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Council hears questions about $2.9M Spirit Plaza work; administration says renderings are in backup
Summary
Council members asked whether Spirit Plaza work had already begun and for cost and design documents; the administration said the contract is $2.9 million (UTGO funds), the contractor is MRC Michigan Recreation, and renderings are in the backup materials.
Council members pursued clarifying information about alterations at Spirit Plaza after seeing evidence of demolition and broken concrete at the site.
Member Pembroke Callaway asked whether work had already started and who was performing the work. Alex Weatherup, assistant director of General Services, told the council that the contract is an approved contract for $2,900,000 paid from UTGO funds and that the contractor is MRC (Michigan Recreation). Weatherup said that when staff realized an authorization was required for the parcel they halted and then resumed work under the existing contract.
Callaway asked for blueprints or renderings to be shared with the council. Weatherup responded that renderings and detailed information could be found in the backup materials and offered to provide narrative details immediately and renderings afterward.
Why it matters: The $2.9 million contract is a capital expenditure funded from UTGO (tax‑exempt general obligation) bonds; members said they wanted clear visual plans before further work progresses.
What the council did: After questions were posed, members moved and approved the line item; waivers were attached as requested. Weatherup and procurement staff committed to sending renderings and further detail to members who asked.
Ending: The city’s General Services Department will provide missing drawings and narrative descriptions to council members; the council approved the contract and asked for documentation to be shared promptly.
