Cheatham County names MBI as architect for jail renovations; commissioners approve related contracts and EMS lease amid questions over extra hourly fees

Cheatham County commissioners on July 19 approved selecting MBI Companies, Inc. as architect for a planned jail renovation and authorized the county mayor to sign related agreements, including a Stryker ProCare service contract and a lease for EMS space at the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department.

The motion to approve MBI as architect and to permit the mayor’s signature on the MBI agreement was made by Commissioner David Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Ed Greer. The package passed by roll call vote, 8 yes, 2 no, with Commissioners Gary Binkley and Ann Jarreau recorded as the dissenters.

Commissioner Gary Binkley objected specifically to hourly rates that would apply to work beyond basic architectural services. County Attorney Michael Bligh said the contract structure covers basic services under A/E fees while hourly rates apply for additional services outside the base scope. The commission voted to approve the mayor’s authority to finalize the agreement pending the county attorney’s review.

Also included in the mayor’s item were two administrative agreements: authorization for the mayor to sign a Stryker ProCare services contract for EMS equipment maintenance and an addendum (Stryker ProCare total contract value shown in the proposal materials as $53,060.16 for the three-year term) and approval of a lease with the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department for approximately 1,831 square feet to house county EMS operations at $1,600 per month ($19,200 annually), with the lease term beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022.

Commission discussion noted the Stryker ProCare proposal details warranty and preventive maintenance coverage for stretchers and cots, and the lease text assigns common-area access (fitness and decontamination areas) and places responsibility for most facility maintenance with the lessor. The Stryker materials submitted with the packet specify ProCare inclusions and a start date of 7/1/2021; the county motion authorized the mayor to execute the contract with the addendum attached.

The resolution approving MBI Companies, the Stryker contract authorization, and the Pleasant View lease were each recorded in the meeting packet and noted as approved by roll call (Resolution 6, parts A–D). The county attorney and director of accounts were asked to confirm contract language and funding lines before final signatures.

Next steps: The Mayor is authorized to execute the approved contracts upon attorney review; the MBI agreement will proceed to detailed scope and fee negotiations consistent with the approved action.