Commission says fee‑house RFP process was followed after resident raises concern about single bidder

Jeff Rising, a resident who identified himself at the June 15 meeting, told the Adrian City Commission he was surprised that Foundation Realty received the listing contract for the city-owned fee house and said other local brokers were not aware of the RFP. "I did learn that a former city employee, when there was a lack of proposals, emailed it directly to Foundation Realty and only to Foundation Realty so they could be the only ones to submit a proposal," Rising said during public comment.

Mayor Angelo Stor Heath moved the commission into a closed session to consult with the city attorney on attorney–client privileged matters related to the RFP process. After returning from closed session, the mayor told the public the city attorney had clarified that the RFP process had been followed, that the RFP had been posted as required and that the city received two bids. "We did receive 2 bids," the mayor said, adding the council would look at ways to improve outreach for future realtor solicitations, including adding realtors to the vendor list used by the purchasing agent.

The mayor and staff said the city will review procurement outreach to ensure local realtors receive notice for comparable listings in the future. No formal penalty or re‑award was reported at the meeting.

The commission had previously moved the fee‑house item into a closed session so staff and the attorney could discuss the matter; the motion to enter closed session passed on a roll call vote.

The commission took no immediate public vote to reopen or reissue the RFP at the meeting; staff described follow‑up steps as administrative and procedural.