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Grosse Pointe Farms council approves repair of Pier Park second-story deck and staircase
Summary
The Grosse Pointe Farms City Council approved a contract to replace the Pier Park community building’s second-story staircase, deck and underlying roof after staff reported rot and membrane failure. Council discussed bid comparisons, construction timing and safety concerns before voting to move forward.
The Grosse Pointe Farms City Council voted to approve a contract to repair the second-story deck and staircase at the Pier Park community building after staff reported rot in the deck framing and a failing membrane roof.
Staff member Chris Galatas told the council the work began as a planned railing and staircase replacement but expanded after staff found rotting boards and a failing roof membrane beneath the deck. “Some of the boards underneath there were rotting out and were a mess,” Galatas said. He said the recommended contractor was Mako’s Builders and that the project scope would include replacing deteriorated framing, a roofing membrane and all decking, railing and stairs with new materials described in the staff memo.
The council discussion covered the bids received, timing and materials. Galatas said the membrane to be used is an EPDM 60-mil roofing membrane placed under the deck surface and that the framing and boards would be replaced with pressure-treated lumber. He said work was expected to begin after Labor Day when pool use declines and that the contractor estimated about a two-week turnaround, weather permitting.
Resident Dan Jensen asked whether the city planned to set age restrictions for use of the top deck. Galatas said the city currently has no age rules for that area and does not anticipate creating new policy tied to the repair work.
Council members also requested that the administration include the full bid documents in the council packet for the public record. During the discussion Galatas read the bid comparisons aloud; the transcript contains inconsistent figures for the low bid and staff’s recommended amount. The motion described the contract amount as $122,500 in the council action, while an earlier staff figure in the discussion was $122,002.50. The council approved the motion; the motion was made and supported on the record and council voted “aye” with no recorded opposition.
Work scope described in the staff presentation includes replacement of rotted 2x framing, installation of a new EPDM membrane roof under the deck, removal and replacement of the deck and stair treads, and new railing. Galatas said the recommended deck material is a composite decking product (referred to in the memo as “treck decking, TimberTech or an alternative”). He said the contractor did not recommend reusing the existing decking in several of the contractor quotes, which affected the bid comparisons.
The council emphasized transparency of bids and asked the administration to provide full bid documents and clarifying cost detail before construction begins. Galatas said capital-project funds set aside last year will cover the cost and that the city carried funds forward to cover the work.
The council directed the administration to proceed with contracting and to provide the requested bid documentation in the council packet; no additional conditions were recorded in the motion. Council members and members of the public praised parks staff for responsiveness to park needs during later remarks.
Construction timing, estimated duration and potential limited closures: the staff presentation said work would begin after the pool season (post-Labor Day) and take about two weeks; staff said offices in the building should not be affected though areas directly beneath work may be closed for safety.
