Written by Jameca Patrick-Singleton
After several hours of heated debate, Flint City Council has voted to approve a $17.8 million dollar contract with LGC global to complete pipe replacement in the city. The point of contention of multiple members of council was the process, which ended with LGC Global being the only company to bid for the project.
4th Ward Councilwoman Judy Priestley stated that she felt that her “back is up against the wall,” referring to the timeliness of the resolution being brought to council and the impending December 31 deadline to finish pipe replacement or re-pay pipe replacement funding that was granted to the city from the state through the WINN program.
3rd Ward Councilman Quincy Murphy and 8th Ward Dennis Pfeiffer both echoed the sentiments of feeling rushed to approve the resolution.
Eventually, all three council members, along with 2nd Ward Ladel Lewis and 9th Ward Councilwoman Eva Worthing, all voted to approve the resolution. 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays abstained from the vote. Absent from the meeting were 6th Ward Councilwoman Tonya Burns, 7th Ward Councilwoman Allie Herkenroder and 5th Ward Councilwoman Jerri Winfrey-Carter.
Johnny Hardiman, VP of LGC Global Business Development, expressed his confidence that the pipe replacement will be completed on time, stating to council that his company has both the manpower and equipment to get the job done.
