Board approves urgent purchase of kitchen equipment after inspections find units irreparable
Summary
Trustees approved purchase of kitchen equipment through Great Lakes Hotel & Supply for $70,984 to replace failing coolers; staff said approval is needed to meet installation over winter break and avoid service disruption.
The Novi board approved a purchase of kitchen equipment to address failing coolers at a middle school, voting to buy equipment from Great Lakes Hotel & Supply for a total expenditure of $70,984 to be paid from the district's food-service fund.
Mr. Cook, who moved the recommendation, said "the urgency here is warranted," and trustees noted two inspections had found the existing units could not be serviced. Staff said that, if ordered promptly, the new equipment would likely arrive in about three weeks and could be installed during winter break to minimize disruption.
Board members discussed fund availability and longer-term equipment-replacement planning; staff said the district maintains a spreadsheet of equipment and will seek additional quotes for older units districtwide. The motion to approve the purchase was supported and carried 7 to 0.
Next steps include finalizing the purchase order, scheduling installation during winter break and reporting any further equipment needs to the board or the Capital Projects Committee.
