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Commission approves MDOT right-of-way dedication and purchases three transit vehicles using federal grant funds
Summary
Council approved Resolution 320 to dedicate portions of city parcels to MDOT for sidewalk ramp work (enabling Act 51 maintenance dollars) and approved Resolutions 321 and 322 to buy one minivan, two vans and one low-floor transit bus using congressionally directed spending grants (total vehicle costs $264,124).
The commission voted to approve a set of interrelated transportation items on Feb. 17.
Resolution 320 authorizes dedication of portions of five city-owned parcels to public right-of-way at MDOT's request to permit sidewalk-ramp reconstruction at no cost to the city; the dedication will also allow the city to claim Act 51 maintenance dollars for the dedicated sections. Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell explained the dedication is the procedural step needed to secure right-of-way for sidewalks.
The commission also approved Resolution 321, authorizing the city manager to execute contract 2026-058C to purchase one minivan and two full-size vans in a not-to-exceed amount of $38,659 using competitive pricing from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Resolution 322 authorizes contract 2026-057C for one low-floor transit bus in a not-to-exceed amount of $225,465 using pricing obtained through the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority. Both vehicle purchases are funded by congressionally directed spending grants administered through the Federal Transit Administration.
During public comment, John Kenneth asked whether neighboring jurisdictions are contributing to transit costs and noted his view that Battle Creek taxpayers pay approximately 63% of the system costs; he requested historical cost information for Battle Creek Transit. The commission did not provide a detailed funding-share response during the meeting; staff follow-up was implied.
All three resolutions were moved, supported and approved by the commission.
