Bid under budget prompts more work
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By David Porter
Washington Street in Tuscola is about to get a million-dollar makeover — and that’s about $300,000 less than anticipated.
On Monday night, the Tuscola City Council awarded a bid of $1,044,872 to NeCo Asphalt for the project. On related votes, they approved a formal contract with NeCo and a contract bond, but the documents will be left unsigned at the urging of City Administrator Drew Hoel so additional work can be added to fill out the budget, which includes state bond funds and motor fuel tax funds.
“We’re looking at a project at the post office,” Hoel said. He’s also looking at adding a polymer component through a change order.
Pricing additional work should be relatively simple, Hoel indicated, since the bid is itemized. There may be some engineering work that will need to be done. He added that NeCo’s bid was $250,000 below the second-best bid.
The Council also approved $7,513.74 in repairs to its windmill after recently renewing the maintenance contract. In response to questions from the Council, Hoel said the windmill is close to its life expectancy but “generates quite a bit of electricity.” He said he thought it was well worth repairing. “It pays for itself.”
He added that about $2,500 of the repair cost is for a new computer. Alta Long, treasurer, said this will be the third computer installed for the windmill.
Long also noted that the city’s appropriation budget is now on the city’s website and available for public view at City Hall. Hoel previously noted that the appropriation budget is an inflated budget that sets a legal spending limit and is not reflective of the city’s operating budget.
In the consent agenda, the Council approved Community Building leases with alcohol for Mike Bodine, Neuner family benefit on June 28, and Matthew Reese for a wedding reception Dec. 19. Street closures were also approved for outdoor movie night June 26, which will be at Kleiss Plaza next to the Community Building this month instead of Festival Square.