[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6520595,"mediaKeyId","5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7","parentId",5226264,"title","Votes at a glance: July 7 Kalamazoo City Commission — contracts, appointments and minutes approved","audioSeconds",138,"startMs",2582000,"endMs",2720000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7&start=2582&end=2720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7/thumbnail_2582000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6520595/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-July-7-Kalamazoo-City-Commission-contracts-appointments-and-minutes-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520595-dcee03e2b9b7e6a149543a624d58af0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117901&Signature=Oh9HygYrrPfeXbdXz6lT~MlYpaix2lys2QqY8QssY3lUIqqq2vGPTUIcyx6KjFtBmIAfG9BXVL52084ZEIRhFoezbh0bP4X~kusppBMzyj7Rap0vbK9U7l2q3rwj9VuaBOL2YOCnhsD5kQVRHCZpURds4HptsyGvOZZiE6RUWQ3dKRS0PR6vT6Rj3xmnmMdnIglw7gfP7BERWMCjIoQFvfSb1I0c3sWtsKPtNkOBp9XyAG0eBQ6-t6DYEbuGU~Td8nGrkD4pKAZI-lFWr4YJ5BUHZcdEwpRKfaign2SgQoKJHm1W4o~ZX9T5TwhZvM85mSL~WeYB5~ByIB3Bel23Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-07T22:58:46Z","article","At its July 7 business meeting, the Kalamazoo City Commission approved the consent agenda and a set of regular-agenda items. The motions below were taken and adopted by roll call unless otherwise noted.

Consent agenda (items 1–8) — Approved (motion: Commissioner Hoffman; support: Commissioner Wilson)
- Item 1: Contract with EcoPatcher Inc. for spray patching — $130,000. Approved by roll call (recorded yes votes: Decker; Hoffman; Prado; Wilson; Vice Mayor Hess; Mayor Anderson).
- Item 2: Contract supplemental/change order with Hurley & Stewart LLC for Burdick Street Improvement Project design — $184,640. Approved.
- Item 3: 10-year contract extension with Emphasys Software for SymPro investment management program — $245,902. Approved.
- Item 4: Contract extension with Consumers Concrete Corporation for ready-mix concrete — $586,050. Approved.
- Item 5: Change order with Whiteman & Associates Inc. for water reclamation plant clarifier rehabilitation design — $669,430. Approved.
- Item 6: Transfer of an EOD robot from Grand Rapids Police Department bomb squad to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Approved.
- Item 7: Adoption of a resolution approving appointments for public safety chief of staff and consolidated dispatch authority governing board. Approved.
- Item 8: Approval of minutes for meetings on May 12, May 19, June 2 and June 16. Approved.

Regular agenda approvals (selected items):
- H1: Approve professional services agreement with Tetra Tech (Contract 1 pump station 5 & 14 water transmission mains) — $1,297,639. Motion made by Commissioner Decker; supported by Commissioner Perito. Approved by roll call.
- H2: Approve contract with Peters Construction Company for utility improvements on Newton’s Court, Fellows Avenue and John Street — $2,488,541.77. Motion made by Commissioner Wilson; supported by Vice Mayor Hess. Approved by roll call.
- H3: Approve professional services agreement with Tetra Tech (Contract 2 pump station 5 & 14 reconstruction) — $3,724,152. Motion made by Commissioner Decker; supported by Commissioner Prado. Approved by roll call.
- H4: Adopt ordinance authorizing Water Supply System Revenue Bonds, Series 2025B, not to exceed $101,180,000. Motion made by Commissioner Decker; supported by Commissioner Hoffman. Approved by roll call.
- H5: Adopt resolution to participate in negotiations to create the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority. Motion made by Commissioner Decker; supported by Vice Mayor Hess. Approved by roll call.

All motions listed were approved; recorded roll-call votes are shown where given during the meeting. Several items included brief commissioner remarks but limited public comment. Where the clerk read a recorded roll call, the names are included in the item listing above.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 7, 2025 Regular Business Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved the consent agenda (items 1–8) and several regular-agenda contracts and actions on July 7, 2025. This roundup lists each motion, the mover/second (where recorded) and the recorded roll-call outcome.","taxTitle","Kalamazoo City, Kalamazoo County, Michigan","taxId",3977,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6520600,"Local group Lean on Healing seeks funding to scale trauma-informed family programs",424,1078000,1502000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7&start=1078&end=1502","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7/thumbnail_1078000.jpg","/articles/6520600/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Local-group-Lean-on-Healing-seeks-funding-to-scale-trauma-informed-family-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520600-95509401c40599d3d50b117edeb75818/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117901&Signature=a~7QwI6grRNm8jAV4245ghSblhbLC5R3BGPJmsS6McMiJ2wjytK0dtid1MkSccy8uvwfm6iMx4hBubUHaPAITTFTAMyahf8tiXyXVPT~DCqw4iIokGbJBX58LwTiiJfOKSbFZqjxFKSqWwDwnSYguepdaZzhe2AEpfwpGRtSKX5FuU7wHZegPeDmQN18d78aE8mTDHntMA6LUy2jvg3g2rWhAQgXrsGk1AJgPP-JDxs0M1nkMgKJYtdh9w1XXB5P1T0JaSUu2s23woinrr4F4Bi~ImqlKW31Nui-~siuQTh3pqKJRoG70AObj9WGWIPpfP28wlPpRNZUpCWOoSox8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two founders of a Kalamazoo-based nonprofit, Lean on Healing with Healing on Purpose, told the City Commission on July 7 that they are seeking funding and partnerships to scale a 16-week, trauma- and community-informed curriculum aimed at parents, youth and families.

\"When I got better, my kids got better, my household was healthier,\" said Lena Shorter, cofounder and co-lead, describing her personal experience and how it informed the program’s focus on generational healing and practical supports.

Cofounder Alisa Watkins Moreau said the program connects families to therapy when needed and provides basics such as beds, clothing and food because, she said, \"you can't process trauma when you're still trying to survive.\" The pair said they aim to make therapy more culturally relevant and reduce stigma while training leaders and growing community-based support.

Why it matters: Speakers said many families face barriers to traditional therapy — insurance, authorization and stigma — and that community-based, culturally responsive approaches can fill gaps and reduce intergenerational trauma.

What they asked for: Shorter and Moreau asked the commission and attendees for partnerships, funding and referrals so the program can serve more families and expand leader training. Both speakers noted prior community ties and work in Kalamazoo institutions and organizations.

No formal city action on the request was taken at the meeting; commissioners thanked the presenters and acknowledged the role of community-based services in supporting youth and families.

","Speakers from Lean on Healing with Healing on Purpose asked the commission for support and partnerships to expand a 16-week, trauma-informed family healing program and to remove barriers that keep families from accessing therapy and stabilization services.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6520605,"Commission agrees to join negotiations for Kalamazoo County Event Center assessment authority",411,3412000,3823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7&start=3412&end=3823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7/thumbnail_3412000.jpg","/articles/6520605/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Commission-agrees-to-join-negotiations-for-Kalamazoo-County-Event-Center-assessment-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520605-1caefec91c5af85282d1834552f4f612/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117901&Signature=fhSzYZDw~wqAnv11Nc3qGeroEeZKO4Gh7NVGVv6dF0u859xVYEcUAymD5BYJ4FBw0hF0J~5JU8iURN7mxAALo5wprFGK2rh1mU8q9YZnNf3swak8FnIgjhZbIcScgNy2n69h55Kd69CogmNdJ0eFgCWyuMTdjd~0RSL8LiLK6ORgF5HOT7JnfiLgE~TLA8cR4wkSaOw88hJ8SzFYbQNrTzRRlg9-tvnLg7TVrAqN8dBCKevSH~S-KGL~-czyBi3K-dh5wEusJcxaowc~1bcUR~eSJMAAG4qxNNBngEPxWfZ6Ue~HJq1hoQPRT~VWFesETQykkyXcVgzgzxbC7nAk0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo City Commission voted July 7 to participate in negotiations to form a Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority, a joint city–county body proposed to manage assessment revenue from a hotel assessment that voters in the hotel sector approved.

Jane Ghosh of Discover Kalamazoo told the commission the financing mechanism is built on the Event Center Financing Act and that the assessment revenue began to be collected on June 1. She said the assessment is intended to give hoteliers a governance role because they are the primary payers under the financing structure.

\"The primary benefit of the facility needs to go to the hoteliers,\" Ghosh said, describing the authority as a structure (under Michigan law) that can include hotelier representation on its governing body and manage assessment receipts.

Ghosh also said the assessment revenue for 2025 is expected to be about $1.9 million and will rise over the next two years; the county has expressed willingness to bond for the facility, and initial operating-year deficits could be covered by assessment revenue prior to opening.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the indoor sports and events facility could create new opportunities for youth athletics and tourism; Vice Mayor Hess described the site as a strong location for volleyball, basketball and indoor turf programming and praised the plan’s model of using visitor-generated revenue rather than general-fund money.

The measure approved by the commission authorizes staff to participate in negotiations to create the assessment district authority; formal creation of the authority, bonding and facility construction remain separate decisions requiring future action.

","The commission voted to participate in negotiations to create a Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority that would manage assessment revenue from a hotel assessment passed by hoteliers; Discover Kalamazoo representatives explained revenue and operating projections.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6520609,"After weekend shootings, Kalamazoo police increase patrols and ask public for tips",353,3647000,4000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7&start=3647&end=4000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7/thumbnail_3647000.jpg","/articles/6520609/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/After-weekend-shootings-Kalamazoo-police-increase-patrols-and-ask-public-for-tips","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520609-b0e66684f1a6543782dd2f34b06f0f87/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117901&Signature=HGLX7IOq1kdVa2JWZXx~cJAfhYo0wrykCPwHk6HLxCE5msXd8n5styjpRxHLriGjDyOT72136-h~AmoMKfUdHh93ThdBHNg8DcKu0uZM4CdQrddIkb-IhvE7~b12g-RxPakB3ptT2is73UJ~JxBVOUXRqTyBpn93Q7~Wd2YO5RAz4O5dBMohhtCPwJYnv5VwmDVvpqOFtHkVBPPmaNzzzXaEFNMkIE6YmF2bB5cyp1oZn0R3B6D5crvuwCTpBW5b7KpbfbbEKAnGXT6uJ2KOky9anO5ncthWr8be0P9IawjctAI5pClqUJk74UB963nNNx8mg9ES7Lk5Lf8rU4boIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reported four separate shooting incidents between about 11:50 p.m. on July 4 and 4 a.m. on July 5 that left eight shooting victims, including one person who died and another in critical condition, Chief Boyce told the City Commission on July 7.

\"This was not a shooting incident. These were shootouts,\" Chief Boyce said, adding investigators found many shell casings at multiple scenes. He said at least two juveniles — ages 15 and 17 — were involved and that detectives and community street-outreach workers are engaging families.

Police action and request for help: Boyce said the department has increased patrols and reassigned officers to focus on the shootings. He asked community members with information to contact detectives at (269) 337-8139, Silent Observer at the anonymous tip line, or submit tips via the department’s online system or app.

Why it matters: Commissioners and public speakers framed the violence as a pressing public-safety emergency that has deep community effects. Several commissioners read the names of people killed or wounded this year and urged the public to partner with police and outreach organizations to stop retaliatory violence.

Commissioner Wilson said the community has “a trail of grieving families” and urged use of intermediaries for those reluctant to contact police directly. Vice Mayor Hess praised officers, outreach partners and pastors on patrol and emphasized a proactive community response to reduce shootings.

What police said they are doing: Boyce described evidence collection, witness interviews and cooperation with street outreach teams. He said tips have come in but the department needs more eyewitness accounts — specifically naming the Douglas and Patterson shooting as one scene with many potential witnesses.

Public comments at the meeting also expressed broader concerns about city safety and calls for more proactive services, mental-health supports and youth programming.

No arrests were announced during the presentation; Chief Boyce said investigators were continuing to develop cases and that community cooperation is critical.

","Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reported four shooting incidents July 4–5 that left eight victims, one fatally; police say they are increasing patrols, working with outreach partners and asking witnesses to provide tips.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6520614,"Kalamazoo adopts $101.18 million water bond and approves construction contracts for pump stations and mains",276,3100000,3376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7&start=3100&end=3376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226264-03b1bdd72c16c54c3a1f9fddb657c0d7/thumbnail_3100000.jpg","/articles/6520614/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Kalamazoo-adopts-10118-million-water-bond-and-approves-construction-contracts-for-pump-stations-and-mains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520614-b4ba17389b37802d52db017679998ff3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771117901&Signature=Ek-yWrllhp77yuX7rg2mGxkIfuDiPtG190-4SDYESBsUe6qplQ-kUB6Q1DY7DId2N0GYiyCgrW3p5hfPm1zPb-zL2KaD7RBtTj-pLMlu9yak5vP28bB9oUaq6rnsdbpK1G8~IIrY4DcdKQi4CV0JVWdFQGG6uLy05SpjDbfKJ8ZBMtyj-OzBsiza8MV2VBinV3upuWboPeM9S9SWA1Mbih1XwWhRylZBxV~0~qY5KjWhu2AwTSdDbPLntb5K0LmLSrcn2euyRv1NT6IuhTpe9InRmrM8aN6oeAhKLY8xW2A5NBRWJP3-Lm~a7XUxM6HeK~vM3IpIq9Ykg1xOmxxJ4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday adopted an ordinance authorizing Water Supply System Revenue Bonds, Series 2025B, in an amount not to exceed $101,180,000 and approved several related construction and engineering contracts to repair and upgrade the city’s drinking-water infrastructure.

The bond ordinance, approved by unanimous roll call, will fund a package of water-system projects the city has been scheduling for several meetings. City staff said the structure — a 40-year loan at roughly 2% interest — reduces borrowing costs and includes principal forgiveness tied to program terms.

\"This bond is over 40 years at 2% interest... that's gonna be over $20,000,000 in interest that we're not gonna have to pay back,\" said Steve Vincenzi, who briefed commissioners on the financing and savings. He added that the program yields roughly $20 million in principal forgiveness for the projects, producing about $40 million in total savings versus standard market bonds.

Why it matters: Commissioners described the vote as a major, long-term investment in public health and reliability. Several commissioners said delaying infrastructure upgrades would raise future costs and risk service interruptions.

Key actions taken: the commission approved a professional-services agreement with Tetra Tech for construction engineering on Contract 1 (pump station 5 and 14 water transmission mains) for $1,297,639; approved a separate Tetra Tech contract for Contract 2 pump station 5 and 14 reconstruction for $3,724,152; and approved a contract with Peters Construction Company for utility improvements on Newton’s Court, Fellows Avenue and John Street for $2,488,541.77. Those items were presented together as part of the city’s water capital program and passed on voice and roll-call votes.

Public comment included concerns about local flooding and new development. One resident warned that removing green space and adding hard surfaces could increase localized flooding and asked for more attention to stormwater in neighborhood plans. The city’s chief administrative officer, Sheila Lamb, and staff noted that Arcadia Creek work — a separate but related creek-capacity and utility upgrade project — had opened the week of the meeting and that West Midge would be closed between Kalamazoo Avenue and Michigan Avenue through mid-August for construction.

Commissioners framed the vote as an investment in resilience. “We need to tackle these issues now because it will make us a far more resilient and thriving community for our kids and our grandkids,” Commissioner Prado said before voting yes.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the bond issuance paperwork and begin contracting and construction work already under design. Several projects are on multiyear schedules and will require ongoing coordination with contractors and grant/program administrators who provided the principal forgiveness.

","The Kalamazoo City Commission on July 7 adopted an ordinance authorizing Water Supply System Revenue Bonds Series 2025B not to exceed $101,180,000 and approved related construction and engineering contracts for pump station reconstruction and street-level utility work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: July 7 Kalamazoo City Commission — contracts, appointments and minutes approved

Local group Lean on Healing seeks funding to scale trauma-informed family programs

Commission agrees to join negotiations for Kalamazoo County Event Center assessment authority

After weekend shootings, Kalamazoo police increase patrols and ask public for tips

Kalamazoo adopts $101.18 million water bond and approves construction contracts for pump stations and mains