Kentwood commission approves Nutra expansion tax relief, park grant application and multiple contracts

The Kentwood City Commission on March 3 voted to approve a package of local economic and capital actions, including two resolutions for Nutra Food Ingredients LLC, a park grant application, and several contract and equipment authorizations.

Nutra Food Ingredients: The commission opened a public hearing and approved two separate resolutions: to establish an industrial development district for Nutra at 4683 50th Street, and to issue an industrial facilities tax-exemption certificate for the company. Lisa (city staff) said Nutra—established in 2004—operates a 52,000-square-foot Kentwood facility and plans a 15,000-square-foot expansion at an estimated construction cost of about $4,750,000; the company told commissioners it will invest roughly $2.7 million in equipment and add 17 jobs to its current 18. Scott Christensen, senior director of operations for Nutra, said, "We're excited to share our growth and our expansion in Kentwood." Both resolutions were approved by roll call.

Veterans Memorial Park grant application: Staff (Val) asked the commission to authorize an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund for Veterans Park Phase 4 at 355 48th St. The project would upgrade basketball courts, add a picnic shelter, convert tennis courts to pickleball, and replace remaining concrete pathways. Val said the grant request would be $850,000 and the city's match $450,000; the commission approved the application.

Rondo Station park improvements and related contract: Susan Arnold presented the Rondo Station project and recommended the commission authorize the mayor to execute a contract with Carbon Six Construction. Staff described a $750,000 project budget with funding suggested as $360,000 from Parks & Recreation capital funds, a $300,000 DNR grant, and $90,000 from the local streets fund. Commissioners pressed design details intended to limit unauthorized vehicle entry (bollards, boulders, fencing). The commission approved the contract award.

Asphalt planer purchase and spongy moth suppression: The commission authorized the purchase of a Bobcat-mounted asphalt planer/mill attachment from Carlton Equipment for an amount not to exceed $24,000 (including a 5% contingency) to allow in-house milling for smaller pavement repairs. The commission also approved a contract to undertake spongy moth suppression treatment; staff cited consultant recommendations but the transcript recorded inconsistent acreage figures (speakers referenced 72, 92 and 97 acres).

Phone system replacement: Staff (Mr. Anderson) asked to replace the city's Cisco phone system, citing end-of-life concerns and impending price increases; procurement would use the NASPO government contract. Commissioners asked about phone counts and whether retired phones could be donated; staff said existing desk phones would migrate to the new system, and new phones will be added as needed for the new Parks & Recreation building. The motion carried after roll call; an audible single 'nay' was recorded during the roll but the chair declared the motion passed.

All recorded motions that went to a roll call were announced as approved during the meeting. Where transcript wording or figures were inconsistent, the article notes those ambiguities rather than presenting a single corrected figure.