Matt Anderson

Discussions covered multiple departmental and financial matters across several meetings. Key topics included recommending an Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Wyoming Fire Department, granting a variance for a garage construction requiring a Stormwater Management Ordinance waiver, and discussing the extension of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for Genesis East. The committee also recommended a contract for a Housing Needs Assessment Study, discussed the development of a City Art Policy, and reviewed proposed amendments to the Kentwood Noise Ordinance. Budget reviews included the preliminary General Fund Budget for FY 2025-2026 and the Schedule of Capital Improvements, leading to recommendations on approving these budgets. Furthermore, the committee recommended opting out of Public Act 152 requirements and discussed water and sewer rate adjustments due to increases from the City of Wyoming. Operational discussions involved adjusting the FY 2024-2025 budget for Sobriety Court shortfalls, reviewing and denying a false alarm appeal, recommending ordinance amendments concerning false alarms, noxious weeds, and sidewalk maintenance, and discussing allocations of Opioid Settlement Funds, including one-time funding for the Sobriety Court and the procurement of a police surveillance vehicle. Economic Development Corporation functions and their relationship with the City Commission were discussed, as well as the review and subsequent recommendation for rescinding a Class C Liquor License approval.

The discussions covered various operational and developmental items across multiple sessions. Key topics included the authorization of an Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Wyoming Fire Department, approval of payables, and authorization for a cost-sharing agreement for the Division Avenue Pedestrian Crossing. A public hearing was held and a resolution adopted to establish an Industrial Development District for TC 4301-60th LLC. Bids were awarded for body armor rifle plates for the Police Department, and for design engineering and security system services for the Public Works Renovation/Expansion Project. A resolution was adopted to revoke an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for Axis Company LLC. Subsequent meetings addressed the authorization of construction agreements for utility installations at Wildflower Townhomes and Heyboer Acres Site Condos, approval for capital improvement bonds, the adoption of an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on billboards, confirmation of Lisa Golder's appointment as Community Development Director, and the approval of land divisions for a property on 44th Street. Other actions involved awarding contracts for engineering services for Breton Avenue extended, authorizing the purchase of trucks for Public Works, adopting a resolution to amend fees for commercial/industrial building permits, and approving a contract with MDOT for 52nd Street reconstruction. The commission also approved the sale of an old fire truck, agreements for snowplowing and median mowing services, the purchase of VMware licenses, and the remodel of the Kentwood Library second-floor workroom.

This document outlines the Structures and Improvements Plan for the City of Kentwood, a program prepared annually detailing public improvements over a six-year period. The plan specifically covers proposed street and park improvements, new public buildings, and other related capital purchases. It also includes information on project implementation timelines and potential funding sources.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, excluding the Poverty Exemption Policy item. The Consent Agenda included the approval of city payables totaling $3,443,325.45. Key items included administering the Oath of Office to Fire Captain Nick Harkes. Monthly reports for the Police and Fire Departments for December were reviewed, noting statistics, annual trends, the success of the Flock program, and accreditation approval for the Police Department. The Commission authorized an agreement with Koetje Builders & Developers LLC for utility construction in Ravines of Kentwood Phase II, requiring staff to verify past special assessments. Two contracts were authorized with Prein & Newhof for a risk and resiliency assessment (RRA) plan and a water system reliability study (WSRS), including an emergency response plan (ERP). A public hearing was held for the Kentwood Community Parks and Recreation Plan, followed by the adoption of Resolution 1-26 to adopt the 2026-2031 plan, which is crucial for state grant applications. Bids were addressed by authorizing an amendment to the contract with Fleis & Vandenbrink for engineering services related to the 56th Street SE extension. Finally, resolutions were adopted to secure property interests for a sidewalk extension at 29th Street and E Paris Avenue, and to approve a contract with MDOT for traffic circle construction at Shaffer Ave and 36th St, along with changes to the lighting contract for five streetlights on Shaffer Ave.

Key discussions during the session included a potential charter revision to change the form of governance to include a City Manager, Clerk, and Treasurer, with consensus reached to first explore charter amendments. A review of city-wide trash hauler options was conducted, concluding with a decision to defer further discussion until after major construction projects are finished. Input was sought on the potential development and sale of city-owned parcels, leading to a proposal for staff to prepare development options and review Master Plan alignment. The Finance Director provided an update on State Revenue Sharing projections, noting an expected decrease, and reviewed updates for the General Fund, Police & Fire Millage, and Property & Building Fund, highlighting the need for future millage planning for Police & Fire services. Other business included a proposal to change Police and Fire reports to quarterly updates and a request for monthly updates on properties requiring high calls for service.