Commission approves major water-main and lead-service-line contracts, awards fire training contract; rejects one sanitary lift-station bid

In a series of community development actions on March 25, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved multiple infrastructure and construction contracts to replace water mains, remove lead services, rebuild streets and proceed with a new fire training facility.

The commission awarded a contract to Kamminga & Roodvoets Inc. for water-main replacement, reconstruction and resurfacing on Burton Street between Division and Giddings in a low bid of $9,213,896.50 and authorized a total project authorization not to exceed $11,164,691. The project includes replacement of lead service lines (13) and minor storm and sidewalk work. Staff said K&R expects to build the project in 2026 and that the work will be funded in part by a Drinking Water Revolving Fund loan, with a principal forgiveness portion covering lead service work.

The commission approved a $2,925,737 award to SBS Pro Plumbing LLC for full lead-service-line replacement at various locations (Contract 2-2025-1) with a total project not to exceed $3,510,860; the work is estimated to replace about 421 services and is also funded under the same DWRF loan principal-forgiveness structure.

Georgetown (Feinstein Enterprises LLC doing business as Georgetown) was awarded $1,938,359 for reconstruction of Kendall Street and Fruitwood Drive, with a total project authorization not to exceed $2,613,544. Funding sources for the work include the water system fund and the Vital Streets Fund.

The commission also awarded a contract for construction management services with Clark Construction Company for a new fire-department training facility at 850 Panel Street NW, authorizing $20,678,692 with a total not-to-exceed of $26,856,892 for initial construction management services. Staff said the guaranteed maximum price will return for commission approval after design completion; staff estimates project completion in March 2027.

Separately, the commission rejected the single bid received for Collindale Avenue sanitary lift-station improvements because the bid—about $800,000—was more than double the project estimate. Staff said they would re-evaluate design and rebid later, with anticipated construction in 2026.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Burton Street water-main replacement contract (Kamminga & Roodvoets) — outcome: approved; vote: unanimous (voice aye) - Lead service line replacement contract (SBS Pro Plumbing) — outcome: approved; vote: unanimous (voice aye) - Kendall/Fruitwood reconstruction (Georgetown) — outcome: approved; vote: unanimous (voice aye) - Clark Construction CM services for fire training facility — outcome: approved; vote: unanimous (voice aye) - Reject Collindale lift-station bid — outcome: approved; vote: unanimous (voice aye)

Ending: Staff said funding will come from a combination of the drinking water revolving fund loan, water-system fund and Vital Streets Fund and that staff will return with further details (GMP and rebid plans) as designs and procurement proceed.