Algoma council authorizes utility signing to energize new fire station, asks commission to consider cost share

The Algoma Common Council on Jan. 20 authorized staff to sign utility paperwork so the contractor can order parts and schedule work to bring permanent electric service to the city’s new fire station and voted to ask the utilities commission to consider sharing the unexpected cost.

Council members were told the work to extend electric conduit and wiring from Sunset into the station surfaced as an unanticipated owner responsibility after bids were prepared; staff said the line items total roughly $19,300–$19,500. "There is a contingency built into this project," the chair said, adding that signature authorization would allow the city to get parts ordered and secure the boring contractor’s schedule. The chair also noted that scheduling the boring company is time-sensitive as spring approaches.

Council members debated whether the city should first seek a temporary connection to avoid winter digging and whether Algoma Utilities might contribute. One council member asked staff to send a letter to the utilities commission asking if the commission would share the cost. The council approved a motion giving staff authority to sign the necessary paperwork so the project can proceed, and separately approved sending the cost-share request letter to the commission.

The motions were made and seconded on the floor and passed by roll call. The council also agreed to seek any available contribution but emphasized that, absent commission assistance, the city will move forward so power is available on the project schedule.

Next steps: staff will sign the utilities paperwork to move the ordering and scheduling forward and send the formal request to the utilities commission; the council directed staff to report back if the commission offers a contribution.