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Commission approves community-center vendor list; Commissioner Tyson recuses on her own vendor and rejoins after vote
Summary
Kentwood approved eight pre‑approved food vendors for the new community center and a concession agreement template required by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission; Commissioner Tyson stepped out of the room while her business, Candy Yam, was considered and then rejoined after the vote.
The Kentwood City Commission on Sept. 16 approved a set of concession agreements to populate a preapproved food-vendor list for the city’s community center and approved adding a vendor owned by Commissioner Tyson after she recused herself from that portion of the discussion.
City staff said the vendor-concession agreements are required by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) when the city will hold an on-premise liquor license and permit third-party food vendors for events. Staff received responses to an RFP, checked references and presented a vetted list of vendors. The agreements would take effect on the mayor’s signature and run through Dec. 31, 2027.
Commissioner Tyson disclosed in a written letter her interest in Candy Yam and left the room before the commission considered that vendor to avoid an appearance of conflict. City staff said disclosures required under city policy and state law were submitted and that, after the disclosure and recusal, the commission voted to add Candy Yam to the approved list. Commissioners emphasized that the city, not the commissioner, will control vendor selection on an event-by-event basis and that the vendor selected by a customer pays the vendor directly.
The commission voted to approve seven vendors first, then separately approved adding Candy Yam after Tyson left the room; following the vote, Tyson returned to the meeting.
City staff said the list is intended to give people renting the community center a set of preapproved caterers and that the city will sell alcohol only under the MLCC license when allowed. The agreements were signed by the vendors and will be executed by the mayor.
