Council approves bonds, contracts and program changes in packed March meeting
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Summary
Jackson City Council unanimously approved multiple financing and infrastructure measures — including water and capital-improvement bonds and sewer and resurfacing contracts — and passed a $1,500 flat fee for licensed real estate agents participating in the 100 Homes program.
Jackson City Council approved a slate of financing and construction actions and a change to the city's 100 Homes program during its March 24 meeting.
The council voted unanimously to adopt a 2026 water system junior revenue bond ordinance to access state loan-forgiveness programs and lower interest rates; it also authorized the issuance of 2026 capital improvement bonds. The council approved a Michigan Department of Transportation application for local bridge funding for the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive bridge over the Grand River and approved a set of housekeeping changes to the Act 51 local street map that removed ineligible segments and added two eligible segments (Orchard Place and a portion of 2nd Street).
Council members awarded a series of public-works contracts and professional agreements. The Bloomfield Boulevard resurfacing contract (West Ave. to 4th St.) was awarded to Michigan Paving and Materials Company for $195,696. The Monkey Run interceptor rehabilitation contract was awarded to LGC Global Inc. (Detroit) for $1,773,002 following staff's presentation that the work follows an engineering study of an aging brick sewer. Council approved Amendment 2 to the interceptor engineering contract with NTH Consultants for $225,800. A change order for the MLK Playground project with Sinclair Recreation (Holland, Mich.) added $152,501 to expand scope (shelter, trail connections and additional play elements).
The council approved a $200,000 blanket purchase order for inventory materials for the lead-service-line replacement program (parts and fittings) and said staff expects the materials to support about 100 in-house replacements over the summer; staff stated the funding source is ARPA.
Votes at a glance (motions passed): water bond ordinance (unanimous); capital improvement bonds (unanimous); MDOT bridge application (unanimous); Act 51 decertify / add segments (unanimous); Bloomfield resurfacing award (unanimous); Monkey Run interceptor contract (unanimous); NTH amendment 2 ($225,800) (unanimous); MLK Playground change order ($152,501) (unanimous); lead-service inventory purchase ($200,000) (unanimous); 100 Homes flat fee for licensed real estate agents ($1,500) (majority, motion passed).
Why it matters: The financing approvals and contract awards commit city resources to water and transportation upkeep, sewer reliability and parks enhancements. The 100 Homes program adjustment aims to encourage licensed agents to bring eligible buyers while preserving program down-payment assistance dollars.
The council packet lists the specific resolutions and contract numbers for each item; the clerk tallied the roll or voice votes as the council moved through the agenda. The council adjourned following member remarks and a city manager update on emergency response to a recent Reed Manor fire.
