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Muskegon County Board of Public Works approves multiple contracts, a $73,095 change order and other authorizations
Summary
At its March meeting the Muskegon County Board of Public Works approved a $2.7 million construction award, a three‑year groundwater sampling contract, a $73,095 change order for irrigation work, and several administrative authorizations including a fungicide procurement waiver and an invoice payment.
The Muskegon County Board of Public Works on Tuesday approved a series of contracts, change orders and administrative actions affecting capital work at the county Resource Recovery Center and several road and groundwater projects.
At the meeting the board voted to award a $2,698,557 contract to Jackson Murphy Contractors for work on Holton Road, Gilb Road, Nelson Road and Waterman projects and authorized a 5% contingency and signature authority for the board chair. The board also approved a three‑year environmental services agreement for groundwater sampling and water evaluation documentation at Lansville for $40,440.
The approvals come amid routine project management decisions and several budget adjustments. Dave Johnson, Resource Recovery Center, described one change order as preventive work to avoid cutting freshly paved roadway: “So it's not a change order that came about because of bad planning. It's change order that it will make things better if we do it,” Johnson said, explaining that moving a pipe installation onto the current year's work will prevent having to cut the new White Road next year.
The board approved change order number 2 on the irrigation main replacement contract with K & R, increasing that contract by $73,095 and authorizing the chair to sign the change order and amend the budget. The board also authorized the Resource Recovery Center to waive the normal procurement policy and secure fungicide and application services for the 2025 crop season using the lowest quote that meets specifications, not to exceed the budgeted amount of $83,460.01. Mike Clover, farm manager at the Resource Recovery Center, responded to a commissioner question and said, “Fungicide doesn't go bad,” describing why the board was being asked to allow staff to place an order when needed during a short treatment window.
Separately, the board approved payment of invoice number 23850 from Harvest Mechanicals for $25,237.17 for work on a power washer installation at the Resource Recovery Center. Officials said the project began under a prior supervisor, additional scope (electrical and roof work) increased the cost above the original roughly $16,397 quote, and the current administration will tighten oversight for future projects.
The board also directed staff to renegotiate a 2019 supervisory patrol and acquisition agreement between Muskegon County Board of Public Works and Kennedy Industries/Service Master; extended or sought price negotiations for an existing SCADA agreement with AISM given post‑2020 cost increases; authorized a $4,269.11 finance charge write‑off for National Technical Solutions; and approved authorizations related to collection and use of waste grease at the Resource Recovery Center. Monthly reports for February 2025 were presented and no substantive public comments were recorded on the agenda items.
Votes at a glance: - Award to Jackson Murphy Contractors (Holton/Gilb/Nelson/Waterman projects) — Motion carried; roll call recorded unanimous yes votes (see record). Authorized 5% contingency; contract amount $2,698,557; chair authorized to sign. - PLG award for Lansville groundwater sampling (PLG25‑02/1976) — Motion carried; three‑year price $40,440; board authorized signing. - Change order No. 2, irrigation main replacement (contract with K & R) — Motion carried; increase $73,095; budget to be amended. - Waive procurement policy for fungicide and application services (RRC) — Motion carried; budget cap $83,460.01; staff to select lowest quote meeting specifications. - Payment of Harvest Mechanicals invoice No. 23850 — Motion carried; $25,237.17; board acknowledged scope overrun occurred and staff will improve oversight. - Direct staff to renegotiate 2019 supervisory patrol/acquisition agreement with Kennedy Industries/Service Master — Motion carried; board directed staff to proceed. - Write off $4,269.11 finance charge for National Technical Solutions — Motion carried.
Board members and staff said follow‑up steps will include contract signature by the chair, budget amendments where needed, and tighter project oversight to prevent future unplanned overages.
