Commission scraps remodeling plans

Interior renovations for city hall put on hold for now

 

IMLAY CITY — Despite having a two-phase plan developed for major renovations at city hall for more than a year, city commission members shot down a proposal to move forward with interior work that had already been bid out.

DPW Supervisor Ed Priehs made a presentation at the March 3 meeting of the commission, stating there were just two bids received. It was the recommendation of Priehs to accept the low bid of $243,521.44 from New Adventure Development of Bay City.

However, the scope of the project drew questions from commission members. While members agreed there might be work to be done, a majority of the board did not back the full proposal, saying they felt not everything needed to be done.

Last summer, the city hall building received major updates including a new parking lot, new roof, new entrance and other improvements. Plans for the interior of city hall called for new carpeting throughout the building, window treatments, new counter surfaces and the installation of bullet proof glass where the staff would handle business with walk-in customers.

Denise Kovacik, who works in the police department and is often the first person visitors to the department see expressed concern for the city hall updates.

“I can tell you, from working at the police department, the bullet proof glass and how the reception area is set up, I don’t like it. I have lost that one on one contact with the public. You are always trying to understand and hear what they are saying, due to how the reception area is (bullet proof glass) and really, it’s not any more safe because often times, I have to leave my seat and open a door for someone, which possibly allowed for someone to go where they are not supposed to. It’s not a good set up.”

Commissioner Stu Davis said he was “disgusted” with some of the plan for city hall while Commissioner Al Ramirez pointed out, “we just spent almost a half million dollars on the outside of the building and now we’re being asked to approve another quarter of a million. We don’t live here. I can’t see spending that kind of money in this building.”

Following further discussion by the board and Priehs, a motion was made to approve the low bid. However, the motion died due to the lack of support. No other action was taken on the proposal.

In other commission news, the board approved a recommendation by Priehs to purchase a new pickup truck for the DPW.

The city had requested bids for a 2026 3/4 ton work truck complete with several features including a snowplow package and an eight foot box.

Priehs said he had two bids in hand, both from local dealerships. Both bids were in the same price range with Milnes Chevrolet coming in $347 cheaper. The winning bid was for $51,995 while the Imlay City Ford bid came in at $52,342.

It was not clear when the DPW would take delivery of the new vehicle, due to stock inventory, but it’s expected to be within the next few months according to Priehs.