Jackson City Council approves trail contract, equipment purchase, property sale and union contract; most votes unanimous

The Jackson City Council on July 22 approved multiple contracts, budget amendments and appointments that advance infrastructure, public works and downtown projects.

Highlights

- MLK Equality Trail: Council awarded the contract to Merlot Construction Co. of Milford for $298,052 for the MLK Equality Trail extension on Mechanic Street (Detroit Street to Trail Street). Council discussion noted a $200,000 grant and a city match of roughly $98,000; the item passed 6–1.

- Water-system contracts and change orders: Council approved two contract balance change orders for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Phase 1 water-main replacement with Bailey Excavating — Change Order 3 decreased the contract by $327,341.74 to reconcile field quantities; a separate Change Order 3 line item decreased by $498,149.56. Both passed unanimously.

- Radio meter devices and billing infrastructure: Council approved the purchase of 2,430 Census SmartPoint MXU radio-read devices from ETNA Supply (Grand Rapids) for $398,520 and a budget amendment to fund the purchase. Staff said the devices enable remote reads and are a step toward monthly billing; the vote passed unanimously.

- Sale of downtown lot to Michigan Theater: Council approved sale of 110 W. Michigan Ave (Parking Lot 14) to the Michigan Theater of Jackson for $160,000 and authorized minor sale-document edits. Council and staff said the sale could support downtown parking, events and festival activity; the item passed unanimously.

- Collective bargaining agreement: Council approved a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Jackson and the Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE); the contract passed unanimously.

- Other contracts and personnel actions: Council approved awards and renewals including an HMA patching contract renewal with Bailey Excavating ($254,528.68 estimated), an as-needed tree trimming/removal/stump grinding contract with Johnny’s Tree Service (two-year total $217,330 per year), and personnel policy updates effective June 1, 2025 (to conform to Michigan earned sick-time requirements and add employee reporting provisions). All passed unanimously.

- Consent-calendar adjustments: Council amended the consent calendar to add a water-relief donation option while retaining the parks & recreation donation option; that amendment passed unanimously. A request to vacate the Lansing Avenue alley (Alley vacation) was moved and seconded for discussion but ultimately referred to staff for review and possible future action.

What it means

Taken together, the votes allocate money for trails and meter-technology upgrades, finalize procurement for road and utility work and clear a downtown land sale aimed at expanded programming around the Michigan Theater. The MLK trail vote was the only split roll call (6–1); most other measures passed without recorded opposition.

Ending: Several items will require staff follow-up (the alley vacation was referred to staff; some capital projects will require matching funds or grant administration), and council scheduled next regular business for August 19.