Richmond council approves parade, park and utility purchases and board appointments

Richmond City Council on an evening meeting approved a series of routine municipal items, including a resolution to hold the annual Memorial Day parade on May 26 and multiple contracts and purchases for parks, streets and the wastewater plant.

City Manager John Cinnimanjar told the council the parade is planned for Monday, May 26, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m., with lineup in Beebe Park and Bailey Park and a ceremony at Veterans Park. “Council is scheduled to consider a request to conduct the annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, 05/26/2025 beginning at 10AM,” Cinnimanjar said during the agenda presentation.

Why it matters: the approvals authorize spending and permit applications that clear the way for forthcoming public events and capital work this spring and summer, and they set procurement and staffing continuity for parks and utilities ahead of peak seasonal use.

The council approved or authorized the following key items:

- A resolution (2025‑2) directing the city clerk to apply to the Michigan Department of Transportation to close M‑19 on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the Memorial Day parade; the council also authorized purchase of three wreaths to be placed at Richmond Cemetery, St. Michael Cemetery and the Veterans Memorial. (Voice vote; motion adopted.)

- Contract award of $9,414 to Kimberly Fence and Supply Company for installation of a splash pad fence to support opening the facility, weather permitting, by Memorial Day. Kimberly Fence was the low bidder of three solicited quotes. (Voice vote; motion adopted.)

- Authorization to waive purchasing‑ordinance requirements and award the 2025 pavement‑marking contract to Zebra Striping in the amount of $5,645.05. The contract will restripe city parking lots and repaint stop bars and crosswalks; council conducted a roll‑call vote and approved the measure. (Roll call recorded as all yes.)

- Authorization to waive purchasing‑ordinance requirements and purchase two submersible pumps for the wastewater treatment plant from Kennedy Industries, sole‑source supplier, for $53,846. Council previously authorized one emergency pump; this purchase completes the three‑pump replacement approved in the 2024–25 budget. (Roll call recorded as all yes.)

- Adoption of a resolution (2025‑03) authorizing submittal of an MDOT transportation grant application for $30,000 toward the 2026 over‑band crack‑filling program; if awarded, the city would combine the grant with $30,000 already budgeted to extend the scope to $60,000. (Voice vote; motion adopted.)

- Reappointment of Melissa Matrzak to the recreation board for a two‑year term expiring March 31, 2027, and acceptance of the resignation of Dave Villamie from the Economic Development Committee. (Voice votes; motions adopted.)

The meeting concluded with a motion, supported by council, to convene a closed session under Section 8(c) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976, for strategy and negotiation related to a collective bargaining agreement; the roll call for the closed‑session motion was recorded in the affirmative.

Background and context: several items were presented as routine or as low‑bid awards. The public‑works and parks items are timed to enable spring openings and maintenance; the wastewater pump purchase follows engineering design work previously authorized and approval from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy for the pump‑replacement project.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025‑2 (Memorial Day parade / M‑19 closure, May 26, 2025): approved (voice vote). Clerk to apply to MDOT for road closure 9 a.m.–11 a.m.

- Purchase of three memorial wreaths: approved (voice vote). Total not specified beyond authorization of purchase.

- Kimberly Fence & Supply Company — splash pad fence: approved (voice vote). Contract amount: $9,414.

- Zebra Striping — 2025 pavement‑marking contract: approved (roll call; recorded yes votes). Contract amount: $5,645.05.

- Kennedy Industries — two submersible wastewater pumps: approved (roll call; recorded yes votes). Purchase amount: $53,846. Expense charged to wastewater equipment replacement fund.

- Resolution 2025‑03 (MDOT transportation grant application, $30,000): approved (voice vote). If awarded, would supplement $30,000 budgeted in the street fund to allow up to $60,000 of crack‑sealing work.

- Reappointment of Melissa Matrzak to the recreation board (term to 03/31/2027): approved (voice vote).

- Acceptance of resignation of Dave Villamie from the Economic Development Committee: approved (voice vote).

- Motion to enter closed session under the Michigan Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976, Section 8(c) (collective bargaining strategy): approved (roll call; recorded yes votes).

What council members said: presentations and most motions were procedural; City Manager John Cinnimanjar provided the parade routing and scheduling details. Public Services Director Jim (last name not specified in the record) noted the city is budgeted for crack sealing and that an awarded MDOT grant would increase the project scope if received.

Next steps: staff will submit the MDOT grant application, execute the awarded contracts, complete procurement with Kennedy Industries and schedule installation and maintenance work aligned with spring/summer timelines. The council will reconvene after the closed session for further actions as needed.