Five more contracts for construction of the $79 million Belleville High School were approved by the school board at a special meeting June 21.
The following contracts were recommended by Plante Moran CRESA after reviewing competitive bids and selecting the lowest, responsible bidders.
The Van Buren Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the recommendations:
* Running Track – Goddard Coating, $177,550 (lower of two bidders);
* Tennis Courts and Surfacing – Goddard Coating, $35,648 (low bidder of five);
* Landscaping – Mid-Michigan Turf Care, $218,120.60 (lowest of 11 bidders, including Davenport Brothers of Belleville at $385,877);
* General Trades – Heaney General Contracting, Inc., $2,339,987 (low bidder of five); and
* Masonry – Baker Construction, $6,475,000 (selected from seven bidders).
Also at the June 21 meeting, the board held two executive sessions: one to discuss a written opinion by the district attorney (34 minutes) and one to discuss contract negotiations (1 hour and 37 minutes).
The board also heard information from Forensic Accountant Tom Taylor of Taylor and Associates on the amended budget.
Taylor spoke to the board about the budget process. He said early in the school year discussion should be held on the budget and the board should adopt a budget calendar.
“If you are diligent about sticking to this calendar, you are not rushing around at the end of the year to finalize your budget,” he said.
The board held a special meeting on June 24 to adopt the final amended budget for 2009-10.