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Kentwood commissioners approve equipment purchases, recruit contract and sidewalk easements in unanimous votes
Summary
Commissioners approved a package of purchases — including a vintage fire truck refurbishment, turf maintenance equipment and sanitary sewer inspection cameras — authorized a CPS HR recruitment contract for a deputy administrator and adopted a resolution to acquire easements for a sidewalk on 29th Street.
At its meeting, the Kentwood City Commission approved several procurement and contract items intended to maintain city services and advance capital projects.
Public Works staff received authorization to purchase replacement sewer televising equipment and camera heads to support preventive inspection work. Staff characterized the equipment as essential to the sewer operation strategy and asset-management plan and reported a not-to-exceed cost of $107,100 from the FY2026 DPW equipment fund; commissioners approved the purchase after a discussion about equipment lifespan and maintenance.
Parks and Recreation purchases were approved to maintain athletic fields: one Mill Creek Turf Tiger top-dressing machine for $42,000 (including a 5% contingency) and a complementary deep-tine aerator. Staff said those purchases improve turf health, playability and long-term maintenance costs, and noted the Mill Creek unit offered the best combination of price, durability and a two-year warranty.
The commission also approved funding to refurbish a 1949 vintage fire truck for use at public events and parades, noting difficulty sourcing original parts and a plan to convert the transmission to automatic so the vehicle can be safely operated in public demonstrations.
On personnel and contracts, the commission authorized the mayor to enter an agreement with CPS HR for executive recruitment services to fill the vacant deputy city administrator post for up to $22,000 (including a 10% contingency) from the general fund; staff said using an outside recruiter should shorten the hiring timeline compared with previous internal-only searches.
The panel adopted a resolution of necessity to acquire easements and property interests to extend sidewalks along 29th Street to East Paris; staff said easements will fill gaps to provide contiguous sidewalks to the intersection and improve pedestrian access near a bus stop. All motions recorded in the meeting minutes passed on roll-call votes.
The meeting also included the swearing-in of Sergeant Ryan Smith to his new role overseeing a patrol squad, acknowledgements for department awards and updates about upcoming events and budget work.
Votes at a glance: items approved included the construction agreement for utilities at 3557 Patterson Avenue; refurbishment of the vintage fire truck; purchase of turf maintenance equipment (top dresser and aerator); sanitary sewer inspection cameras (not to exceed $107,100); authorization to retain CPS HR for a deputy administrator search (up to $22,000); and adoption of the resolution of necessity for sidewalks on 29th Street.
