The Three Rivers City Commission voted unanimously to approve three business items when it met Tuesday, September 17. Two concerned design engineering services and the third concerned a purchase order.
Fleis & Vandenbrink, Grand Rapids, will receive $30,900 to provide design engineering for the rehabilitation of Wood Street. Work from East Michigan Avenue to Hoffman Street will be completed through the MDOT Small Urban projects program.
“As a participant in the program, the city pays 100% of the engineering fees and (has a) 20% match in the construction costs,” Director of Public Services Amy Roth reported.
Fleis & Vandenbrink’s anticipated project schedule includes construction taking place in September and October 2025.
“The existing concrete curb and gutter in Wood Street is in good condition and little, if any, curb and gutter improvements are needed,” Fleis & Vandenbrink wrote. “The pavement itself is in poor condition and is at the end of its useful life with a tentative plan to remove the existing pavement and underlying gravel base and replace both with new material. However, this plan will be confirmed during the design process with a geotechnical investigation.”
The city commission also approved paying $15,000 to Fleis & Vandenbrink for design engineering services for storm and sanitary sewer repairs.
“The Hoffman Street storm outlet pipe has created a void in the bank that needs to be replaced,” Roth wrote. “The South Main sanitary sewer near Conservation Park is in need of replacement. Due to the common scope of work, we have combined both projects into one design and construction project.”
Fleis & Vandenbrink’s anticipated project schedule includes submitting all permit applications this October.
“Bidding and construction phases are not able to be estimated due to a likely long permitting phase. We anticipate the permitting phase will last at least six months,” the firm wrote.
A final vote approved paying $77,468 to Stryker for ambulance equipment including a stretcher, stair chairs, and a power load. This came after a report from Fire Chief Paul Schoon.
“(We will) replace our outdated equipment and add an extra power load to our fleet. This upgrade will ensure that our equipment meets the latest standards, reducing the risk of breakdowns and minimizing downtime,” Schoon reported.
- Commissioner Pat Dane was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.
- The next city commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 1 at Three Rivers City Hall.
Frank Stanko is a staff writer with Watershed Voice.
