Council approves $2,025,100 City Hall renovation contract amid low‑bid protests

The Shaker Heights City Council voted to authorize a contract with Infinity Construction for the City Hall addition and renovation project in a motion that followed staff testimony and a public protest from a lower bidder.

Public commenters from Sona Construction argued at the meeting that Sona was the low bidder and that deviating from a low‑price award would harm competition. Lou Hetrick, representing Sona, told the council: "Just because we're the smallest... doesn't mean we can't do the same job as the big guy." Harish Patel, Sona's senior project manager, also said bidders were not given an opportunity for a scope review meeting and argued the bid form was properly completed by his firm.

Public Works recommended Infinity Construction as the "lowest and best" bidder, citing a substantially shorter construction duration. Law Director Gruber explained the city's charter standard differs from some other public entities: under Shaker Heights' practice the administration may recommend a bidder that is not the absolute lowest if other factors (here, time to completion) make it the 'best' choice. Gruber summarized the procurement distinction as the city's "lowest and best" standard rather than the county's "lowest and most responsible" lowest‑price standard.

Council members pressed staff on schedule assurances and penalties for delays; the record shows the contract includes liquidated‑damage provisions. Council approved the award and the motion carried. The administration said construction is fast‑tracked to restore staff workspace displaced during prior work and to improve public lobby space.