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Three Rivers Commission approves nearly $3 million in road and infrastructure projects
The most contentious agenda item Tuesday was the Department of Public Services parking lot replacement project, where Commissioner Lucas Allen sharply questioned the city’s decision not to select the lowest bidder.
The exchange underscored broader tensions over cost, contractor selection, and the quality of infrastructure work across the city.
During discussion, Director of Public Services Amy Roth said the city plans to present a six-year road repair plan as part of the FY 2027 budget process, with initial discussion scheduled for May 12.
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Kalamazoo commission removes $1.25 million federal police grant from agenda, residents cheer
“I’d ask that item H3 be removed from tonight’s agenda, given the timing and the need for additional review to ensure the commission has a full understanding of the longer-term implications,” City Manager Malcolm Hankins said. “Removing the item, I believe, is appropriate. It also effectively means non-acceptance of the grant at this time.”
Hankins’ comments were met with immediate applause from a packed commission chamber, where many residents had gathered to urge officials to reject the funding. This is the second time the item has been pulled from a commission agenda in recent weeks.
Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
The Sturgis City Commission will meet Wednesday, April 8 for its regular business meeting, with a largely routine agenda that includes contract approvals, infrastructure work, and an update on staffing.
Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission
The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m. at City Hall for its regular business meeting. Commissioners will consider several new business items, including scheduling meeting dates for FY 2027 budget discussions and a public hearing, approving tornado response invoices to local contractors, and considering nearly $3 million in infrastructure projects throughout the city.
The meeting will be livestreamed on Watershed Voice’s Facebook page and uploaded to YouTube afterward.
Three Rivers Pride pauses festival, identifies key organizational needs
The board, which is made up of four members — President Riley Mains, Secretary Alexis Jacobs, Treasurer Ziggy Standish, and member Desireé Horrocks — said the organization is using this year to strengthen its structure and improve long-term sustainability.
“At this point, we really have to focus on strengthening the organization so that we can provide you all with the festival that the town deserves,” Standish said.
The Pride festival is the group’s largest event of the year and has cost about $20,000 to $35,000 to host in past years, the board told Watershed Voice.
