Commission approves $30,000 increase and awards Pullar Stadium concession hood contract after contractor testimony

The Sault Ste. Marie City Commission on Aug. 5 approved both a $30,000 increase to the Pullar Stadium concession hood project and an award of the construction contract to Rob Sales & Service.

City Manager Brian Chapman told commissioners the rebid produced a single responsive bidder and that available funds fell short of the low bid. Paul Ander, speaking for the Friends and Supporters of the Pullar Stadium, urged the commission not to increase the budget, saying certain roof work and a steam coil included in the bid appeared unnecessary and that contractors had bid lower in prior solicitations.

Contractor Rob Baker and a consulting mechanical engineer (Jim) testified that the mechanical scope could be executed with design choices that might avoid the steam coil and extensive roof work; they suggested options to protect fans from snow and to reorient fans to limit grease and moisture buildup. Commissioner Marble and others warned against allowing outside supporters or bidders to unduly direct technical scope during commission deliberations.

After debate the commission voted 6–1 to increase the project budget from $80,000 to $110,000 with funds from the general fund, and then awarded the contract to Rob Sales & Service for the posted amount. Commissioner Marble moved the budget amendment; multiple commissioners argued for negotiating final scope with the city engineer after award.

What changed: the commission prioritized moving the longtime rebid project forward while preserving the city engineer and manager's authority to finalize technical details and any cost‑saving modifications post‑award.

Next steps: the city manager and city engineer will negotiate final scope and terms with Rob Sales & Service and return to the commission only if change orders increase the approved budget.