Votes at a glance: council approves equipment purchases, staffing contract and land actions; multiple items pass unanimously

The East Lansing City Council on Tuesday approved a series of routine and capital actions, including equipment purchases, a landfill monitoring contract extension, a platted right‑of‑way vacation and the city manager’s employment contract. Many items passed unanimously; a handful of higher‑profile measures were decided separately and are reported elsewhere.

Key outcomes

- City manager contract: Council approved an employment contract with Robert V. Bellman extending his term and setting an annual salary of $190,000 (an increase of $354 from prior contract line items as presented). The contract’s effective date was made retroactive to July 1 to align with the budget cycle. Vote: unanimous roll call.

- Truck hoist purchase: The council approved a contract with Stertil‑Koni USA, Inc. for purchase and installation of a new truck hoist in the amount of $316,647.32 with an additional 15% contingency, for a total authorized amount not to exceed $364,144.42. Staff said the current hoist was installed in 2005 and the new unit has an expected life cycle of about 20 years and an additional 40,000‑pound capacity. Vote: unanimous.

- Bircham (Burcham) Park Landfill monitoring: The council approved a not‑to‑exceed contract extension of $41,100 with Matthews & Associates for continued groundwater and gas monitoring and consulting related to the Burcham Park Landfill; the addition brings total contract funding to $102,300 (original award approximately $61,200). Council included a friendly amendment that the contract be subject to city attorney review; vote: unanimous.

- Right‑of‑way vacation: The council adopted a policy resolution vacating the platted public right‑of‑way between 533 Ardsen Road and 535 Ardsen Road, effective Oct. 23, 2025. Staff advised the drain in the alley was likely privately constructed, not to city standards, and recommended a 30‑day effective period to allow neighboring property owners time to complete easements. Vote: unanimous.

- Consent agenda and appointments: The council approved multiple appointments to boards and commissions, several conditional rental licenses, and other consent agenda items. Vote: unanimous.

Procedure and notes: City staff indicated while the landfill consultant contract had not yet been legally reviewed, the council’s approval was conditioned on subsequent city attorney review. The truck hoist purchase was budgeted in the FY26 capital plan. The right‑of‑way vacation will become effective Oct. 23 and requires property owners to finalize easement language.

The council’s calendar includes further business on Oct. 21 when deferred items (including Ordinance 15‑53) will return for consideration.