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Votes at a glance: commission confirms appointments, names treasurer, authorizes grant admin and other routine actions
Summary
The commission approved a group of administrative and operational resolutions, including appointments, the appointment of Michelle Ferguson as city treasurer, grant-administration authorization and several public-works and procurement items.
The Big Rapids City Commission took action on a series of resolutions and administrative items during its Sept. 17 meeting. The commission voted unanimously on multiple routine but consequential items, including appointments to boards, the appointment of a new city treasurer and several contract and grant-related approvals.
Appointments and treasurer - The commission approved mayoral appointments to boards and commissions (Downtown Development Authority: Betty Locklear, Linda Miller, Bob Patterson; Planning Commission: Jeremiah Stokes; Zoning Board of Appeals: Wendy Nystrom). The motion carried on roll call. - The commission approved a resolution to offer and appoint Michelle Ferguson to the position of city treasurer, effective Dec. 1. The resolution set a salary range of $104,808 to $113,448 and delegated authority to the city manager to negotiate within that range. The commission voted unanimously to approve the appointment; a roll call recorded "yes" votes from commissioners present.
Grants, programs and administrative items - The commission authorized hiring a grant administrator for a $2,500,000 water-main replacement grant (tower-to-tower transmission). The meeting packet identified a proposed grant administrator and $25,000 administrative cost that will be included in the grant budget; MEDC reimbursement was discussed and staff said the grant will cover that portion. - The commission approved the environmental review for the Big Rapids Housing Commission, which covers a five-year schedule of anticipated capital and operating activities necessary to receive HUD funds for public housing operations and capital improvements.
Public safety, traffic and utilities - The commission approved temporary and permanent traffic-control measures on Rose Avenue, including installation of stop signs to create a four-way stop and associated signage and flags; staff said temporary warning signs and flags will be used when the stop signs are first installed. - The commission authorized signature on the opioid settlement participation and associated forms to secure settlement funds for local use; staff noted restrictions on allowable uses and that prior allocations remain limited.
Contracts, procurement and property - The commission awarded custodial services to West Michigan Janitorial under a one-year contract after reviewing eight bids; staff recommended the vendor based on prior experience and on-site familiarity though it was not the lowest bidder. - The commission authorized listing surplus property at 114 North Warren (a 50-foot platted lot behind the old post office) for sale or disposition. - The commission approved renewal of the cross-connection/backflow testing contract and continued contracting for required backflow inspections and testing. - The commission authorized the purchase and installation of an insert valve for the downtown water main to avoid a widespread water shutdown and potential boil-water advisory during necessary repairs; staff said the insert valve allows live-tap installation and prevents a downtown-wide shutdown and boil-water notice.
Votes were recorded on the public record where roll calls were taken and motions carried unanimously unless otherwise noted in the meeting transcript.
