Jackson council approves ARPA expansion for lead‑line replacements, contracts and ordinances; creates street assessment relief fund
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Summary
Council voted to expand ARPA funding to cover lead service line replacements citywide, approved multiple contracts and change orders (materials testing, tree removal, water/main and lead service work), adopted a fire prevention code update, and established a street assessment relief fund.
The Jackson City Council took several formal actions on Jan. 13, approving contract awards, change orders and policy revisions intended to advance infrastructure and public‑health projects.
Key votes included unanimous approval to amend the city's obligation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to expand the lead service line replacement program to the entire city so staff can use remaining ARPA dollars before the spending deadline. City staff told council they currently have about 135 lead service lines remaining in the initial targeted area and want to include the full city to keep crews moving.
Council approved the following contract and procurement items (votes recorded as unanimous unless otherwise noted):
- Awarded the 2026 'as‑needed' materials testing services contract to Materials Testing Consultants Inc. (Dexter, MI) for $273,435. - Approved the first renewal of the hazardous tree removal program contract with Top Notch Tree Care LLC (Leslie, MI) for $26,574. - Approved Change Order No. 4 to the Phase 1 water main replacement (Bailey Excavating) for an increase of $14,411.12 to balance contract quantities. - Approved Change Order No. 1 to the DWSRF Phase 1 lead service line replacements contract (5 Star Energy Services LLC) in the increased amount of $1,566,260 to utilize available Drinking Water State Revolving Fund financing. - Approved sale of city‑owned property at 322 Clinton Street to Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity for $300 and finalized the purchase/development agreement. - Authorized grants of $275,000 each to Home of New Vision and Welcome Home Organization for opioid/substance use disorder relief services.
The council also approved revisions to the city's purchasing manual to raise certain procurement thresholds and unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026‑01‑01 to update the City's fire prevention code. Council established a Street Assessment Relief Fund and a related policy to help property owners pay special assessments and asked staff to develop a street plan tied to the new fund.
In one personnel action the council approved reappointment of Brenda Pilgrim to the Jackson District Library Board of Trustees; the vote passed 6–1 with one member abstaining due to an employment conflict.
Council members said the measures aim to use available funding efficiently and move infrastructure projects forward.
