Richmond council approves $18,705 purchase of flip-top tables and sends city manager to MML conference

The Richmond City Council voted to buy 34 flip-top tables from Kentwood Office Furniture for $18,705.58 and authorized city manager John Moore to attend the Michigan Municipal League spring conference March 10–11 at the Lansing Center.

City staff told the council the city’s “2526” budget includes $23,405 for new tables for several offices including the community room, council backroom and the police department conference room. An unidentified staff speaker described the existing tables as original to the building and aging: “The existing grama tables in the community room and police department were purchased when the building was opened in 1994. The welds have started to break on them,” the speaker said, noting that worn supports can be dangerous.

Council members said they reviewed a sample and recommended the Kentwood model because it met purchasing requirements and came in at a lower price. A motion to purchase 34 flip-top tables with angled legs from Kentwood, in the amount of $18,705.58, carried on a voice vote. After the vote, council members asked staff to confirm delivery timing (staff estimated about 10 weeks) and to coordinate color selection for the community room; any remaining funds could be proposed for chairs at a later meeting.

On the conference item, staff described the MML spring capital conference and expo and noted early-bird registration rates available through Jan. 30. Council members discussed which officials should attend and concluded the programming was more directly relevant to the city manager’s duties. A motion to approve city manager John Moore to attend the March 10–11 conference — with expenses charged to the city council conference line — passed by voice vote.

The meeting also approved routine items: the minutes from the Dec. 15 regular meeting and the Dec. 22 special meeting, the consent agenda and the evening’s agenda as presented. Council members closed with community announcements about library and senior programs and a reminder of upcoming board and commission meetings. A motion to adjourn was approved and the meeting ended.

Votes at a glance • Approve Dec. 15 minutes — Approved (voice vote) • Approve Dec. 22 special meeting minutes — Approved (voice vote) • Approve consent agenda — Approved (voice vote) • Purchase 34 flip-top tables (Kentwood) — Approved; $18,705.58 charged to building additions and improvements (voice vote) • Authorize city manager John Moore to attend MML conference (March 10–11) — Approved (voice vote) • Adjourn — Approved (voice vote)

What happens next: Staff will confirm the vendor’s delivery estimate and work with staff to select table colors; any chair purchases would be considered at a future meeting. The council scheduled a quarterly workshop on the 19th and noted its next regular meeting in two weeks.