June 20, 2023 City Commission Action Summary

Published on June 20, 2023

At its meeting on June 20, 2023, the City Commission took the following actions. You can watch the meeting online here. You can review the official agenda and detailed reports on each agenda item here. 

Consent Agenda (G)

The City Commission approved items 1-12. Item 13 was postponed until July 5, 2023: 

1. Approval of the sole source purchase of four wastewater odor reducing passive carbon scrubber units from Robert H. Wager Company in the amount of $162,300.
2. Approval of a contract with Taplin Group for transportation and disposal of plant screenings in the amount of $175,000.
3. Approval of a one-year contract extension with GHD for 2023 Consulting Services related to the Cork St. Landfill in the amount of $156,600.
4. Approval of a one-year contract with Alexander Chemical Corporation for the purchase of sodium hexametaphosphate in the amount of $268,620.
5. Approval of a one-year contract with Wilson Chemical Solutions for the purchase of 75% phosphoric acid in the amount of $141,750.
6. Approval of a contract and change order with Peter's Construction for the 2023 sidewalk improvement program gap-fill project in the amount of $250,000.
7. Adoption of a RESOLUTION approving Contract 23-5150 with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the replacement of Inkster Bridge in the amount of $656,440.
8. Adoption of a RESOLUTION recommending approval of a Social District Permit for Crawlspace Theatre Productions, L3C at 315 W Michigan Ave.
9. Adoption of a RESOLUTION authorizing the City to submit a SPARK grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for approximately $739,800 to make recreation renovations to Emerald Park.
10. Acceptance of a grant in the amount of $39,040.85 from Kalamazoo Rotary Satellite for stage lighting and netting improvements to Bronson Park. 
11. Approval of the appointment of Alonzo Wilson II to the Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Organizing Committee for a term expiring on March 31, 2026.
12. Approval of the Mayor's appointments and reappointment to boards and commissions:
    - the appointment of Laura Fredrickson to the Natural Features Protection Review Board for a term expiring on March 31, 2024.
    - the appointment of Mitchell Curtis to the Planning Commission for a term expiring on March 31, 2025.
    - the appointment of Christine Dascenzo to the Planning Commission for a term expiring on March 31, 2026.
13. Approval of an agreement for the sale of 710 N Edwards Street to Hazel L Cook, owner of 714 N Edwards Street, for the sale price of $150. (Postpone until July 5, 2023) 

Regular Agenda (H)

The City Commission approved items 1-9:

1. Adoption of a Notice of Intent RESOLUTION for the issuance of 2023 Capital Improvement Bonds in an amount not to exceed Fourteen Million Eight Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($14,835,000). (Action: Motion to adopt the resolution)
2. Adoption of a Notice of Intent RESOLUTION for 2023 Wastewater System Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed Twenty-One Million Six Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($21,655,000). (Action: Motion to adopt the resolution)
3. Adoption of a Notice of Intent RESOLUTION for the issuance of 2023 Water Supply System Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed Thirty-Seven Million Six Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($37,670,000). (Action: Motion to adopt the resolution)
4. Acceptance of a RAISE grant in the amount of $5,974,694 from the US Department of Transportation to support planning and design for the Downtown Transportation Network. (Action: Motion to accept the grant and authorize the City Manager to sign all related documents)
5. Adoption of an ORDINANCE amending the City’s traffic ordinance to prohibit distracted driving, as permitted by State statute. (Action: Motion to adopt the ordinance)
6. Adoption of an ORDINANCE to establish the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Department, whose Director will be appointed by and report to the City Manager. (Action: Motion to adopt the ordinance)
7. Adoption of an ORDINANCE to amend Chapter 20B of the Kalamazoo City Code regarding Marijuana Commercial Businesses to permit the operation of Class A Microbusinesses. (Action: Motion to adopt the ordinance)
8. Adoption of an ORDINANCE amending Chapter 35 of the Kalamazoo City Code allowing for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for certain qualifying housing developments that provide dwelling units for low income individuals and families. (Action: Motion to adopt the ordinance)
9. Adoption of a RESOLUTION setting payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) fees for qualifying low-income housing projects. (Action: Motion to adopt the resolution)

Unfinished Business (J)

The City Commission approved item J1, which had originally been considered at its June 5 meeting: 

Approval of a sole source, three-year contract with Fusus, Inc. for a real-time crime center video and collaboration platform in the amount of $375,000. (Action: Motion to approve)

New Business (L)

The City Commission approved item L1: 

Approval of an amendment to the employment agreement with City Attorney Clyde Robinson to provide spousal health insurance upon his retirement. (Action: Motion to approve)