KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo City Commission has announced a special meeting that will be held electronically this week due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
City leaders say that the purpose of the meeting is to consider the creation of a Kalamazoo Small Business Loan Fund program.
City Manager Jeff Chamberlain says if approved, this would transfer $2-million dollars from the Foundation for Excellence to create a Kalamazoo Small Business Loan Fund to help local businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the special meeting agenda, “The focus of the loan program will be on businesses located within the city of the Kalamazoo that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Loans, between $5,000 to $50,000, may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.”
Qualifying businesses should have 50 or less full-time employees and an annual revenue of $2.5 million or less. There will also be no payments on these loans for the first six months.
The reason for holding the meeting electronically is to comply with Governor Whitmer’s “stay home, stay safe” order. Rules governing the conduct of electronic meetings will also be considered.
Electronic meetings were previously discussed by Commissioners earlier this month, who were unsure at the time if any could be held. However, an Executive Order issued by Governor Whitmer creates allowances for such meetings.
As a result, city leaders have released the following methods for civilians to tune in and participate in the meeting.
Online using a web browser: https://zoom.us/j/554096136
- Go to the web address
- When prompted, enter the Meeting ID 554 096 136
Telephone: 269.552.6425
- Call the phone number.
- When prompted, enter the Meeting ID 554 096 136 followed by #
- Press # again to be connected
Participants should note that they will be muted when they enter the meeting. Video, chat, and screen sharing features will also be disabled.
Public input and participation:
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The agenda and supporting documents for this meeting are available at https://kalamazoomi.civicclerk.com/web/home.aspx
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Persons who wish to contact members of the City Commission to provide input or ask questions about items on the meeting agenda may do so during the meeting at designated times for public comments. To address the City Commission, meeting participants will need to “raise their hand” to indicate they want to speak.
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To raise your hand while participating online, click the “Raise Hand” icon at the bottom of the Zoom Screen.
- To raise your hand while participating via phone, press *9.
After “raising a hand,” participants will be informed when it is their turn to speak, at which time the microphone will be unmuted. Participants will speak until finished or until their time is up.
Anyone with disabilities who need accommodations to participate should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 269-337-8792 by 12:00 p.m. on the day of meeting to request assistance.
The virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m.
