City approves WSP proposal for due-care demolition cost estimate, conceptual rendering not to exceed $21,207.70

The Lapeer City Commission on May 19 approved a proposal with engineering firm WSP for a due-care plan, demolition cost estimate and a conceptual rendering for a property project, authorizing spending not to exceed $21,207.70 and authorizing the director of housing and neighborhood development or the city manager to sign the documents. Commissioner Michael Swindell moved the motion and Commissioner Atwood supported it; the motion carried on roll call.

Commissioner Petrie voiced concerns about the contract and asked that the city attorney review it before the city proceed, saying the outcome of the work "could be huge for our community" and asking whether other engineering firms had been considered. Petrie asked whether local firms had been evaluated and urged caution before committing to a single consultant.

Staff and other commissioners replied that WSP had been engaged previously to perform initial engineering work and that using the same firm would avoid duplicating previous work. City staff said that engaging a new firm likely would increase costs because a new firm would need to repeat prior investigations.

Staff and consultants also discussed the state environmental regulator's (EGLE's) role in the process. Staff said EGLE reviewed earlier removal of a chemical cooling tank and had paid for part of those efforts; staff described that EGLE will review the due-care plan and permits during demolition and remediation stages. WSP and staff cautioned that EGLE typically does not issue an unconditional pre-approval of a due-care plan but will review staged submissions and permits during the process.

Why it matters: The work will define demolition scope, cost estimates and the environmental steps required to make the property safe for redevelopment; EGLE involvement and engineering choices shape project cost and timing.

Next steps: City staff will proceed with the WSP scope as approved and record the contract with the city manager or the housing and neighborhood development director, and Commissioner Petrie requested the city attorney's review of the contract language before work proceeds further.