Kalamazoo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kalamazoo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Missing monthly contract reports under the purchasing policy
A DSA member says the city stopped publishing the required list of $50K–$100K contracts around 2019 and only resumed after a FOIA request, and wants an investigation into why reports stopped and the backlog released.
Employee Retirement System ordinance amendment
The one regular agenda item was an ordinance change to the city's Employee Retirement System — a change to retirement provisions that matters to city employees and the city's long-term obligations.
FFE Operations and Investment Costs Rising
The city's 35 FFE-funded projects total about $9 million, and more are on track than in past years. Board members flagged the city's 15% administrative charge as possibly too high for some awards — a debate headed to the Finance Committee next year.
Quorum reduction from five to four
With two members departing, a five-member quorum could have left the commission unable to meet. The change to four keeps meetings viable when absences pile up — though a tie vote still fails without a majority.
Oracle cloud migration contract questioned
The $220,000 Oracle cloud migration contract was pulled and postponed after concerns about the company's data practices and the city's CIO transition. Staff will bring answers and possibly alternatives next meeting.
O'Connor Fund spendable balance and encumbrance reporting
The fund looks like it has $86,000 to spend, but $35,000 is already committed to grants. Commissioners want the report to show the true ~$50,000 figure so they never over-commit.
Restoring call-in public comment
The commission directed staff to draft options for restoring phone-in public comment, an accessibility change sought by residents who can't attend in person. Rules come back for a future vote.
2025 Financial Audit Results
The city's 2025 audit came back clean — no significant internal control issues — and DEGA's finances are folded into the city's audit. The board is weighing whether to pay down some of its notes faster while revenue allows.
Transition of DEGA legal services to Bloom Slugget, PC
The DDA is switching its outside legal counsel from Dickinson Wright PLLC to Bloom Sluggett, PC. The firm advises the board on downtown development matters, contracts, and statutory authority.
2027 DEGA budget priorities
The board aired first ideas for the 2027 budget — expanded Ambassador hours, nighttime safety escorts, more public restrooms, BigBelly expansion, wayfinding, and construction-area business incentives — with final approval expected in October.
Competitive preservation grants expanded to $15,000
The commission raised the top competitive grant from $10,000 to $15,000 starting in 2027, and will pay a consultant up to $2,000 to help applicants strengthen draft applications before submission — a response to many incomplete or unclear applications this cycle.
Outsourcing city assessing
The commission locked in three more years of contracted assessing with WCA. Commissioner Slaby's complaint about being treated poorly as a resident — until she revealed her title — sparked commitments to better customer service tracking and a long-term look at bringing assessing back in-house.
ZBA board attendance, officer nominations and internal conflict
A board member objected to being cited for poor attendance during a prior officer nomination, calling it divisive, and asked that full attendance records for all members be reviewed. The board agreed to bring attendance data to the next meeting.