Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a special session on October 15, 2024, to decide on the Leland Dam Walkway and Railing Project. After discussion of bid options, the Board approved accepting the bid from Easling Construction using Ipe product for $108,646.00, with funds transferred from the General Fund Contingency to Fund #805.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period of the meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Interim Administrator Lewis presented the Leland Dam Bridge replacement project, explaining the goal of using durable, low-maintenance materials such as Ipe, Thermally Modified Ash, or Treated SYP. He outlined three bid options: Option 1, accepting the low base bid from Easling Construction using only Ipe (a South American, non-sustainable product); Option 2, accepting the low Alternative #1 bid from Fisher Contracting using only Thermally Modified Ash (a North American, sustainable product); and Option 3, rejecting all bids and rebidding to allow a combination of materials. Lewis also noted a possible Option 4, a modified Easling bid combining Ipe and Thermally Modified Ash, if in the County's best interest.
Drain Commissioner Steve Christensen stated his preference for Fisher Contracting.
Commissioner Lautner moved, seconded by Rexroat, to accept Easling Construction's bid for the Ipe product at $108,646.00, with funding transferred from General Fund Contingency to Fund #805. Commissioner O'Rourke called the question, seconded by Rexroat, but this procedural motion failed on a 3-3 vote (Ayes: Lautner, O'Rourke, Rexroat; Noes: Allgaier, Ross, Wessell). After further discussion, the Chairman had the original motion repeated, and it carried 4-2 (Ayes: Lautner, O'Rourke, Rexroat, Wessell; Noes: Ross, Allgaier).
Other Business
Following the vote, Commissioner O'Rourke expressed appreciation for the group, and Chairman Wessell acknowledged Commissioner Ross's persistence and values. The meeting was adjourned by motion of Commissioner Rexroat at 1:40 p.m.
Financial Summary
The Board approved $108,646.00 for the Leland Dam Walkway and Railing Project, awarded to Easling Construction for the Ipe product option. Funding will be transferred from the General Fund Contingency to Fund #805.
Action Items
- Funds to be transferred from the General Fund Contingency to Fund #805 to cover the $108,646.00 Easling Construction contract for the Leland Dam project.