Finance and Infrastructure Committee 10-06-26

The Kent County Finance and Infrastructure Committee meeting on October 6, 2026, included a Department of Public Works annual report highlighting waste, recycling, and capital work. DPW described ongoing facility improvements, a planned material-handler purchase supported by an EGLE grant, and a mixed-waste sorting buildout with AMP Sortation expected to come online in about a year. The department also said it was seeking bids for a business park project, with bid numbers expected to return to the Board of Public Works. A previously approved bond is supporting four PFAS-treatment projects underway. The committee also heard an Experience Grand Rapids update; no related procurement action was identified.

The committee approved, by recorded voice votes, revised county contracting, donations/sponsorships, and grants policies. The contracting policy clarifies workflow, department roles, and decision authority; the grants policy changes renewal and continuation review procedures, with staff to develop criteria for decisions to discontinue grant funding. In a community development budget amendment, the committee approved proceeding with the City of Lowell Riverside Drive resurfacing project after the original contractor defaulted and its contract was terminated. The replacement bid is about $95,000 higher; staff said the performance bond covers the additional costs, including potential change orders, with the county fronting expenses and seeking reimbursement. The transcript ends during discussion of an MDOT master-agreement item, so its outcome is not available.