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Council approves locker, filing and furniture purchases for new police facility after bid debate
Summary
Council approved three procurement items for the new police facility — personal and evidence lockers, high-density filing systems, and furniture — while discussing tax treatment of bids and a bidder complaint about pricing changes; the high-density filing award passed 4–2 after council debate.
The St. Clair Shores City Council approved multiple purchases related to the new police department facility at its Sept. 15 meeting after staff presentations and council questions about bid prices and tax treatment.
For Item 5a, police staff recommended awarding personal and evidence lockers to Casper Corporation. Staff said the lockers carry a lifetime warranty on the frame and five-year warranty on moving parts, and that the purchase is slightly over the soft-cost budget but within policy. Council approved the purchase; staff recorded the amount as $230,523.92.
Item 5b, a contract for high-density filing systems to be used in the records and evidence rooms, prompted public comment and staff discussion. A bidder who spoke during public comment said his submitted bid had been increased on the city’s posted materials without his approval and noted a $4,672 difference. City staff explained that bid-comparison differences often stem from whether a vendor listed equipment costs separately or included sales/use tax as part of their lump-sum price and said staff had contacted bidders to clarify tax treatment. Staff also said product reviews and site visits informed a recommendation for Casper Corporation’s product due to quality and reference checks. After debate about quality versus lowest price and a request for clearer bid documentation (paper copies and thumb-drive access), the council approved the award by roll call (Frederick Aye; Burgess Aye; Karen Aye; Rubello Aye; Roussy Nay; Vitale Nay), motion carried 4–2.
For Item 5c, the council approved furniture purchases for the police and a partial fulfillment for the fire station (the fire-side amount noted at $55,007.24); staff said the police would receive new furniture while the fire department will reuse items where practical.
Council directed administration to confirm tax/use-tax interpretations and to provide clearer bid breakdowns and paper copies at future meetings. Staff noted these purchases are part of ARPA and soft-cost budgets related to the police and fire building projects.
