Kalamazoo city commission approves $6M water main extension contract and other initiatives

In the heart of Kalamazoo, city officials gathered for a pivotal meeting that underscored the community's commitment to infrastructure and public safety. The June 16, 2025, Regular Business Meeting saw a series of approvals that promise to enhance the city’s services and facilities.

The meeting kicked off with the approval of several significant contracts and purchases. Among the most notable was the acquisition of Darktrace Software Licensing from SHI International, a move aimed at bolstering the city’s cybersecurity for $158,517.77. This investment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of digital security in municipal operations.

Following this, the city approved a professional services agreement with Peerless Midwest Incorporated for well rehabilitation and flow testing, totaling $198,550. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the reliability of the city’s water supply, a topic that resonated throughout the meeting.

Another key approval was for the Richmond Water main extension, with a contract awarded to Bridal Neuhoff for $336,000. This project is expected to improve water access and quality for residents in the area. Additionally, the city secured funding for a virtual private network and cloud security services from AT&T, amounting to $372,492, further enhancing its technological infrastructure.

The agenda also included a self-sourced purchase from PureAir for carbon filtration unit replacement, costing $535,888. This investment is part of ongoing efforts to maintain high water quality standards. Furthermore, a significant contract for non-copper water service line replacements was approved with Prime Newhall, totaling $582,000, addressing critical infrastructure needs.

In a move to enhance community spaces, the city approved a settlement agreement regarding the Metropolitan Center project and improvements to Arcadia Festival Place. This reflects a commitment to revitalizing public areas for community engagement.

The meeting also featured resolutions requesting state funding for local bridge projects, specifically the Cross Bridge on Reed Street, aiming for inclusion in the Michigan Department of Transportation’s 2028 funding program. These resolutions highlight the city’s proactive approach to maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure.

Lastly, the city manager received authorization to sign various documents related to these approvals, ensuring that the city can move forward efficiently with these essential projects.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed unanimous support for the agenda items, signaling a collaborative effort to enhance Kalamazoo’s infrastructure and services. With these initiatives, the city is poised to make significant strides in public safety, water quality, and community development, setting a positive trajectory for the future.