The City will spend $27K to replace the bridge over the Keith McKellop Walkway | Information

CADILLAC — The bridge over Keith McKellop Way in Cadillac will soon be repaired.

Recently, the Cadillac City Council awarded a contract to replace the bridge over the bridge.

Cadillac City Manager Marcus Peccia told council members that the deck is worn out and needs to be replaced — something that happens over time with wood.

Some of the wood has rotted, leaving gaps in the area that can cause people to stumble when walking.

The city asked bidders to submit proposals for wood treated with a non-slip synthetic coating. The final product should last longer than wood, Peccia said.

Four bidders submitted proposals, ranging from as low as $12,000 for treated wood to $38,300 for synthetic wood.

Staff recommended that the council award the project to the lowest synthetic wood bidder — Greater North Services, from Cadillac†for $27,398.

Council member Bryan Elenbaas asked if the city had anyone on staff who could do this type of work, to keep the cost of the project down. Cadillac Finance Director Owen Roberts said it is a project that requires some expertise, especially to prevent dirt from falling into the water. He said the companies also certified their work – something they couldn’t do in-house.

Elenbaas said $27,398 seemed too much for this type of project. Roberts said that the biggest cost was in equipment; Elenbaas replied that he was skeptical of this claim.

Council voted to follow a staff recommendation to award a contract to Greater North Services for $27,398. Elenbaas was the only “no” vote.

Peccia said Greater North Services has indicated they intend to do the work before the end of April.

Also at its last meeting, the council charged the property owner with removing two dead trees at the corner of Sunnyside Drive and Petrie Road.

The city in September sent a letter to the property owner saying the trees were overhanging the road and bike path, were shedding limbs, and were in danger of falling due to advanced trunk rot.

Because the trees were considered a public nuisance, the property owner had 15 days to remove them, according to Section 16-29 of the Cadillac City Code.

When the property owner was unable to remove the trees on his own, the city hired BB’s Tree Service to do the job. The cost ended up being $2,300.

The council voted unanimously to assess the property owner to reimburse the costs incurred by the city. The assessment will be collected in the same way that the general tax is collected.