Township Hall renovation bid selected

South elevation of the proposed Township Hall renovation showing tall windows and new entry ways

The Casco Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Monday June 23 to address three items: discuss and decide on bids for the Township Hall Renovation, approve the 2025 Audit, and approve the budget. The meeting also included the opportunity for public comment. All members of the Board were present.

The bulk of the short meeting was devoted to discussion of the Township Hall renovation. Two bids were received on June 16, 2025: $575,000 from Pearson Construction in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and $439,400 from Hall Builders in Paw Paw Michigan.

Julie Cowie provided a short report to the board regarding the two bidding companies. Both have licensure in good standing and positive google reviews. References provided by each company were checked and turned up no concerns. Cowie reported that some local and recent projects result in no bids or only one.

Two individual meetings had been conducted since the receipt of the bids, one with each bidder and Allan Overhiser, Township Supervisor; Rachel Ridley, Township Clerk; Mary Tobin, member of the Casco Senior Advisory Committee, and Julie Cowie, who is managing the bid process for the Township.

As a result of those meetings, the Board was requested to accept the Hall Builders bid of $439,400 with three additions. The additions include a proposed pergola for the south side of the building (an additional $10,500.00); upgraded windows for the South elevation (an additional $8,096.00); and electricity and data ports to be incorporated into the floor in a grid for the purpose of powering election equipment.

The proposed finishes for the remodel include carpet tile in the large open area, new restrooms with tiled flooring and laminate countertops, drywalled office and storage areas, LED lighting, an exposed ceiling with ceiling fans remaining, metal siding inside and outside, and a pergola constructed of treated lumber.

The exterior siding will be painted, but the bid from Hall Builders does not include exterior painting.

In discussion, the Board requested clarification from Hall Builders on whether there would be an additional cost to remove the six garage doors and the radiant heating in a manner that salvages them for resale.

The Board unanimously approved of awarding the contract to Hall Builders with the additions of the pergola, better windows, and electric grid in the floor.

The Board approved to enter into a contract with Seigfried Crandall for the 2025 audit, not to exceed $10,600.

The Board approved the 2025/2026 budget.

In public comment, Mark Siewert of Windcliff Dr. asked about the status of Daydreamer Domes. Overhiser reported that Missy Fojtik had withdrawn her request for an outdoor gathering. Siewert also wondered if correspondence sent to Overhiser is automatically shared with the board. He noted that the minutes from the Planning Commission were not updated on the website.

Overhiser reported that the Planning Commission had met the prior week to discuss the definition of "ancillary uses" to a campground but had not made any decisions.

Overhiser has formed a Noise Committee comprised of Debbie Weaver (resident of Miami Park); Brian Murphy (resident of Sunset Shore); Ryan Bush (representing Ag); and Ron Wise (retired from SHAES). The committee will hold its first meeting on Thursday June 26 at 7:00 pm at the Casco Township Hall.

Note: Julie Cowie, editor of Casco Township News, is also managing the renovation process for Casco Township.