Fiscal committee approves multiple budget substitutions for lift stations, Fuller Ave, parks and procurement

The Fiscal Committee met May 20 and approved a series of budget substitutions and contract items covering infrastructure and park projects.

Members approved a $985,000 resolution to relocate electrical equipment and upgrade pumps at three lift stations (Orchard Vista, Alpine Estates and Collindale Gravity Sewer) to improve safety and serviceability. The committee also approved linked sewer and water budget adjustments on Fuller Avenue (a $100,000 sewer substitution and a $198,000 water substitution) to "right‑size" the lines between Kalamazoo and Adams after bids revealed higher scope and costs.

Park funding was reallocated to advance Canal Park: the commission approved a $2,455,000 park capital substitution to concentrate bond funding on the Canal Park project currently under construction; remaining park projects will be funded by the parks millage going forward. The acting parks official characterized the action as an accounting move to accelerate a major project.

The acting CFO presented a short bid list that included hauling and disposal of nonhazardous waste, a three‑year software extension at the development center, and a cooperative purchase of fuel through the Kent County Road Commission with a three‑year total of $3,200,000. "Although our usage has declined due to electric vehicles... the price per unit has increased," the acting CFO said, explaining why the three‑year total matched the previous contract.

The committee received the comptroller's warrant report (approximately $3.55 million) and a treasurer's briefing that cautioned about macroeconomic uncertainty and possible recession later in the year; the treasurer reported city investments of roughly $657 million yielding 3.27% and urged commissioners to factor rising cost of capital into project planning.

All items on the fiscal docket were approved by voice vote.