BOC moves forward with master plan for facilities

BELLAIRE – After postponing a motion to secure a firm to develop a facilities master plan for Antrim County, the board of commissioners voted 7-1 during its regular meeting Nov. 9 to approve the measure.

That motion was first made at a special Oct. 24 board meeting during which commissioners heard presentations from two architectural firms vying for the project.

The presentations by Tower/Pinkster Architects/Engineers of Grand Rapids, and Byce and Associates Engineers/Architects of Kalamazoo, detailed specific plans of action for the county to consider before deciding on the future of its various facilities – with the exception of the airport.

Both firms have extensive experience with similar government consolidation projects in southern Michigan as well as in other states, with Byce and Associates handling projects in both northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

With limited discussion, the board agreed to accept the earlier recommendation (motion by Commissioner Karen Bargy and supported by Melissa Zelenak), to accept the proposal put forth by Byce and Associates. The lone dissenting vote against the recommendation on Oct. 24 and Nov. 9 came from Commissioner David Heeres.

Following the latest meeting, Heeres said his opposition wasn’t against the plan itself, but that he simply preferred the other firm.

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