Town Hall renovation estimates posted; council raises procurement thresholds

Vice Mayor Marion Chateau-Flagg told the Cloud Lake Town Council on Nov. 14 that drywall for Town Hall ceilings and walls will be the single largest interior expense, and she submitted two bids to illustrate expected costs: Drywall Dan, Inc. for $18,000 and Nakamura Drywall Inc. for $17,500. Council discussion also noted garage-door removal and replacing it with French doors would be a major expense.

Council Member Kathleen Hoock moved, and Council Member Alexandra Powell-Sardinas seconded, a revision to the town—purchasing thresholds to reflect higher costs: purchases between $1,000 and $20,000 would require two quotes; $20,000 to $50,000 would require three written quotes; and purchases over $50,000 would require advertised competitive bidding. The motion passed 4-0 with Council Member John Tyson absent. The Town Attorney, William P. Doney, will prepare a resolution to ratify the change.

Council also discussed withholding final payment to FSV Construction until signed lien releases and a final payment affidavit are returned; the Town Attorney will prepare the affidavit. The council agreed to obtain additional plumbing and electrical estimates before completing the interior budget.

Separately, the council addressed ongoing work at The Preserve: contractor Tom Lisi reported removing about 80% of invasive maiden cane and replacing a nonworking Rain Bird timer. Council members accepted Lisi—s proposals for annual maintenance ($3,500 for Town Hall and $7,000 for The Preserve) and approved reimbursements for recent Preserve expenses totaling $2,291.62. Plantwell has been asked to resume monthly mowing at The Preserve.

Next steps include collecting lien releases from the construction contractor before final payment, receiving additional trade estimates for interior work, and Town Attorney preparation of a resolution to formalize the procurement-threshold changes.