Council approves contracts, sale to Michigan Theater and union deal; trail award draws a 6–1 vote

At its July 22 meeting the Jackson City Council approved a package of consent and new‑business items, including contracts, budget amendments, a property sale and a labor agreement.

Key votes and outcomes:

- Awarded the MLK Equality Trail Extension contract to Merlot Construction Co. for $298,052. Staff said a $200,000 grant covers the bulk of the work and the city’s match is approximately $98,000; the motion passed 6–1.

- Authorized purchase of 2,430 SmartPoint MXU radio reading devices from ETNA Supply for $398,520 and approved a budget amendment for FY25–26; staff said the devices will allow remote reads and are a step toward monthly billing. The item passed unanimously.

- Approved the sale of 110 West Michigan Ave. (Parking Lot 14) to the Michigan Theater of Jackson for $160,000, with staff authorized to sign sale documents and make minor modifications; council discussed continuing public parking access and potential event uses for the lot.

- Approved routine and infrastructure items, including two SRF drinking‑water change orders (net decreases of $327,341.74 and $498,149.56 to balance field quantities), renewal of the 2023 HMA patching contract ($254,528.68), and a two‑year tree‑service contract with Johnny's Tree Service ($217,330 per fiscal year). Those items passed unanimously.

- Adopted a resolution amending a healthcare savings program agreement with the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan, and appointed David Hemantree to the board of review. Both passed.

- Ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE); council praised negotiators and the agreement passed unanimously.

Clerk tallies and roll calls were recorded for the votes noted; most items passed unanimously while the trail contract vote recorded a 6–1 tally.