Council approves short-term electrical design services with Bill Miller, adds insurance requirements

The Superior Common Council on Dec. 5 approved an as-needed electrical design services contract with William (Bill) Miller at $84 per hour through February 2018, intended to cover design work on active projects including the Barkers Island dock improvement.

Public Works Director Janigo explained the city had eliminated the previous contract for in-house electrical design and retained Miller as a part‑time electrical inspector and designer "to keep him on for a little longer and transition through that project." Janigo said Miller will not inspect projects for which he performs design work; another inspector (identified as Pete) will inspect that work.

Councilor Fennessy moved to amend the contract to spell out insurance limits and to clarify that the contractor must provide proof of insurance before starting work. "What I'd like to do is make a motion to add in the contract requiring $1,000,000 for general liability with a $2,000,000 aggregate and then $500,000 for professional liability," Fennessy said. He also asked to correct a sentence so it reads that the contractor "shall provide proof of insurance prior to starting work under this agreement." Councilor Elm seconded the amendment; the amendment and the main motion both carried by voice vote.

Councilors expressed support for the short-term arrangement but cautioned against normalizing the pattern of part-time city employees also serving as independent contractors in the long term.

What happens next: the contract will remain in effect through February 2018 to complete the identified design work; the city will rely on alternate inspectors when Miller is the project designer.