KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo City Commissioners went behind closed doors Monday night for hours to try to hash out differences over their embattled City Manager.
Jim Ritsema has been sharply criticized by a minority of the Board, accused of shading the truth about the departure of Chief Karianne Thomas. He’s been forgiven by the Majority. When they came out late last night, City Attorney Clyde Robinson read a very short statement saying it was an effort to restore peace between city leaders.
“They asked many questions regarding the legal issues involved in repairing and rebuilding trust in communication between the City Manager, City Commission and the community.”
Apparently, they agreed to seek out a consultant to revise their method for evaluating the City Manager, and their three other top administrators. Commissioner Eric Cunningham made the motion. Mayor Dave Anderson asked commissioners to set aside their differences and move on.
“If we’re going to get somewhere better, we do have to work together to do it.”
They had planned to discuss the issue in public but received a request that the personnel matter be taken into closed session, which is permitted under the open meetings act.
He can’t be trusted! Thank goodness, there are a few commissioners who recognize this situation!