Goodrich – The expansive green building, soon to be completed, will house Department of Public Works equipment in the village municipal complex.
It will also honor the memory of the late Goodrich DPW Supervisor Gordon Bachmann.
The Goodrich Village Council voted to name the proposed building for Bachmann after his death in February 2003, said his wife Sara Bachmann.
A brick mason by trade, Gordon served as the building inspector for Atlas Township and the Village of Goodrich, served on the Atlas Township Fire Department as a firefighter and chief, coached area youth in Little League, was involved in the Goodrich Lions Club, and served as chapter president of United Way.
The Goodrich Municipal Complex, including the DPW garage, was expected to be finished already, said village administrator Jakki Sidge. Heavy rainfalls have interfered with installing the driveway.
‘They’re still doing some finishing touches to the building’they’re 95 to 97 percent done’but we’re kind of stuck, literally, until drier weather.?
Because village officials had expected to relocate to the new office already, tax bills printed with the Hufstader address had to be relabeled. Village residents are being encouraged to pay tax bills at the existing village office, located at 10242 Hegel Road in downtown Goodrich.
The large size of the DPW garage will make it possible to have village trucks and equipment in one place, Sidge said, and Goodrich village officials are investigating purchasing a larger-capacity truck for snow plowing.
Another advantage of the building, which is visible from M-15, is increased security.
The current DPW building, located within the village park, has been the target of repeated vandalism, said Sidge. Recently, a window in the building was broken with a metal pipe.
‘It’s another reason to move,? says Sidge. ‘We’re discussing cameras and other measures with security people.?
Those who knew Bachmann feel the sign announcing the building name is appropriate.
‘I think it’s wonderful,? said former Atlas Township Supervisor Jim Hempton, who knew Bachmann for more than 40 years. ‘He did a great job, was very dependable. He was a good friend, always fair.
‘I think if anybody in Goodrich deserves it it’d be Gordon, he definitely contributed.?
A date for the complex ribbon-cutting ceremony has yet to be announced, depending on the weather and completion, said Sidge.