the whole meeting that just happened. He had another event. Prior to this meeting, which he let me know about. Is her motion to excuse vice Mary Duncan, some moved. Moved caution made by Commissioner Praedel. Support supported by Commissioner Wilson. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Oppose. Nay. Nay. Thank you. Commissioner's motion. Passes. We are blessed for this opening ceremony this evening to have pastor David. Kevin vert. Canver. Bursky here from the Calvary Bible church. And as he comes up to the podium here to provide us with an Invocation. I will ask everyone in the chambers, please.

To stand and then remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Hello, dear Lord, we thank you for gathering each of us here this evening. You've gathered each of us tonight to discuss issues concerning. Those in around Kalamazoo. Each discussion requires wisdom and much thought. James tells us and James one five that anyone lacks wisdom to ask God. So Lord, we ask that you grant each of us in this room, especially our. Commissioners to have wisdom and discernment. Concerning decisions and discussions. Praying that these decisions will reflect justice. Fairness, thoughtfulness and considerations for those in our community. Help them to avoid partiality and achieve outcomes that honor you. And serve those around them. In Proverbs 11, 14. You tell us where there is no guidance that the people fail. But in our abundance of counsel. There is safety. Therefore, we Lord that we surround our members here with wise advisors. Advisors and good unity today, but this is done when we each work together and listen to diverse perspectives and understanding moral perspectives. Perspectives now allowing our leaders to seek advice. Value those who have expertise. And promote teamwork, which ensures stability in our community. But it also tell us in proverb 16 to, to commit our work to you. And our plans will be established. So as they commit their work today evening. That should be foster benefits to all and reflect integrity. Accountability and service. Leadership. In this time of prayer, though, we should demonstrate a dependence on you. Rather than ourselves and provide clarity, foresight, and alignment with ethical and community focused goals. You also tell us in Proverbs 21, 1 tells us that

the King's heart. Is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord. And God turns it wherever he wills. Wills, therefore Lord guide the hearts and decisions of our council members. We trust their, their hearts would be towards fairness, integrity, and trusting in you. James also tells us in three seven, that wisdom is from above and it's first pure. And then peaceable. It's gentle, open to reason. Full of mercy and of good fruit. We trust that wisdom that comes from God will result tonight in those. Solutions that are peaceable. And outcomes that are considerate. To those here in our city and our community. Proverbs 14. Proverbs or Psalm 1914 tells us that the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable in your sight. Because you are God, our Lord. You are our rock in our Redeemer. Therefore Lord, we'd ask that you guide every word and thought in this meeting tonight, it would bring speech that honors you and that it produces constructive discussions and righteous resolutions. Resolutions help all that speak to do so with words that are careful. Respectful the foster good collaboration and outcomes that honor God in one another. You also tell us in Philippians four, six, and seven, that we should not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and application application with Thanksgiving, let our requests be known. To you God. Therefore we removed from this room, maybe anxious, thoughts or actions that allow that allow calmness to those who are here today. Especially our commissioners and that this can be done by trusting you and not in our own, under self, not in our, our, in ourselves. And lastly in Isaiah 58, 10. Lord you tell us to pour ourselves out for the hungry. And satisfied the desires of the afflicted, which allows our light to shine in a place of darkness. Help us Lord is served there for the needy and the vulnerable.

Help our leaders in this community reflect God's care and allow us to bright be a bright light. In our city by the transformation of others through Jesus. Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith. Amen. The flag, the United states of America and to the Republic. Is stands one nation. Under God invisible. With Liberty and justice for all. Pastor. Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate it. And getting us started on the right foot. So we do have a variety of guests here with us, but I think there are gonna be mostly. Acknowledged during our proclamations. Once again. One of the parts of our commission meeting that I do really enjoy. Is this proclamation section and we have three proclamations, I would say important proclamations in front of us this evening. And I think those are gonna be read by. In a row here by the three commissioners. To my left. The first one is. They're they're great. And I appreciate the recognition, but the first one to me is. Such an absolutely meaningful thing that we recognize and it's astounding to me now. Cause I remember when this cast started, that it has actually been 10 years. That we've been doing this work and I think it is profoundly. Impactful work. I really, really appreciate. The the public safety's deep partnership. With pastors here in this community. To, to do that important work. This crew is on call. It's just not, well, I'll just be available from eight to five. The this, this crew of individuals is on call when there's critical incidents that happen when

people are suffering. And it's very helpful for public safety to have this kind of support and backup. I think the chief would agree with that. So I'm gonna head down with the, with the proclamations. First one pastors and patrol. 10-year anniversary. Thank you mayor. And I, I just have to say that. Knowing the public safety as I do for these last six and a half years. It does take faith to do this job. And I appreciate all the pastors on patrol for what you do. This proclamation is pastors on patrol tenure anniversary. Whereas 10 years ago, a program called pastors on patrol. Was created within the Kalamazoo department of public safety. With the intent to increase trust between residents and police. Diffuse tense situations. And enhance public safety. K D P S turned to pastor Greg Jennings to lead this program. And he has done so effectively for the past 10 years. And whereas as the originator of pastors on patrol, pastor Jennings has significantly enhanced the work of the Kalamazoo department of public safety. By infusing faith spirit. And purpose into public safety efforts. Efforts. He has successfully attracted pastors from across the city. And United them around a shared mission. To serve the community. His leadership has strengthened K D P S ability. To connect with diverse community members. And deliver a higher level of service. To those, our officers serve. And whereas as the leader of pastors on patrol, pastor Jennings brings a unique and valuable perspective. Providing officers with guidance. Encouragement unwavering support. And whereas over the past 10 years, pastor Jennings

has forged positive. Lasting relationships between K P S and the community. Helping to remove longstanding barriers and build trust. His service to the community has been steadfast. Steadfast and through pastors on patrol, he has expanded his impact, benefiting both citizens and officers alike. And whereas one of the many highlights during this time, was the creation of the gun amnesty program. An initiative promoting collaboration between law enforcement and local organizations. Reflecting a shared commitment to public safety. The program success is largely due to the engagement of pastor Jennings. Jennings and pastors on patrol members who provided safe and trusted locations for firearms to be turned in. Now, therefore on behalf of the 56 city commission. And David F Anderson mayor of the city of Kalamazoo. I do hereby congratulate and celebrate pastor Jennings and pastors on patrol. For 10 years of positive impact on the citizens and public safety officers in the city of Kalamazoo. Congratulations, pastor Jennings and pastors on patrol. Thank you. Mayor, we gladly accept this proclamation and we are so honored to have it. And I am so grateful and thankful. To all of you who trust enough in us to continue. To allow us to work in this wonderful city. I wanna say too. Commissioner Hoffman. A few years ago when I presented. Pastors on patrol. One of the questions that you asked. What about females?

Females. Well, I'm here tonight to say. That on last week, we just. Added our first female. Passes on patrol. She was not able to be here tonight. But we are so grateful to have her join us. And her name is rabbi stricter. And so I wanted to share that. And to all of these pastors that I hear. We can't do this by ourself. And we are here to help lift up the city of Kalamazoo and continue to work. And I wanna say thanks to our chief. Chief David Boyson for a continuing to allow us to be a present. In this city. Thank you very much. Chief Bosen come and be in the pick. The background, the shirt. Thank you chip. Thank you. All right, our next proclamation. We're gonna be recognizing guys who give, who just recently had a, a pretty spectacular, mild milestone. They surpassed $500,000 that they've raised. Raised since 2017 for local nonprofits at their first quarter meeting here. They, they raised over $20,000 in one night. For loaves and fishes, just knowing that there's a lot

of food insecurity in our community as well. So. Let's get started. Where is the mission of guys who give Kalamazoo county chapter is to bring together local men committed to making a meaningful and immediate impact in the community. By supporting area nonprofit organizations through quarterly giving events. Events. And whereas each quarter members of guys who give, come together for just one hour, to commit to contribute a hundred dollars each and through a simple but powerful model of nomination and voting. Deliver impactful funds directly to local 5 0 1 organizations serving Kalamazoo county. And whereas since it's founding in August, 2017, the local guys who give chapter has grown. To such a vibrant philanthropic giving circle. That the organization has demonstrated extraordinary results that can be achieved when individuals unite around a shared. Values of generosity, fellowship, and community service. And whereas at the conclusion of its first quarter 2026 event. On February 11th, guys who give Kalamazoo county's chapter. Has officially surpassed the milestone of raising over $500,000 for nonprofits serving Kalamazoo county. A Testament. To its members generosity. Commitment and collective impact. Now, therefore, the city of Kalamazoo hereby recognizes and commends the achievements of guys who give. Celebrating this remarkable philanthropic milestone of raising over $500,000 for the betterment of the community. We honor the spirit of service exemplified by its members. And express gratitude for their contributions to strengthen the fabric of Kalamazoo county. Congratulations.

Thank well, thank you very much. Mayor Anderson commissioners city staff for this incredible honor. And for taking a moment tonight to recognize gal GEIS who give a Kalamazoo county on behalf of our members, I wanna say how grateful we are to be a part of a community where generosity is. A part of the culture and where neighbors are willing to step up for one another. Guys who give started back in 2017. With a really simple idea, get average Joe's from the community together for one hour, once a quarter, each person gives $100 and we pull that support into a single. High impact gift for a Kalamazoo county nonprofit. No fancy overhead, no complicated structure. Just guys showing up, learning about local organizations and putting the resources to work right here at home. Since then, as Chris mentioned, the simple model has turned into more than a half, a million dollars given to nonprofits across our community. Supporting 35 organizations working in areas such as youth development, basic needs. Education housing and much more. That number represents far more than just dollars. It represents stories, families, and organizations that we're able to go a little further. Because a group of men decided to act. I also wanna recognize nonprofit leaders and teams in this community. They are on the front lines every day, doing the hard work that makes Kalamazoo a place we're proud to call home. And we see guys who give us just one small way to stand behind them and say, thank you. They are truly the best part of what we do. Thank you again for the recognition and for the partnership and strengthening Kalamazoo county. And thank you Commissioner Praedel of course, for helping to raise attention for this great milestone. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. Just second. Let's do one at a time. Just know what camera look at. Pronounce . All right. Thanks again. Thanks a lot. Appreciate you. Hey guys. Thanks.

All right next up. We're recognizing sunshine week and the advancement of open government. Do I have anyone here in the chambers to accept this proclamation? All right. Whereas this city of Kalamazoo recognizes that open, transparent and accessible government is an E. Essential foundation of civic trust. And effective democratic self-government. And whereas Michigan citizens benefit when governmental decisions, actions, and records are accessible to the public. And to those who report on government to the public's oh, sorry. On the public's behalf. And whereas while Michigan's open records and opens meetings, laws are among the state's core accountability, frameworks, observers, and advocates have noted that higher fees, delayed responses and limited statutory access in some areas can impede timely public access to and information. And whereas the city of Kalamazoo acknowledges that the spirit of open government caused not only for lawful compliance. But also for thoughtful proactive efforts to enhance transparency. And public engagement, wherever re reasonable and consistent with applicable laws. Privacy protections and sound administration. And whereas sunshine week. Observed nationally from March 15th, 2026 to March 21st, 2026. Is a civic initiative that encourages communities and institutions to reflect on the importance of open government, public accessible information and the critical role of an informed public. And whereas the city of Kalamazoo supports opportunities to educate residents, community groups. And journalists about their rights of access and to strengthen public understanding of how local governments function. Now, therefore on behalf of the city of Kalamazoo.

I do hereby pro proclaim the city of Kalamazoo support for sunshine week 2026. And reaffirm his commitment to principles of transparency. Accountability and public service that go beyond mere compliance with law. To foster, meaningful access and engagement in the city of Kalamazoo. Thank you. Well, thank thank you very much. I'm Ben Lando. I'm I'm with now Kalamazoo. And on behalf of my colleagues and now Kalamazoo and the local journalism foundation and all the journalists who cover the community. And the, the people of Kalamazoo who file freedom of information, act requests to have access to their, to their information. One of thank you for, for recognizing this. Government is messy. It's intended to be that way. It's intended to be slow. And deliberate, and that's why journalists and the people and the, and the government have to figure out ways of. To of common cause to make sure that the, the population is, is informed as it can be about things that they are voting on or things that they're going to come up here to speak about in this local government countywide statewide. And we appreciate all the work that go goes into it. Even if. We don't always agree on what should be released in freedom of information I request, or we don't really, don't always like the. That we're calling you up and asking you questions about, about topics, but that's part of the, the messiness of government. To be deliberate that way. And to make sure that we all have access to the. Constitutionally protected. God-given rights of. Of that we all are, are enjoying.

Every year, multiple times a year, we hold freedom of information, act trainings by now Kalamazoo and especially during sunshine week. Our next one is this coming Saturday, the 21st at the Oshtemo branch of the Kalamazoo public library. We'll have lots of programming as well as tacos. It's tacos. Right? Read this right tacos available as well. It's free to register to attend. It's on our website now, Kalamazoo dot org. And we have a big. Project anybody in Kalamazoo county. Can participate and will it be a countywide effort to. To do a community foyer request. Sorry to the city attorney for processing all of these, that might come, come your way. Not sorry, but just a heads up on the, the extra workload I should say. But thanks. Thanks for your attention and your support of, of the work that we all are. Do. Thank you. All right. It was great to do that. I'm, I'm happy to go through that. And just a reminder, I, I know through our attorney's office, we. Process thousands. Thousands of freedom of information

act requests here every single year. And, and I don't like to say. Disparaging things necessarily about our political, other political partners here in Michigan. But. The governor's office or the legislature does not have to comply with freedom, inform information act. Requests and I, I, I guess I'll just say. Implore. You please to do something about that. I think every single election cycle, everybody runs on transparency. For some reason hasn't gotten done. We'll just say, yeah, it's rough, but it's not that bad. Let's go for it. So. Anyway, that's, that's what we got going here. Now we are down to adoption of the formal. Agenda commissioners. Are there any items on G the consent Agenda? That you'd like to have moved to H on the regular Agenda. All right. Scene. None. The Agenda stands as it is. Next communications manager, Hankins. Hankins. Thank you, mayor. One item that I'll share at this point. The commission asked us to come back with some. Information on a, a topic of interest. Regarding safe routes to schools. We had meetings in communities. This is the Howard street. It's the crosswalk Howard street. Thank you. And so wanted to share with you that we've had staff had a chance to help hold some coffee and crosswalk open house meetings with the vine neighborhood association. Earlier this month. Valuable information to hear from community you'll hear later on today from our. Director about some of the work that's being done and the options available to us. And so this is just a reminder that you ask for us to engage community and there's still opportunity for their feedback to be taken even after tonight's item. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Now is the opportunity for a Public Comment.

Comments, anyone who is here in the chambers has an opportunity to comment on. Any topic of their choice, a gender related or not, you'll have four minutes. Please come forward, state your name and whether you live in the city. And I will remind you this. Sometimes can feel slightly awkward. This is not a time when we get into dialogue, but it is your time. To present information. In public into the commission you think is important. So please come forward. Good evening commissioners. My name is Kyle Patau. I'm a resident of the Edison neighborhood. I'm speaking as a representative of the, get the flock out of Kalamazoo campaign. Our goal is to convince those in power. That this is one of the easiest ways to protect our community. Mass surveillance is a reality in our daily lives cameras. Like those from Fox safety and ring that are installed in our city are touted to reduce crime through the threat of. Being constantly surveilled, although there is not strong evidence. To support this as a deterrent by creating a digital foot fingerprint of every individual. The cameras recognize storing information on license plates, car information, facial recognition, using artificial int intelligence and time and location. Stand these cameras connect to a larger master surveillance network to monitor. Every individual in the city. K D PS claims that these records can't be accessed by federal law enforcement, but records can still be requested with, or without a warrant. And only takes one judge that works in these agencies favored to get access to this data. The servers for these cameras aren't stored in Kalamazoo yet. K DPSS claims that this sensitive data is safe. How reas, citizens to be assured that this data isn't being accessed by hackers, federal law enforcement

and tech companies like Palantir that are compiling massive amounts of data to be used for unethical practices. Like. Selling to the highest bidder or even more nefarious doings. Doings, ultimately data is still under the oversight and ownership of the flax surveillance system itself to sell the data to third parties, regardless of. Local regulations and ordinances. Ordinances the disruptive and violent policy of the Trump administration in regards to immigration enforcement has wreaked havoc in communities across the country. From Chicago to LA, to Minneapolis and many other localities between we have seen a sickening display of racism. Sorrow and an all out attack on democracy. The flock cameras in our community. One wielded by the jackbooted thugs of the DHS and CBP are terrifying tool that puts a chilling effect on immigrant communities of all stripes. I am proud that Kalamazoo is such a diverse community of people from all over the world who want to call our community home. Allowing this presidential administration to continue their fascistic reign of terror over our immigrant neighborhoods, as well as anybody who sympathizes with them. Is an abdication of duty to protect the citizens of Kalamazoo. Removing these devices. This is the first and easiest step in taking a stand against these trespasses. Trespassers pregnant people in Michigan have the right to an abortion. For now, since Rover Wade was overturned in 2022 pregnant people living in states that banned abortion have become ne nearly two times as likely to die during pregnancy childbirth or soon after giving birth compared to pregnant people, living in supportive states were abortion was legal and accessible. Mortality of pregnant people arose 56% in Texas in the first full year of the state's abortion ban. Black pregnant people living in band states. Were 3.3 times as likely to die as white pregnant people in those states who are more likely to be able to travel for care or have other access to abortion care. Given these facts, it is not surprising that people travel out of a state

where abortion is illegal. To somewhere that it is still a human right. A 4 0 4 media article by Joseph Cox and Jason Cobler. Revealed that a Texas police officer used over 83, the over 83,000 flock cameras around the nation. To track down a woman who left the state to seek abortion healthcare and bring her to. Justice. Did you know that there are flat cameras and Kalamazoo right in front of planned parenthood? Do you think that's acceptable given how the cameras have already been used? What happens to a teenager from Indiana who isn't ready to raise a child and seeks care in Kalamazoo. How would you feel if your cousin from Oklahoma had a pregnancy with complications and came to Kalamazoo to become healthy, but was prosecuted F. Thank you next, please. See, no one else. Yep. Please come forward. Please. Okay. I'm sorry, I'm just trying to get myself together so much going on. So I'm here today to talk about Arcadia festival site. I've been coming for a long time to talk about. The use of ARPA funds. Which is the American rescue plan act back in 2021. Communities received money to help with the impacts of COVID. And the city of Kalamazoo decided to use that money back in 2024, despite the community. Protesting. The city decided to bring that project forward. Because the ARPA money was the money that was gonna

be used to secure. The rest of the funding for Arcadia. Without that funding there would have been, it would've been harder for y'all to get that funding that was received from Arcadia. Right. And so this, but this started back in 2021. And with the rich. And I wanna say this and the interesting parties back in 2021, they met at the Anna Whitten hall to empower Katie, Katie pastor, to try to sweep down house from Arcadia. Despite COVID restrictions, unhoused residents left in tears at the hay in hum narratives. The organizers of this meeting had a panel of nonprofits, which they pointed to try to paint the narrative that unhoused people didn't want. The help. Many residents pushed back on this narrative as social workers spoke about the realities and downfall of these resources. Resources as well as the lack of empathy and care. And so that was back in 2021. And then in 2023, Notre Dame finalized a study. About Arcadia, which actually spoke about the unhoused and said that that was unnecessary. Shout. That was a necessary place. Foreign house people to take shelter. Okay. Despite this, despite this, the city went ahead and decided to use this money. Okay. And this, we, I wanna y'all to understand. That COVID 19 did not impact everybody, everybody the same. Okay. It did not impact unhoused people the same. It did not impact the black and Latino indigenous populations. Which face higher rates of infection, hospitalization, economic hardship. Do do the systemic inequalities and healthcare healthcare, housing employment. And this money could have been used for some of these things. Okay. And the COVID 19 impacts were so bad on black and brown communities that in 2022 Oprah Winfrey came out with a documentary called the color of care, which was a powerful film that exposed the deep Cedar, racial disparities and health care. And the us that led to the tragic. Consequences during the pandemic 19, the death of black and

brown people. Okay. So hopefully I'm not all all over the place and you're all are following me. Okay. This is why the ARPA money was important because we had a housing crisis back when COVID 19. Was raging in Kalamazoo. We also faced the same shortages as the rest of the county with the shortages in hospital beds, the shortage just in ventilators, the shortages in shelter, the death rates, right. And the ARPA money had specific gut guidelines for how this money should be used, right. Under capital expenditures, which is the. Loophole that the city used to say, well, you know what? Park parks is under capital expenditure. 20 points down. So, but before that, it gave us a specific list of things that this money could be used for laboratories, vaccines, acquisition of equipment, recovery, housing, temporary residences, the guidelines. Compliance talked about responding to the COVID 19 as an emergency, as urgent needs, putting the money, implementing that money fast in the community and the city sat on that money. And acted like they had to use, I was witness to this that y'all just had to use this money. However, now we just have to put a target. Arcadia is the catalyst. Of the gentrification concentration. And Kalamazoo because without the renovations of Arcadia y'all will not have been able to put that, that. That arena down there. Y'all needed the infrastructure updating just like it. You needed over there on the other side where y'all did all those. Infrastructure improvements, right? That is the catalyst. We have a concentration of gentrification. And the video counseling y'all need to pay attention to what the **** is going on in this city. OK. Cause I'm have, keep our stepping everything. All of a sudden y'all wanna have festivals, how you put up. Thank thank you next, please.

Cause they're so much downtown it's for the rich next, please be downtown. That that fence has been up all winter. Once again, our unhoused friends are being displaced. Will nowhere to go. Yes, it's a park and you guys have Ordinance that you don't want them in the park. But it was also that ARPA money should have been used. What it was meant for not updating a park. That is not a need. That is not important. What are important? What is what's important is. Human lives, a place for humans. To go a place for humans to live a place where humans can eat. Our children are just as effective. As others in this community. So once again, the question is when it's time to make money. That's when the fence wants to come down. That's what's important. Here is money. It's greed. It's selfishness. That fence shouldn't have been up. But if you wanted to put it up, all that money that you're spending throughout Kamaz zoo. Build a shelter. All these vacant buildings around here are being just sat there. The old DHS building that could have been provided some type of shelter. But instead of putting the money where it needs to go, you are building nonsense. Nonsense you are building stuff. To make white. Rich people happy. Why isn't our unhoused. Unhoused important to y'all. As it is to us. Yes. Do they deserve not to have a place? Do they deserve to live out on the street? Look down on, do they deserve to be treated like

trash? Like some of our K D P S officers do. People that live in some of those nice. Apartments down there, **** on them. What if that was somebody that you were related to. Your daughter, your mother, your father. And especially those that have served this country. Is that fair? That's not that is disrespectful. It's a me. Anderson, you gotta learn to shut the **** up sometimes and just listen because. What you are doing always isn't important. You should not make everything about you when we're in meetings with you or you just need to listen. Learn to be quiet. This is what we teach our children so they can learn and listen. Not everything you do is so important. Some of the things that you've done have caused harm to this community. The sweeps in 2021. Caused harm to our unhoused community. Cause harm to our activist. That's not okay. What's important is we're all human beings around here. We all deserve the right to have a home. No respect. It, this commission is not getting it. What is important to y'all. Money or lives. Because our children are out there and do they deserve to be out there? We are seeing this year round. Year after year after year, it has been coming worse and worse and worse. When is enough enough. It should have been UN enough a long time ago. You have so many people on this board. That have housing backgrounds. Use that knowledge. Reach out to those in the community that really care

and wanna help. Instead of making it about yourself. You are not important. Cause if you were, you would be ashamed in yourself. This community. Deserves better. Do better hold each other accountable. Thank you next, please. Good evening commissioners. My name is Ben brown. I live on the east side. Want me to move this up? Okay. So you can hear me. Okay. I have just two things I hope to share briefly. This past week, we had a plume of. Of smoke and fire. Fortunately, a lot of Kalamazoo wasn't affected. I thought it was burning. Plastic. I kind of wished in a perfect world. That we had had an alert system or they had chosen to alert us. I was a little concerned about two women that walked down to see what it was. I ended up using a mask. To finish what I was doing and headed in, and I had a air purifier. So I felt I was fortunate. The other thing. So that's one item I just wanted to mention. And the other one is I was interviewed. About a week and a half ago. About shared housing. And it's a report that eventually you all will get. And I was a very thankful for that opportunity. I'm hoping that it will be of benefit. In decisions that you're making. And I was very, I was very thankful for that opportunity. So that's it. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else

in the chambers who would like to take. This opportunity. See, no one next is the consent Agenda manager. Hankins. Thank you mayor. The following items are presented for approval. Item G one approval of a two year professional services agreement with traffic tech services, LLC. C for technical traffic related work in the amount of $50,000. Item two approval of a contract extension with Dale w Hubbard, Inc. For disposable disposal of vector spoils in the amount of $135,725. Three approval of a cooperative contract. With spawn ranch, Inc. For the purchase of drawings, materials, and labor. To construct a bicycle pump track. At Verberg park in the amount of $140,000. For approval of a professional services agreement. With O Boyle, cow, Blaylock and associates, Inc. For design services. Services and construction administration from. Millen park improvement in the amount of 140,000 four hundred and forty four, four hundred and forty $5. Item G approval of a contract supplemental. And change order with Whitman associates. Associates for the design of the Kalamazoo avenue. Two-way street conversion. In the amount of $165,900. Six approval of a contract supplemental and change order with Raco for the 2000 2026 rental of traffic control devices and the amount of $250,000. Seven approval of a contract supplemental. Change order with Ferguson waterworks for Neptune water meters in the amount of 269,000. $889 and 60 cents.

Cents eight approval of a sole source purchase. With cents Centris. For equipment lease and testing equipment in the amount of $171,000. Nine approval of a contract with. Alan cooperation. For the Kilgore reported, shared. Use and path project in the amount of $516,528. 10 adoption of a resolution approving its submission of a state high water infrastructure grant. Application to the Michigan department of environment, great lakes and energy. 11 adoption of resolutions adopting amendments to the budget and acceptance of informal. Excuse me, informational reporting on Capitol project, carry forwards and 12 approval of the following nominations for appointment and reappointments to the foundation of X excellence board of directors. Directors three appointment of Adrian Vasquez. Vasquez El to as the affinity nonprofit stakeholder director for a three year term ending on May 31st, 2029. About the reappointment of Ida Salas. As business banking, share stake. Excuse me, stakeholder director for a three, three year term ending on May 31st, 2029. The appointment of Jose, Alex Maje. Mejia Mejia as art sector stakeholder director for a three year term ending May 31st, 2029. The appointment of Isabella Robinson as neighborhood stakeholder director east side for a three year term ending on May 31st, 2029. And approval of the appointment of Luke Zimmer. To the, excuse me, item 13 approval of the appointment of Luke Zimmer. In the environmental concerns committee for a term expiring on January 1st, 2027. In item 14 approval of the minutes. From the city commission meetings on March. Second 2026. Thank you. Very much manager Hankins commissioners. The requested.

Action. As a motion to approve items one through 14 and authorized the city manager. To sign all related documents on behalf of the city. Is there a motion? Some moved motion made by Commissioner Praedel support. Did I miss it support supported by vice mayor Duncan. Clerk Barling please call the roll Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess. Yes. Thank you. Commissioner items on the consent Agenda are approved. We're now onto H our regular Agenda city manager, Hankins. Hankins. Thank you. Mayor item H one adoption of a resolution approving M dot contract number 25 dash 56 91. For Winchell avenue and Howard street infrastructure improvements through the safe routes to school grant, any amount of $47,367. Thank you, major Hankins. Is there a report on this item? Actually mayor there is, and there's a, our public services director. James Baker is here. As well as other staff to present on it. Welcome treasure baker. Thank you. Thank you, your honor. I'd like to thank the city commission. And city manager, city attorney for this opportunity to presente the city commission previously. There needed to, we needed to kind of go back to the community, spend some more time. On engagement. We have done that. I'd like to thank the vine neighborhood association for. Allowing us to meet there at their facility. We had two different public meetings. Meetings last week that were very successful. And above all. I want to thank the community members. Who took time out of their day to come forward and meet with us, share

with us their perspectives. Perspectives share with us their observations and some of their recommendations going forward. So I've got just very brief. Presentation and kind of step through. What our recommendation is tonight. And then how do we plan to work? To make those community recommendations that we heard. Successful part of this project going forward. So just to touch the projects are two projects, one related to maple street, magnet school, the other one related to Winchell elementary. So both of those projects are together in this recommendation. Moving forward. The maple street magnet school project is related to the Howard. At Merrill, pedestrian crossing and then the windchill elementary project is related to work on windchill avenue. Specifically the south right away. Sidewalks looking now at that Howard at Merrill pedestrian crossing, there was a. Crossing proposed in this work originally. That was located about 575 feet west of the intersection with Merrill. We heard from community members who had concern with that proposed crossing. We plan to continue to engage with community members. We also have meetings scheduled with Kalamazoo public schools. Our focus of those meetings, both with Kalamazoo, public schools. And with the community members is to design a location. So where that crossing is. That cross section, what does that look like? What are the features of it? And then any traffic control devices at that location. So things like rapid flashing beacon or Hawk signal or something like that. Those are all things we're committed to work on moving forward. Community members also express some concerns with lighting street lighting.

In those areas right now, signage, how some of the signs are blocking each other. Speed and some site distance. So this was a, a great opportunity for us to connect with those community members. And we took a lot of those messages back with us. So, how are we gonna do that work? How are we gonna implement that path? Moving forward? We're gonna be working with Katz. That's the Kalamazoo area transportation study. That's our metropolitan planning organization. We have a project in your current C I P for 2028. That's the Howard street road, diet or Howard street, four to three lane conversion. Staff are working now to bring that project from 2028 forwarded 2027. We're also working. With the safe routes to school project. To kind of deliver those projects together. Coordination between those two projects offers some enhancements of that crossing. So if you look at Howard right now, that's a four-lane cross section. We've got this project in 2027 to make that a three-lane cross section. So if we can kind of build these projects together, we can build a, a crossing that meets the community needs. In a three-lane cross section, as opposed to a four-lane cross section. We've got room in the budget to support that work. If you go into your capital improvement program that is available. Online that details out projects specifically by name and then by year. And so if you look for Howard street and you look for the safe routes to school, and you understand that we're gonna move some things to align them vertically in 2027, we've got over 2 million. Dedicated to Howard street. In this location between Oakland drive. In CRO in park street. So this is right in the middle of it, and certainly a great opportunity for some improvement. We also heard from the community that.

Communication was a gap. So we've got a commitment to provide continuous. Updates to the community members. We've got email chain now that we have developed, and we're gonna be providing updates to community members when there are updates and we're gonna continue to communicate at regular intervals. So if we go three months, and we haven't communicated. We're gonna send a update and say, Hey, it's been three months. We haven't talked. There's no updates. Here's where we left off. So, how do we bring this all forward? Our recommendation is that recommendation that's in front of you to. Approve that M dot contract, which is these two projects together. We're then gonna work with our design teams to make those changes so that Howard at Merrill crossing. Those changes will be handled contractually via contract supplementals in change orders. Prior to that goal of construction in 2027. Also want to touch on that windshield piece of it, those sidewalks. Again, this is the same contract as stuff is packaged together. We're focusing on the south side of windshield with that are currently there's no sidewalks. So those sidewalks are proposed to run from. Rambling road all the way down to Oakland drive. The project includes all sorts of things that normally. Incorporate sidewalk placement. So there's grading tree removals, a D. Upgrades and crosswalk, this project could kick off this fall. Limited work such as tree removals and grading. And then substantial completion would be open by the fall of 2027. So. Windshield could start before that Howard and Merrill, but they're kind of aligned together with both of them. Seen substantial completion in 2027. So with that, turn it back over to you. Mayor and thank you very much. Thank you. Treasure baker. Appreciate all the information, questions, commissioners. Vice Mary Duncan. So thank you for the wonderful presentation. So last time, this was reported on the question simply

was. Will we be able to alter. The plan for that, that stop. Is that still in place or. Not yes. So then the point of engaging the community around the design of this is what. So to your point to alter the location of that pedestrian crossing. The intention of continuous community engagement. Is to finalize where we want that crossing to be, so that location. So we've got kind of. I would say three alternatives right now that are pretty popular. One of those is the crossing at Merrill itself, where it is right now. And to improve upon that. There's another alternative. That would be just west. A hundred feet or so west. Broadly speaking, another very popular. Option is about a hundred feet east. We're hearing a lot from community members about the path the children take as they come across Merrill and then how they go into the school themselves. So we've learned a lot about that. So, we don't have that finalized. And so that's really kind of the goal to continue to work with the community, to come back to 'em and say, here are all the options. You know, benefits. Benefits of each one of these three locations and, and here's what we can do here. And here's what we can do there and really kind of continue to coalesce down to a final recommendation. Sorry, I just, so I just wanna be clear. So the, the plan can be altered. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Praedel director baker. I just wanna summarize this con concisely as I can, just to make sure I'm understanding this correctly. So with working with KL, your transportation study Kaz, as

the acronym showed up there, we were able to negotiate to move the construction timeline from 2028. Move it closer. So it happens in 2027. So then we're gonna push. The ideas is that then we push the planned. Safe routes to school to better align with that project timeline so that they both occur in 2027. Now instead of happen separately. With a year and some change separating those. Windshield, however, the windshield, the south right away, that would still. Proceed. Hopefully as soon as this fall, so I just wanna make sure I understand that correctly. That is correct. Okay. Perfect. The second thing I was wondering as well is, so we talked a little bit about this at the last meeting, but let's say hypothetically. We feel like we have a pretty good consensus. We try try something. We just finished through 2027. We've got the new three-lane road. Bless you. We've got the three-lane road. And then we realized after doing it, you know, something's not working correctly. Is there an opportunity to recalibrate that afterwards? If we say discover that something didn't work, as we had hoped. Hoped. Yes. Okay. Okay. Excellent. Excellent. I think that is it for now. And then, and then basically the, the. The reason we need to still proceed with this tonight is just because we don't want to lose out on the opportunity for. The enhanced capacity building dollars. With, with our match tied to it. If I understand correctly, correct. And I want to touch back to the vice mayor's initial question. So by moving forward and, and accepting this project and moving, you know, kind of moving forward mm-hmm that start the wheels in motion. And then we have the ability to. Enact the change order and contract supplemental. To, you know, get what we want. So to speak of that crossing. You know where it's gonna be, what does it look like? All that sort of thing. If we said no tonight, then everything just goes out the door into the waist basket. Got it. And so there's no opportunity to change the crossing location. It's just in the waste basket. Got it. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Other

questions, Commissioner Wilson. Thanks mayor. Thanks director baker. Piggybacking off of Commissioner. Cradle's. Comments there. I know you mentioned that we'll have the possibilities to change it. You know, if. We don't. If we go down the line to see that it's not as effective as we'd hope. Would we be doing any kind of pilot? Any kind of piloting or in regards to implementation or are we just going to. Decide and go right forward and. So I, I think to answer that I, I do want to touch on some of the things we're doing right now. So there are pilots happening out all throughout the city. Some of those are including. The use of rapid flashing beacons. Those are in the intersection right now. So we are getting information from that. We're currently. Piloting some speed. You know, countermeasures out there, the smiley faces, things like that. So there, there is things happening that we're getting data from and we're reacting to it. But specifically for our design pathway. To select the alternative, which I reference, you know, there's kinda like three top picks right now. We do not have a plan to pilot, you know, a, a leader. And then construct it. We're really gonna work through our plan is to work through design. Work through community input, which includes Campbell public schools. And then design that and incorporate that in the 2027 project. Gotcha. That makes sense. So we're piloting. Components of the three alternatives all around the city right now, taking that feedback and. Modifying our alternatives, correct. Accordingly. I will say in, in. You know, full disclosure. One of the alternatives that we're looking at for this site is a Hawk. Hawk. There is a plan to. Install a Hawk at

a, at a different location in the city, but the timing of those. Might not allow for a full study before we go to this one. So Hawk is one of those items and a Hawk is a. Signal that in a bird. Yeah. It's a signal that changes color to actually give drivers a red signal. To stop at an it counts down to that. And then it gives the pedestrians, the signal to go across. So there's a plan to install one of those. Throughout the city, but the timing of it. Wouldn't allow for further study Hawks do exist in our area. There's a Hawk locally. Down in the city of Portage on Oakland drive. Just south of mill. Milam. So there are, you know, in our regional area, there are Hawks. Hawks that we can use that data from and, and, and get information. That sounds interesting. I'm gonna take a drive down there my way home tonight. Yeah. To really interact with it. You need a pedestrian to come out and push it, push the button. So I'll park check it out. Grab . All right. Yeah, we got it. Thanks. Thank you. Other questions, commissioners. Yeah, Commissioner Praedel. I do have one question, you know, I have. Learned over the last six and a half years, cuz you've done such a great job of educating us is that there's like the three E's of. Of how, how we interact with the roadways. So engineering, education and enforcement, right? So. There's a lot of education going on with each of us right now. There is some engineering work going on here, but I, I know that there's been some attempts at enforcement, but I, I question if there's anything from city manager's office or our chief's team, if they would consider looking at maybe some intermediary options. Or if it's possible to.

You know, look at selective enforcement in those areas to try to slow things down or, you know, more presence to have crossing, you know, support there in the mornings, something along those lines. In the meantime, until we get to the point where we are able to, to make the actual. Engineering changes if you will. Thank you Commissioner. I, I would almost bet that the chief has been doing some things in the area or has directed, but I'll let him speak to. Any of the, the current efforts that they've had in the area. But yes, to answer your question, we could do some. Intermediate action. I know the good example at lover's lane, when that instance happened, where there's the cresting guard that was hit with people going. Hide for a period, there was pretty concentrated enforcement there. And that really seemed to help around that school area in that period. Yeah, thanks mayor and commissioners. When I was at the first meeting where this issue was brought up and I heard so many residents talking about. Concerns at that crossing their, I brought to my team and we started doing direct patrols in there. So hopefully residents in that area have seen an increase in presence during the time when school is starting and when it's getting out in the, the after afternoon. So I'll just redouble those efforts a and make sure we can continue to do the, that direct patrol and Howard hill. Actually Howard hill was closed today, but when it's open again, we'll make sure we do that again. Cool. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thanks chief. Any other questions, colleagues? Alright scene none. Thank you so much, gentlemen. Really, really appreciate it. No more questions from commission here. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to comment on this item? This item H one. If so please come forward to the podium. Give us your name, whether you live in a city. You'll have three minutes. Your comments. Outside right now, it's really coming down outside. Good evening. Mayor commissioners.

My name is Dr. Todd Ellis. Ellis. I'm a resident of the Winchell neighborhood. I am a parent of a former Winchell elementary student and a current maple street magnet school student. And I am the vice president of the ma maple street, parent. Teacher student organization. I'm hearing tonight in support of the resolution. This resolution is going advanced improvements on both Winchell and Howard. Streets, those improvements will keep kids like mine safer as they walk to. And from school. Middle school students walking into maple street are at particular risk. We ask them to walk to school. Leaving home at six 30 in the morning, or even earlier. It's dark much of the year at that time. And while they're walking in the dark, they could be also dealing with foggy conditions in the valley. And wearing dark clothes because they like to wear what they want to wear. And makes them very hard to see. I'm excited about improving the sidewalks in Winchell to keep students away from fast moving traffic. That's important, but the Howard street crossing is more important. A similar crosswalk was installed across Oakland drive at the top of maple street hill. Not too long ago. And I can tell you firsthand that in the dark of the morning. You often cannot see those students. Students, unless the beacons go on. And that gets people to stop. And sometimes people ignore it, but there have been close calls. Avoided because of those beacons. Beacons. I think Howard Strait is probably more dangerous. Traffic can pick up too much speed going down that hill. If we give them the time to react. They have the opportunity to slow down and stop. When students are approaching the crosswalk. Our students

deserve a safe way to cross. With beacons that clearly alert drivers to their presence. And require them to stop. I also understand that, of course, that this project has to move forward tonight. Because we could otherwise lose the federal funding. And the whole project, our students have faced danger far too long. We should not let this opportunity to protect them and to make them safer. Slip away. I urge you to pass this resolution tonight. Thank you. Next please. Good evening commissioners. My name is Ellen Foley and I'm currently the president of the P T S O. That is the parent teacher, student organization at maple street magnet school for the arts. And I'm here as well to encourage the commission to approve the M dot contract. For the improvements through the safe routes to school program. Specifically at the Howard and Merrill intersection. Every morning and afternoon. Middle schoolers at maple street face a crossing that is not designed with their safety in mind. The intersection sits at the bottom of Howard where cars naturally pick up speed. It's four lanes wide, which means even when one driver does the right thing and stops for a pedestrian who wants to cross at that intersection. There are still three other lanes where drivers may not see the student. Or may not stop in time. I've experienced this myself. I've stopped to let students cross watching them step forward in front of my car. Cautiously. Only to start waving my hands frantically at them to not cross because the car I can see in my rear view mirror is flying down Howard and with my car. The kids can't see that car coming at them. In that moment, you realize just how close we are to a tragedy at that intersection.

Middle schoolers are wonderful and curious. But they're also still kids. Distractable forgettable. Prepubescent, sometimes oblivious kids. They're thinking about their friends, their homework, and the day ahead. They shouldn't have to calculate traffic patterns across four lanes of speeding cars just to get to school. A safe route to school shouldn't depend on luck or perfect timing. It should depend on thoughtful. Design. This is an opportunity for us to make a small, but meaning to make small, but meaningful changes. Changes changes that slow drivers down and make it obvious that children. Are crossing here every day. Because when we design our streets with our kids in mind, we send a clear message about our own values. That safety matters that their safety matters. That they're independence matters. And that getting to school safely should be simple. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next please. Good evening commissioners. I'm Stephanie Watkins, president of the Oakland drive windshield neighborhood association. And I'm speaking tonight on behalf of our neighborhood and strong support of. The approval of the MDOT contract, specifically for the sidewalks on the south side of windshield avenue. Winchell avenue through the safe route to school program. This project directly advances the written goals and the priorities in contained in our imagine windshield neighborhood plan. Under our plans, connected neighborhood and connected city chapters, our neighborhood specifically calls for improving non-motorized connectivity and safety. Activity and safety, increasing traffic and intersection safety. Implementing safe routes to school and repairing and maintaining infrastructure. The proposed installation of a sidewalk on the south side of windshield between Oakland and rambling. Along with the associated safety enhancements is precisely the type

of infrastructure. Our neighborhood identifies as a top priority. In addition to the proposed sidewalk, the improvements include the curb ramps, pavement markings, the rectangular rapid flashing beacons. These improvements enhanced visibility, short and cross in distances and create a savor environment, not only for students, but also for seniors, parents with strollers and all residents who choose to walk. Importantly, this project leverages federal funding through the transportation alternatives program. And the safer us school program, bringing outside dollars into our community to implement goals that our neighborhood has already identified through a robust planning process. Enough time has been spent waiting for this funding and this project. And we urge you to move forward rather than risk losing this funding. The O DW has long supported, thoughtful investment investments that strengthen pedestrian safety. While respecting neighborhood character in this project does exactly that. Thank you for your commitment to improving Kalamazoo neighborhood safety, connectivity, and walkability. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks please. Hello. My name is Shirley Freeman and I live on the south side of Winchell avenue in a home whose yard will be impacted by the proposed new sidewalk. But I speak in support of the project. In spite of the fact that people be walking through my yard and I'll have 40 more feet of snow clearing to do in the winter. But I do prioritize a walkable neighborhood and a walkable city. In my opinion, anything we can do to promote walking and reduce driving is a, is a good investment. And I do care very much for the many, many children who must cross Winchell without a crossing guard. And with. What am I saying at random locations, along the street on their way to and from school. Viewing the project through the narrow lens of my life is one thing.

But if I step back and view the project through. The wider lens of our lives. I believe the sidewalk project on the south side of windshield will be. A good long-term benefit. Besides pedestrian safety and walkability, a sidewalk will promote civic engagement. As people will have more opportunity to be face-to-face with their neighbors. Neighbors, please support the project. Thank you. Thank you next, please. Hi, Margaret Wilson, neighborhood of the city. Resident of the city. I live in the vine neighborhood. Right now. A lot of things feel really hard. In the world and a lot of really terrible things are happening. And when I look around the country, I see all kinds of democratic. Institutions kind of failing. And I wanna thank all of you. From the bottom of my heart. For giving us the gift of this month. And lifting up such a shining example of democracy working the way that it should. The gift of this month has let. The city and the neighborhood. Work together to find the safest solutions. And so I want to thank you guys. And I wanna also thank all the city staff that I know worked so hard. This month to come to the table. And to put a hard put aside the work that they had already done and be willing to do more hard work. To find the safest solutions for our kids and to really listen and hear us, and that wouldn't have been possible if they weren't willing to do it. And it wouldn't have been possible. If you guys weren't willing to do it. And I feel really confident that going forward. We're gonna find solutions. That work as safe

as they possibly can for all these kids at maple and for all the people in my neighborhood. So I want to thank you guys. I want to thank Christina Anderson. I want to thank you. Manager Hankins for being willing to have your staff do this extra work. I want to thank C mall. I want to thank Nolan Bergstrom. I want to thank Dennis Randolph and I want to thank director baker. Who first name? I always forget. So I just call him director, like that's a first name. Sorry, director baker. . And I am I don't have a lot of neighbors here today because for some reason, everyone is at the hospital or something. . But I feel really confident saying that I speak for the majority of my neighbors who engage so actively with the process. We had a really great turnout for all of the meetings. Meetings that we are happy with this and we support this going forward and we're really happy to see. That both maple and Winchell are gonna get the things they need for their kids to be safe. So just like from the bottom of this mother's heart. Thank you. You have made the world a better place. Even if it's just this one little corner that happens to literally be my corner. So thank you. Thank you very much. Yes. Good evening, Mr. Mayor and commissioners. My name is Christopher bok. I'm a resident of the city of Kalamazoo. I'm here to speak in support of the proposed MDOT contract for the safe routes to school improvement along windshield avenue and Howard street, both as a resident and as the parent of two children in the Kalamazoo public schools. One of my children attends winch elementary and regularly walks to school through our neighborhood south of the building. Right now the absence of a sidewalk on the south side of windshield avenue, arguably the busiest internal street on that side of the neighborhood. Means children are pushed into the roadway during the busiest times of day at drop off and pick up. That becomes even more hazardous in winter when snow and ice. Narrow the available walking space and buses cars. And. Delivery vehicles are constantly stopping, turning, and pulling in and out. A significant a sidewalk there would provide.

A predictable protected space for students and a clearer visual cue to drivers. That children are present. My other child attends maple street, middle school, and also walks to and from school, including early mornings in late fall and winter, when it's still dark. South of windchill. There are very few east-west pedestrian routes that work safely for students. Students extending safe walking infrastructure, along windshield with material, improve materially, improve student safety and connectivity. I also support the proposed Howard street crossing improvements, Maya Maples street student. Participates in cross-country and track teams at the school. And those teams do service work all along the north side of Howard. Including trash cleanups in the wooded areas. Areas that means students are crossing Howard repeatedly. Any well designed improvement that gives pedestrians a safer crossing. There is worthwhile, including the proposed crosswalk and pedestrian island. I understand there's been concerns about the precise locations of the crossing and island. But I would just urge the commission, not only in this matter, but for projects going forward as well. I know we've had other issues in Winchell and other areas in the past. With, with project placement and design. But I would strongly urge the commission to give substantial weight to the professional judgment of the city's traffic engineers. Engineers who have the training experience and technical. Responsibility to evaluate safety site lines, traffic operations. And school access for those reasons. I respectfully urge you to approve the contract and allow this work to move forward. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else that wanted to comment on this item? This item H one on the regular Agenda. See, no more comments. Commissioners. The recommended action is a motion to adopt the resolution. Is there a motion, motion to adopt motion made by vice mayor Duncan support support

by Commissioner Hess to discussion Commissioner. Vice mayor. Yes. Commissioner Prego. I just want to thank again for city staff and folks who engaged with this process as well. It's it's. It's refreshing to see these outcomes when, when it happens this way, it does not always turn out this way. And, and I am grateful that it has, but it, it only happens this way when everybody's willing to lean in and, and. Try something a little bit different. So thank you for everybody for being willing to do that. Thank you question Praedel any more discussion. Scene none. Clerk polling, please call the roll Commissioner. Praedel yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess. Yes. Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Thank you. Commissioner. The passes next. Reports and legislation. City manager Hankins. Do you have a report? Thank you mayor. Just a quick acknowledgement of. You all for the work that we were able to do this. Weekend at the retreat. I, I appreciate the time you took to do the pre-work. And also the engagement during the process. I do also appreciate that. I was able to hear from you and get some perspective of your priorities. How you see things believe me, I took a lot of notes, so I, I thank you all for being willing to share your heart and share what you feel is a priority. I want you to also know I've already sent you a survey. So if you haven't seen it yet, . Hopefully it's not too long, but that'll allow us to capture your thoughts in a more. Formalized way, and then come back to you with some more. Strategic and operational objectives based on your priorities. So thank you. Also wanna send out a, a, an appreciation to the staff who worked. Before during, and after this event, a lot goes into planning this and a lot goes into everything from. Seating, which we did make an amendment during the process, but planning the site and food and anything that you can imagine that

we take for granted. I want to thank the staff for the work that they did. During the retreat. So just one other thing I'll share. I've continued to do my work to try to connect with community. I want to. Acknowledge and, and share my appreciation for having an opportunity to be welcome at two events since our last meeting. One hosted by Kaba and for adventures and another. On behalf of Isaac. Again, the community has been very. Intentional about welcoming into spaces and allowing me to share with them who I am and, and my family. So I wanna share, thank you again to the community for welcoming us. Sydney. Thank you, manager Hankins. I appreciate it. Now is the opportunity for Commissioner comments. And just a reminder, we do have a closed session. This evening, attorney Leon. I believe we will not be coming back for action after that closed session, is that correct? I think it is the HR director's. Director's intent not to come back. Not to come back. Yes. Okay. So that does mean that that will, our Agenda will continue. Albeit in a closed session after our comments here, commissioners. Anybody interested, vice mayor Duncan. Just wanna reiterate what everybody has said about the staff. Thank you so much for the hard work. Coming out on the weekend on a Saturday is tough and doing it all day is even tougher. So, thank you so much for all the hard work, putting that, putting that together. Definitely Commissioner Praedel enjoyed the food. . So it was insightful and enjoyable to get the opportunity to talk to my colleagues. About the future. Of our, our city. So. First year as an elected official. Getting the opportunity. To participate in

man, even though we were there all day, it just still wasn't enough time to really talk about everything that we. Want and need to do so. Thank you. Thank you so much for. For, for a great event, staff and city manager. Lastly to the parents that showed up about this crosswalk. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for your kind words. And this is a reminder that government. This government particularly belongs to you. So please continue to engage with us and tell us what it is you want to see in your community and how you want us to represent you. Thank you. Thank you. Viceman Duncan other comments, commissioners. Commissioner Hess. Sure. Hey, so. I have a, I have some mailings or some. Things to remind us of here. There's some communications available. I think out on the ledge here, there's the caring for the kazoo 26. It's a cleanup around the Kalamazoo river on the 28th. Of March Saturday, March 28th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at mayor's riverfront park. Please be a part of that community. There's a lot of groups that are already volunteering, which is wonderful. I stopped into factory coffee over here on level street. And. They have a good newspaper. So just in case you're wondering. There is good news in Kalamazoo and it's, this is really wonderful. So anytime you stop by a factory coffee, please feel free to pick up the good newspaper. And there's all kinds of wonderful things from. Recipes to, to good things happening in the city and county of Kalamazoo. That was just a sup a wonderful surprise to me. Let's keep giving good news to one another. And then this week. Everybody who lives in Kalamazoo should have gotten these in their mailbox. The city view, the city view with all this information

and the stuff that we end up voting on here is, is actually going into. Into print and we're letting you know what we're doing. To build a better Kalamazoo. So please read that city, that city view and. Stay up on the things that are happening in our city. And then also for. The season, the view from the curb. This one is for spring and summer of 2026. It's about big garbage pickups, yard, waste, pickups, hydrant, flushing, bolt, trash pickup. There's all kinds of information in here. I just love reading this thing cover to cover. So we have so much happening for, with, and for the environment. Here in Kalamazoo and it's here. And actually the, the composting program that's happening. Is is really wonderful for me. I'm just excited about all of that. So there's that also thank you. Center manager and all staff who were a part of that retreat on Saturday. I love a good retreat. Lastly department of public safety, Sergeant Morales always is, is hosting now a monthly meeting. With the unhoused, the people that work with and for the unhoused in the city of Kalamazoo. A a monthly meeting where. There's gonna, there's a rather deep dive. Into into the information into the data into, and to. And to how we might be most effective. In working with and for the unhoused community. So. For those who, who are wondering what's going on, there's a lot going on behind the scenes. And I wanna thank our public safety and especially our community service team who works intentionally with the unhoused population. For their work on that. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner Hess. Commissioner Praedel thank you mayor. Just wanted to give a shout out. I, I try to give a shout out to city staff whenever they're doing neat and

spectacular things, but deputy. City manager, Rebekah Kik was not only within one week was one of the featured artists at downtown art hop, but also. Gave one of the, I think six Ted talks, Kalamazoo Ted talks at the epic center, I think on Friday. So it's really neat to see all the, just the incredible things that our, our city team does just outside of work. That is impressive. So congratulations on that. The other thing as well, we've been thanking city staff for a lot of their work and community as well, but one area I really want to give thanks as well is we've. I think it's been 13 design at meetings. If I'm not mistaken so far. A lot of them. And there are some weeks where there are two or three of them that are happening. In one week's time on top of everything else that's going. And I know I have been challenged to try to attend all of them. And there are a number of city staff, folks who I think have been a part of almost every single one of them. And I just really wanna thank them for, for being a part of that. And for community coming out to be a part of those as well. I have so hard, so far heard. Very good feedback about that. And I know that there's still sessions planned for campus for w and for downtown as well. So, in online as well. So be on the lookout for those. I just wanted to make a comment about the retreat on Saturday. Again, I really appreciated that opportunity to do it. And I did love the warm chicken salad, vice mayor but I, I wanted to make sure. That I lifted up something because I, when the facilitators met with us, one-on-one one of the things they asked us is what does success look like at the end of the event? And for me, this success has been that I walk out and I can confidently give an elevator pitch of the top priorities that we feel like we're going into for the year. Because if I can, if I can give that spiel in the trip of an elevator, then I feel like the commute, the community, each other S senior leadership cities, staff. Has clarity about what we're doing. And I do not believe we were able to achieve

that at the end of the retreat, to be honest. However I will say. And. I will say that I think that it was not wasted time. I appreciated the ability to give ourselves extra time, to get to where we need to go, because there is sometimes a propensity when you get at that really good work and that important work that we rush it and we give that sense of urgency and then we miss some something, or we're, we're not as thoughtful as we could be. And so I really appreciate the chance to take the time after. Afterwards to give some more thought in depth, thought to that and submit it. And I really appreciate city manager, Hankins, how quickly you and the team were able to send us that survey so we can get to work with that and not lose any momentum. Afterwards. So in my book, I think we made a lot of really good progress. I felt like I learned a lot about was on everyone's hearts and minds and hearing that was super helpful. And I feel like we're still gonna achieve what we set out to do. So thank you. Thank you Commissioner Praedel. Anyone else? Commissioner Cummins. Cummins. All right. Thank you so much. Hey, I, I wanted to mention something that I, I think is a bit unique, which is happening here in Kalamazoo. Actually, there's a lot of unique things that. Have, and still continue to happen here at Kalamazoo. And I went to an event that was sponsored by. Really one of the largest black-owned venture capital firms in the country. KZ forward ventures here. And they sponsored it was open meeting. That they held over into catalyst center. And this is the premise. A lot of folks come to them. Wanting startup money. And I would say almost two thirds of the people that come. Looking for startup money. Have literally no revenue. In the business they're thinking about starting. So this is. This is startup. That's really. A conceptual startup. Up sort of a thing rather than something's begin to demonstrate. Maybe some traction already. And need some assistance and even grappling with, with how

to. You know how to best relate to that. And I don't know if this has happened. The other place. I, I thought it was a bit of genius when I heard about it. Dwayne Powell is particularly leading this effort over there. But the effort is this idea, this is the premise. That a I think it's 10,000 people a day, is that right? Are turning 65 here in this country. And there is a vast. What's that 11,000 boomers retiring every day, 11,000 retiring every day. Thank you for the act. Actual exact data and many many small businesses that do not have a succession plan. Some do, but I think. Well, more than half, do not have a succession plan, which means that. Small businesses can close. Perhaps be bought out by some. Larger statewide or regional business, but the. They're kind of the silver tsunami. And the idea is, is that they're going to be working training cohorts of people. People who are interested in business, have the. Hustle for business, have that. Energy to be self-employed and. Help get people ready. Perhaps to acquire one of those businesses. As someone else is choosing to retire. And I, I don't I'm sh there may be other places. This is happening in the country. I'm not aware. But to me, this seems like a genius idea. And I will just say, I guess I'm talking about this. Excuse me for two reasons. Think about. People in Kalamazoo that have a small business, maybe something you've built, maybe even not. That small, but something you've built over the course of your life and you wanna see it continue. But maybe you, if you have children, they've gone undo other things. There's not an obvious. Really recipient to kind of pick up the mantle and

keep going. Think about this opportunity and, and the help that could come through. KZ four adventures here in town and, and. I just wanna talk to the people who got some hustle. And some spark and don't mind. Work in that extra effort because they wanted to build something and grow something themselves and have the opportunity to lead and be self-employed. And this to me, a part of it is a little bit of a sh a shift change. You know, we always say to people in this way, well, just do the thing you love. You know what, whatever that is, do the thing you love and. I I get that. But sometimes there that may or may not be an actual viable business opportunity there. And maybe you love something about designing glass, but then maybe on the other hand, there is a, a small. Glass business that is for sale. That is gonna require to you shift your thinking a little bit. And take that energy. Do you have about. Business and being creative in that business and think about. Hey, here's something that already exists. Exists. And I can build something on this and maybe. Build more specific things. I love into it that I want to do, but this is a real opportunity to not start from zero. Related to that this cohort. They're looking for people to wanna sign up for it. Right now, I would go to their website. They're gonna be starting. I, I forget the number. But at least a couple dozen, maybe more folks who are interested in going through a training period about getting ready for these kinds of opportunities. While at the same time. They're looking for where the opportunities are.

So one thing I really like about this is that, I mean, we're lucky in Kalamazoo. That we've got so much. Philanthropy money around. And let's just think about just tonight in this room. We, we recognize guys who give over half a million dollars. Guys getting together on a quarterly basis. I mean, and just over and over. Again, you look at philanthropy and I have to say a lot of people come to me. And they say, Hey, I wanna start a nonprofit. Mayor, how can you help me get started on a nonprofit? Non-profit and part of what our. Intent here about a lot of things that, that happen in Kalamazoo talking about the promise or other things is addressing. Intergenerational poverty and it's great to have programs to help. But on the other side of that, it's also great. If we can help people get into place of making some decent money and maybe. Our future cohort. Of philanthropists in Kalamazoo. Is gonna look very different from what our current cohort of philanthropists look like. And I, and I think. I mean, a lot of things have happened. You could say it's, it's a big dream. This won't ever happen. Or that won't work. And I suppose you could. Look at this and think, oh my goodness, how are you gonna pull this off? But I do think we pull off big things in Kalamazoo and I just, I want to think on both sides. Of this line here, people who are. Interested in, in building a business, working on a business that they can be proud of and people that wanna see a business that they have built and they're proud of, and they wanna see that. In some hands and this isn't giveaway stuff. This is how do we purchase and acquire these businesses. And that is the work. For adventures to help facilitate that. Think on those things. So right now we have a. Need a motion to glow into close session. Can I

have a motion? Motion motion made by vice mayor Duncan. Support supported by Commissioner Hoffman. Kirk Barling please call the roll. Commissioner Wilson? Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess? Yes. Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Thank you Commissioner, the motion passes. We will not be coming back. Into open session. I love you Kalamazoo. We are adjourned.