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Alma City meeting roundup: equipment purchases, investments, land option, public complaints and closed session
Summary
Commission approved routine purchases (truck, fire alarm), ratified investments, amended a land purchase option with Consumers Energy, paid bills, heard two lengthy public comments on property maintenance and flooding, and entered closed session on a real‑property matter under MCL 15.268.
At its recent meeting, the Alma City Commission handled routine procurement and finance items, approved an amendment to a land option with Consumers Energy, heard public complaints about a nuisance property and a flooded basement, and voted to enter closed session to discuss a real‑property matter.
Votes at a glance - Fleet purchase: Approved purchase of a 2026 F‑150 (4x2 regular cab) for $39,696 under state contract to replace unit 23; motion carried. - Fire alarm extension: Approved a $12,960 contract with Summit Fire Protection to extend the alarm system into the transit building addition; staff said the alarm was missed in the original bid and a certificate of occupancy would be withheld without it; motion carried. - Incubator contract: Awarded to Wall Gas Corporation (see separate article); motion passed 4‑yes, 1‑abstain. - Ratify investments: Commission ratified two CDs with differing maturities and rates; motion carried. - Land option amendment: Approved amendment increasing Consumers Energy option to 10.84 acres (parcel 51‑09‑01‑0) to accommodate drainage and a shared driveway; motion carried. - Appropriations: Approved payment of bills as presented; motion carried.
Public comment highlights Resident speakers asked the commission to enforce property maintenance at a neighboring lot described as overgrown with inoperable vehicles and other issues; the commission asked staff for a code enforcement follow‑up. Resident Catherine Kaiser reported major flooding at 606 Grafton Avenue on April 15, 2026 — reporting roughly 5 feet of water in the garage/basement — and said city staff inspections located a blocked connection to a near‑dry manhole; staff cleared the blockage and water levels receded within about 90 minutes. The commission asked staff to provide a written follow‑up report.
Closed session and adjournment The commission voted (roll call) to enter closed session under the Michigan Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.268) to discuss purchase or lease of real property; commissioners returned to open session with no public action and adjourned the meeting.
