Pontiac council authorizes design support contract to speed MLK Bridge reconstruction

Pontiac’s City Council voted to authorize an as‑needed design services contract with engineering firm Fleiss & Vandenbrink to support construction of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge project. Mayor Mike McGinnis said the contract is intended to prevent work stoppages by giving on‑site contractors direct access to the original design engineer.

The council approved an amendment to correct a drafting error in the resolution’s first whereas clause and then adopted the resolution as amended. McGinnis told the council the project is a major priority for Pontiac in 2026 and said the administration seeks a small contingency—up to $75,000—from state and federal grant funding to pay for rapid responses to construction questions.

The firm’s representative described the role as answering technical questions from the contractor and clarifying the basis of specific design choices so construction does not pause while staff seeks explanations. Director Larry Searls said that firm completed the 100% design set and that construction is already underway with Z Contractors handling demolition. Searls explained the contract is billed only as questions arise, not an automatic payment, and that prior small invoices—about $2,000 so far—have been processed to keep the project moving.

Council members pressed for details about hourly rates and the estimate that produced the $74,000 not‑to‑exceed figure. Administration said the amount is a liberal estimate based on contract unit pricing and that project accounting for the grant will be tracked and auditable. Council Chair noted that the grants include substantial contingency and that using the original design team for real‑time guidance would avoid costly delays.

The resolution passed by roll call with unanimous support. The administration said it will provide leadership and subcommittee updates about hours and expenditures as the work proceeds.