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St. Clair Shores council awards $1.53 million 12‑Mile water‑main contract amid complaints about prior project
Summary
Council voted 4‑1 to award the 12‑Mile water‑main replacement contract to FDM Contracting for $1,529,454 (including 10% contingency), after staff cited resident complaints and site‑management problems on a prior Florence/Ridgeway project and the low bidder’s disputed track record prompted public comment.
St. Clair Shores City Council voted 4‑1 April 7 to award the 12‑Mile water‑main replacement contract to FDM Contracting for $1,390,413 with a 10% contingency, bringing the total potential award to $1,529,454.
City staff recommended choosing the second‑lowest bidder rather than the apparent low bidder because of problems that arose during a previous Florence and Ridgeway project, and to reduce the risk on one of the city’s busiest corridors. “12 Mile Road is a county road. It is one of our most heavily traveled corridors, and it is imperative that the project go as smoothly as possible,” said Denise Pike, introducing the item and the staff recommendation.
The project will replace an existing 1927 cast‑iron main between Little Mac and Harper with HDPE and ductile iron pipe. Eric Hansen, an engineer with Fishbeck who worked on the design, explained that the contract includes an alternate for HDPE because of pricing and constructability; the installation method will primarily be directional drilling to put new pipe in the greenbelt rather than under the travel lanes.
The low bidder’s representative, Dino Servi — owner of Brico Excavating — told the council during public comment that his company was surprised to learn it might be passed over. “The city has made accusations regarding the Florence and Ridgeway project, and this is why they do not want to award us the 12‑mile project,” Servi said, asking the council to note his company’s 29 years in business and offering to meet with staff to address concerns.
Pike acknowledged the Florence/Ridgeway project generated substantial resident complaints and operational problems: “The project was not kept clean. It was very difficult for people to get through those streets. Roads were shut down without advance notice.” She said staff reviewed references and recommended FDM based on positive experience from neighboring communities and the desire to limit disruption on 12 Mile.
Council members debated the tradeoff between price and contractor performance. “I’m willing to pay a little bit more on this contract to get that kind of good service and even to send the message that we expect that good service,” said Council member Lisonbee, who also urged written after‑action project evaluations be added to future project files. Council member Frederick moved to award the contract; Council member Karen seconded the motion. Council members Rebello, Frederick, Karen and Vitale voted in favor. Council member Lisonbee cast the lone no vote. The motion passed 4‑1.
Council directed staff to follow up with the unsuccessful low bidder to explain the decision and asked staff to develop formal project evaluation documentation for future contracts.
The staff recommendation estimated a construction budget based on Fishbeck’s estimate at $1.8 million; the recommended award plus contingency totals $1,529,454. Staff told council work would be scheduled to limit traffic impacts along the heavily used corridor.
The council did not set an immediate start date in the meeting; staff said they would return with scheduling information and any necessary permits and traffic control plans.
