KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The 51st Kalamazoo City Commission will meet for the last time to do business tonight, and they have saved the biggest for last.
Topping the list of agenda items is the selection of a new city manager to succeed Jim Ritsema after he retires in a few weeks. They are down to three finalists after Odis Jones withdrew from the race last Thursday.
Commissioners will spend their afternoon Committee of the Whole meeting sifting through the public surveys they have received since last week’s interviews.
Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess says they will also be hearing new comments.
“Public comment will be accepted at both the committee of the whole at 5:00 p.m. and the business meeting at 7:00 p.m.”
Commissioner Chris Praedle says this is a critical decision at this juncture in the city’s history.
“Because there are so many challenges that could potentially happen that could divide us as a community, but if we have the right leader here working with us in tandem can really unite us and unite the community,” says Praedle.
Kalamazoo Chief Operations Officer Laura Lam had the most impressive interview, but may also carry the most baggage into the process, because she is so well known by commissioners. Malcolm Hankins has the most experience, but seemed to know the least about Kalamazoo, and Elle Cole, who interviewed early Friday, had a lot of good answers, but has the least big city experience.
It all depends on what the commissioners are looking for.
The two sessions will begin at 5 and 7 p.m. at City Hall.
The commission will also hold public hearings on creating tax districts for the Renovation of the Old County Courthouse and the Spearflex building. Also on the agenda is the first appearance of a plan to guide and encourage new development on the west end of the downtown, and the approval of 17 separate contracts for the renovation of the Crosstown Parkway facility from court rooms to office space for the City Planning and I.T. departments.
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