City Commission - Regular Session
Regular MeetingGrand Rapids, MI · April 25, 2023
Minutes
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
City Commission
OF THE
CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
Regular Session, April 25, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Commission was called to order by Mayor Rosalynn Bliss at 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Bliss, Commissioner O’Connor, Commissioner Ysasi,
Commissioner Perdue, Commissioner Robbins
Absent: Commissioner Moody (Excused),
Commissioner Knight (Excused)
The roll was called by the City Clerk.
Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Ysasi.
Yeas: Bliss, O’Connor, Ysasi, Perdue, Robbins
Excused: Nathaniel Moody, Lisa Knight
Motion to excuse Commissioners Knight and Moody.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On the motion of Com. Jon O’Connor, supported by Com. Drew Robbins, the
reading of the minutes of the Regular Session of April 11, 2023 was waived
and said minutes were Accepted as presented. Carried.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
92497 Result: Received and Filed.
Communication received from Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation, urging the
commission to stop the switch to LED streetlights.
92498 Result: Received and Filed.
Communication received from Mary Lynn Noah urging the commission to
include safety in fund expenditures related to the proposed special
assessment.
92499 Result: Received and Filed.
Communication received from David Emdin regarding ongoing concerns at 38
Commerce.
1
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 2
92500 Result: Received and Filed.
Communication received from Paul Mayhue regarding Police review.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
92501 Result: Received and Filed.
Comptroller’s report for the period of March 29, 2023, through April 11, 2023 in
the amount of $15,996,968.73.
92502 Result: Received and Filed.
Treasurer’s report for the period of March 29, 2023, through April 11, 2023.
92503 Result: Received and Filed.
The City Clerk submitted a report entitled "Determination of the Local Officers
Compensation Commission" establishing salaries for the elected officials.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
92504 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
Adoption of the following items under the Consent Agenda.
B. COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS
92505 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
RESOLVED, that Mayor Bliss’ appointment of Matthew Chaffee to the
Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority for the remainder of a four-
year term ending December 31, 2025, be confirmed.
92506 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
RESOLVED, that Mayor Bliss’ appointment of Matthew Smith to the
Grand Rapids Police Civilian Appeals Board for a two-year term ending May 5,
2025, be confirmed.
92507 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
RESOLVED, that the City Commission’s appointment of Sara Lachman
to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the remainder of a three-year term ending
January 5, 2026, be approved.
92508 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
RESOLVED, that the City Commission’s appointment of Kimberly
Moore to the Urban Agriculture Committee for the remainder of a two-year term
ending January 6, 2025, be approved.
3 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
C. FISCAL COMMITTEE
92509 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
RESOLVED:
That the City of Grand Rapids is hereby authorized to pay Grand
Valley State University in the amount not to exceed $93,560 for the tuition,
student fees, and uniforms for the sponsored police academy during FY2023.
92510 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS, the City has determined to undertake to design, purchase,
acquire construct and install certain capital improvements and property and the
purchase of property, including, but not limited to, acquiring property,
demolition, site work, site remediation, renovating existing structures and
constructing new structures and facilities, parking and site amenities for the
City’s Department of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Forestry, Fleet and
Facilities Management and other related facilities, work, equipment,
furnishings, and improvements, and such other capital improvements and
purchases the City shall determine to make, all in accordance with information
on file and recommendations of the City Engineer (the “Public Improvements”)
for the benefit of the City and to finance all or a portion of the costs of such
Public Improvements, including costs of issuance, by the issuance of one or
more series of capital improvement bonds (the "Bonds") pursuant to Act 34 of
the Public Acts of Michigan of 2001, as amended, MCL 141.2101 et seq. ("Act
34"); and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to publish a notice of intent to issue bonds
for the Bonds pursuant to Section 517 of Act 34; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to express its intent to reimburse itself the
costs related to the public improvements from proceeds of the Bonds.
RESOLVED:
1. That the City shall undertake the Public Improvements and pay for all or a
portion of the costs of the Public Improvements through the issuance of the
Bonds in one or more series in a total amount not to exceed $60,000,000.
2. That a notice of intent to issue bonds for the Bonds shall be published in
accordance with Section 517 of Act 34.
3. That the City Clerk is authorized and directed to publish the notice of intent
to issue bonds in The Grand Rapids Press, a newspaper of general
circulation in the City, which notice shall contain the information required by
Act 34. Such notice shall not be less than one-quarter page in size in the
newspaper.
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 4
4. The City may proceed to acquire and construct the Improvements using
available funds of the City from the major streets fund, the refuse fund, the
motor equipment fund, the general fund, a fund for the general operations
of the City, and other funds of the City.
5. At such time as the City issues the Bonds for the long-term financing of the
acquisition of the Public Improvements, the City shall be reimbursed for its
expenditures for the Public Improvements out of the proceeds of the
Bonds.
6. That the City pursuant to Section 1.150-2 of the Treasury Regulations
promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
declares its intent to reimburse itself the costs of the Public Improvements
and costs related thereto in an amount not to exceed $60,000,000 through
the issuance of the bonds.
7. The firm of Dickinson Wright PLLC is hereby appointed as bond counsel to
the City and MCFI is hereby appointed as the City’s registered municipal
advisor in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.
8. That a copy of this resolution shall be available for public inspection at the
office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 300 Monroe Avenue, N.W., in
the City.
9. That all resolutions or parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the
provisions of this resolution be, and the same are, rescinded.
92511 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS:
1. On November 28, 2028, 2017 (Proceeding No. 87214) the City
Commission awarded a professional services contract to the firm of Plante
& Moran, PLLC covering general financial and compliance audit services
for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2018, 2019, and 2020; and
2. On April 27, 2021 (Proceeding No. 90729) and July 13, 2021 (Proceeding
No. 90922) the City Commission awarded a two-year contract extension for
general financial and compliance audit services, including reporting
services for the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal years
ending June 30, 2021 and 2022; and
3. The City now requests to exercise the three-year contract extension to
perform auditing services for the years ending June 30, 2023, 2024, and
2025; therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That a professional services contract be awarded to the firm of Plante &
Moran, PLLC covering general financial and compliance audit services,
including reporting services for the annual comprehensive financial report
for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, 2024, and 2025; inclusive in an
5 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
amount not to exceed Six Hundred Sixteen Thousand Five Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($616,550); and
2. That upon review and approval of the City Attorney, the Mayor be
authorized to execute the contract for and on behalf of the City of Grand
Rapids.
92512 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS:
1. Emergency repairs were needed in the stormwater system.
2. Funding can be provided by transferring the previously approved budget
amount of $200,000 from Capital Improvement Fund (Stormwater) Project
accounts; therefore
RESOLVED:
That the aforesaid Budget Substitution in the amount of $200,000 for
emergency repairs be approved and the Budget Office is authorized to execute
the transfer on behalf of the City.
92513 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Committee has considered the attached bids;
therefore
RESOLVED that contracts be prepared between the City and the
following vendors, and that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contracts on
behalf of the City, as follows, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney:
1. Hispanic Center of West Michigan
One-year term contract with two, one-year renewal options for
interpretation and translations services for both written materials and on-
site/in-person services for City-wide use from the Hispanic Center of
Western Michigan for an annual “not-to-exceed” amount of $50,000.00; the
estimated three-year total is $150,000.00.
Cummins, Inc.
MacAllister Machinery, Inc.
2. Total Energy Systems
One-year term contract with two, one-year renewal options for O.E.M.
Cummins generator maintenance and repair services for the Environmental
Services Department, Water Distribution and the Facilities Management
Department from Cummins, Inc. for an annual “not-to-exceed” amount of
$50,000.00 (estimated three-year total amount of $150,000.00); for O.E.M.
Caterpillar generator maintenance and repair services for the Lake
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 6
Michigan Filtration Plant from MacAllister Machinery (dba Michigan CAT)
for an annual “not-to-exceed” amount of $20,000.00 (estimated three-year
total amount of $60,000.00); and for non-O.E.M. generator maintenance
and repair services for the Environmental Services Department, Fire
Department, Facilities Management, Water Department, Mobile GR, and
Police Department from Total Energy Systems for an annual “not-to-
exceed” amount of $215,000.00 (estimated three-year total amount of
$645,000.00).
3. AJM Packaging Corporation
Contract extension for an additional one-year term contract with two, one-
year renewal options for the “as needed” purchase and delivery of City-
branded paper yard waste bags for the Public Works Department from
AJM Packaging for the annual “not-to-exceed” amount of $160,000.00; the
estimated three-year total amount is $480,000.00.
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Purchasing Agent be authorized to
proceed with awards to the following vendors:
4. Pure Air Filtration
Contract extension through a cooperative purchase through the Grand
Valley Regional Biosolids Authority (GVRBA) for a one-year term through
June 2024 for the purchase and delivery of activated carbon for the
Environmental Services Department from Pure Air Filtration for an annual
“not-to-exceed” amount of $200,000.00.
5. Pure Air Filtration
Contract extension for a one-year term through June 2024 for the purchase
and delivery of activated carbon and iron media for the Environmental
Services Department from Pure Air Filtration for an annual “not-to-exceed”
amount of $35,000.00, to co-terminate with the GVRBA Contract in July
2024.
6. Pure Air Filtration
Contract extension through a cooperative purchase through the Grand
Valley Regional Biosolids Authority (GVRBA) for a one-year term through
June 2024 for the purchase and delivery of bulk polymer for the
Environmental Services Department from Pure Air Filtration for an annual
“not-to-exceed” amount of $975,000.00.
D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
92514 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS, bids were received on April 11, 2023 for the following
project:
7 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
Replacement of Private Lead Service Lines Contract 2023-2
(hereinafter referred to as the “Project”)
and SPS Pro Plumbing, LLC (SPS) submitted a bid of $760,346, for which the
engineer’s estimate, is $823,655; therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That the bid of SPS be accepted and that, upon approval as to form by the
City Attorney, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the
contract documents for the Project on behalf of the City.
2. That total expenditures for the Project be authorized in an amount “not-to-
exceed” $1,146,600 which includes the costs of the construction contract,
engineering/inspection/administration, and contingencies. Said amount of
$1,146,600 to be charged to the applicable Water System Fund codes.
3. That the City Comptroller is hereby authorized and directed to make
payment, in amounts and to said payees, as the City Engineer or his
designee requests in connection with the Project.
92515 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS:
On September 10, 1945 (Proceeding No. 82137) the City approved a
consent resolution for the vacation of a portion of Bond Avenue Alley that was
approved by the Circuit Court of Kent County on October 8, 1945 and recorded
in Liber 1266 Page 219, Kent County Register of Deeds; and
On October 13, 1953 (Proceeding No. 98758) the City approved a
consent resolution for the vacation of a portion of Bond Avenue Alley that was
approved by the Circuit Court of the County of Kent on November 6, 1953 and
recorded in Liber 1659 Page 188, Kent County Register of Deeds; and
On December 18, 1962 (Proceeding No. 13223) the City approved a
consent resolution for the vacation of an additional portion of Bond Avenue
Alley and on January 2, 1963 (Proceeding No. 13252) the City approved an
amendment to the previously vacated area that was approved by the Circuit
Court of Kent County on January 11, 1963 and recorded in Liber 1949 Page
209, Kent County Register of Deeds. The court orders that were recorded in
Liber 1659 Page 188, and Liber 1949 Page 209, Kent County Register of
Deeds and the City’s consent resolutions all included easements to the City of
Grand Rapids for a sanitary sewer utility in the vacated alley; and
1. On May 22, 2018 (Proceeding No. 87722) the City approved Conditional
Release of Easement documents for the utility easements that are
recorded in Liber 1266 Page 219 and Liber 1949 Page 209, that are
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 8
recorded in Instrument No.’s 201806120044701 and 201806120044702,
Kent County Register of Deeds; and
2. The building that was served by the utilities in the aforesaid easements has
been demolished and all of the easements and Conditional Release of
Easements can be released by the City and the abandoned sanitary sewer
will become the responsibility of the property owner; therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That a Release of Easements is hereby approved to the following property
owner for nominal consideration of One Dollar ($1.00):
Board of Trustees of Michigan State University ($1.00)
450 Administration Building
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Part of: 516 and 544 Monroe Ave. NW, Parcel No.’s 41-13-24-476-005
and -001; and
2. That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the aforesaid Release of
Easements on behalf of the City, contingent upon approval as to form by
the City Attorney; and
3. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to record the
aforesaid Release of Easements with the Kent County Register of Deeds.
92516 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS, proposals were received on February 3, 2023 for the
following project:
Relocation of City Facilities at 201 Market Avenue
(hereinafter referred to as the “Project”)
and Clark Construction Company, Inc. (Clark) submitted a fee of $143,670 for
preconstruction services; therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That the fee of Clark be accepted and that, upon approval as to form by the
City Attorney, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the
contract documents for the Project on behalf of the City.
2. That total expenditures for the Project be authorized in an amount not to
exceed $3,060,864 which includes the costs of the preconstruction
construction agreement, previously authorized services, administration,
and contingencies. Said amount of $3,060,864 to be charged to the
applicable codes currently defined as 4010-447-9000-9880-401020071.
9 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
3. That the City Comptroller is hereby authorized and directed to make
payment, in amounts and to said payees, as the City Engineer or his
designee requests in connection with the Project.
4. That the City of Grand Rapids, pursuant to Section 1.150-2 of the Treasury
Regulations promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, declares its intent to reimburse itself the costs of the Project
and other related costs in an amount not to exceed $3,060,864 (Capital
Improvement Fund) through the issuance of tax-exempt bonds.
5. That a copy of this resolution be available for inspection at the City Clerk’s
Office, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 300 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids,
Michigan 49503.
92517 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS, bids were received on March 28, 2023 for the following
project:
Improvements to Highland Park
(hereinafter referred to as the “Project”)
and Montgomery Excavating, LLC (Montgomery) submitted a bid of
$810,940.55 for which the engineer’s estimate, prepared by Williams & Works,
Inc. (W&W), is $661,078; therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That the bid of Montgomery be accepted and that, upon approval as to
form by the City Attorney, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to
execute the contract documents for the Project on behalf of the City.
2. That total expenditures for the Project be authorized in an amount “not-to-
exceed” $1,123,000 which includes the costs of the construction contract,
previously authorized design phase services by W&W, construction phase
services including inspection by W&W, administration, and contingencies.
Said amount of $1,123,000 to be charged to the applicable Parks Millage
codes.
3. That the City Comptroller is hereby authorized and directed to make
payment, in amounts and to said payees, as the City Engineer or his
designee requests in connection with the Project.
92518 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS:
1. The City received a proposal from Progressive AE, Inc. (Progressive) for
additional phase services for the following project:
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 10
Improvements to Lakeshore Access at 11231 Lakeshore Drive (Galimore
Property) and in Public Easement
(hereinafter referred to as the “Project”)
2. It is necessary to authorize additional phase services in connection with the
Project; therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That Progressive be authorized to proceed with additional phase services
in connection with the Project at a cost of $97,640 with total expenditures
“not-to-exceed” $173,560 which includes additional phase services by
Progressive associated with stair design and construction, previously
authorized design phase services by Progressive, testing, administration,
and contingencies. Said amount of $173,560 to be charged to the
applicable Water Fund Codes.
2. That the City Comptroller is hereby authorized and directed to make
payment, in amounts and to said payees, as the City Engineer or his
designee requests in connection with the Project.
92519 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
WHEREAS:
1. On November 15, 2022 (Proceeding No. 92148), the City approved fees
associated with Design Services with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber,
Inc. (Fishbeck) for the following project:
Citywide Facilities Strategic Master Plan
(hereinafter referred to as the “Project”)
2. It is necessary to increase the scope of work and authorize additional
expenditures; therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with
Fishbeck for the Project is hereby approved and that, upon approval by the
City Attorney, the Mayor be authorized to execute the amendment on
behalf of the City; and
2. That additional expenditures in connection with the aforesaid amendment,
including administration, are hereby approved in an amount of $1,350,188.
Said amount of $1,350,188 to be charged to the applicable codes currently
defined as 4010-265-9000-9750-401021018; and
11 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
3. That the City Comptroller is hereby authorized and directed to make
payment, in amounts and to said payees, as the City Engineer or their
designee requests in connection with the aforesaid services.
E. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
92520 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
RESOLVED:
1. That funds be awarded to the following organizations in an amount not to
exceed the following funding levels:
Neighborhood Investment Plan (CDBG, HOME, ESG, JAG)
and HOME-ARP Projects
Amplify GR
Boston Square Together I F3 $ 400,000
Baxter Neighborhood Association
Public Safety 40,300
City of Grand Rapids Community Development
Code Enforcement 1,368,688
Housing Rehabilitation 850,000
Coordinated Entry Set-Aside 60,000
Community Rebuilders
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance 403,545
Creston Neighborhood Association
Leadership and Civic Engagement 18,800
Public Safety 21,600
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Accessible Housing Services 25,000
Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids Nonprofit Housing Corporation
21 Weston 300,000
Verne Barry Place 400,000
East Hills Council of Neighbors
Leadership and Civic Engagement 17,800
Public Safety 20,400
Eastown Community Association
Leadership and Civic Engagement 15,800
Public Safety 18,000
Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
Fair Housing Services 75,000
Family Outreach Center
Expanded Outpatient Program 80,000
Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 12
Leadership and Civic Engagement 26,500
Public Safety 30,500
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Hope Community 500,000
Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project
Minor Home Repair 225,000
Grand Rapids Urban League dba Urban League of West Michigan
Homelessness Prevention 120,000
Housing and Economic Opportunity 45,000
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Acquisition, Development, and Resale 200,000
Heritage Hill Association
Leadership and Civic Engagement 22,200
Public Safety 25,500
Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
Youth Employment Initiative 50,000
Home Repair Services of Kent County
Access Modifications 100,000
Minor Home Repair 514,088
ICCF Nonprofit Housing Corporation
Seymour Condominiums 600,000
Acquisition, Development, and Resale 200,000
Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Housing Legal Assistance 75,000
LINC Up Nonprofit Housing Corporation
MoTown Square Affordable Assisted Living 380,000
Acquisition, Development, and Resale 200,000
Leadership and Civic Engagement 54,200
Midtown Neighborhood Association
Leadership and Civic Engagement 19,200
Public Safety 22,100
Neighbors of Belknap Lookout
Leadership and Civic Engagement 16,500
Public Safety 19,000
New Development Corporation
CHDO Operating Support 22,000
Acquisition, Development, and Resale 200,000
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Street Outreach 100,000
Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association
Leadership and Civic Engagement 25,900
Public Safety 29,800
Seeds of Promise
Public Safety 47,400
South West Area Neighbors dba John Ball Area Neighbors
Leadership and Civic Engagement 24,100
13 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
Public Safety 27,700
Steepletown Neighborhood Services
JobStart 50,000
The Salvation Army
Rapid Re-housing 302,753
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
Leadership and Civic Engagement 27,600
Public Safety 27,600
West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology
Adult Career Training Program 25,000
Women’s Resource Center
New Beginnings 25,000
Total Project Funds $8,494,574
Administration (CDBG, HOME, ESG, JAG)
City of Grand Rapids Community Development
CDBG Administration $ 886,780
HOME Administration 175,628
ESG Administration 24,548
JAG Administration 16,258
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Essential Needs Task Force 10,000
Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness 20,000
Total Administrative Funds $1,133,214
Total Funding $9,627,788;
and
2. That the City Manager is designated as the City’s Authorized Official for
the federal programs contained herein; and
3. That the City of Grand Rapids hereby adopts the FY 2024 Annual Action
Plan and the City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to submit said
plans to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and to
execute grant agreements and related documents with the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department
of Justice; and
4. That contractual agreements with the preceding organizations, or a
subsidiary/related entity or a partnership in which the organization has an
ownership interest, in an amount not to exceed those stated above, are
approved; and the Mayor is authorized to execute said contractual
agreements, sub agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other
necessary documents; to approve extensions to periods of performance
and nonsubstantial project amendments; and to accept mortgages,
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 14
promissory notes and other documents related to the above-noted projects,
all in a form approved by the City Attorney.
ORDINANCES
92521 Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
Yeas: Bliss, O’Connor, Ysasi, Perdue, Robbins
Excused: Nathaniel Moody, Lisa Knight
ORDINANCE NO. 2023 - 13
THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS DO ORDAIN:
Section 1. That the following constitutes amended additions to the
designated line items of Section 1 of Ordinance 2022-13, the Budget of the City
of Grand Rapids for Fiscal Year 2023, as amended.
General Operating Fund
Previously Approved Resources 175,806,864.30
Other -
From (To) Fund Balance -
Total Amended Resources 175,806,864.30
Previously Approved Appropriations 175,806,864.30
Contingent (175,000.00)
Fire Department 175,000.00
Total Amended Appropriations 175,806,864.30
Capital Improvement Bonds Series 2017 Fund
Previously Approved Resources 76,888.26
Other 93,614.19
From (To) Fund Balance -
Total Amended Resources 170,502.45
Previously Approved Appropriations 76,888.26
Requested Changes 93,614.19
Total Amended Appropriations 170,502.45
Motor Equipment - Capital Fund
Previously Approved Resources 10,924,438.90
Other -
From (To) Retained Earnings 672,000.00
15 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
Total Amended Resources 11,596,438.90
Previously Approved Appropriations 10,924,438.90
Requested Changes 672,000.00
Total Amended Appropriations 11,596,438.90
Major Streets Fund
Previously Approved Resources 26,031,121.29
Other -
From (To) Fund Balance 431,404.50
Total Amended Resources 26,462,525.79
Previously Approved Appropriations 26,031,121.29
Requested Changes 431,404.50
Total Amended Appropriations 26,462,525.79
Local Streets Fund
Previously Approved Resources 10,149,895.21
Other -
From (To) Fund Balance 143,801.50
Total Amended Resources 10,293,696.71
Previously Approved Appropriations 10,149,895.21
Requested Changes 143,801.50
Total Amended Appropriations 10,293,696.71
Other Grants Fund
Previously Approved Resources 16,246,739.35
Other 816,526.00
From (To) Fund Balance -
Total Amended Resources 17,063,265.35
Previously Approved Appropriations 16,246,739.35
Requested Changes 816,526.00
Total Amended Appropriations 17,063,265.35
Downtown Improvement District - Snowmelt Fund
Previously Approved Resources 170,000.00
Other -
From (To) Fund Balance 45,000.00
APRIL 25, 2023 CITY COMMISSION 16
Total Amended Resources 215,000.00
Previously Approved Appropriations 170,000.00
Requested Changes 45,000.00
Total Amended Appropriations 215,000.00
SmartZone LDFA Fund
Previously Approved Resources 2,376,795.91
Other -
From (To) Fund Balance 98,267.00
Total Amended Resources 2,475,062.91
Previously Approved Appropriations 2,376,795.91
Requested Changes 98,267.00
Total Amended Appropriations 2,475,062.91
Result: Adopted.
Mover: O’Connor. Supporter: Robbins.
Yeas: Bliss, O’Connor, Ysasi, Perdue, Robbins
Excused: Nathaniel Moody, Lisa Knight
Motion to give Ordinance immediate effect.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
92522 Result: Closed.
Public Hearing on the proposed acquisition of small Unmanned Aerial System
technology.
92523 Result: Referred to Committee of the Whole.
Public Hearing on the Necessity of a Three-Year Special Assessment for
Enhanced Services in the Downtown Improvement District (Roll #8780).
92524 Result: Closed.
City Commission to hear appeals on Special Assessment Nuisance Roll 8776 .
DOCUMENTS FILED
92525 Result: Received and Filed.
Agreement between the City of Grand Rapids and Envisio submitted for public
record.
92526 Result: Received and Filed.
Agreement to Resume Limited Business Operations between Pitsch
Companies and the City of Grand Rapids Fire Department submitted for the
public record
ADJOURNMENT
17 CITY COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2023
Commission adjourned at 10:38 PM
JOEL H. HONDORP
City Clerk
Agenda
CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023
7:00 PM
Welcome to the Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting. This session is the final process in the
consideration of the items listed on the following agenda. All of these agenda items have been thoroughly
reviewed and discussed in the various Standing Committees of the City Commission which meet on
Tuesday morning. To view supporting documents for agenda items, please visit:
www.grandrapidsmi.gov/commission
Persons who need reasonable accommodation to participate, are asked to contact the City Clerk’s Office
at 616-456-3010 or cityclerk@grcity.us.
Expected Meeting Procedures
1. Depending on the meeting there can be multiple opportunities for public
comment.
-The First is limited to items on the Commission’s agenda that are slated
to be voted on
-The Second is for specially scheduled required public hearings
-The Third is for any issue you would like to bring to the attention of the
Commission
2. You may only speak once on each issue.
3. All comments are to be limited to 3 minutes.
4. City Commission meetings are to be a safe place for everyone involved,
as such:
-No clapping, cheering, or holding up of signs
-Please refrain from swearing, name calling and/or making derogatory
comments directed toward a person’s race, religion, nation of origin, etc.
5. Do not request or expect comment from the Commission.
6. Please turn OFF cellular phones.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. MOMENT OF SILENCE
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. ROLL CALL
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS - Prior to consideration of the official business,
citizens may speak to subjects on today's agenda which are slated to be voted on. The items to
be addressed during this time are located in the highlighted section headings. (Please limit
comments to 3 minutes.)
1. Public Comments on Agenda Items
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. City Commission - Regular Session - Apr 11, 2023 2:00 PM
VII. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS - Communications addressed to the City Commission
are distributed to all members and are acknowledged for information, or are referred to a
committee or staff for follow up.
1. Communication received from Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation, urging the commission to
stop the switch to LED streetlights
2. Communication received from Mary Lynn Noah urging the commission to include safety in
fund expenditures related to the proposed special assessment - Add-On
3. Communication received from David Emdin regarding ongoing concerns at 38 Commerce -
Add-On
4. Communication received from Paul Mayhue regarding Police review. - Add-On
VIII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS - The City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Treasurer,
and City Comptroller may submit reports or information directly to the City Commission for
consideration.
1. Warrant Report for March 29, 2023, thru April 11, 2023 & Travel Report March 2023
2. Treasurer’s Report for Period of March 29, 2023, through April 11, 2023
3. The City Clerk submitted a report entitled "Determination of the Local Officers Compensation
Commission" establishing salaries for the elected officials
IX. CONSENT AGENDA AND REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:
A. COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS The Committee considers and makes recommendations
on appointments to the City's various boards and commissions.
1. Resolution confirming Mayor Bliss' appointment of Matthew Chaffee to the Michigan
Street Corridor Improvement Authority
2. Resolution confirming Mayor Bliss' appointment of Matthew Smith to the Grand Rapids
Police Civilian Appeals Board
3. Resolution approving the City Commission's appointment of Sara Lachman to the Board
of Zoning Appeals
4. Resolution approving the City Commission's appointment of Kimberly Moore to the Urban
Agriculture Committee
B. FISCAL COMMITTEE The Committee considers and makes recommendations on matters
referring to bids, claims, and other financial matters of the City .
1. Resolution authorizing Grand Rapids Police Department recruit classes to attend Grand
Valley State University Police Academy for a total cost of $93,560
2. Resolution authorizing the publication of a notice of intent to issue $60,000,000 of bonds
for the Scribner property
3. Resolution approving a renewal of a three-year professional services agreement with
Plante & Moran, PLLC for auditing services for fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, 2024,
and 2025 for a total amount not to exceed $616,550
4. Resolution authorizing a budget substitution for emergency repairs to the storm sewer
system in the amount of $200,000
5. Bid List Resolution for April 25, 2023
C. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Committee considers and makes
recommendations on matters concerning public service, public improvements, streets, traffic
and public buildings.
1. Resolution awarding a contract with SPS Pro Plumbing, LLC for Replacement of Private
Lead Service Lines at Various Locations Contract 2023-2 in the amount of $760,346 with
total amount not-to-exceed $1,146,600
2. Resolution approving a Release of Easements at 516 and 544 Monroe Ave. NW for
$1.00
3. Resolution awarding a contract with Clark Construction Company, Inc. for pre-
construction services for the Relocation of City Services at 201 Market Ave in the amount
of $143,670 with total authorized project expenditures not-to-exceed $3,060,864
4. Resolution awarding a contract with Montgomery Excavating LLC for Improvements to
Highland Park in the amount of $810,940.55 with total amount not-to-exceed $1,123,000
5. Resolution approving Additional Phase Services with Progressive AE in connection with
Galimore Property and Public Easement Improvements in the amount of $97,640, with
total expenditures not to exceed $173,560
6. Resolution approving an increase with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. for
additional design services for the Citywide Facilities Master Plan in the amount of
$1,125,443 with total authorized project expenditures not-to-exceed $1,350,188
D. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Committee considers all matters that are desired to be
deliberated in committee by the full City Commission. Most ordinances and licensing matters
are brought before this committee.
1. Resolution approving funding awards totaling $9,627,788 for CDBG, HOME, HOME-
ARP, ESG, and JAG programs and submission of the FY 2024 Annual Action Plan
X. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT
XI. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED
1. Ordinance amending Section 1 of the Budget Ordinance 2022-13 for Fiscal Year 2023
(Amendment No. 13)
XII. CITY COMMISSION RESOLUTIONS - Resolutions to be deliberated by the City Commission but
which come directly to the City Commission rather than from one of the Standing Committees.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Public hearings are scheduled to allow citizens to speak on subjects
which will be before the City Commission for action at a future date. Speakers may address the
Commission once on each hearing.
1. Public Hearing on the proposed acquisition of small Unmanned Aerial System technology
2. Public Hearing on the Necessity of a Three-Year Special Assessment for Enhanced Services
in the Downtown Improvement District (Roll #8780)
3. City Commission to hear appeals on Special Assessment Nuisance Roll 8776
XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTS - At the conclusion of the official business and public hearings, the
agenda provides for public comment on any other matters citizens may wish to bring to the
attention of the City Commission. (Please limit comments to 3 minutes.)
1. Public Comments
XV. COMMENTS BY COMMISSIONERS
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
CITY COMMISSION
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TERM DEFINITION
Adjournment To close the meeting.
Adopt To accept or approve; i.e., an ordinance, a resolution, a motion, etc.
Amend To modify; i.e., an ordinance, a resolution, a motion, etc.
Call to Order Formal opening of a meeting.
City Charter Legal document establishing a municipality (city).
City Commission Local form of government consisting of the Mayor and six Commissioners.
City Officers Includes: Mayor, President of the City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney,
City Treasurer, and City Clerk.
Consent Agenda Matters listed as Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine or matters
of unanimous consent by the City Commission. There will be no separate
discussion of these matters, and they will be enacted by one motion.
Executive Session A meeting in which the proceedings are of a confidential nature. Only members
and invited guests may attend, and all are honor-bound to maintain
confidentiality.
Motion A proposal that the Commissioners take a specific action or stand on an item
being presented to the City Commission.
Ordinance A piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority.
Postpone A motion to postpone is made if the City Commission needs more time to make
a decision. A postponement cannot go beyond the next session.
Quorum Number of voting members who must be present in order that business can be
legally transacted.
Recess Short intermission within a meeting.
Recognize / Obtain the Floor Acknowledgement by the presiding officer of the City Commission that a
member has the right to address the assembly.
Rescind (Repeal) Allows the City Commission to repeal an action previously taken; i.e.,
ordinances, etc.
Resolution A decision by the City Commission to do or not to do something.
Robert’s Rules of Order A guide to fair and orderly meeting procedures.
Suspend the Rules This motion is used when the City Commission wants to do something that
violates its own rules. The motion does not apply to an organization’s bylaws,
local, state, or national law; or fundamental principles of parlia-mentary law. An
appropriate suspension of the rules, used on occasion by the City Commission,
would be a motion to change the agenda.
Table, Lay on the This motion puts aside an item, and everything adhering to it, currently being
presented to the City Commission. The item remains “on the table” until taken
off.
Table, Take (Remove) from the The motion to Take from the Table is used when the City Commission wants to
continue considering a motion that was Laid on the Table earlier in the present
session or in the previous session of the City Commission. When a motion is
Taken from the Table, it has everything adhering to it exactly as it was when it
was Laid on the Table.
Revised: 06-30-2014 Source(s): Robert’s Rules of Order
City Commission Standing Rules
CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS COMMISSIONERS
Jon O’Connor joconnor@grcity.us 616-456-3035
First Ward
Drew Robbins drobbins@grcity.us 616-456-3035
Milinda Ysasi mysasi@grcity.us 616-456-3035
Second Ward
Lisa Knight lknight@grcity.us 616-456-3035
Nathaniel Moody nmoody@grcity.us 616-456-3035
Third Ward
Kelsey Perdue kperdue@grcity.us 616-456-3035
Revised: 01-07-2023