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Commission OKs up to $398,002 for Grandview Parkway irrigation on north/south sides and roundabout; median excluded
Summary
After debate over water use, cost and MDOT landscaping plans, the commission voted to waive bidding and authorize a contract up to $398,002 with Team Elmer's to install irrigation on the north and south parkway edges and the roundabout only; staff will effect change orders to exclude median irrigation.
The Traverse City City Commission voted on March 3 to waive competitive bidding and authorize a contract with Team Elmer's, not to exceed $398,002 (including a 10% contingency), to install irrigation lines for the 2025 Grandview Parkway Phase 2 project limited to the parkway’s north and south sides and the new roundabout. The approved motion explicitly excluded irrigation of the center median and directed staff to execute any change orders needed to remove median irrigation from the scope.
The item generated extended debate. Commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about long-term water use, drought resilience and fiscal prudence. Commissioner Heather and others urged the city to avoid irrigating medians, arguing turf medians invite pedestrian crossing and unnecessary water use; Commissioner Warner said he would not support median irrigation under any circumstances. Supporters of limited irrigation cited MDOT- and Elmer's-designed landscaping plans and the practicality of using a contractor already on-site.
Michelle Hunter, parks superintendent, clarified that MDOT designed the landscaping and Elmer's is executing the landscaping plan under its MDOT contract; the city contract being considered covers irrigation installation to support the planned plantings. Commissioners requested and staff agreed to provide a more detailed cost breakdown after finalizing the change order removing median work.
Public comment included concerns about proceeding without a final per-area not-to-exceed price and a reminder that the project schedule is tight because MDOT and Elmer's have already advanced design and construction timetables.
Roll call: Mayor Pro Tem Wilson — yes; Commissioner Shaw — yes; Commissioner Treadwell — yes; Commissioner Anderson — no; Commissioner Stanley — yes; Commissioner Werner — yes; Mayor Shamrock — yes. The motion passed 6–1.
Funding and next steps: staff said contract funds will come from the capital projects fund. Staff will circulate the revised not-to-exceed figure for the reduced scope to the commission when available.
Speakers quoted or cited in this article are listed below in the speakers section.
