Commission approves M-24 tunnel connection agreement; MDOT to select contractor

The Lapeer City Commission approved a professional services, construction and engineering agreement for the M-24 Tunnel connection project on Aug. 4 for an amount not to exceed $125,250 and authorized the parks director to sign associated documents. The motion was made by Commissioner Richard Swindell and seconded; the motion passed on roll call.

During the discussion staff and outside engineers described the limits of the city's discretion. Paulo Mira from ROE told the commission the city has “very little discretion” over MDOT’s contractor selection as long as the bidder meets MDOT prequalification standards. When commissioners asked who would be responsible if work went awry, staff said it would be the contract between MDOT and the contractor and MDOT would be responsible for pursuing damages.

The contract includes a pay item for cultivation and watering that requires the contractor to maintain plantings for two years after the project’s official completion. Staff also said the work will include replacement of any disturbed fencing and that the city expects to use the same black vinyl-coated fence used at the dog park for visual consistency.

Commissioner Petrie pressed about whether chain-link fencing would comply with local ordinance; staff said chain-link is allowed with placement restrictions and that the project would use vinyl-coated fencing. Commissioners also asked about underdrain and path wet-area treatment; staff confirmed underdrains are included for low-lying sections and that some adjacent areas remain outside the project limits.

The agreement passed and staff were authorized to proceed with executing project documents and coordinating MDOT’s selected contractor on restoration and warranty items.