Commission approves consent agenda and fuel contract; one abstention recorded

Kalamazoo — The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a 14-item consent agenda and a separate contract extension for fuel and biodiesel on April 7, passing all motions on the record with one recorded abstention.

What passed: The commission approved consent agenda items 1 through 14, which included: - A 60-month lease with Enterprise Fleet Management for two public-safety vehicles ($107,167.55 total). - A contract supplemental and extension with Fisher Scientific for laboratory supplies ($281,250) and a related budget amendment ($21,875). - An agreement with the Gull Lake Sewer and Water Authority to install smart water meters in Richmond Township (approximately $350,000). - A contract supplemental and change order with Graphic Packaging International for an effluent sewer realignment project ($443,566.10). - A contract extension with Republic Services for quarterly bulk trash removal ($915,966.42) and a budget amendment ($22,000). - A contract with Ferguson Water Works for 2025 miscellaneous water inventory ($943,652). - A resolution petitioning the Kalamazoo County Drain Commission for maintenance and improvement of the State Ditch drain. - A resolution approving MDOT contract 24-5514 for preventative maintenance on the Gull Road bridge over the Kalamazoo River ($350,450; city share $17,523). - A resolution setting a public hearing for April 21, 2025, to adopt the draft 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the PY2025 action plan (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirement). - A timber-harvest revenue contract with Northwest Hardwood Inc. for city-owned property near 30th Street and Greer Avenue ($127,332 revenue). - An Economic Initiative Fund loan to Kalamazoo Candle Company ($86,000) as recommended by the Economic Development Corporation. - Reappointments to advisory committees (Nathan Browning; Stephanie Valor) and a public-utility easement for the Kalamazoo Airport water-main loop project. - Approval of minutes from multiple meetings (January 27, February 3, March 3, March 17 and March 31, 2025).

Votes and abstention: The motion to approve items 1–14 was made by Commissioner Christian Cooney and supported by Vice Mayor Hess. During the roll call, Commissioner Chris Prado said he would abstain on item G9 because of a conflict with his employer; the remaining commissioners voted yes. The consent agenda motion therefore passed with one abstention recorded for item G9.

Fuel contract extension: The commission also approved a contract extension with G and H Oil Inc. for gasoline, diesel and biofuel in a total estimated amount of $1,200,000. Director of Public Services Rob Baker described the item as routine operational procurement and said the city purchases fuel based on a bid margin and pays the rack rate; he noted the city’s biodiesel program has reduced diesel fleet greenhouse-gas emissions by about 10% and that the fleet includes about 450 fuel-using vehicles with 118 diesel vehicles and two electric vehicles undergoing testing. The commission voted to approve the contract extension; roll call recorded yes votes from the commissioners present.

Other formal actions: Early in the meeting the commission approved a motion to excuse Commissioner Decker from the evening meeting. The motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and supported by Commissioner Cooney and passed on an oral vote.

What the record shows: The April 7 meeting included staff presentations for the fuel contract and a listing of consent items. The consent items and the fuel-contract extension were approved by roll call; the transcript records the roll call and the single abstention on item G9. No amendments to the listed contracts were recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: The public hearing on the draft consolidated plan is scheduled for April 21, 2025. The fuel- and procurement-related contracts will proceed under the city manager’s authority to sign related documents as authorized by the commission.