City Commission - Regular Meeting

. a memorandum. I understand this is what. Coffee breakdown. Down. We're gonna have a new girl over here tonight. Did recommend is that. I'm gonna pull it. Yep. But, but yeah. Okay. But this will be the last time we're gonna do a five minutes. Two thing. I, I. How does it feel to you guys timekeeper? What time is it? Hello. Hello everyone. Well, once again, I find myself in a situation where there's actually a lot of friendly conversation and I always hate to interrupt. That however, it's a couple minutes after seven and our meeting is supposed to start at seven. So. I, I usually get a little nod here from. When it is seven from the vice mayor who tries to keep me on track. So. But you were involved in a conversation as well. So here we are. On this beautiful kind of cleared up evening here in Kalamazoo. And so I want to Call to Order. The Kalamazoo city commission. For Monday, May 18th. 2026. And the first order business is roll. Call clerk Burling. 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. Boley. So we are honored for our opening ceremony here to have the Reverend Mary Austin from the first congregational church. Prepared to provide an Invocation to get us started. And I just in a moment gonna ask her to come forward and just to remind everybody, please. Pleased, if you would be so kind stand here in the chambers for the Invocation. And remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Yes, Reverend Austin. Let us come to the God of our understanding. Holy God force of love, sacred spirit. We give you. Thanks for this gathering and all here. We pray that you would lead us each in our sacred imagination. Toward a better city through our work, the commission's work, the mayor's work, the manager's work and all gathered here. Let our imaginations be full of a city full of peace. Housing for all. A joyful welcome for newcomers and a safe place for all. We give you. Thanks for all who work so hard to end gun violence. And prayer that we would become a city where shots are never fired. And all feel at home in their homes. Homes. We pray that your spirit would guide us in this work. And in all that we aim to do. Amen. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible with Liberty and justice for all. Thank you again, Reverend

Austin. I appreciate getting here. Being here to help us get started. As is fairly regular. Now we do have a couple Agenda proclamations on our Agenda for this evening. And I am going to come down with the proclamations. One of them is one that we do every year, and that's why there's people here in the chambers. Chambers and a Commissioner wearing orange. This evening, so important color and important recognition. So I will be coming down the first. Proclamation is national gun violence awareness state Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Thank you, mayor. Could I have someone come down to accept? This proclamation. Is also my favorite color. So this is probably my favorite proclamation to give. One of them at least. This proclamation declares the first Friday in June to be national gun violence awareness day in the city of Kalamazoo to honor and remember all. Victims and survivors of gun violence. And to declare that we, as a, as a country must do more to end this public health crisis. Whereas every day, nearly 130 people in the United States are killed by a gun violence. And more than 200 are shot and wounded with an average of more than 19,000 gun homicides every year. And whereas people in the United States are 26 times more likely to die by gun homicide than people in other high income countries. And whereas Michigan has the 28th highest rate of gun deaths in the us. With 1,423. Gun deaths every year with a rate of 14.2 deaths per 100,000 people, a crisis that costs the state. 16.8 billion each year. Of which 380.5 million is paid by taxpayers. Taxpayers. And whereas gun homicides and

assaults are concentrated in cities with more than half of all gun homicides in the nation occurring in 42 cities. And whereas cities across the nation, including Kalamazoo, are working to end senseless violence with evidence-based solutions. And whereas protecting public safety in the communities they serve is mayor's highest responsibility. And whereas support for the second amendment rights of law, abiding citizens. Citizens goes hand in hand with keeping guns away from those who are a danger to themselves or others. And whereas bears bears commission members and law enforcement officers in partnership with local violence. Intervention activists and resources. Resources know their communities best. Are the sorry, are the most familiar with local criminal activity and how to address it? And our best position to understand how to keep their citizens safe. And whereas gun violence prevention. Is more important than ever as we see gun violence, continue to impact communities across the country. And whereas in January, 2013, Padilla Pendleton was tragically shot and killed at age 15. And on June 5th, 2026, to recognize the 29th birthday of hada Pendleton. Born June 2nd, 1997. People across the United States will recognize national gun violence awareness day and aware orange and tribute to. Pendleton and other victims of. Of gun violence and the loved ones of those victims. And whereas the idea was inspired by a group of Hadi's friends who asked their. Classmates to commemorate her life by wearing orange. They chose this color because hunters wear orange to announce themselves to other hunters when they. They're out in the woods and orange. Is a color that symbolizes the value of human life. And whereas anyone can join this campaign by pledging to wear orange on June 5th.

The first Friday in June, 2026. To help raise awareness about gun violence. And whereas by wearing orange on June 5th, 2026, people across the United States will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the. Lives of gun violence, victims and survivors. Survivors. And whereas we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence. And pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the hands of people. Who should not have access to them and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our families and communities safe. Now, therefore on behalf of the 56 city commission and our mayor Dave left Anderson. Hi Commissioner Wilson. Do hear by proclaim the first Friday in June, June 5th, 2026. To be national gun violence awareness day. I encourage all citizens to support their local communities efforts to prevent the tragic impacts of gun violence. And to save lives. Thank you. Thank you very much. For your commitment each year to this. Proclamation it does contribute. To the changes we see in Kalamazoo around gun violence. And those of us here in, or wearing orange. As to this day as June 5th has become. Called where orange day. We appreciate those efforts. Efforts. We have witnessed them as you've taken some actions here through your commission. Some that have been lasting some that. Maybe didn't have as much effect as we wanted to. But we're gonna keep fighting. You see the people here in orange and. Probably beyond we're all survivors. Some of us are parents, some grandparents. Were advocates. Advocates, some of us are gun violence intervention.

Workers. Trauma team members. It's the hospitals. Hospitals, and we all know loved ones. Ones and friends in contacts. Contacts that have lost their lives had their lives taken by gun violence. We have students. I don't know if they're in the audience today, but we've been working with students. Students across the county and Portage. Because they have a strong voice in this too. They've been exposed to friends and relatives being hurt, killed. In gun violence and also drills. Drills and things at school. Another incident today and then another shooting yesterday here in Kalamazoo, we have to keep up the hard work. To help you commemorate. Where orange day on June 5th, we've given each of you a weekend end gun violence pin. Courtesy Barb van Essel team. One of our members. We wanted you to have that and hopefully wear that at least on June 5th. As a similar solidarity. There's a lot of daily work to be done beyond these proclamations. We are gonna be at the county commission. Tomorrow. And then on May 26th at Portage. City consult. For proclamations and to have the same conversations. Appreciate you doing this every year. And helping us work. Our organizations to work and try to reduce gun violence in Kalamazoo. It has been working, not all the results that we want. But there have been changes because of the hard work we have all done. Thank you very much.

You wanna stand up, please? We're gonna take a picture group picture. Okay. Hello. What do you yep. We can stand in front of him. . Okay. Okay. Okay. thank you, Chris. Thank you for coming. Okay. We're gonna move on to our next proclamation. This is for department of public services week 2026. So looks like. Our public services director, James Baker is going to come up to the mic. Thank you. So I'm gonna read the proclamation for the department of public services. Week 2026, May 18th through May 22nd. Whereas the department of public services professionals focus on infrastructure. Facilities groundwater and services that are vital. Importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and wellbeing of the people of Kalamazoo and where. Whereas these infrastructure facilities, groundwater and services could not be provided. Provided without the dedicated efforts of public services professionals. Who are engineers, managers and employees at all levels of the organization. Responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting our communities. Transportation.

Water supply water treatment, so, and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens. Citizens and we're as public services, employees are committed to providing dedicated service. To the community in which we live and work. And whereas it is in pub, in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children. In Kalamazoo to gain knowledge of and to maintain progressive interest. And understanding of the importance of our public services department and public services programs in our community. And whereas the city of Kalamazoo. Recognizes public services is essential to the welfare of our community. And acknowledges the importance of educating the public about all the services provided by our public services professionals. During public services week. Campaign made 18th through the 22nd, 20, 26. We encourage all residents to participate in the various activities Tuesday. Which is water and wastewater and Thursday, which is public work, solid waste and support services at our two public services department facilities. To learn about this important essential work. Now, therefore on behalf of the 56 city commission and David F. Anderson mayor of the city of Kalamazoo. I city Commissioner Jacqueline Slaby do hereby announce and proclaim the third full week of may as public services week I urge. All citizens to join me. As we pay tribute to our public services, professionals, engineers. Engineers managers and employees to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protect our health, safety, and quality of life. Thank you very much on behalf of the department of public services, we'd like to thank the city commission for this proclamation. And we encourage the public to come out and see. The people, places and equipment that power this city. So we look forward to seeing everybody on Tuesday. At Harrison

and again on Thursday. At Stockbridge. Thank you very much. Thank you. Once again, everyone that came to the chamber. Shared to recognize those proclamations. And we'll move on here and hopefully I can get through this without. Devolving into coughing. So we'll see how that goes. The next thing on our Agenda here is the adoption of the formal Agenda. So commissioners, are there any items. On the G consent Agenda. Which has 19 items that you'd like to have moved to H the reg Agenda. Mayor. I was wondering if there's any chance we could pull 13 and 14, just have some questions about that. That would be both about that G 14. Yep. G 13 and 14, please. Both of 'em are the lights. Okay on Northside streets. She 13 and 14 will now become regular Agenda items. Push your Slaby and I'd like to request G 16, the adoption of resolution establishing a social district. To be moved to the regular Agenda. Oh, dokie. Any, any other changes? Changes eight. Okay. All right. Appreciate those changes, commissioners. Manager Hankins. Are there any changes to the Agenda that you would like to propose? Thank you mayor. I would just ask that we.

Have item H three and K one removed from tonight's Agenda. I'll follow up at a later date with those items. Okay, so I'm just gonna add to that. So manager Hankins is recommending that. For further discussion that H three is gonna be pulled from the regular. Agenda and as well as. K one, a policy item. Now I'm gonna add to that vice mayor Duncan, if you don't mind. The one that you pulled on the C consent Agenda is related to that, you know, not directly, but related to that, I'm okay with that. So are you okay? With that one being pulled as well. That was. G G eight on the consent Agenda. It's basically a duplicate. Two different pieces of it. Two different actions. So you're okay with that. Okay. Yes. That will be pulled from the Agenda as well then. Yes. All right. Thank you so much, attorney Leon. Yes, mayor and commissioners. I would like to add a, an item to the regular Agenda. And it is along lines of approval of a settlement agreement in the Rashard Armstrong. Versus city of Kalamazoo etal lawsuit. Thank you. On the regular Agenda. So I I'm losing track about what numbers, everything is as we're sliding things around, but. We're adding that to the regular Agenda. Right. So that is the extent of the changes there. Seven. Page eight next communications. Manager Hankins. Thank you, mayor. None at this time. Nothing this evening, evening. Okay. Now we are to Public comments. That's E. On the Agenda. Excuse me. Just a reminder that if there's any topic you want to comment on, you'll have four minutes. If so please come forward. State your name. With a live in the city and. Any topic you're interested

in, you can use your four minutes. So anyone want to take advantage of public comments this evening? Hey, good evening commission and good evening residents of Kalamazoo. I'm here today to introduce myself, my name's Diya Harris. Resident of battle Creek. 35 Magnolia avenue. Not a resident of Kalamazoo, but coming to you as a perspective work partner, I'm running for Congress, the fourth congressional district, which includes all of. Kalamazoo. So looking forward to the opportunities we'll have to unlock. Once I'm elected to Congress. Come January 3rd, you know, right now we've got some critical. Pieces that we can unlock right now. And I've noticed, you know, going through a few of your agendas that I. Rarely see, you know, congressionally directed spending brought up, you know, that's a member of Congress'. Congress' direct wallet to our communities to, to be able to, to fund the things that we need to happen here in our communities. We have a current congressperson, right. Now that has decided that that is a moral to fund these things and I'm looking to unlock it. Not only that I'm looking to. Expand about upon the opportunities that we have here, including on regional transit. We've got Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties sitting right next to each. Other, and we can we can develop a competitive regional transit system and make it so that folks have so many options to move around in Kalamazoo that. They get stuck here. You know, folks, don't gotta go up north to, to go to grand rapids to fly out. You know, folks will have a competitive, regional. Airport here in Kalamazoo that connects folks all the way from Berrien county. All the way from battle Creek and make Kalamazoo that new hub. And so as your next member of Congress, I cannot wait to talk with you guys. On what those plans

may look like in the future. I'm gonna be hearing your community as a campaigner. I'm not here to campaign today, but I hope that you engage with me. Listen to the ideas that I'm. I'm bringing forth, help me, you know, with iron sharpening iron. Let me know if there's a, a better way for, for me to, to champion the issues that the community. Communities that I'm listening to are, are calling for. So just here to introduce myself and thank you so much for the work that y'all do and the. The attention that y'all pay to the, the residents needs. Thank you. Yes next, please. Commission. My name is Carl Zuto. Lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. Also co-owner with my son of Papa's Italian sausage. Which is celebrated our businesses 43rd year in Kalamazoo. More importantly, we're celebrating our third year at our new location on the city's north side. When we picked that site. We knew it was the new growth of downtown and we still believe that. But like any business moving to new location, you have to rebuild. And we are still in that process. I believe this third year is a deciding factor of which direction our business moves. Moves bottom line. If we, we need more people to come down into our area. To quote the owners of a now closed green door distillery tasting room. You can have 20,000 lights on Facebook, but it doesn't matter if they don't come down to see you. I'm here tonight to ask you for your vote in creating a new social district in our area. The simplest thing of allowing my patrons to bring a beer from our neighbors. Neighbors brewery ultra and enjoy a sub or a dish pasta. Pasta where to walk to Louise from our options. We also have a beautiful park across the street from

us Harrison park. Which could be utilized for special events. Events and to be able to bring a sausage and a beer to event would be a great option. All of these ideas would help. We are hoping to receive your agreement before the start of summer. With all the tasks that have to be tackled. Tackled to turn in this reality. Thank you for your time and thank you for your service. Appreciate it. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Maddie Jordan Woods. I am a resident of the Northside neighborhood and I am the chair of the Northside cultural business district. I'm here to support. The approval. Of the social district. We have been. Trying to get this done for over a year. And I just want to thank everyone for the city staff that was involved. In bringing it to this commission. And as Carl said, hope that you. Will push it forward. My next thing is that. I would like to, again, to thank. The public services department, the public safety department. And our city manager. For continuing to address the issues that had to do with the, the. Infrastructure that has not been. Addressed for over a hundred years in our neighborhood. That just exact exasperated, the problem of the flooding. And so I hope that this commission will continue to support our city manager. Because he didn't just come as a person. He came in and he went and he talked to residents and you know what a lot of people talk about what they'll do if you elect them. But when they show you, my mother said, you look at what people show you and you'll know who they are. Thank you. Thank you next, please. I haven't won again.

My name is Tina MCC Clinton, and I am from Kalamazoo. I've lived in Kalamazoo all my life. I've owned my home for 38 years. I live in that lovely floodplain area in the south side of town. The one that always floods the neighborhood that once dry streets. Sweets like the rest of the neighborhoods. Have I agree with her? Our infrastructure underneath our streets is so bad. That we flood over at one point 38 inches of rain. Floods the whole neighborhood out. We can't even get out. We can't get home, either takes out our furnace. Four feet of water in your basement. Two three times a year. That's a lot. To deal with it's time to fix those infrastructure issues. Issues. All we wanna do is be able to go home when it rains, just like their other neighborhoods. Do. Be able to get out of our neighborhood, just like the other neighborhoods. Do. All we want is for you to fix the storm drain issues and storm sewer issues. Issues in my neighborhood. They should not be flooding out the streets. They should be taken in the water. Not pushing it back out. I have been asking for over eight years and I'm here. Oh, here we could cost no money to pay for it. No money to fix this problem, but yet you have a billion dollars to mess up Portage road more. To congest traffic more for bike lanes. Crosswalks islands. Islands the empty bike lanes. And you also come up with 3 billion to move a railroad track. So traffic will flow downtown. But doesn't have flow anywhere else in Kalamazoo. You said it every light two to three times. Sometimes you get through it, sometimes you don't, but all that time you're sitting, you're just polluting the air more. Cuz you're congested. Traffic's backed up for blocks. On every street, you go on, let it be rush hour. You'll be sitting there forever just to get through that

light. I know you just don't wanna deal with it. And you always say the lack of funding. But you always seem to come up with the money for the rich man's playground downtown. But you never come up with it for the poor neighborhoods who struggle already. And suffer to make ends meet and have to keep putting in new furnaces. Furnaces water heaters cleaning up the stuff that comes in your basement from the flooding. There's no water in front of my house. There's a little green space in front of my house. With lots of maturest trees. That's what keeps our home safe. From water being in front of it in N our yards. Yards the same green space. That's been on the city's destruction list for eight years now. It's our Wildlife's last home. It's our savior from the flooding. There's a lot of big trees in there and they drink a lot of. Water and they help with the soil. Our storm drains, we keep 'em clean. So that's not our issue. It's that the water comes up out of the storm giants and then it backs up the city's sewers into the groundwater. Our sub pumps pump up groundwater. What do we get sewage? That shouldn't happen to anybody. Any resident in Kalamazoo, I don't care. What zip code you live in? And another thing, please bring back public callings at the city Commissioner meetings. So every resident has a voice. Old young don't drive. Can't have a, don't have a car. Don't have a computer. You can still come here and speak your concerns. Concerns, whether anybody will listen or not. I don't know. But you still can speak your concerns like I've been doing for eight years. In your row diet, that's a waste of money. It's a joke. People run through red lights. Like it's nothing. Why don't you go back to tickets? Wet and Comou is so high. That residents, especially seniors can't afford to survive.

Water bills. Ridiculous consumers bills, ridiculous taxes. Ridiculous. You just can't afford the living Kalamazoo anymore. Thank you. Thank you. Yes. Good evening. My name is Emma Beatty. I am the resident of the Edison neighborhood association. Well, Edison neighborhood. Ditto on the flooding. Flood. My concerns is I'm speaking for the police. Okay. They can't be everywhere all the time. They're not supermen. They're not superwomen. Superwomen, we as residents cannot. Police our streets. Kudos on the, on the gun violence. I love that, but at some point we've gotta care about the little kids. Okay. I live on LA Boulevard. They speed at swear. They do 70. From race to James. And these babies are out there playing and I'm screaming. Cuz you can hear the pipes when they're revving them up. they about Mo get on the sidewalk and these babies. Are moving. Kudos to the officers. I literally S. Got in trouble. My husband yelled at me. The same car that I saw speeding. I hurried up and got in my car to see where he was going. So I got the address. Gave it to an officer. Went to see my dad. Sure enough. That same car with another vehicle. Racing down mill street. So I gave them that information. My, my, my thing is. We need speed bumps. You have a school down there.

We now they have pancakes for speed bumps at the Washington school. They're literally pancakes. Pancakes we need, I don't know how many of you. Have ever been to east St. Louis I'm from east St. Louis. So there if there's a stoplight here. You can only do five miles an hour before. There's another stoplight. I'm not saying that. But we need between James and race. Speed bumps. And I mean, some. Serious or these babies are gonna get killed. I've seen cars turn the corner. Hit my neighbor's house. If it wasn't for that big tree in their yard. It would've went into their front porch. Same across the street. So if we're gonna have a gun violence, day let's care enough about our little ones. Ones, honestly, to protect them. Please please put those. Three measly speed bumps. Bumps between James and race. Please. To protect them because if one of them die, I don't think you guys are ever gonna hear the end of it. Not from the people on that block. And that's all I have to say. I just. I appreciate the, the officers because. They even tell us you know, people think that we can do everything, but we can't. Can't and we need your voice. Well, I'm your voice. Okay. And I appreciate them. Very very, very much. Help us help them. Gun control. Don't have us calling them about a speeder. When they could be catching somebody that's brandishing a gun. That's all I'm asking. I'm 68. I might not be here when I'm 69. But I'm gonna try to be, if you ain't did it. By then I'm gonna

be back saying the same thing. Okay. I appreciate you all having an amazingly blessed day. Thank you. You're welcome next, please. Mayor Anderson, vice mayor, Duncan city commissioners. My name is Kevin camps and I reside at 4 41 Fairfax avenue. And I serve as the executive director of don't waste, Michigan, which is the statewide anti-nuclear coalition that formed in. The 1980s. East, I am born and raised in Kalamazoo, but I took work in Washington, DC in 1999. And am now moving back after 27 years to. My hometown. And I wanted to report back to you about an event that we just held over the weekend at circle pine center in Dalton, in Berry. County a small nuclear reactor's summit. That brought in 80 people, about half in the room and half by zoom. From across the great lake space and from Canada. And even from further away, somebody came up from Texas for this event. We had a focus on the Palisades nuclear power plan. The proposal to build two new reactors on that site. As well as the proposal to restart the 60 year old reactor out there that supposedly permanently shut down. On May 20th, 2022. And when we first heard about the proposals to build new reactors there and to restart the old one. Rather than decommission the site, which had been promised to us. We began referring to it as a zombie reactor restart. As a nuclear nightmare and the reason I'm bringing it

to you is that Kalamazoo. On the west side is 35 miles downwind of Palisades. Palisades. And we are very concerned that they are playing with fire out there. This company, whole tech international. Which lied to get ahold of, of Palisades saying it was gonna decommission Palisades. Palisades instead immediately a week later, once they got ahold of it under false pretenses. Applied to the department of energy and to the state of Michigan for many billions of dollars. Not only to restart the old reactor, but to build the new ones. Ones. So we believe that a large scale radioactive catastrophe is possible. I hope I'm wrong, but I fear I'm not. And just to bring it right up to the present moment. We just learned days ago about a serious incident that took place at Palisades in. Early February. They were supposed to report such an incident within 60 days, but it took them 90 days. What happened was they were drilling a hole on site. Carelessly and they actually intercepted. Safety critical electrical circuitry underground. If the reactor had been operating, when that happened. Like I said, they're playing with fire out there, but fortunately they hadn't restarted yet. So a very loud rumor we're hearing on the lake shore is that the, the. Restart is now long delayed, even though it's already two years. Beyond schedule many months to go before. Restart. If it happens at all, which to us is very good news. It should not happen. It's very dangerous. It's unprecedented. It's unneeded. The lights have stayed on for the past four years in Kalamazoo. It's insanely expensive for the public. They've already gotten a hold of. $3.5 billion, mostly federal money, but also 300 million from the state of Michigan. It's also extremely high risk to. Safety security, human

health and the environment. And so we had a day of action in Kalamazoo today. We hoped to do it in Bronson park. We got monsoon out. So we. Did it at the glow hall, we had a press conference. We had a brass band. We had a folk singer. We're trying to warn Kalamazoo about the risks that are happening out there and see what can be done about it. And I hope that the city will consider. A resolution against these schemes and we would be very happy to work with you on that. Thank you very much for your attention. Thank you. Staying too close. Hi, I am Iris Potter, 1204 Manor street. Hello, again, Commissioner city manager. Today, I'm here as a founder of Michigan safe energy future. It's Kalamazoo chapter and Palisades shut down campaign. For many years, I've felt. Unsafe with Palisades. Palisades and knew the risks and I still do. But it was shut down. And then a scheme came along. And money. Our taxpayer money was given. In the form of loans. To them to potentially restart. We value human life here in Kalamazoo, and it may not seem. Like an issue that folks can grab onto very well, except that. We all go to south Haven. We all are connected to south Haven. And we are, what? 35.6 miles away. There are a lot of what ifs, but we. Kevin many others of us. Mr. Duncan SLA. No the rest and I'm sure many of O others of you do too. So we value human life. Actually a few years

ago, many years ago now I've been reminded. I was here with others. To address the city commission with mayor Hopewell when he was city Commissioner. And we asked that a resolution be passed or a letter. For shutdown of Palisades because of it being unsafe. And Mera hope Hopewell wrote an excellent letter to the powers that be. So it's a tradition. So we hope that you can do that as well. A few points of information here. Do we know that we are. In a 50 mile radiation zone. Designated by the nuclear regulatory commission. Kalamazoo. We're not in that close in evacuation zone, which stops at Bangor. But how connected are we with south Haven? Because where will folks go? These are. Possible what ifs, but not necessarily. I'm very concerned. About a company that has a very bad reputation is already taking our money. Has never restarted a power plant has never even run a power plant. And I'm, I'm just very concerned. Another point of information. Do we know that when power plants are up. That they can do unscheduled unplanned REL or they're planning them releases of radiation. We know and we have learned that in south Haven, very close. Or covert south Haven, whatever next to the power plant. There are thyroid cases, possibly cancer. So we don't wanna take the chances. Chances why in this day and age, do we wanna risk? Anything like this, we didn't ask for it. We don't need it. Did our lights go out. When Palisades were shut down in may of 2022. No. Do you think we might

get higher electric rates? Probably I'm just saying that I don't know. So please. Join with us again, as tradition has it. And pass a resolution. Not only to not restart Palisades. Palisades, but not to have them develop which they plan. They're already starting to get Mo sand dunes down. Put in two new reactors. We don't wanna take that risk. We have information to help if you need it for a resolution, I doubt that you do, because I imagine you're well informed. So. Thank you very much. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the chamber who would like to take advantage of Public Comment time? All right. See, no one. I wanted to thank everyone that. Took the time made the effort to come here to the city commission meeting to provide public comments. I appreciate that. Next on our Agenda is a public. Hearing. Yes. So I am now going to open a public hearing to receive comments. Comments on a resolution establishing. Establishing the zone. 32 neighborhood enterprise zone. District at 8 25 Porter street and. Eight 10 north pitcher street in the north side neighborhood. And manager Hankins. Is there a staff report on this item? Yes, ma'am there is assistant planner. Bobby dorky is here with. Gentlemen. To speak on this item right now. Thank you, Mr. Jerky. Good to see you. You're welcome. Good evening, mayor vice mayor and commissioners. Tonight, I'm gonna,

we recently did a similar. N easy zone district. You may remember beyond Burdick on 8 0 2 south Burdick. Tonight, we're going to give a presentation on what the request is and the. Public hearing is for resolution to follow later on June 15th. And this time I asked Jamari Bogan to join me and present. The project as well. So he's gonna speak to the first few slides and then I'll wrap it up. On the last slides and then there's there's any questions from the commission? On this item, we'll be glad to address them. Thank you, Mr. Jerky and welcome Mr. Bogan. Thank you, Bobby. Good evening city manager, Hankins, mayor Anderson and fellow commissioners. My name is Jamari Bogan. I am the CEO of Bogan developments. We are a Kalamazoo based. Development company based in the north side of here in Kalamazoo. Today, we're here to talk about zone 32 phase two. Today, we're here to create an N easy district. For this project. Here's a timeline that we kind of laid out to kind of. Walk you guys through what we're expecting over the next few months. So today, of course, we're here to create a district. In June, we expect to finalize all our incentives for the project. In July, we expect to have a groundbreaking. Slash closing. We are excited to celebrate with you all when that happens. And then by August of 2027, we expect to open up. And have residents here on site. And our project. The project is the second phase. Of the zone 32 project. The first phase included

12 workforce housing units. By office and an early learning center with the Y M C a. This phase now will have 38 new additional units. We will be acquiring. Sites from the Brownford redevelopment authority. And improving those sites while also. Improving the infrastructure that exists today in this area. And the picture here is kind of a visual of. The area looking at downtown. The unit mix of the project will be quite unique. We will have units. Ranging from 40% of AMI to 90% of AMI. We will have 10 studios. Studios a T one bedrooms and 10, two bed, two baths. On site, we will have some amenities, community room. Bicycle storage, outdoor patio. And inside of the units, they'll have laundry. And all units and of course, energy efficient appliances. Appliances. These are some visuals of what it will look like inside. For set tenants. Tenants as mentioned today. We are asking to create an energy district. Without this district, we always get the question of, you know, why do you need the incentive? You know, because. But without it, you know, we wouldn't be able to hit something. They call it in our business, the debt service coverage ratio. Which means that we wouldn't be able to create adequate cash flow in the deal to break ground and get it to feasibility. So this really helps. This tool really helps us get to feasibility. And, and stay on a timeline to build this kind of project. And this project typically. We've always asked folks. I've always asked about affordability. Typically the kind of affordability we have in this transaction, you only can build with kind of the low income

housing, housing tax credit. Tool and we're building it right now without it. So really have a great range of affordability. While also doing it. Oh, with unique tools, like the N E Z. So thank you guys. I'll let Bobby come up now. Thank you, Mr. PGAN. Thank you, Jamari. Listening to some of the presentation. I realize I, I may have an item. Number two of repetitive. So there's a aerial view. We're looking to the east there and you can see phase one. There is the kinda U-shaped building there. Makes up those two parcels. Parcels there's there's other funding support being sought through the housing development fund. There was the recent, you know, there's a, there's a brownfield plan in development. County how, how county housing millage, and then as Jamari explained much better than I could, how the N E Z wraps into the financial performer. And the years of support are based off of the number of affordable units. And that is from the city commission policy. Something unique with this project or the, the challenge of. Old development, redevelopment sites. Some of these plats go back to the 1860s. Sixties. So you run into a lot of issues. So Myrtle is a really old street. And pitcher street had a lot of old issues in his AB. Condition road further to the north. Is part of this site plan. You can see there what the arrows are pointing at. There are full reconstructions of the road. Sidewalks and completely replacing that, which. Also is a return to the city, but also serves the increase in capacity by the, the new development. So touching more onto the incentives in, in our city commission policy. It's there's a city commission policy, which is the resolution. And with the resolution, every the request goes off to the state

who makes the final decision. And so the tax there's a reduction from nine to 15 years, the more you align with the city policy with certain items, such as a re. Reduction of parking or more affordability, you can get up to 15 years. Jamari covered the unit mix there. And so far where the current policy is 20% of the districts. Would've to be 80%. Or less of county AMI. The development is already anticipating 32 at that level. And I believe there's. There's, I don't have the exact number, but there's 60% units as well. And so all of this to say is, you know, on top of. How it helps align the development for the developer's goals and to, to really help redevelop these old sites. The N E Z policy is meant to strike a balance between housing goals, the neighborhood's goals. The N easy act and other private support and development that adds to the housing projects. There's, there's a lot of layers as they say. And that is it for, for the presentation. I'll be glad to answer any questions I can about the policy or, or this request for next steps. Thank you, sir. Questions, commissioners. Yes, Commissioner Hess. Sure. Bobby, I know you said there's local support through the housing development fund. The brownfield plan county. Housing millage and the NAZ district are all of those. Secured, except for the uneasy. Uneasy. I, I would let Jamari speak. I don't believe that they are all. Secured, but it, it does sound like a lot of things are ramping up by June 15th. It. I I'm not let 'em come up. I'd like to thank him for doing this. Yeah. Mr. Bogan, please, please answer, because I like, I really just wanna thank you for, for. Putting your energy and, and your talents into such a project. So is the N a Z district, the last thing that you need to

secure? Yeah. So we'll be back in June and that would have, you know, several other items. That we're coming through this, you know, city. You know, pathways, but we've secured. Secured all other funding for the project. So we're really excited about the speed that we're operating at on this one. But yeah, our Mista our county mill. Our, you know, brownfield plan is now gonna be approved here in may. But everything here is, is moving at a good clip. So we feel good about once we have this approved, we gotta come back here again. And in June we should be all set. Thank you. Thank you. Only thing I would add as well. I, I think on this one is unique as a lot of things are coming together fast where this development's already in our site plan. Review project. I think you've already got your initial. Comments. So it's, it's a lot of timing coming together. And one more thing, Bobby, we mentioned the roads. Is it just a resurfacing of the roads or is there any water infrastructure that needs to be taken care of? I don't believe that there's any new. Mains, but there is the, the road sidewalk crossing. All of the surface is complete reconstruction. And I, I will look into that. I, I, I'm not, as in depth, as site plan, as I used to be, if, if there's something in there, I'll follow up. Thank you. Commissioner Wilson. Mayor and thank you for the presentation by the end Jamari. I had one question I'd liked. The point of affordability on here. And I can see that there is a potential to have some deep affordability here with rents being between 40 and. 90% AMI 10 of which being. Less than, or equal to 60 again, just wanting to see how deep. How deeply affordable we're going. Do we have an idea of how many 40%. AMI units will be available of those 10.

Good. I, I'm not sure if I had those exact figures in, in my presentation. For, for the purpose of, of the N E Z and maybe Jamari could answer that a little more closely is for the N E Z request. It's. 20%. So we're this one. It's already so far exceeding what we require and then. The support, like the 60% is tied to one of the other. Funding sources. So Jamari probably knows more about that than I do. So we have two units at 40% and eight sub 60. Which is a lot more deeper affordability than we have on. Phase one and on other projects that we brought forth and we're trying to now figure out ways to continue to do things like this. I think Commissioner Hoffman. In our last presentation kind of mentioned that. And so here we go. Yeah. Love to hear it. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner Wilson. Commissioner Slavey this is presented to us as a mixed. Use development. So I didn't really see anywhere here about. That other piece. So could someone speak on yep. What that yep. Visual use is? Yep. I could, I could speak to that because the. N E Z. One of the requirements is that it's has a ground floor retail use, correct. Which comes from the state. This project is featuring a very small commercial. Use their white there's a white box. I believe it's about 350 square feet facing pitcher street. And in evaluating that the, the retail use comes from the state act. It's not in our local policy. So my guidance to Jamari and his team was. Ground floor. Use that faces outward. And is either retail by Zoning district or more intense. Okay. To kind of strike that balance. So on the ground floor. It's gonna

feature a lot of those. Community amenities. That he spoke to. Yep. And then. 1 350 square foot. Retail space. That is correct. Okay. And is this within N C B D a boundaries. It is not. Okay. Great. Thank you. You're welcome. Oh, sorry through that white box, do you have a confirmed lease already? No. Okay. I didn't believe so. Commissioner Praedel sure Bobby in Mr. Bogan. Good to see you both. And thank you for your presentation and thank you for your work on this project as well. I just wanna make sure I understood. So. Something correctly. So based on city commission policy and the way N E Z works, if I understand correctly, as the state has added more diverse uses for N E Z I guess, over the last decade or so. One of the things is that. You, these tax incentives can be up to 15 years, correct? If I correct. Make sure I understood it correctly, but my reading of this was mentioning that it would be for this particular project would be sunset after five years. Is that. Correct. That that is corrected. I'm I'm I'm glad you asked, gives me another chance to. That's something. I found that. Is a little hard to explain or maybe comprehend. So can I, can I elaborate on that really quick? Cuz it might help with your question too, is just, I guess why I'm asking that question. Is it surprises me because there's so much commitment to affordability in this project and based on our commission policy. That sets that metric based on people who are doing that work and making affordable, I just was surprised it wasn't higher. Or I'm sorry that the number of years, oh, well, was it longer the five years or the 15 years? So the way I read it understood, it seemed to

me that this particular project. Would sunset on the text incentives after five years. But, but there was allowed up to 15. So I was just curious if you could explain a little bit about and make sure I'm understanding. Yeah, it's a, it's a little bit like today we're talking. About the creation of a district where following there's a formal. Application for certificates of tax abatement. Is part of a community that can establish ND Zs. NZS you can have up to 10% of the. Geographic boundary of the city Kamoo, which is 25 square miles and some change. We're at 1.5%. I think I might have pulled that outta my, my slides. So every time we create an N E Z we're, we're filling that up. Or, you know, I'm doing some evaluation work with our current Zoning where these newer types of NDCs are permitted. You know, where, where is where, where should we focus? These. These requests. So to get back to your question, the the five years is the district itself. Goes away in five years, but if there was 15 or 12 years of tax reduction, that still goes, even if the district dissolves. Dissolves. And then with the district dissolving, the we're not. Creating large areas of more N E Z sitting there because this one also is a single. Project district it's there's no other. Housing that could fit on it. Guess what does that, does that, does that make, does that make sense? Cuz the. Once the certificate is issued by the state to grant the 15 years. It's. It's it's in there's there's, you know, ways to, you know, if there's issues, you know, to is there way take action out way to extend it if that's needed at some point. Oh, great. Great question. Five years is the minimum by policy. So. The city commission could make it longer than five years. You could make it. Match, maybe for convenience sake, the term as well, I guess, like, I guess my curiosity. Is if I'm remembering correctly, we've had some, like, smaller.

Geographic areas based on a specific development. That had more years. Of N E Z. Texan incentive. So if I recall correctly, I think there was one that was like nine years. I think there was another, that was 12 years. And this one is saying sun setting at five years. This is 15 years. Oh, where, where does, but I guess my question is then is like, what is. The sun setting at five years, come in. If you have the full 15 years, that's the district creation. The, the, this is just vanishes from the map. It ceases to exist. Gotcha. Okay, thank you. That answer is a question. The other question I had for you as well. Is, let me find my notes here. My other question was, I was trying to remember when this form of N E Z was created with the, with our policy and whatnot. And I couldn't remember the timing with. Zone one. And whether any Z incentives were used for zone one, there were not any Z incentives used for zone one. And I. Believe that development predated the policy, which I think was October 23. Got so cool. Thank you close. But there wasn't an easy request affiliated with. That. Cool. Thank you. Thank you Commissioner. Praedel a, a, a question that. Is difficult to put together. These two different things. We're just creating the district is what we're proposing here in this hearing. So yep. Not the tax. Incentive tie to the project, which will come later. Correct. And yeah, I, I, it's something I've learned in communicating. I get a lot of easy questions. It's it could, it's a lot to digest. Well, I think, I think the biggest take. Takeaway for the public is realizing that just because the N E Z. Zone is being created that. Certificate application I presume is what comes next and that will still come forward. Correct. Correct. The, the district, you know, the, the certificate is when the actual formality and that's when really show up happens. Okay. Do you have any sense about what the, would it. Be the full 15 years for sure. Or would it

be. Potentially somewhere between that. I think that they can quite easily meet the 15 years. All right. Thank you. Other questions, commissioners. Thank you so much for being here. Just a reminder. This is not an action item for this evening. This is a hearing. So seeing no more questions now is an opportunity for anybody in the audience to comment on this item. If you come forward, state your name, whether you live in the city and you'll have three minutes. My name is Maddie Jordan Woods, and I am a Northside resident. And my comment is that. I am not here. Against this project, but I am here where the news media is saying. That this is a reduction in taxes for the north side, and I wanna make it clear the north side residents who are homeowners, the 600. And 40 that are left after everything that has happened. With the homeowners and all of the barriers that's put up for homeowners to be there. Our taxes are going up. So I hope that this commission, the public media. Stop implying that north side. Individual homeowner residence are getting any benefits from any of the projects. Projects. I'm going to do a development as well, but I wanna make it clear, stop acting like Northside residents are getting lower taxes. Our taxes individually are going up. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else that wants to comment? During this public hearing. Good evening, Toby Hannah Davies, and I live in the city. As somebody who's worked for. Increasing the affordable housing throughout the city. For 20 plus years, I'm really happy about this project. I got to see inside phase one, after it was all done. Inside the childcare center with children in it, inside the

units that were not occupied yet. And it's really beautifully done. I'm really. Pleased that, that part of. Town that has been pretty desolate for quite a long time. Is getting a lot of beautiful new life. I, I wanted to ask someone. About the fact, it seemed to me from the presentation that the developer is responsible for the. Streets and sidewalks. And that's really the city's. City's responsibility. Isn't it. If the developer is gonna be the one doing it. I hope that the kinds of support that the city gives really. Make up for the developer doing all that work. Of streets and old streets and sidewalks reconstruction. But MOS, Bali wanted to tell you that I'm very excited. About 38 new units with these levels. Of affordability. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the chambers who'd like to comment. During this public hearing. All right. Thank you so much for those comments. Comments, I will now close the public hearing. And as I stated, there's no action at this time. That will we'll see it again. Menser Hankins. We are now on the consent Agenda. Thank you. Mayor following items are. Submitted for approval. Item one. G one approval of a one year sole source contract renewal with OpenGov Inc. For the OpenGov suite of software. In the amount of $123,800 and 99 cents. Cents item two approval of a professional services agreement with Northern pump and well company. For well rehabilitations in the amount of $128,431.

Three approval of a contract contract with Republic services for the removal of waste. And recyclable materials at various city projects in the amount of $136,578 and 48 cents. Cents item four approval of a contract supplemental and change order. With fian. Fian Xtra. LLC to supply. Install and relocate two new sanitary pumps at the woods lake lift station. Any amount of $252,381. Five approval of a purchase from trace three through the my deal cooperative purchasing program for Cisco switches as part of hardware lifecycle replacement. Any amount of $268,831 and 18 cents six approval of a contract extension with unique paving materials, Corp. Corp for asphalt patching materials in the amount of $293,000. Seven approval of a contract with LD DSCA associates, Inc. For labor and materials to install launder. Covers on secondary clarifiers, number five through number eight at the Kalamazoo water reclamation plant in the amount of 406. Thousand dollars 100, 406. Thousand dollars 177. Item nine. Approval of a purchase with McQueen. Equipment LLC, through the source well cooperative purchasing program for a combination sewer cleaner. Any amount of $593,000. $593,958 and 76 cents. Cents item 10. Adoption of a resolution confirming the 2026 assessment role. Item 11. Adoption of a resolution approving a request with the downtown development authority to levy tech attacks. Excuse me, to levy tax rate of 1.96. Three eight mills item, 12 adoption of a resolution of. Approval approving contract with Michigan

department of transportation. For the resurfacing of Parkview avenue from Drake road to Tamson avenue and the amount of $351,900. Item. 15 approval. Excuse me. Adoption of a resolution recommending approval. Of an off-premise tasting room permit. For one, well brewing located at 42 13 Portage street. Item 17. Approval of a six month extension of the city manager's housing allowance in accordance with the terms of the city manager employment agreement. Item 18 approval of a memorandum of understanding with Kalamazoo regional education service agency, career connect for the summer youth employment. And training program, any amount of $416,000. And item 19 approval of the minutes from the city commission meetings on May 11th, 2026. Thank you very much manager Hankins jumping through that with a bunch of changes. Changes. So commissioners, the requested action is a motion to approve items. One through seven. Nine through 12. 15 and 17 through 19. And authorized the city manager to sign all documents on behalf of the city. Is there a motion? So moved motion made by Commissioner Hess support. Supported by Commissioner Praedel clerk. Boley. Please call the roll. Commissioner Hoffman? Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Commissioner Slaby. Slaby yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess. Yes. Thank you. Commissioners. The items on the consent Agenda are approved. Next we're onto the regular Agenda, which we do have more items on now, but we'll start with the two that appear on your printed. Agenda here.

Manager Hankins. Thank you. Mayor approval of a purchase agreement with Esteven and Linda French for the purchase of parcel number zero seven dash 27. Dash two 80 dash 12. In Comstock township in the amount of $57,000. Thank you, manager Hankins. I know that this. As required was on our Agenda before. Is there a excuse me. Any staff report. No, there is not mayor, but we do have staff here for questions. If, if questions arise, I'm now gonna ask vice mayor Duncan to take over for a moment. H two of regular Agenda approval of the contract extension with J and H oil company for gasoline, diesel and biodiesel fuel in the Mount. Not to. Exceed $1.2 million. Apologies for. The first. Thank you. We . Open up our first Agenda item to Public Comment. If there is anyone in the chambers that would wish us to speak on Agenda. Item one, please. Step to the podium. Seeing none. I will move on to item Agenda two. Oh, sorry. Motion. Do we have any discussion from our commissioners? I think. Yeah. Point of order. We need to have the motion to approve. Item one. Motion to approve item one. So moved support. Clerk boiling.

Do we need a roll call? Yes we do. But normally there's discussion. After motion has been made and seconded, then we proceed into any discussion from the commissioners before the vote. Commissioners. Seeing now. roll call, please. Commissioner Praedel yes. Commissioner Slaby. Slaby yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson Commissioner Hess. Yes. Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. You're doing great vice mayor. all right. Item H two approval of a contract extension with J N H oil company for gasoline diesel. And biodiesel fuel in the amount not to exceed. $1,200,000. We will open the floor for Public Comment. Anyone wishing to make Public Comment on item two, please step to the podium. Seeing none. Commissioner's discussion. I make a motion. To approve. Second second from Commissioner Hoffman. Discussion seeing none. Clerk. Okay. Commissioner Slaby. Slaby yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Commissioner Hess? Yes. Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. This item H three.

It's it's now three. Oh, approval of a contract extension. With wreath. Riley construction company for asphalt paving materials. Materials, any amount of $1,635,000, 635. Thousand $400. Do we have a staff report on that item? We do not. Thank you. Motion, Public Comment, Public Comment. Sorry. Anyone wishing to make Public Comment on item three, please. Step to the podium. Seeing none. Any emotions, motion. Support discussion. Clark Burling. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Commissioner Hess? Yes. Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Commissioner Slaby. Yes. Item H four, excuse me. Yes. Item H four adoption of a resolution. Approving changes in the street lighting contract with consumers energy at 8 25 Porter street. Like to open the Florida Public Comment on this issue. Seeing none. Do I have a motion? So moved. Moved support discussion from commissioners. Yeah. Vice mayor. I removed 13 to 14. I can just make comment about this. I'm I'm wondering if somebody can speak to this. So the reason I pulled it off is cuz I, if I could take away. And I think most of us probably have heard similar things like at top three or maybe top five issues from Northside. Residents, one of them is that we want more lighting. And so. I noticed on G 14, it talks about, well, I'll back up here for a second. Both of these items are change

of standard lighting contracts with consumer's energy. Once at 8 25 Porter one's at four 40. North church. And in quote, the packet says, in order for additional or lighting upgrades, consumer's energy requires a signed resolution for changes to letting contract. That sounds great. Right? Cuz that sounds like, Hey, we're getting more lighting. But then on G 13, it says the requests are for the removal of utility poles, which I interpret as they're less of that utility pole. If you're. Removing them. And so I suppose that could mean they're being removed to add more, but it doesn't say add more. It just says remove utility pools. Portals when you go to G 14. It's basically says all the same standard things that G 13 says, but it says remove and replacement of street lights. And so I was wondering. If, if somebody could speak to that, because. It just seems at least outwardly from the way you would read that it seems to go against, it seems to be contrary to what we hear from residents. If you will. Director baker, would you mind addressing. Sure. Thank you, city manager. And thank you, Commissioner. Praedel. For, for the opportunity to comment on this item. So just kind of break these down. You've got. One at Porter street, address 8 25 Porter. I believe. That's that's package coincides with a public hearing. You just saw today where the entire Street's gonna get reconstructed. There's actually the utility poles and conductors are going away. And in replacement of that, there's gonna be post-op acorns. Acorns that are gonna be a better improved lighting overall. And so I apologize that the document wasn't very clear on that. But that that is what's going there and there. So there's, there's not gonna be. Any decrease in lighting, it's actually gonna be more aesthetically pleasing. And then the new lights going in are actually gonna be cutoffs.

Cutoffs. So that means they won't shine upward. They'll be shining. Downward when you transition the other item at four 40 church street, that's the county. New parking structure. So this is right along. This is actually right on Kalamazoo avenue. That one is getting timed with construction. So those. Poles and wires and all that stuff are coming down. And the new lighting is gonna go in with Kalamazoo Ave. So that's under a separate. Project. And then we're also working with the county to see what kind of. Face, you know, lights that are on the face of the, of the building. So it's really kind of a whole change in, in footprint. And. Again, there's some other complexities of what we're doing on Kalamazoo Ave and. What that development looks like right there. So again, thank you for that opportunity for us to clarify with the commission on those. That's perfect. That's perfect. I suspected it was something like that, but I just wanted make sure to be absolutely certain before we do it. So thank you. Sure. Thank you. Commissioner Hess. I have a, another question for director baker and, and you kind of alluded to it. Earlier, but it's to refer back to what Ms. Hannah Davies asked about the project. On Porter street and it, it is the city's responsibility to do the roads in the sidewalks. And so on the infrastructure. Around zone 32, right. So this, every development's unique, there is an opportunity with this development and because of things like off-street parking. The use of the street can, can the ability to bring in infrastructure. Through the, the different packages that are, are incentivized, that there's actually street reconstruction. That's going on. Part of that project. That's gonna be funded by the development. So it doesn't happen every time, but this is a, a great partnership

and a great opportunity for the city where there's gonna. Be new infrastructure that's coming in. With that, with that development. Thank you questions from other commissioners Commissioner Slavia. Thank you. Vice mayor Duncan. Director baker. You mentioned that, you know, if I had a question about lighting to bring it up, when we had something like this come up. So thank you, Preto. So I know that we've also. Considered reevaluating lighting, like in Edison, mm-hmm near Portage Creek off of Bryant street. And so could you maybe just share with the public kind. Of the process of us putting these change orders. For the, towards the consumer's contract for these considerations. And how that could be done. Sure. Certainly. So. You, you may have noticed as at city commission that we have brought several of these forward to you. They're kind of sprinkled in your consent and Agenda. From time to time. So anytime that we take a streetlight out, or we put a streetlight in, whether that's one or that's a hundred. We have to go through a process with consumers energy. That includes a resolution. And a 5 47 form. As we go through that process, we also do a photometric study and we do an analysis of the overall lighting conditions before and after. Certainly we don't want to see less lighting. And if at all possible, we want to actually upgrade the lighting to the new standards that we have today. And so that process is. Initiated through our right of way department and our right of way, staffed will actually initiate a request in consumers, energy, a. Lot of these come through site plan and then site plan requests those through our, our right of way. Permit staff. And then our permit staff coordinate with consumers energy. That all being said, we do have dollars in our C I P both in local streets and major streets. For street

lighting improvements. On local streets and major streets. So we've got the ability to go into neighborhoods in accordance with neighborhood plans. Plans and start to upgrade lights and that could be. You know, one light at the end of the cul-de-sac. On a street that is seeing. New use lately, or it could be something. Much much bigger than that. So we take those requests and those can be routed through our right of way coordinator. And just so I understand how these are set up. We have two separate resolutions for the. Same thing, but in different areas, is this just because of. Somehow they coincidentally got on the same Agenda. Or do they have to be separated in their own individual resolutions? Resolutions. So each project area will be its own resolution. So if there was a, a request for. Say a streetlight on, on Bryant. That would be one request. If there was a street light requests for a street light on. Reed. That's a separate request. These are on the same Agenda, just cuz we were, we were recycling through at the same time. They're not related. Themselves. They're separate projects, but they're just together because they were just timed that way. Recommended action is to motion to approve. Oh, we did roll call please. Scott boiling. Do we need to have an opportunity for Public Comment already did that. Yes, you got it. Nailed. Okay. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess? Yes. Commissioner Hoffman? Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Commissioner Slaby. Yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. I'm going to take the opportunity to hand control back over to Mary Anderson. Oh, you shouldn't. You're doing such a beautiful job. So, thank you so much

for just jumping right in. That's a kind of a different way to approach the meeting, sitting on that seat. Awesome job. So thank you, commissioners. The motion passes, and now we are on to. What was G 16 is that correct? And is now 1414 now we're at the G 14. Which is now H four. Yes. H five H five H five. Yes. Okay. Fine. Okay. H five adoption of a resolution approving changes in the street lighting contract with consumers energy at four 40 north church street. Thank you manager Hankins. Hankins any I know we're, don't have a staff report on this necessarily. Any particular questions on this item for my buddy? Everybody, anybody in the chambers that wants to comment on this item. I see no one commissioners. The motion is to adopt. A resolution approving changes in the street, letting contract with consumers energy at four 40. North church street motion. Support motion made by Commissioner SL supported by vice mayor Duncan. Discussion. Clerk boiling, please call the roll. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess? Yes. Commissioner Hoffman? Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Commissioner Slaby. Yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Thank you. Commissioners the motion. Passes the next item manager, Hankins. Hankins. Thank you. Mayor item eight, six adoption of a resolution establishing a social district within the north side. Cultural business district. So I know this is pulled so you don't necessarily have a report on this. No. If you have any staff that. To say anything about it. Mr. Ford. Ford eight. Good evening. Thank you, sir. Hey, good evening. Mayor vice

mayors, city commissioners. City manager Hankins. I didn't plan to speak on this. I don't know if there's any questions. I mean, materials were sent out. I'm gonna keep this clear and short and concise, but. N C B D a Northside cultural business district authority is looking to establish a social district in its boundaries, similar to. The DDA and Dega. And yeah, that's, that's pretty much. The gist of it. I don't know what questions. Questions anybody had. Thank you for jumping up at me. Ready? So questions. Questions Commissioner slatey. Thank you, Kevin. I knew you. Thank you, Kevin. I know you were probably waiting for that to just get passed on the consent Agenda. So I appreciate your patience with. Us as we moved into the regular Agenda, I think, you know, it's not every day that we create a social district. And so I just wanna make sure that the public understood what that is, what activities can take place and the value that it would bring to. N C B D a as basically we've seen, I think, great value with having that downtown. And a lot of people that I run into don't even know we have a social district downtown, so just making sure everyone understands what it actually is. And. What that means for the north side. Thank you. Commissioner slate. Are you hoping for any further clarification from. Kevin Ford on this or? Sure. I mean, I guess like what would one do. Once we have a social district in place. Are you affirming a residence or. The the district itself. The social district that gets put in place. So ideally. The, the idea would be to allow for people to. Be able to move from one establishment to another openly with.

Open containers and that would be the activity to help. Yes, it's ex it's exactly like the downtown. Social district. No difference. This is primarily state law and state regulations with. You know, local policies and city staff assisting, but it's no different than what we have currently with downtown. Okay. I mean, I guess I was just asking, cuz again, I've ran into people that don't know what a social district is. So even saying we have one downtown people don't know. What it is. I just thought we could clarify for the public what it is. That's it. Yep. That's for clarification. Yes, it is a. Bounded area in which one is allowed to have. Alcohol. Yeah, so downtown, I, I don't know the, the boundaries downtown, but. In the N C B D a. Is similar. It's just a certain boundary. Again, it is state regulated. So the cups that are involved. They have to be, they have to have certain stickers. Stickers for folks to move around. But other than that, that's, that's pretty much, it it's a bounded area in which residents can move freely with, with alcohol. And any director, maybe director Mitchell, cuz he was here when we, you know, put together the downtown one, like. Could share more about why we think this is a valuable tool and what we've seen. Come from it downtown in terms of attracting visitors and residents to. Partake in activities. Thank you, Mr. Sylvia. Thank you. City manager, mayor. Missioners. Yes. So as Kevin said it is pretty much.

A district to assist with. Helping commercial. In this case, bars, restaurants. Restaurants assistant with more exposure and Pacific district area. In hopefully attracting even more business development in those areas as well, because you also open up the opportunity for. If, if this district decides. Decides to have a more affordable liquor license in those districts as well for restaurants and things like that. So it's an incentive tool to assist those businesses. With expanding their footprint. One of the businesses brought up if they was having any events or things like that. Like in inside the district. It will allow patrons of other. Establishments to take their drinks to other areas in the established area. The key factor though, here needs to be understood by the public, is that this is a district. All by itself, it does not blend into the district. Downtown. So you cannot take. Your cups from one district to another, you would have to get a brand new cup, a brand new drink in the downtown district area. It does have the ability to expand if necessary. By the TIF district in the future, some of the, what we're looking at with the downtown district right now, currently, so it is a additional incentive item. And this is what is being created in the north side to assist with hopefully additional. As they say, restaurant and business development in that area. And hopefully further down in the district in the future. I know we have certain policies based on city owned property. Mm-hmm so. Owner Papa sausages when they. Talked previously in the general Public Comment mentioned, you know, potentially taking it to Harrison park. Mm-hmm . So within the social

district that would allow for. People to be able to do that in on city owned properties, such as parks. Yes. If it's approved by this, the commission. And so if we would have to just make sure. It is okay. In the district boundaries of this area. Which has have been discussed in the, in previous developments, similar to where bras park. Okay. Here. And I think my last question. Is, could you maybe talk through why this isn't as an isn't considered an extension of the downtown district boundaries? Was there, was that an option and you just considered that this would be better to keep it separate or by some sort of. Regulatory standard. We can't have them combined. No, we could have 'em combined the issue would, it would put the similar funding restraints on. The new TIF district as in the current one. Which would also have to be required of approval. By this commission in the state to combine. Those areas to cross over the existing boundaries into a area. So you would have literally two TIF districts running. One quote, unquote. Social district, which could cause issues. Issues if one group wants to do one thing, the other one wants to do. Something else. And that's why staff move towards having two separate. Social districts. Districts also, that was the request to the N C B D a correct. Yeah. Any other questions for. Staff on this item. Thank you. Commissioner Slaby mm-hmm . Now is the opportunity for anybody here in the chambers to comment on this item. It's was item G 16. So on the regular Agenda. Welcome welcome. So again, I would like to ask this commission to support. This the, the approval. To create a district.

And I wanna be clear that the Northside cultural business district was established for several reasons. Reasons. One of them being that we did not ever want the downtown to continue to bleed into the north side and the north side. Neighborhood not exist. The social district was asked for the businesses. That are at the Eastern end. They said that they needed to have another tool. So that they all can work together on a much larger. Event so that they can bring more people. So this, this, this is about helping. Existing businesses and Northside cultural business districts. Yes. Our main priority was to increase resident owned businesses, but what it's. It's also to assist and maintain the businesses that was already there. And you all agreeing to do this will help those businesses. That thought enough to put their business in our neighborhood and to remain. Thank you very much. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to comment on this item? Good evening, Jeff Messer city, resident. So it's my understanding that within the DDA or downtowns in the state of Michigan, that municipalities can, or maybe the state of Michigan provide an unlimited number of liquor licenses. That's why. Our downtown has so many liquor purveyors because there's an unlimited number of licenses. Licenses outside of downtown. I believe there's some population based. Limits on how many liquor licenses are available. So I'm wondering if a New Business wants to move into the north side. Cultural business, district authority. Well, if they already have a liquor license, I, I guess they can do it. And I'm just wondering about, is it going to be any easier for businesses that do. Not already have a liquor license. To obtain one. If they locate within the north side. Cultural business

district authority. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other comments on this item? Thank you once again to all who commented. So commissioners. The recommended action is a motion to approve. Is there a motion? Motion motion made by Commissioner SL court supported by vice mayor Duncan discussion. Commissioner Praedel. Thank you, mayor. I'm definitely planning to support this. I think this is a responsible way to do this work. And I remember back in 2020, how controversial it was, we had this huge debate about whether we're gonna include Bronson park in it or not. And I remember people just saying, oh my gosh, like horrible things are gonna happen. If we open it up to Bronson park, you know, Bronson, Park's gonna be ruined and nobody's gonna wanna go there anymore. This is a great activation tool. A responsible activation tool of people. And, you know, a prime example is like what a, a great opportunity. If you have an event like coming up, we have an art fair that's happening in Bronson park. And if you have. A labeled cup, being able to walk around. And, you know, enjoy a beverage, but you can't walk around with, well, I mean, not easily walk around with 10 cups, you know, like this around. So you just have one cup at a time. Or maybe two cups at a time, which means that you're responsibly drinking. For a lot of retailers. I remember back during the pandemic. You know, they had very limited seating opportunities. And even now that we're not in a pandemic, you know, there's only so many chairs in a location. But the beauty about this is, is that you can sell more than there are seats in your location, which is a great opportunity to increase business, but also recruit those. Entrepreneurs in the cultural district as well. So I'm definitely in favor of this. And I, I think, you know, our learnings from the last five or six years show us that it's a really great tool for. Whatever areas that they've accessed. Thank you. Commissioner Praedel other discussion Commissioner. Slavey. Slaby. I was just curious, cuz I think Jeff muster had posed a, a good question. So I was wondering if staff was able to.

Respond to that question about. I mean someone could, it really is not germane to this whatsoever. You know, what we're talking about is a liquor license, you know, are there the same kinds of liquor licenses available? Like they're in downtown. In the NC B, D a. So I don't wouldn't have expect anyone to be prepared to answer that. Right off the bat, but that's. That's measure head. I mean, I guess the question would be Jermaine to it in terms of does a social district allow. No. Okay. So it doesn't impact that at all. That's the social district. Yeah. It's the. Fact what Mr. Messer was referring to was that there were some. Licenses available within a DDA, nothing to do with social district. To, you know, promote the, that. And so it would be. Is that same benefit available? To the quarter improvement district. Not it may is to have a social district or not. But is it available to the court improvement corridor enhancement district? Mr. Mitchell's saying no. So that same, benefit's not available even. Though they're both TIF districts. Districts. Thank you. Thank you. I think this is a great tool. I'm happy that staff was able to describe kind of the value of it to the public. Again, like I said, I run into so many people that don't know what a social district is. So to me, that means we gotta do a lot better marketing of it. So. People can understand that they can. You know, take advantage of it. I know that, you know, green door distillery was, is within the north side, but they had to shut their doors. But they had been a big advocate. For creating a social district. So I think it's a bummer that they weren't, you know, weren't able to stick around to see this actually pass. So I think that this is something that. Businesses have been asking for. I love to see that we have a, you know, a cultural business district that is very active. That is thinking about what is going to support businesses

to ultimately support its residents and, you know, neighborhood business. Owners. And so I'm excited to see this put in place. I do understand. Now that staff has explained it. Why we have two separate districts? I think it'll be interesting. Once again, going back to the marketing piece, how we can. Ensure that people understand. What does that mean? Cuz again, now that sounds like people can't go from one district to another. So just figuring out how we can, like, I don't does that mean we have different cups? I mean, where if you bring a different cup into a district, you're. Now the police is saying you can't ha I mean, interesting to see how that all plays out, but I'm in general in favor of having this social district. Created for N C B D a. And I'm excited to see what that brings to. Our businesses that are here and will come. As a result of it. Thank you, Commissioner. Slatey any other. Discussion seen none. Clerk boiling, please call the roll. Commissioner Hess? Yes. Commissioner Hoffman? Yes. Commissioner Praedel yes. Commissioner Slaby yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Thank you. Commissioners the motion. Passes next on the Agenda. City manager Hankins. Thank you. Mayor Adam eight, seven. Approval of a settlement agreement in the Rashard Armstrong and city of Kalamazoo at all lawsuit. Thank you, attorney Leo. Thank you. Thank you mayor. Earlier today, the com the outside li litigation council provided the city commission with a legal briefing concerning a. Proposed settlement in this lawsuit. Since if the commission desires to accept the settlement. It, the decision must be made in open session. To that end. I seek a motion to accept the proposed settlement based on the advice of outside litigation counsel. As discussed in closed session. Thank you. Thank you. Attorney Lee. Are there.

Any questions for Turner Leo on this item. All right. Scene. None. Now is an opportunity for anyone here in the chambers to comment on this item. It is, was added this evening. I don't know what number it is, but eight. H seven. Thank you, manager Hankins. And just one more time, if you would be so kind, just to read the motion since people don't have a. Printed copy of it. The motion. That was first made or. Moved and seconded. Was to accept the proposed settlement. Agreement based on the advice of outside litigation council has discussed in closed session. Thank you so much. Yeah. Point information. We haven't. There is a motion in a second yet. Oh. Yeah, I stand. Correct. Thank you. Yes. So seeing no commenting on it commissioners, then the request is a motion to approve. Is there a motion moved motion made by Commissioner Hoffman support. Supported by Commissioner. Slaby further discussion commissioners. See none clerk barring, please call the roll Commissioner Hoffman. Yes. Commissioner Praedel. Yes. Commissioner Slaby. Slavey yes. Commissioner Wilson. Yes. Vice mayor Duncan. Yes. Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Hess. Yes. Thank you. Commissioners the motion. Passes. And that is the extent of our regular Agenda. Isn't it manager Hankins. I think so. Alright. On your printed Agenda. You will find that after the regular Agenda items, there was an item under policy items. K one and just a reminder. That has been removed from tonight's Agenda as well. So now we are down to Commissioner comments. Comments, any Commissioner comments?

Cummins vice mayor Duncan. I, I know. It's Commissioner comments, but I have questions about K one as to why that was removed. Removed. I, I can answer that. Please. It's internally, we were reviewing the policy and we. Realized we still had some questions we needed to clear up before we brought it to you. So there's no. It's just so it's not going away. It's just, it's still being no, we're just working through the internal staff conversations about the policy. Thank you. . That's it. All right. Thank you. Commissioner Wilson. Thanks mayor. So we've had quite a few comments at recent. Meetings about the flooding on the north side. So I wanted to inform the community about an event that we have going on tomorrow. Tomorrow there'll be a community event at the north side association for community development. N a C D six to 7:00 PM. This will be a place where Northside residents are, are able to share their concerns regarding the recent flooding issues. Issues all be in attendance with Jason. WEMA our Kalamazoo county drain Commissioner. We'll be there to get a better understanding of the concerns directly from. Residents provide guidance on available resources and support. As well as discuss the root cause of the issues and potential next steps to address. Again, I'll be there mostly to listen and support, but we'll have our expert. County drain Commissioner adjacent, ser there to answer some questions. Questions. Thanks. Thank you. Commissioner Wilson. Commissioner Slavey no. You're set. sure. I think tonight is a good example and a reminder that this can often be a team sport. And so I just want to thank you for kind of just jumping in on a whim like that. It's pretty intimidating. I'm sure when that happens and. So thank you, vice mayor. Smarin for doing that

also. I know this is coming up. Wanna take a moment to recognize and. Acknowledge director Antonio Mitchell, who will be retiring. I think this will probably be the last time you're up at the podium. In your capacity. I think maybe. I, I believe you're a retirement event is next Tuesday. Say again, Thursday. But anyways, congratulations. And thank you for your service. And, you know, just kind of off that conversation with, with lights. I know that there's good use and there'll be enhancement of lighting. In those areas that we mentioned, but I think here repeatedly, we would love to see more lights in some of the more residential areas. Areas in the neighborhood. So that's all. Thanks. Thank you. Commissioner Praedel Commissioner Hess. Hess. Sure. Thank you, mayor. Indeed. A team sport. So this choosing to see the best of Kalamazoo. A few good things about Kalamazoo happening lately. Mayor. And I were able, able to do the mayor's bike ride on Saturday. And leading us and shepherding us along the way were two officers. Officers police officers, one who had just caught a baby the day before. Officer Arnette. God bless him. Was. Johnny on the spot and was able to be that officer who caught a baby from a burning bur building, and then also rescued the mother. And I'm like, and you're here. The next morning, just you and your dad and these guys are showing up. He and officer cake did a great job of leading. And shepherding our bike ride and having it be a safe bike ride through the city of Kalamazoo. Led by a very knowledgeable biker Wilson. Who who chose the route and let us see. A lot of Kalamazoo from a different place than a car. And it really is different. So if you have a chance to get on a bike and ride around the city of Kalamazoo, you're gonna see the best of what Kalamazoo has to. Offer. Thank you again to those officers. Officers and speaking of

officers right here in these chambers last week. Chief and the department of public safety swore in six new officers. And we'd like to welcome them to. To public safety and quoting chief Boise. And he said being. Being a public safety officer is an honorable profe profession. And. Indeed it is. And welcome to those six and grateful for all of those who do serve. I also it's happy public services week. So last week was police week where we did a lot of wonderful police work. And this week, we're doing a lot of wonderful public services. We work with the visits on Tuesday night and Wednesday night at our, at. Tuesday night and Thursday night. At our Harrison facility and our Stockbridge bridge facility. So that people can see the, the work that really is being done. And between public safety and public services. Services. This is the majority of the employees of the city of Kalamazoo. You know, these are the people with boots on the ground. They're literally doing the work. Of putting, keeping this city. Running. And I'm so grateful to you all. And then also today I was able to attend at Kalamazoo college. The introduction of the new 19th president of Kalamazoo college, she'll be joining us right after commencement on June 14th. In our community as the new president of Kalamazoo college. Carolyn Crowley. And she comes to us from Delaware, Ohio. And the Ohio Wesleyan university. She'll be replacing retiring. President Jorge Gonzalez. So welcome. Welcome to Carolyn Crowley. Thank you very much. Commissioner Hess. Hess. So one of the, it was, it was great to go on that, that bike ride. And we went through some neighborhoods and

went down some streets that I don't regularly. Travel on, and I can tell you. My Commissioner colleagues. There was one thing that was. Somewhat discouraging to me about that. Right. And as the miserable condition of a lot of our streets, when we get it out to our neighborhoods and. I know we're doing the best we can. And. You know, our public services department does a fantastic job and we've been, you know, focusing on them here a lot for the last couple weeks, but I guess. If I had to say anything about that. Might sincerest hope is we have some more money coming our way. The new wave as a state budget has allocated our act $51. So we got more coming our way. But, you know, we've been doing a big, big lift with this. You know, lead service line replacement, big thing to do, but. I really am hoping that we can get to kind of a Marshall plan. Look at our streets sometime here over the next few years. There's. There's we hear about speed bumps. You know, I recognize that went down some streets where there's speed bumps that we installed to be helpful. On top of streets that were literally. You know, a, a quilt patchwork of, of potholes. Potholes patched. And now unpatched, you know, since we just went through the winter. So I, I, I guess I'll say I hear about this. We get communications in our office. About this. And I, it is one of the most basic things that, that we wanna be doing is creating a place where. You're not gonna be worried about the streets driving down and. You know, we're gonna keep that there and do the best we can. And I know we're doing more this year. So, so thank you, director baker for that. A couple other things. Our very own pastor Greg Jennings, senior, who does fantastic work with pastors on patrol. Had a regional, a women's conference at progressive deliverance.

This past week, we got to attend that. And you know, great event. A lot of energy. And then we also, another thing we had this weekend was the ribbon cutting for open roads. Which is now right in the heart of Edison neighborhood here. I'm. I'm so happy that it's here where young people can just walk to it without having to negotiate. This long stretch down Riverview drive. Which probably to some folks felt like way out in the country, how to even get there. It was once again, it was just so welcoming to young people. That've done a beautiful job of setting it up inside there. And Ethan and Isaac and the folks that keep that going. I just wanna say thank you so much. And. Here. Here's what it reminds me of. I, I mentioned this, I made a few remarks to the gathering over at progress deliverance, and that is that. You know, we do. We, people come here and they ask us to do things and we try to do the best job we can. Where, where we can to help this be a great place, but underneath all of that, it's just. Really what makes KMSU a great place. Is everything that everybody is doing, not up here in the Dias, in their neighborhoods, at their nonprofits. Nonprofits in their faith centers here in Kalamazoo and, and that. I mean, that is something that doesn't start her end here. It starts from people's hearts and. I mean, I can't tell you how great that feels when you get out over and over again. And seeing that good work being done. All across the city. So thank you. To everyone that spends their time trying to help this place be a great place to everybody live. I love you, Kalamazoo. We're a jerk.