Grosse Pointe Farms council approves two contracts for pool, bathhouse reconstruction

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. — The Grosse Pointe Farms City Council on Monday approved two contracts to move forward with reconstruction of the community pool and adjacent bathhouse, voting unanimously to award a $3,489,693 construction contract to the Blake Company and a $5,253,379 contract for pool systems to the contractor identified in the record as Verzini Aquatics.

City manager Resnick told the council the project’s construction cost for the pools alone is “roughly $12,500,000,” with indirect costs and contingencies bringing the city’s working budget to roughly $14 million and later estimates approaching $14,790,000. Resnick said the city plans to ask voters or the council for bond approval of just under $11 million and expects philanthropic contributions and pledged resident support — about $3.9 million in pledges so far — to make up the balance.

“Total construction cost is roughly $12,500,000,” Resnick said during his presentation, and staff described scope changes made after public input, including a widened 0‑depth entry for the top pool and the removal of a planned splash feature at the bathhouse entrance.

Council moved the Blake Company contract under a standard motion committing the award to final review by City Attorney Burgess and City Manager Resnick. Council person Conrad Wilberding moved the motion, which Councilman Ritchie seconded; the vote carried unanimously.

Council then considered the pool‑systems contract after staff reported detailed specifications and bid reviews. The staff recommendation carried on a unanimous vote.

City staff said bids for site work (electrical, landscaping and related work) were still being reviewed and that the city extended bid openings by one week to allow contractors more time to coordinate with trading partners. Staff indicated demolition is scheduled to begin March 15 and that the existing south parking lot will be used as a contractor laydown and staging area.

Contract documents will return to the city attorney’s office for final review as required by the approvals. The council’s votes move the project from design and procurement into the construction phase; staff said they will return with additional recommendations on remaining subcontract awards and site‑work contracts.

The council approved both contracts and the accompanying administrative reviews; no recorded roll‑call tallies were read into the public record beyond the chair’s announcement that the motions carried unanimously.