Cannabis permit extended, roundabout project delayed
A medical marijuana permit for a business development was extended Wednesday by Sturgis City Commission, while a state bidding deficiency has resulted in a delay in a roundabout set for placement near Sturgis Middle School.
City staff recently received a request to extend the medical cannabis permit from Stash Ventures LLC at 618 N. Centerville Road. The current permit, to expire June 15, will now expire Dec. 15.
The LLC was issued a Class C grower facility permit in the manufacturing zoning district Dec. 15, 2020, with an expiration date of Dec. 15, 2021. They requested and were granted an initial six-month extension from the city clerk's office that would expire June 15. The ordinance allows permit holders to “request an extension up to six months” which is approved by the clerk.
Stash Ventures currently operates an adult use retailer in suite 1 at the location known as Timber. Construction is ongoing in suite 2, which is where the grow facility will be located.
Representatives told the commission Wednesday the facility only requires the installation of an elevator and landscaping. The elevator is expected to be delivered in about a month, delayed by supply chain issues.
The six-month extension is expected to allow ample time required to secure the elevator and finish the facility.
The commission vote approving the extension was unanimous.
Roundabout project delayed
The roundabout project at the intersection of East Lafayette Road and North Franks Avenue is being delayed by one year, due to bidding concerns at the state level.
The city said the Michigan Department of Transportation-led project was able to get only one bid for roundabout construction. Additionally, the bid was approximately $300,000 above the estimated cost.
The city originally submitted the project for bid over the winter, with the general understanding that projects submitted well ahead of time would be picked up for bid by May. However, only one bid was entered for the roundabout project, and well above the approximate $600,000 estimate,the city plans to schedule the project to go back for bid in the coming months, with the expectation for more, and competitive bids, for the work, in time for the summer construction season next year.
City officials also reported Wednesday the utility extension project is experiencing additional costs associated with the roundabout’s construction delay to May 2023.
The commission examined change order 3 for $28,620 from the contractor to complete the utility extension project. The items include preparing the intersection for paving, asphalt paving, reinstalling road shoulders, and several other minor additions to make the intersection useable until next May.
Change orders 1 and 2 have already expended $7,253.15 of the $15,150 project’s contingency. An additional $22,000 in contingency funds was requested from the water and sanitary funds to cover the $20,723.22 for change order 3 and an additional expense to reinstall a section of sidewalk at the Spence fields.
Marv Smith cast the lone "no" vote on the matter.
In other business, the city commission approved a $237,846 bid from Shouldice Electric of Battle Creek to supply and install a backup generator at the Public Service Utility Building. The purchase and installation of the generator will allow for full function of the entire facility without limitations in the event of a power outage or natural disaster. Byler Electric of Constantine bid $238,600. The city typically accepts the lowest, responsible bid.
The city commission also approved the purchase of four S&C distribution switchgear with fiberglass basements from Irby Utilities for $76,137. Irby is the sole source dealer for the cabinets in the state. Currently, the estimated time for delivery of the cabinets is 22 to 24 weeks, due to supply chain shortages. The requested distribution switchgear will eventually be put into service as a part of the city’s underground distribution system, and costs will not be absorbed by a customer’s electrical request.
