Utility committee sets $150 per‑meeting per diem for non‑business professional members

The Utility Policy Committee voted 7-0 on May 8 to set a $150 per‑meeting per diem for UPC members who are professional by background but not employed by a business or otherwise compensated.

James Baker, City of Kalamazoo staff member, explained the bylaws allow payment to "professional or nonprofessional" members but that some compensation approvals require city commission action. Baker told the committee: "I understand from director Baker that the city commission needs to approve any kind of compensation for former employees." (Note: James Baker made the statement indicating the city commission's role.)

The committee identified three individuals who would be covered by the per diem as discussed: Jeff Chamberlain (professional consultant), Will (William Rowland) as a city appointee, and Mark Elliott (regional commission alternate). The motion as recorded: a motion by Tom Lee (committee member) and support by Peter Heffner to provide a per diem of $150 per meeting for professional members who are not part of a business and not otherwise compensated; the motion carried 7 to 0. Staff said the city will process necessary approvals with management services and that any former-employee compensation may require an additional step by the city commission.

The committee discussed whether the per diem conflicts with bylaw language about paying professionals their professional rate and clarified the per diem is intended for professionals who do not have a consulting business or other employer compensation for UPC service.