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Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board tables appointment after short-notice concerns
Summary
The board postponed naming a new member after members said one candidate had less than 24 hours' notice and the nomination committee's interview process lacked consistent participation. The motion to table was moved by Director DeBoer and carried; a special meeting or October meeting was discussed.
The Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board tabled a decision to forward a candidate to the city commission after members raised process and notice concerns about the nomination interviews.
Director Joshua DeBoer moved that the board "table the nomination of the board position until our next meeting," a motion seconded by Director Dickerson and later amended to allow a vote at a special board meeting if scheduled; the motion carried. Board members said three applicants—Shardae Chambers (also referenced as Shardae/Sharde), Sakana Johnson, and Riela Burrow—applied but not all were able to attend the meeting after short notice. Director Calderon acknowledged late invitations and said she "take[s] accountability for not timely inviting people here today." The board discussed a special meeting so the nomination committee could finalize a recommendation and so the city commission could have time to place an appointment on its agenda.
Why it matters: members said the short-notice scheduling undercut equity and the committee's usual recommendation process. Several directors and Commissioner Hoffman urged following a consistent procedure so candidates have a fair chance and the board preserves transparency. The board decided tabling would allow the nomination committee to prepare a recommendation, or for the board to meet specially, rather than proceed immediately without all applicants present.
What happens next: the nomination committee will reconvene to produce a formal recommendation; the board agreed a special board meeting may be scheduled (with required public notice) or the item may return at the next regular meeting. The board recorded the names of the three applicants for follow up and encouraged the committee to ensure consistent interview notes and participation going forward.
