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Zeeland Board of Public Works approves multiple equipment contracts, intrusion detection upgrade and GM recruitment plan
Summary
At its Oct. 14 meeting the Zeeland Board of Public Works approved contracts for switchgear cleaning and purchases, substation testing, an intrusion detection installation, four mutual-aid resolutions, and began an internal-only search to fill the General Manager post.
The Zeeland Board of Public Works voted Oct. 14 to approve several maintenance and equipment contracts, add an intrusion detection installation to its office remodel, and begin an internal-only recruitment for the General Manager position.
The Board approved a not-to-exceed $29,500 professional-services contract with Strength H20 Industrial Solutions to perform dry-ice cleaning of pad-mounted switchgear. Electric, Transmission and Distribution Manager Coots told commissioners that cleaning reduces dust, debris and corrosion that can degrade insulation and increase the risk of arcing and outages. The motion was made by Commissioner Query and seconded by Commissioner Walters; all commissioners then present voted in favor.
The Board also awarded a bid to Shermco Industries, Inc. for Washington Substation preventative maintenance and equipment testing at a total price of $62,812. Commissioners were told the testing follows manufacturer and NETA guidelines and helps identify equipment nearing failure so it can be replaced before causing outages. The motion passed unanimously among commissioners present.
To maintain inventory of distribution equipment, the Board awarded a $241,355 purchase order for pad-mounted switchgear to Stuart C. Irby Co. Manager Coots said the system currently has 178 pad-mounted switchgear cabinets and that growth makes keeping inventory imperative. That bid award carried on a unanimous vote by commissioners present.
As part of the BPW office remodel, the Board approved including the intrusion detection system installation in Lakewood Construction’s project scope, with Inline Electric/Total Fire & Security performing the work and an added 8% construction management fee for a total estimated cost of $12,636. Electric Power Supply & Market Operations Manager Mulder explained Inline Electric is already under contract for other project electrical work and combining scopes was the most cost-effective option, staff said. The motion carried.
General Manager Andrew Boatright requested and the Board approved four resolutions recognizing outside utilities that aided Zeeland following a Sept. 20 straight-line wind event. Resolutions 2025-01 through 2025-04 commend Holland Board of Public Works, Lowell Light & Power, Coldwater Board of Public Utilities and the City of Niles.
On personnel matters, the Board reviewed an updated General Manager job description and agreed by consensus to begin an internal-only recruitment. Commissioners agreed to a two-stage interview process: an initial panel of select commissioners and external stakeholders followed by full-Board interviews. Commissioners Cooney and VanAst were named to the initial panel; consultant Kurt Wassink was directed to recruit additional external panel members and to target an internal posting by mid-November 2025. The Board approved the job description dated September 2025 on a motion by Commissioner Cooney, seconded by Commissioner Query.
The meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m. The Board listed upcoming items including a power-supply public meeting Oct. 16 and the new utility billing system go-live Nov. 17.
