Kalamazoo approves about $18 million in water and utilities contracts, including clarifier design and plant electrical upgrades

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved several capital and procurement items aimed at upgrading water and utility infrastructure.

City Manager Malcolm Hankins presented the recommended professional‑services agreement with Tetra Tech for design engineering of secondary clarifier rehabilitation at the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant for $1,500,000. Director Baker explained the clarifiers — four circular tanks in continuous service since 1981 — and said the design phase will likely run about 12 months with construction anticipated in 2027–2028 and a three‑year construction window thereafter.

The commission also approved a $2,577,774 contract with SWT Excavating Inc. for the Burdick Street water‑main replacement project and authorized a $3,038,791 contract with Utility Metering Solutions LLC to replace about 5,800 water meters as part of the smart‑meter program. Director Baker said the meter work will help the city move toward monthly billing and improve responsiveness to usage and potential shutoffs.

Finally, the commission approved an $11,227,000 contract with LD Doxa Associates for the Plant No. 25 electrical reliability project. Director Baker described Station 25 as a baseload drinking‑water plant that serves multiple townships and noted that its motor‑control center dates to 1978. The upgrades include relocating electrical components to modern MCC buildings, arc‑flash and worker‑safety improvements, and replacement of a diesel generator with a natural‑gas‑fueled backup to reduce wellhead‑protection risks and improve resilience during storms.

All motions for H‑1 through H‑4 passed by roll call with all commissioners voting yes.

What’s next: staff will proceed with the design and procurement steps; Director Baker estimated design and construction timelines and noted phased elements already moving forward (catwalk and launder covers).