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Commission waives bids, OKs up to $15,000 with conservator to restore Civil War monument base
Summary
The commission approved a motion to waive the bid process and proceed with sculptor/conservator Ken Thompson (Flatlanders) for work on the Civil War monument — up to $15,000 — and asked Thompson to present project details at the Oct. 6 meeting.
The Adrian City Commission voted to waive the bid process and authorize up to $15,000 to proceed with sculptor and conservator Ken Thompson of Flatlanders for restoration work on the Civil War monument in Monument Park.
Commissioner Roberts moved the resolution; Commissioner Gauss seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Parks Director Jeremiah Davies reported he had met with Thompson and that Thompson was willing to honor an earlier quote of $15,000. Davies proposed two options to the commission: have Thompson prepare design specifications and bid the work competitively, or waive competitive bidding and authorize Thompson to move forward so the work could be scheduled sooner. Several commissioners expressed concern about donor communication and transparency surrounding the brick campaign sold by the Civil War Monument Restoration Committee; others emphasized the need to preserve monuments and address long‑standing donor expectations.
Commissioner Roberts said donors have waited years without clear updates and suggested the city might need to refund or otherwise resolve donor concerns if the committee did not proceed. Commissioner Casselberry said the commission should not be held accountable for events from eight years earlier but stressed the city’s responsibility to move the project forward and to provide clear communication to donors.
The motion that carried explicitly waived the city’s bid process and authorized the city administrator (or designee) to engage Ken Thompson and Flatlanders for monument restoration work, not to exceed $15,000. Commissioners requested Thompson present his restoration plan at the October 6 meeting even after the vote.
The vote: Motion moved by Commissioner Roberts; second by Commissioner Gauss. Roll call: Commissioner Roberts — yes; Commissioner Schwartz — yes; Commissioner Behnke — yes; Commissioner Miller — yes; Commissioner Casselberry — yes; Commissioner Gauss — yes; Mayor Angela Sore Heath — yes. Outcome: approved.
Davies said the work would clarify restoration steps and specifications so the project could move to execution or competitive bidding if the commission later chooses. Several public commenters urged the city to repair and protect monuments and discussed donor expectations, legal and ethical implications, and the need for transparent communication.
