Macomb County roads department seeks $1.17 million contractor approval; commissioners delay full approval to next week

Macomb County Department of Roads staff asked the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 11 to approve a $1,171,307 contract with D and S Contractors for second- and third-floor renovations at the Rosepec administration building, but commissioners did not grant immediate full-board approval and instead referred the item to the full board meeting next week.

The Department of Roads representative, Brian Bridal, told the Finance and Public Service Committee the work would continue renovations begun on the first floor and Comtech area and create office space for engineering and traffic staff. “So this is a project in the total amount of $1,171,307, and seeking approval today for that contract with D and S,” Bridal said.

Commissioners pressed Bridal on scope, budget and timing. Commissioner Hall asked whether the project was budgeted; Bridal said the work was included in the department’s approved budget but that earlier estimates had underestimated final costs. “Yes. As part of the we had it as part of our current budget, but with the numbers that came in, we were we had underestimated the the cost,” Bridal said.

Several commissioners raised concerns about heating, ventilation and air-conditioning needs that are not addressed by the renovation contract. Commissioner Goitke asked whether HVAC work was included; Bridal said HVAC would be evaluated through a countywide capital improvement analysis and “that is a stand alone that will be looked at in the near future.” Commissioner Kraft and others urged waiting for the county’s recently approved facilities assessment (a Plant Moran space needs study) before spending more on interior renovations.

Committee debate also focused on contractor scheduling and the cost of delaying work. Bridal said the contractor had been postponed already and that staff and furniture are moved, with pods in use. He estimated additional storage costs of roughly $3,000–$4,000 for each week of delay and warned that a contractor could be reassigned to other work if start dates slip.

A motion to approve the contract as full-board approval failed on a 6–7 vote. Commissioners then moved to refer the item to next Thursday’s full board meeting; that referral was approved 13–0. No contract approval occurred at the committee meeting.

The committee record shows the department expects to finish the second floor by the end of the year and complete the third floor by March, and Bridal said the work is largely cosmetic — flooring, painting, blinds and a small number of new offices — and does not change HVAC infrastructure. Commissioners asked for clearer line items and total project cost breakdowns for future requests.

The item will return to the full Board of Commissioners for consideration next week.