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Oak Park council waives bidding, approves $29,917 emergency purchase to repair library heating coil
Summary
The Oak Park City Council authorized an emergency purchase to replace a failing library heating coil and waived competitive bidding, approving a $29,917 repair to be performed by Web Mechanical of Taylor, Michigan; council recorded a roll‑call in favor of the purchase.
The Oak Park City Council on Sept. 2 authorized an emergency purchase of a heating coil for the city library and waived competitive bidding, approving a $29,917 repair by Web Mechanical of Taylor, Michigan to address a failing 50‑year‑old air‑handling unit ahead of winter.
Deputy City Manager for Public Works and Municipal Services Dave Doster told council the library’s existing heating coil and air‑handling unit had deteriorated beyond repair and that maintenance solicited multiple quotes ranging from about $30,000 to more than $250,000 for a full air‑handling replacement. “We are looking approval to make the least expensive repair for a total amount of $29,917,” Doster said, adding that the cheapest option is a short‑term fix while the city evaluates longer‑term work tied to broader building demolition or renovation plans.
Doster said the department recommends waiving competitive sealed bidding under the city’s purchasing guidelines because of lead times to fabricate a replacement coil and the time‑sensitive need to have heating operational before winter. He said funds are available in the building maintenance account and that the city has worked with Web Mechanical before.
Council moved and approved the emergency purchase by roll call. The council recorded Mayor Mlen, Council member Radner, Mayor Pro Tem Sean Whitehead and Council member Crawford as voting yes.
The purchase is an administrative emergency approval reported to council; Doster said the full replacement options would exceed $250,000 and that the selected approach is intended as an interim measure while the city considers future work on the building.
The council’s authorization allows staff to proceed with the repair and to document the emergency purchase and waiver of the competitive‑bidding requirement under the city’s procurement policy. The council did not direct immediate additional expenditure beyond the authorized purchase; follow‑up planning for comprehensive replacement was discussed as a longer‑term option.
