Coldwater BPU approves $129,406 security project bid; utility share roughly $71,618

The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities approved a series of 19 physical security projects for 2026 and awarded the combined contract to Lakeland Electronics, the lowest responsive bidder at $129,406.

Pat, presenting the package, said the projects cover security gates, access control doors and sensors, cameras and related work across electric, water resource recovery, water treatment campuses, Waterworks Park and certain telecommunications infrastructure. Pat told the board the original budget was $117,250 but a $1,500 omission and five added scope items left the city and utility combined roughly $12,156 over budget; most of the overage falls on the utility side.

Pat explained access‑control systems can be proprietary and integrating multiple systems would create inefficiencies, so staff recommended a single system. He said Lakeland Electronics submitted the low bid of $129,406 and the BPU share of that award would be $71,617.50; staff asked the board to approve awarding the project to Lakeland.

Board member discussion was limited and the board moved to approve the award. The chair called for the vote and the motion passed.

What’s next: Staff will execute the contract with Lakeland Electronics and manage installation and commissioning, with the utility covering its share of the approved cost.