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Lapeer approves Crampton Park courts project after debate over lighting and bidding
Summary
The Lapeer City Commission approved a contract to rebuild tennis and pickleball courts at Crampton Park, awarding a base bid of $267,357 and engineering services while directing staff to explore lower-cost lighting options and a possible Phase 2 for lights and practice wall.
The Lapeer City Commission voted to award construction of the Crampton Park tennis and pickleball court replacement to Asphalt Specialists, Inc., accepting a base bid of $267,357, approving construction engineering with MLR Engineering for $7,900, and authorizing equipment and related costs not to exceed a $290,000 total.
The project passed by roll call (four yes, one no). The motion, put forward by Commissioner Brady and supported by Commissioner Glissman, drew extended discussion about whether to include lighting in the current contract. Commissioner McCarthy questioned why lighting was excluded, saying, “I don't understand why there's not lights,” and argued that evening play and an extended season make lighting important.
City Manager Mike Womack said staff treated the approved package as a Phase 1 and that an on‑surface lighting package quoted at roughly $78,000–$80,000 appeared expensive for the current budget; he added the city would continue to investigate less-expensive alternatives such as solar lighting. "We just didn't feel like that was warranted, especially when we're current year budget," Womack said, noting staff would pursue options and return with costs for a potential Phase 2.
Parks staff (Mister Church) said the August bid process yielded two responsible bids, that the recommended bidder agreed to hold its price for spring construction, and that an engineering light study indicated the four existing exterior poles would not provide sufficient illumination for play. Commissioners also raised the absence of a third bid and the need for clarity about which site improvements (practice wall, perimeter fencing, accessory work) would be included now or later. Commissioner Petrie urged doing the project "right, not fast," warning that omitting lighting could force later excavation or higher costs.
The Commission recorded the vote after calling the question. City staff said funding will come from TIFA 2 and existing park budgets; parks staff noted TIFA previously planned $250,000 toward this project. With approval, staff will finalize contracts and prepare the site for spring construction; commissioners directed staff to return with follow-up proposals addressing lighting, practice walls and other phase‑two elements.
The contract award and direction on follow-up were the most recent actions; staff indicated they will coordinate next steps and present cost options for lighting and other enhancements to the Commission before executing any additional work.
