Committee moves to rescind prior chamber-naming vote and advance plaque purchase for late Councilor Ronald F. Cormier

The Charter City Council Finance Committee voted to recommend that the full City Council rescind a prior vote to name the council chambers for the late Councilor Ronald F. Cormier and to proceed with purchasing a plaque the Ronald F. Cormier Memorial Committee recommended.

Committee members said the family requested a plaque rather than naming the chambers. The original naming vote occurred June 17, 2024, and was amended Sept. 4, 2024; committee members moved to rescind those prior votes and adopt the plaque approach recommended by the memorial committee.

Director Cormier of the purchasing department reported he had obtained several preliminary quotes for a bronze plaque approximately 14 by 18 inches. He said the committee’s existing quote was roughly $4,500, and his current quotes ranged from about $4,650 to roughly $6,000; he was awaiting a fourth vendor’s quote and information on turnaround time.

Motion and outcome: Councilor Mack moved and Councilor Hegland seconded a recommendation to rescind the prior chamber-naming votes and to purchase the plaque recommended by the memorial committee. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Budget and procurement: Committee members noted that the ultimate purchase, placement and funding of the plaque will be handled through the mayor’s office and the city’s purchasing process, and that the committee’s role is to forward the recommendation. Director Cormier said he would supply formal vendor quotes and turnaround details to the clerk for the full council packet.

Next steps: Staff will provide formal quotes and turnaround estimates; the Finance Committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the full council for rescission of the prior vote and final purchase authorization.