At its December meeting the East Grand Rapids City Commission handled a slate of routine and organizational items, approved several motions and received two informational presentations.

Key votes at a glance: Opt out of PA 152: Staff explained that Michigan Public Act 152 (the publicly funded health insurance act) provides an opt‑out provision that must be exercised annually. The Commission moved, seconded and approved opting out for the 2026 calendar year (motion carries; no roll‑call provided in transcript).

Metro Act right‑of‑way extension (Verizon/MCI): Deputy City Manager Lefebvre presented a five‑year extension request for existing aerial and buried private communications lines and described the benefit of preserving city check‑ins, contact points and permitting coordination. The Commission approved the extension (motion carries; no roll‑call provided).

Facilities contract: The Commission awarded a carpet and tile flooring contract to Shaw Industries for $5,745 plus a 15% contingency as part of annual facilities capital improvements; the item passed on a voice vote (motion carries; no roll‑call provided).

Strategic planning and personnel: The Commission set its annual strategic planning session for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, and approved a change to the vesting schedule for nonunion department directors from five years to three as a recruitment and retention measure. Commissioners discussed coordination with upcoming union negotiations and staff said state law requires certain annual opt‑outs be approved each year.

Consent agenda and adjournment: The Commission approved the consent agenda and adjourned, offering seasonal greetings.

Context and next steps: Several items were routine approvals of staff recommendations; for the Metro Act extension staff said the permit keeps lines of communication and mapping corrections with the telecommunications provider. For items with dollar amounts and future budget effects (flooring, vesting schedule, any budget line for community programs) staff said follow‑up details and budget adjustments would be processed through the normal administrative channels. The Waterfront Park grant was presented for information and will return for community engagement and later decisions if scope or funding items require Commission action.

The meeting record shows voice‑vote approvals with the phrase 'motion carries' but no roll‑call tallies in the transcript for the recorded votes.