Kalamazoo, MI Flock Contract

Who approved this?

No public vote. Purchased under discretionary authority of Kalamazoo City Commission.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety runs 39 automated license plate reader cameras supplied by Flock Safety, according to WMUK. WMUK reported the contract costs less than 100,000 dollars, which kept it under the threshold that would have required City Commission approval, so no commission vote on the purchase itself exists and no exact amount is given. Public Media Network reported the City Commission voted 7 to 0 to add automated license plate reader contracts to the purchasing policy exceptions, so any future renewal or modification now needs commission approval regardless of dollar amount. Vice Mayor Drew Duncan introduced the measure, Commissioner Jae Slaby amended the motion and Commissioner Chris Praedel spoke about transparency, but no individual votes were published, and that vote changed procurement policy rather than approving a Flock purchase. WMUK dated the meeting August 18 and Public Media Network dated it August 17, while the city CivicClerk calendar lists the City Commission Business Meeting on August 17, 2026, so that date is used. WMUK reported the 39 cameras were searched more than 750 times per day on average and can be reached by 7 municipal, county or state law enforcement agencies. The term shown is 12 months because Public Media Network reported the current contract renews annually. No original approval date, order form, retention period or contract end date was located.