Utica council approves appointments, budget amendments, equipment purchases and contracts

The Utica City Council on Oct. 14 approved multiple administrative motions and contract actions covering public‑safety equipment, street maintenance, seasonal staffing and a change to the city’s water‑billing due date.

Major items approved included acceptance of a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and related budget actions; a revised police radio/motorola quote and budget amendment; a contract award for pavement joint and crack sealing; seasonal employee budget transfers; routine software and maintenance renewals for fire equipment; and an ordinance shifting the monthly water‑bill due date to the 14th to reduce customer confusion.

Why it matters: the actions allocate grant and city funds to replace firefighting hose and buy a turnout‑gear dryer, complete a multi‑year Motorola radio/dispatch upgrade, pay final invoices for the dispatch console project, preserve city staff capacity for seasonal work, and advance planned pavement preservation on major arterials.

Selected approvals and outcomes

- Parks and Recreation appointment: the council confirmed the appointment of Samantha Boyda to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Motion carried by roll call (all present voted yes).

- FEMA AFG grant for fire hose and turnout‑gear dryer: the council voted to accept FEMA award EMW‑2024‑FG02432 totaling $72,100 (FEMA award amount reported as $68,670 with a city match of $3,430). The council then authorized accepting bids for 4‑inch supply hose and a turnout‑gear dryer. Motions carried by roll call (unanimous among members present).

- Motorola radio quote update and budget transfer (Fire): the council accepted an updated Motorola quote of $300,081.06 and approved a $90 inter‑line transfer to cover the difference. Motion carried by roll call (unanimous).

- Payment and budget amendment for Motorola dispatch console (Police): council approved a budget amendment to bring forward $42,680 from a designated account to complete payment for the Motorola dispatch console project and then authorized payment of $42,676.90 to Motorola. Motions carried by roll call (unanimous).

- Fire software and maintenance renewals: the council approved a one‑year renewal for mobile inspection software (Mobilize/MobileEye) at $2,983.14, and approved a three‑year Striker maintenance agreement first‑year payment of $18,468.80. Council authorized legal review and the mayor to execute the Striker contract if acceptable. Motions carried by roll call (unanimous).

- Motor joint and crack sealing contract (Public Works): the council awarded the joint and crack sealing contract for Van Dyke Avenue (north of M‑59 to the city limits) and Utica Road (M‑59 to the city limits) to Michigan Joint Sealing for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $57,200 (bid plus a 10% contingency). Council discussion confirmed streets would be worked in sections to maintain traffic flow. Motion carried by roll call (unanimous).

- Seasonal staff budget transfer (Parks/Streets): council approved moving $620 from park seasonal employees to street seasonal employees to reflect higher street‑department activity. Motion carried by roll call (unanimous).

- Water billing ordinance amendment: council adopted an amendment to the City of Utica Code of Ordinances (Chapter 82, Utilities) changing the due date for water bills to the 14th of each month, with associated repealer and severability language. Council members said the change is intended to reduce resident confusion about balances appearing when meter readings and due dates conflict. Motion carried by roll call (unanimous).

Other business: staff reported ongoing service‑line replacements (89 completed, 6 awaiting scheduling, 24 nonresponsive) and lead/copper sample results (20 samples required; one sample exceeded the new lead action level of 12 parts per billion; the service line at that address was reported as copper, and staff said the exceedance is likely interior plumbing and will be re‑inspected and re‑sampled). The council adjourned at the close of the meeting.

Votes at a glance (selected items)

- Approve consent agenda: approved (unanimous) - Appoint Samantha Boyda to Parks & Rec: approved (unanimous) - Reject packing‑plant offer (separate item): approved (unanimous) — see separate story - Accept FEMA AFG grant ($72,100) and authorize bid process: approved (unanimous) - Accept Motorola fire radio quote ($300,081.06) and budget transfer: approved (unanimous) - Amend police FY26 budget and pay Motorola $42,676.90: approved (unanimous) - Award crack/joint sealing to Michigan Joint Sealing, not to exceed $57,200: approved (unanimous) - Approve Striker maintenance payment $18,468.80 and authorize mayor/contract execution: approved (unanimous) - Approve Mobilize fire‑inspection renewal $2,983.14: approved (unanimous) - Amend water billing ordinance due date to 14th: approved (unanimous) - Adjourn: approved (unanimous)

All roll‑call votes referenced in this summary were recorded in the Oct. 14 meeting minutes; the record shows all listed motions passed by recorded yes votes from the council members present.