Council approves concrete slab and structure purchases for new municipal greenhouse

The City Council approved purchases needed to build a new municipal greenhouse next to the existing facility at 339 Middle Avenue, including a previously awarded greenhouse structure ($41,560) and a concrete slab contract with TCD Concrete Works Inc. for $23,691.

Ian Wade of the engineering division said the project will allow downtown services to stock and maintain plantings year-round, buy in larger quantities and save money. “We are bringing forward today the second part of the purchase to construct a new greenhouse next to the current greenhouse located at 339 Middle Avenue,” Wade said.

Wade explained the city separately bid the greenhouse structure and the concrete slab to save costs rather than turning the whole job to a general contractor. He told the council the two pieces are part of the same capital improvement project and that the combined cost exceeds $50,000, which is why staff placed the slab award on the council agenda for transparency.

The low bid for the slab came from TCD Concrete Works Inc. of Car— (transcript spelling: Char San Charles, Illinois) at $23,691, and the previously awarded structure bid was $41,560. Alderwoman Bate moved approval; Alderman Jonathan Nunez seconded. The motion passed by voice vote, recorded as 4-0 in favor.

Council members complimented downtown plantings and the greenhouse team’s work; staff said they would answer any follow-up scheduling or procurement questions outside the meeting.