[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6259725,"mediaKeyId","3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189","parentId",3137539,"title","Commission approves first reading of ordinance to allow impoundment of vehicles tied to 'mobile nuisance' gatherings","audioSeconds",2793,"startMs",8210000,"endMs",11003000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189&start=8210&end=11003","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189/thumbnail_8210000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6259725/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-first-reading-of-ordinance-to-allow-impoundment-of-vehicles-tied-to-mobile-nuisance-gatherings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259725-47cff67e03cb8af5f92476a5f1921d46/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067833&Signature=lGe0bbWifqsv2KNu6wRiRwA~KXpxpRWGQIZtbHsG6sLfMQsBeGA-xXUV40Uiac0fBgTCYTaF5UXgljNUUBPj3C5EuUQkaalcj7DfbblRwZLPioKqs5DTIyBejDhx5CZDT8QkcfpVBrhqCucVzlaJwbYjJ~9pEfNAprIO8MoAaZjzGISkDghEfYmWZ9wghodVEffgodeMdt-88yKh9hCHiiKIlr-uYvfeK9qXVTP4lF4X2f9jkN1AzjeRFfYyRoE4DWMaFeiK7Wz62A1O9L5nnF1eJtG-UPjrDmZhJmZcvlZYjdh~n4jyOAySdSnKmlK89uzu69CQ~GqMQDBXy91K3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kalamazoo","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Kalamazoo City Commission on April 21 approved for first reading a proposed ordinance (Chapter 21, Article 3, new section 21‑28) that would authorize police to impound vehicles involved in repeat “mobile nuisance” gatherings.

The draft ordinance defines a mobile nuisance party as a static or moving social gathering that, by conduct, causes one or more listed harms — including unlawful obstruction of traffic, unlawful street parking, and unreasonably loud noise that disturbs neighbors. The ordinance establishes a process that begins with a warning letter to registered owners and can result in seizure and impoundment of vehicles that continue to be involved in subsequent incidents.

Police Chief David Boysen and Deputy City Attorney Sarah Van Heif presented the ordinance and described the department’s recent operational approach. Boysen said the department shifted from large overtime enforcement operations to a data‑driven strategy that identifies vehicles that repeatedly appear at disturbance sites, issues warning letters (in person when feasible, or by certified mail), and — where repeat violation occurs — seeks seizure orders from a judge to tow vehicles after the fact. Chief Boysen said staff identified 914 vehicles involved in the behavior in 2024, that 24 of those were rental vehicles, and that the department obtained 15 seizure orders and executed 14 tows after the fact.

“We found focusing on vehicles rather than on individual attendees is more effective, safer for officers and more efficient for the department,” Boysen said.

Deputy City Attorney Sarah Van Heif said the proposed ordinance clarifies the authority to impound vehicles when enforcement occurs after the event. The draft sets a 90‑day misdemeanor penalty for violations and describes three enforcement subsections: towing on‑scene where reasonable cause exists, after‑the‑fact seizure where a warning was previously served, and a process requiring judicial authorization before entering private property to retrieve a towed vehicle.

Commissioners asked operational questions about how long the enforcement window would remain open (staff said the warning/impound authority would be limited to a six‑month period from service of the warning letter), how license‑plate‑reader alerts would be used to flag repeat vehicles, and how private‑property seizures would be handled (authorities said the department would seek a search warrant where private‑property entry is necessary).

Public comment included a questioning of the approach’s emphasis. Amanda Charbonneau, who said she studied community policing, asked whether the problem was violence and safety or quality of life and property values and urged the city to consider alternatives such as providing safe gathering spaces and transit access. Chief Boysen and Vice Mayor Hess said the ordinance is a targeted public‑safety and quality‑of‑life measure intended to protect residents whose neighborhoods have been repeatedly disrupted; they cited past incidents where emergency access and resident sleep were compromised.

The commission voted to advance the ordinance for first reading. The motion was made by Commissioner Prado and supported by Commissioner Decker; roll‑call recorded unanimous support among commissioners present.

Ending: If the ordinance proceeds through second reading and final adoption, staff said enforcement will continue with warning letters, targeted impounds and judicial review for private‑property actions; the department also plans to use license‑plate readers and the mobile nuisance dashboard to track repeat offenders.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 21, 2025 Regular Business Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Kalamazoo City Commission on April 21 approved for first reading a proposal to amend Chapter 21 to allow impoundment of vehicles tied to repeat \"mobile nuisance\" gatherings after warning and limited court authorization.","taxTitle","Kalamazoo City, Kalamazoo County, Michigan","taxId",3977,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6259735,"Residents, civil rights board members press commission after mayor declines recommended appointment",1049,2058000,3107000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189&start=2058&end=3107","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189/thumbnail_2058000.jpg","/articles/6259735/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Residents-civil-rights-board-members-press-commission-after-mayor-declines-recommended-appointment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259735-31967bb93f009d020ced4dec18d7234f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067833&Signature=Y3cnzDbhTks1ov~GN6eeKSfq1rBfR405UlTChsBwvZbJwfmxr0ilbgycokUHPN7dxDJzWmHENR5yvy~ZPH9-vXrmIs-9qoLbTsJHF27SLxyS3LDP9t7ZtZV3ZPEJfebKhTNTRsuNc2xYVYLy1x0PL8PlLxmPlVSnGo2-DUqBj-pm7exi~Q1EQ5sOfZLd64qFgxovu9gwqU432KWUCtF03w5rfKkz8a9RsDuX6nU29aTesRr6URrKRnW2MgN-yZKNFYnd1EGEh~BAaZ59PCxay4pylEorJAmyYQqH4nIhx0ueOVW9OdjcWAOtJvAJbIjgH7eMKLjPztnaDGNyTkSPXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents and members of community groups urged the Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday to fill vacancies on the city’s Civil Rights Board and to respect the board’s appointment recommendations after Mayor David F. Anderson declined to advance the board’s choice for a seat.

Speakers said the denial has reduced the board’s effectiveness and undermined public trust in a body intended to enforce the housing equity ordinance adopted in 2020.

The issue matters because the Civil Rights Board (CRB) is tasked with investigating housing and discrimination complaints that affect low‑income and protected populations, and board members and community organizers said vacancies and the mayor’s handling of an appointment have left the board unable to carry out that work.

Kathy Fason, chair of the Civil Rights Board, told the commission the board voted unanimously to recommend attorney Louis Smith and that his application met the board’s requirements. “By denying Lou’s appointment, a precedent is being set — one that suggests our community does not have a meaningful voice in choosing who represents them,” Fason said. She described the decision as a “trust issue” and urged the commission to restore the board’s complement.

Other speakers echoed that message. Meg Adams, a member of ISAAC and a community member, said she met with the mayor and was told the mayor had concerns about a potential conflict of interest if a county attorney served on a city board. “We read the bylaws that address conflicts; the board has procedures for recusals,” Adams said, adding she did not see a bylaw violation in Smith’s application.

Wendy Flora, who said she serves on ISAAC’s leadership board, urged the commissioners to move forward with nominations that come from the CRB’s own nominating committee, saying the current delays and rejections create unnecessary barriers and reduce the board’s ability to perform its function.

Speakers repeatedly emphasized that the board has three vacancies and that continued vacancies diminish the CRB’s capacity to review complaints and make findings under the housing equity ordinance. Several callers urged the commission to treat the CRB’s recommendations consistently with the city’s other advisory boards.

Mayor David F. Anderson met privately with proponents of the appointment before the meeting, according to comments by board members; speakers said the mayor told them a potential conflict could arise given overlapping city and county roles, but they argued that existing bylaws and the city’s ethics rules provide mechanisms (such as recusal) to handle conflicts. The transcript does not record a formal commission vote on the mayor’s handling of the specific recommendation during Monday’s meeting.

Public commenters also called attention to broader concerns about housing access, enforcement of the housing equity ordinance and the pace of city action. Kathy Fason reminded the commission that a Civil Rights Board meeting was scheduled for April 30 at 5:00 p.m. in City Chambers and asked for public attendance to “strengthen engagement, equity, and accountability.”

The commission did not take formal action on CRB appointments during the April 21 meeting; several speakers asked the commission to adopt a practice of forwarding civil‑rights‑board recommendations to the full commission without delay.

Ending: The commission’s calendar and staff records show the Civil Rights Board will next meet on April 30; residents who raised concerns asked commissioners to address the appointments and to ensure the board has a full complement so it can begin or resume its enforcement responsibilities.","Dozens of residents and members of community groups urged the Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday to fill vacancies on the city’s Civil Rights Board and to respect the board’s appointment recommendations after Mayor David F. Anderson declined to advance the board’s choice for a seat.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6259720,"Commission adopts $196.8 million FY2026 Clean Water SRF project plan for biosolids dryer, energy recovery and sewer repairs",175,11711000,11886000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189&start=11711&end=11886","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189/thumbnail_11711000.jpg","/articles/6259720/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Commission-adopts-1968-million-FY2026-Clean-Water-SRF-project-plan-for-biosolids-dryer-energy-recovery-and-sewer-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259720-4e5d1d0a22c76fe1164952a1f5f9493b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067833&Signature=fHmcA8K4cMVYqK~ZW2qYGa74g1F7iapJEYkVERGdWMnsr464PGcqkZItnDRkjuEiLU6iB45dmShtqGGo4UDTQA~TgvEXkTBDwvBiS2-49-r6gUq2HUqGuC2w4mtzQ6gFppYJHA05GwSSkJm4ftRQhX-UKyfjoqZ0UfislGUuX2ox1ZQ2qcdCjAC7OQoI8OOYXenTr5iz0Do60Z7AsjWRRaSmYWBtZQ0Ft2PN8t4agvY~uZYX~uMcD7JJlh1l8By2EoTERyW17NP41O9Y6~ZhsO1yj7v0u-Ag9MLWqHQvbD-YV7vPxMPiJVxTERzDEZ5IOw1PJqx8hxpQptkHvOsepg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo City Commission on April 21 adopted a resolution authorizing submission of a $196,829,913 FY2026 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) project plan for wastewater system improvements, including a new biosolids drying and energy‑recovery system, repairs in the Kleinstuck Preserve and a Farmers Alley sewer replacement project. The commission also designated James J. Baker, P.E., as the city’s authorized project representative.

City staff and Director James J. Baker outlined the rationale: the city currently processes roughly 27 million gallons per day at the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant and produces about 200 tons per day of biosolids. Disposal costs have escalated — staff said the city paid roughly $4.5 million annually for landfill disposal in 2019 and now pays more than $13.5 million annually. The proposed project aims to convert biosolids to a dried, stabilized mineral ash while recovering energy on site, which staff said would reduce annual disposal costs to under $2 million when operational.

Baker described a multi‑year vetting process. The city issued a request for information and evaluated more than 31 technology proposals, then narrowed options with a stakeholder panel that included industrial partners, community representatives and engineering consultants. The recommendation selected the dryer plus an energy‑recovery system (ERS) over dryer‑only and other alternatives after evaluating lifecycle costs, greenhouse‑gas emissions, odor potential and PFAS destruction. Baker said the dryer+ERS option provides the best long‑term operational cost trajectory, superior carbon footprint and an advanced air‑pollution control train that staff judged necessary to protect neighbors from odors and airborne contaminants.

Staff presented lifecycle cost comparisons showing higher upfront capital costs for dryer+ERS (reflected in the overall $196.8 million program plan) but substantially lower long‑term operating cost than dryer‑only alternatives. Commissioners asked detailed technical and financial questions about PFAS treatment, odor control, and how the city would finance the project if state SRF funding was only partially awarded; Director Baker said the city would pursue multiple funding sources including SRF, WIFIA and potentially municipal financing options and expected SRF award decisions in September.

The plan’s schedule shows procurement, permitting and construction steps that would run through 2030 if fully funded; staff also stressed required air‑permitting and natural‑features protections for the Kleinstuck Preserve work. Director Baker said the immediate next step is SRF submission and that the staff team will continue to refine project scope and funding strategies.

The commission voted to adopt the project plan. Motion was made by Commissioner Cooney and supported by Commissioner Decker. Roll call recorded unanimous approval among commissioners present.

Ending: Staff said the SRF submission will compete for funding statewide; if awarded, the project would move into design, permitting and construction phases through the late 2020s with the intent of reducing long‑term biosolids disposal costs and improving environmental and odor outcomes at the plant.","Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $196,829,913 FY2026 Clean Water State Revolving Fund project plan on April 21 to address biosolids processing (dryer plus energy‑recovery system), Kleinstuck Preserve pipe repairs and Farmers Alley sewer work; staff said long‑term operations would cut current landfill disposal costs significantly.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6259730,"Kalamazoo approves HUD-required 2025–2029 consolidated plan and 2025 action plan; sets priorities for housing and neighborhood projects",2268,5674000,7942000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189&start=5674&end=7942","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137539-70a5381a6d4ff5864df9e3efdc395189/thumbnail_5674000.jpg","/articles/6259730/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Kalamazoo-approves-HUD-required-20252029-consolidated-plan-and-2025-action-plan-sets-priorities-for-housing-and-neighborhood-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259730-21536b588d46ffa8f4e906ec14cb95f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067833&Signature=ECw30JpgjBe8vAicRk2ynWcDnFwmdhFrZcuOQj8MxLLj~FS3dgKTkS0xVVJjp1IWyp7VgsoVI08cey3X41poshWVG-WyM49Zno3wt4GsZ5Tuojf5ULwNn6rvIcVstBhGap4rFzHjDzBfPPbw42~k-WtIQmKNrvaB1Es2BUjzeaxVzq~an2gsMISOV0iDPipoJv~VAckjsEyIJrWTok4cy3iiWpyjLdkq1TJ0VF59vVQqZFpSGvRFqdazgyM3aDCsHI6glxux~nsqWJgKcWouidBN9xBl0KBF1r9pq5-DChliplcgGULXhfUOWKfkDqIYonp2PTKOsKMUMUqLapipkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo City Commission on April 21 adopted the city’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and the accompanying 2025 Action Plan, the five‑year strategy required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for entitlement communities.

The plan sets priorities for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships funds and establishes proposed 2025 program activity. City staff told the commission the city currently receives roughly $1,500,000 annually in CDBG funds and about $450,000 annually in HOME funds and that HUD requires that the consolidated plan align each activity with one of HUD’s national objectives.

Julie Johnston, the city’s compliance specialist, summarized outreach and the plan’s priorities: two critical priorities — preserving existing single‑family housing and stabilizing affordable rental housing for low‑income households; four important priorities including safe rental housing and services for underserved groups; and several desirable priorities such as housing diversity and economic development. Johnston said the plan forecasts outcomes based on current funding levels and warned that reduced federal allocations would require re‑evaluation of those targets.

Key elements of the 2025 action plan include:

- Single‑family home repair programs to protect low‑income homeowners from displacement. Johnston said home repairs emerged from the community outreach as a critical need.
- A proposed Neighborhood Initiatives Fund that would assign about $200,000 per year to one of the city’s five core neighborhoods on a rotating basis to address localized public‑improvement projects.
- Expanded public‑service funding. Staff recommended widening public service support beyond previous allocations for youth development and said the city expects to assist roughly 1,250 people through grants to service providers over the five‑year period.
- Tenant‑based rental assistance (TBRA) using both CDBG and HOME dollars, proposed as a 12‑month rental subsidy paired with financial‑self‑sufficiency supports; staff described a rough 2025 TBRA funding estimate near $330,000.
- HOME CHDO set‑aside. HUD requires 15% of HOME funds be reserved for community housing development organizations (CHDOs); staff said that translated to roughly $65,000 annually and noted that a portion of 2024 CHDO funding remained unallocated and was included in the 2025 request.

The plan also outlines neighborhoods and organizations that participated in an extensive outreach campaign: an online survey, six neighborhood open houses, 24 events and meetings with service providers and community partners during summer and fall 2024.

Public commenters and community partners spoke in support of the plan while urging additional emphasis on down‑payment assistance and continued city support for infill new‑build programs. Beth McCann, executive director of Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing, asked that the city consider restoring a down‑payment assistance program; she said 68% of the group’s recent buyers required DPA and the average assistance had been $10,750.

The commission voted to approve the consolidated plan and 2025 action plan. Motion to adopt was made by Commissioner Decker and supported by Commissioner Cooney. Deputy Clerk Moss recorded the roll call: Commissioner Decker — yes; Commissioner Paredle — abstain (stated the abstention was for a conflict with employer); Commissioner Wilson — yes; Vice Mayor Hess — yes; Mayor Anderson — yes; Commissioner Cooney — yes. The motion passed.

Ending: Staff said the plan must be submitted to HUD by May 15 and that HUD’s funding awards for the Clean‑up and HOME programs will affect final outcomes; the city will return to the commission for final approval of project contracts and allocations under the action plan.","On April 21, 2025 the Kalamazoo City Commission voted to adopt the 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the 2025 action plan required by HUD, directing federal CDBG and HOME funds toward housing preservation, tenant stability, neighborhood projects and expanded public-service grants.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves first reading of ordinance to allow impoundment of vehicles tied to 'mobile nuisance' gatherings

Residents, civil rights board members press commission after mayor declines recommended appointment

Commission adopts $196.8 million FY2026 Clean Water SRF project plan for biosolids dryer, energy recovery and sewer repairs

Kalamazoo approves HUD-required 2025–2029 consolidated plan and 2025 action plan; sets priorities for housing and neighborhood projects