Council approves contract amendments, copier leases and authorizes intent for SRF water bonds; denies one vehicle-license application

The Lincoln Park City Council on May 20 approved a series of routine and project-specific measures, including amendments to operating contracts, equipment leases and a resolution indicating the city’s intent to pursue state revolving-fund financing for water-system improvements.

Key actions (roll calls recorded in meeting minutes):

- Janitorial contract amendment: Council authorized amending the city’s janitorial services contract with Wilkins ProClean to add cleaning at the Department of Public Services building at a cost of $525 per week (about $27,300 annually). The resolution authorizes the mayor and city clerk to execute the amendment. The motion passed on a roll call vote.

- Copier leases: Council waived competitive bidding and authorized the director of finance and operations to use the state bidding process to lease three copiers (DPS, city management and the clerk’s office) through the state contract; the combined monthly base price for the three machines was listed as $486.15. Funds were identified in the stated lease expense accounts. Motion passed on roll call.

- SRF revenue bonds (notice of intent): Council adopted a resolution approving publication of a notice of intent to issue revenue bonds under Act 94 to finance water-system replacement and improvements and confirming the city’s intent to be reimbursed from bond proceeds for certain prior expenditures. The resolution referenced the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund administered by EGLE and the Michigan Finance Authority; the maximum debt amount noted in the resolution was $8,500,000. Council members clarified that this action establishes intent and does not itself sell bonds; further approvals will be required. Motion passed on roll call.

- Blight-remediation contract: Council awarded a three‑year contract for the city’s blight program to Net Solutions; staff said only one bid was returned and references were checked. Motion passed on roll call.

- Used-vehicle/wholesaler license denial: The council denied a request for a new class C used-vehicle parts dealer and class W automotive wholesalers license for Beshear Motors at 517 Southfield Road after staff reported the application included an expanded use (class C) that the planner believes is not part of the property record and would be an expansion not allowed under current zoning. Motion passed on roll call.

- MDOT agreement for Champaign Road: Council approved an agreement with the state of Michigan (contract number 25-5213) for milling and resurfacing Champaign Road from I‑75 to Fourth Street; the DPS director was authorized to execute the agreement. Motion passed on roll call.

- Special meeting/closed session: Council approved a special meeting to be held June 9 to go into closed session to discuss property acquisition. Motion passed on roll call.

Why it matters: The SRF bond notice signals movement toward a multi‑million-dollar financing step for water‑system replacement and improvements. Contract awards and lease approvals are routine municipal business but have direct budget and operational impacts. Denial of the vehicle-license application reflects city enforcement of zoning-use limits.

Records: Each item was moved, seconded, and approved by roll call; the clerk recorded affirmative votes for council members present.