01/18/12 The Plymouth Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously during their first meeting of the year to retain the officers from 2011. Don Wendel will continue as president with Dan Tyree, vice-president, and Tom Pedavoli, secretary.
Plymouth Clerk-Treasurer Toni Hutchings led the Commission members in the oath of office. Present were Wendel, Tyree, Frank Brubaker and new member Mike Miley. Pedavoli was delayed in attending the meeting and newly appointed member Nancy Felde was absent. Brubaker serves as a non-voting member as an apportionment from the Plymouth Community Schools.
City Engineer Rick Gaul reported that the Oak Road Project in TIF 1 is completed with the exception of the final paperwork. City Attorney Nelson Chipman indicated that the City is still in negotiation with the Paul R. Cripe Company over extra fees associated with the project. After the meeting, Chipman said Cripe had originally submitted billing in the amount of $73,000, but that the billing has been significantly lowered during the discussions. Chipman said, “Nothing in that (billing) convinces me. I know they (Cripe) want you to study the time sheets.” No action was taken on the matter.
Speaking to the South Gateway Project were John Jackson of Ratio Architects and John Zant of Butler, Fairman and Seufert. Zant is a site-greenways development engineer.
Although Jackson and Zant have completed their portion of the overall project, both told the Commission members that they would continue to be available as needed. Zant said, “It’s been an honor to work for the City of Plymouth. We certainly want you to be happy.”
Bidding specifications for the project should be available in early February, according to Zant and the project is scheduled to be bid out on March 7 at 10:00 a.m. Zant said the unofficial results could be ready by 1:00 p.m.
Zant said the estimated cost of the project is between $775,000-$800,000. He said the City has some $830,000 in transportation funds available.” He added, “I can’t wait to see equipment on the site.”
Wendel said, “This (bidding) is hitting at a great time of year. Contractors are looking for work.”
According to Zant, the project could be completed by November of 2012, weather permitting. The first phase the project includes, but is not limited to, the demolition of the Dimmitt Building.
Tyree, Chipman and Gaul were named as a three-person selection committee to review submissions for construction engineering.
Redevelopment voted in favor of holding a special meeting on February 7 for the bid letting.
The next regular meeting of the Redevelopment Commission will be on Tuesday, February 20.
Carol Anders Correspondent
