The Wayland City Council Monday evening approved engineering services of Wightman & Associates for street improvements planned for the 2018 fiscal year.
Three projects have been recommended — resurfacing about an eighth of a mile on 133rd Avenue and spots on Superior and Main Streets.
City Manager Tim McLean said that despite the Maple Street project costs extending into the next fiscal year, “We do have the funds for all these projects.”
In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the council:
• Postponed the planned closed session to discuss the evaluation of the city manager and instead met in closed session with the city attorney to discuss the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Agreed to spend up to $2,800 for removal of about 20 trees in the Anderson Drive and Standish Drive area just south of East Superior Street. Councilwoman Tracy Bivins and Councilman Rick Mathis protested, saying it is city policy to seek at least three bids for any project and there was only one for this one.
McLean explained, “There is a sense of urgency here. There has been some property damage (in the wake of a recent windstorm).”
City Water Superintendent Ben Bachelder said, “That’s an outstanding price” and he noted the bid was recommended by Streets Department Superintendent Coleman Lutz.
The council agreed to have the work done at up to $2,800, but insisted on a verbal from at least one other service.
• Tabled a proposal for installing two partitions for changing rooms at the City Park bathrooms, next to the Splash Pad. Council members first want to know the specifiations for height for the structures.
• Adopted a resolution to authorize City Clerk Michelle Herman to apply for a grant from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office for new voting equipment for the 2018 elections.
• Heard a presentation from Allegan County District Court Judge William Baillargeon about “The state of the courts.” The judge talked about the progress of the drug court, mental health programs, veterans’ treatment court and the new sobriety court.