[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6078339,"mediaKeyId","2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407","parentId",2959798,"title","Votes at a glance: Utility Policy Committee, April 10, 2025","audioSeconds",4532,"startMs",268000,"endMs",4800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407&start=268&end=4800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407/thumbnail_268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6078339/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Utility-Policy-Committee-April-10-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078339-c231522138ae6821680c2dd54862f9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138602&Signature=hgZ0U9pyEpST7n6gjNTyBC5HJEgvJ4q2g55LPjXnVtOl~7FaGukQO92wPj1M-jHL57p-gKlUWZ7OUktF01VRvgEB2N~aw2dgW5go9sq-3JUKkmaZInAIjbmtodnuQq61KO4lGnSDVoAI8OmeHfPp5sx3fGHfytyzllYTi5boMPI4s6PEOSVPqgBHRmFPBEXCSJHAh5noDN9yeRLzRALmYxpU0vZ7mJy2d0mX~wtWUiXnvrT4EGvUFvENGJ-udFzsYj26EE6mHuI1o7HHdo7dE~cT~FKa-LEReDIowvF5FvXBUoYh37uJAToQCrHNa8RacHK0A-9nsXmQ7IZiu8K25Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kalamazoo","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","The following actions were recorded during the Utility Policy Committee meeting on April 10, 2025. Where vote tallies were stated in the transcript, they are included; most routine motions passed by voice vote when no roll call was reported.

- Approve meeting agenda (motion by John Crum; second by Tom Wheat). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).

- Accept meeting minutes from Feb. 13, 2025 (motion by Peter Heffner; second by David Anderson). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).

- Adopt neighborhood water-extension policy with two amendments (link fee references to Appendix D; require township documentation of adoption of mandatory-connection ordinance). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).

- Approve two invoices from the Hefner Group (invoice number(s) referenced in packet). Outcome: approved; recorded tally: 5 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention, 1 absent.

- Approve Brian Newhouse (scribe) invoice number 87621 (motion by David Anderson; second by John Crum). Outcome: approved; recorded tally: 5 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention, 1 absent.

- Approve updated Appendix D reimbursement cost schedule (motion to approve updated cost schedule/index D). Outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).

Ending: The committee adjourned and scheduled the next meeting for May 8 at Ashmore Township Hall.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 10, 2025 Utility Policy Committee","oneSentenceSummary","A summary of recorded motions and outcomes at the April 10, 2025 Utility Policy Committee meeting.","taxTitle","Kalamazoo City, Kalamazoo County, Michigan","taxId",3977,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6078344,"City to issue RFP for billing and meter-audit; committee seeks cross-agency review and smart-meter data",347,2594000,2941000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407&start=2594&end=2941","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407/thumbnail_2594000.jpg","/articles/6078344/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/City-to-issue-RFP-for-billing-and-meter-audit-committee-seeks-cross-agency-review-and-smart-meter-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078344-05332549cf5de5593c44f10191f7b3dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138602&Signature=UFLPKWv7sSj-LndLKiP7SZ9K~7Yqe3ZMmbXX60spo2rqFkVkTIktW3WG~T4w1HUqDybwT5locYStN2HXlglgpMRomdzdZTXror9cRDt6v91YxE0lWUqyQZljPyUSmCD1kmuWoLVtFuFmrWLzC1Re7mvRqMrFnhMV1DbNCn4w4y3jZwtOoDKGxhTgliyy6ZmmCboIeuqrO2EUF34r8QJ0Z1ppD6jMQlhE5GzNT57knq~9XGsAaCs9qv1CXIl5g2s-g771iuKMjfCRezpeSHBAx0nzgLnoJf8ZwswZ1fHzUx~RRvL2wokVtErxw~X57dqEFQkXukw4N06Vl4KrGOFW4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Utility Policy Committee the city is preparing a request for proposals for a water and wastewater billing and meter audit to examine account accuracy, meter-service-line linkage, categorization of system customers, and billing workflows.

James Baker described the audit as distinct from a rate study: it will be a detailed operational review of billing practices, meter accuracy, account classifications (residential, commercial, institutional, irrigation, and flat-rate sewer-only customers), and meter-to-service matching for roughly 46,000 accounts. Staff said internal reviews have already found instances where a single service line is associated with multiple meters and where some meters are not correctly tied to sewer accounts.

Baker said the city will issue an RFP in roughly 30–60 days and intends to build a team including peer reviewers and technical experts (named firms discussed included Primer Neuhoff, Stantec and Foster Group). The audit will also seek to use GIS to identify where in-ground water and sewer infrastructure exists but no billed customer is recorded. Staff noted the forthcoming Richland Township sewer/water work and smart-meter deployments would provide a test bed for validating meter and billing accuracy.

Committee members suggested coordinating with townships that maintain up-to-date connection records (Texas Township and Oshtemo were cited) to improve account lists and speed the field validation work.

Ending: Staff will post the RFP and report back on bidder selection and initial audit scope when proposals are received.","Kalamazoo City staff said an RFP for a comprehensive billing and meter audit will be issued within 30–60 days to review account linking, meter-to-service-line mapping, and billing workflows; the audit will inform integration of upcoming smart meters and a planned Richland Township pilot.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6078349,"Committee adopts neighborhood water-extension policy with mandatory-connection requirement and Appendix D linkage",426,473000,899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407&start=473&end=899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407/thumbnail_473000.jpg","/articles/6078349/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Committee-adopts-neighborhood-water-extension-policy-with-mandatory-connection-requirement-and-Appendix-D-linkage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078349-4d3d08414ae5490ae92ef19bed70e119/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138602&Signature=Knr0x9t~csoZTAjvblOoi1YBHxd~Gnq~-Exk~6m7A4zD9YG-51-4OL~EJlVF3y0tp2gZH14Qn1e4PAw1bZXE2vLucuiHHzS5XMAnwtexdTG3dVwKAvjHNV3ztMmLVcsIwIqiItAubab89BAHwa6EgqABJG~2zfSc~MEmz~F1bahn15tQamGiWVg-UboIEEekN2y3FDdQ5U8c2XdCBUDKmpPaJrwpycUvPOdPAHvFSZhV8SpBO0o0~aMZLCNQOFjQ9s2jeuv0xy5-oe2axtJQwLPCiw5tx1PrRcxxLyCq~GMY-7FpWyjKxkYM4Ygy4gTRWU-32yXBWoiPzujVt-PAmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utility Policy Committee voted to adopt a neighborhood water-extension policy that directs the system to support water-main extensions when neighborhoods and their townships meet specified conditions, including a required township ordinance for mandatory connection and a resident petition showing community support.

Committee discussion and the motion centered on two clarifying changes: (1) aligning the policy’s fee and reimbursement references to Appendix D (the water services agreement fee schedule) so the dollar figure will update with Appendix D; and (2) adding an explicit step that the township must provide documentation of an adopted mandatory-connection ordinance before the system advances a project. Committee members said that change protects the utility from starting a project where a future township board might later rescind support.

The policy as discussed envisions the system paying roughly 70% of pipe costs while residents in the affected neighborhood would pay approximately 30% of the pipe cost; the policy requires a resident petition demonstrating at least 50% of property owners in favor before the project progresses. Committee members clarified that the 50% petition does not guarantee immediate connections — it starts the project, and individual connections may occur later, often when a well fails or when property owners choose to connect.

Staff confirmed the reference amount in the packet would be reflected through Appendix D and cited an example figure of $73.50 (the packet references Appendix D’s evolving reimbursement calculations). The committee moved, discussed and approved the policy with the two amendments and then recorded the motion as carried.

Ending: Staff will update the policy document to show the appended changes and maintain the Appendix D linkage so fee references update annually.","The Utility Policy Committee approved a water-extension policy to help neighborhoods extend mains with roughly 30% resident cost-share, conditioned on township adoption of mandatory-connection ordinances and a required resident petition threshold; the policy references Appendix D fee schedule.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6078354,"Kalamazoo utility leaders outline $51M station consolidation, PFAS work and broad main-replacement needs",1023,189000,1212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407&start=189&end=1212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959798-8b8e59e632dc7cb7d9e618ee2379a407/thumbnail_189000.jpg","/articles/6078354/Kalamazoo-City/Kalamazoo-County/Michigan/Kalamazoo-utility-leaders-outline-51M-station-consolidation-PFAS-work-and-broad-main-replacement-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078354-461265dfdc09daac972f0faae06ad12e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138602&Signature=ajkGEhj~K3mbT4FlYj48Uz8G214gi3BRI63ov3pECDUmzxEIcvKEfYEoNJ8Dy0zuCl7xhKC7H2ezNNg9xULcwCS6RS6pmtkNT3705BuvkYvl8k9u2WkrVpyeYscBI98HIbUzdRhlJM2LmflV2ENeaazMoL9NkJSHByWJ0ETsKiAHs~y67kzEf2JRl60mDFXNniT-jk915f-MHwpg2bmLYIGlSZlR5azm1qjpRCt6NyymtwzTCsIab7GYAgR4OJaTrSDIUibaxmD6bcPgbD6q-yrNjVOxNVoNvpKcVIBSu5Or5I-Ra2cFxU02FUbacCAD7qf8kz3OpFTx-Bde7~tO6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kalamazoo City utility staff presented the Utility Policy Committee with a 2025 capital improvement overview that centers on station consolidation, PFAS treatment, well replacements and a continuing program to replace aging cast-iron mains.

City staff member James Baker told the committee the system will focus on well replacement and rehabilitation in 2025 and is moving a Station 5/Station 14 consolidation project from design into construction. He said the consolidation will include modern iron and manganese treatment and PFAS removal and will be configured to run as a base-load station supplying adjacent districts once online.

Baker said the consolidation project is large — \"you see about $51,000,000 in 2025\" — and that design and construction spending will extend through 2029. He said Station 5 was built in 1914 and is constrained by a nearby PFAS contamination plume; Station 14 currently shows background PFAS levels below Michigan limits but is being modernized to protect long-term water quality.

Committee members and staff described other 2025 priorities: upgrades at Station 25 (including a new generator and mechanical replacements), water-main replacements coordinated with MDOT projects (including a 12-inch upgrade on West Main), lead-service-line replacement work in the Edison neighborhood, and transmission- and looped-main projects in Comstock and Richland townships.

Baker explained the program’s asset-management rationale: the system contains many small, older stations put in place years ago for redundancy; increasing regulatory quality standards and growth mean the city must modernize stations and add redundancy inside each station (generators, duplicate pumps, redundant controls) rather than relying solely on numerous small stations.

On main breaks and material performance, staff reported a recent surge of main breaks that has since begun to slow. Baker said soil movement and corrosion in post-World War II cast-iron pipe (roughly 1940s–early 1960s) have driven many of the failures and noted that the city switched to ductile-iron pipe after 1964, which has performed better. He said the system holds about 300 miles of cast-iron main and roughly 150 miles in the at-risk age/material group, and estimated roughly $300,000,000 of work would be needed to address those mains at current pricing.

Committee members asked about supply-chain and Buy-America concerns for materials; Baker said most DWSRF-funded materials meet Buy America/Buy American iron-and-steel requirements, though some controls and specialized equipment are globally sourced and the city is meeting with suppliers to track lead times and availability.

Committee members discussed redundancy strategy, noting the city is moving toward fewer, more capable stations with built-in redundancy (generators, multiple pumps) rather than many small stations. Baker said that model is aligned with industry practice for similarly sized systems.

PFAS budget impacts were discussed: committee members and staff said PFAS-related capital work (notably the Station 5/14 consolidation and a large Bridgeland Township project) accounts for a substantial near-term share of capital spending. Staff estimated a $50–$60 million project at Stations 5/14 and a roughly $40 million Bridgeland project, and said about $100 million in near-term capital is PFAS-related; staff also described DWSRF loans and grants that reduce rate pressure.

Committee members emphasized that the multi-year capital program (discussed as roughly $500 million over five years in committee remarks) requires continued planning and will influence rate and budget decisions.

Ending: Committee members requested additional map materials (11x17 or GIS snapshots showing station locations and 1-, 5-, 10-year capture zones) and asked staff for follow-up reports on main-break trends, utility operating-cost drivers (electricity, gas), and supply-chain meetings. Staff said they will produce GIS snapshots and follow up at future meetings.","City staff briefed the Utility Policy Committee on a 2025 capital-improvement program that prioritizes station consolidation with PFAS treatment, major well work and a multi-year cast-iron pipe replacement program estimated in the hundreds of millions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Utility Policy Committee, April 10, 2025

City to issue RFP for billing and meter-audit; committee seeks cross-agency review and smart-meter data

Committee adopts neighborhood water-extension policy with mandatory-connection requirement and Appendix D linkage

Kalamazoo utility leaders outline $51M station consolidation, PFAS work and broad main-replacement needs