KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — City officials in Kalamazoo are preparing to close city facilities to the public. The closure will begin at 7 a.m. Tuesday.
City Manager Jim Ritsema spoke on the matter during a meeting Monday night.
“Staff will continue to work, but some will be remote depending on whether they’re essential or non-essential,” Ritsema said. “We still have [the 311 phone service], or [citizens can call] 269-337-8000 to have someone help you with a city need.”
Similar to the City of Battle Creek, Kalamazoo is also issuing a temporary suspension, or moratorium of all water shutoffs.
“We will do that as long as this crisis continues,” Ritsema said. “I just want to remind everyone that they will still continue to be charged for water used, but we will not be out there turning customers off, as it definitely is [needed to combat the virus].”
All citizens experiencing a shutoff can contact the city via 311 or the City Manager’s office to request water service restored.
According to the City of Kalamazoo website, other services and activities to be suspended during this time include the following:
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Kzoo Parks programs cancelled: Kzoo Parks programs have been cancelled through April 12. This includes adult and youth sports, after school programs, and Spring Break Field Trip Fest, as well as the Egg Hunt event. The Archery Tournament may be rescheduled.
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No public bid openings, sealed bids not accepted in-person: Effective immediately and until further notice, sealed bids will not be accepted in person by the Purchasing Office. Bidders can submit sealed bids by mail to City of Kalamazoo Purchasing Division, 241 W South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, or by delivering them to the Treasurer’s Office Drop Box located in the northwest corner of City Hall. Bids must still be received before the specified date and time. Public bid openings will also be cancelled until further notice.
Due to this development, city officials are reminding citizens that many services can be completed online.
- Building Trades online services are still available: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/building
- Permits can be obtained online: https://bsaonline.com/Contractors/?uid=233&sitetransition=true
- Payments can be made online: www.kalamazoocity.org/payments
- Customer service is available via telephone by dialing 3-1-1 or calling (269) 337-8000.
- Printed forms can be submitted via email.
There are currently no cases of the virus reported in Kalamazoo County. At the time of Monday evening, 53 confirmed cases had been found in Michigan.
