Commission approves $276,000 expansion to Ox Creek NOAA-funded debris-removal contract

The City of Benton Harbor on Monday approved an expanded contract with Davie Resource Group to remove additional debris in the Ox Creek Valley, adding $276,000 to an earlier roughly $300,000 contract and authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement.

Commissioner Henry asked for documentation showing before-and-after photos with dates so the commission and public can see what the contractor removed. "I just would like to see documentation on the project before and after pictures with dates on them," Commissioner Henry said. Commissioner Kennard, who toured the project area, said he observed extensive dumping and supported the cleanup.

The resolution states the city is the recipient of a grant from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for debris removal in the Ox Creek Valley and that sufficient grant funding exists to cover the expanded work. The commission voted on the separated consent item and the motion carried on a roll-call vote.

The action authorizes the city manager to continue project execution and expand the contract area to remove debris from adjoining and adjacent sites consistent with the grant terms. Mayor Mohammed and the commissioners expressed support during brief comments. The city added that the original scope addressed four previously identified sites and that the additional work is adjacent to that area.

What happens next: staff will finalize and execute the expanded contract and (per Commissioner Henry's request) provide dated before-and-after documentation to the commission once the expanded work is underway or complete.