BY JESSICA STEELEY
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Extra costs for  electricity at Brady Lodge led to a $3,180 project overrun.
Brady Lodge’s electricity cost the township a total of $31,763. In addition to electricity, the electrical work included dimmers for ballroom light switches, variable fan controls for ballroom switches, electrical circuits for a security system, electrical circuits and LED fixtures for the kitchen, exterior plugs and LED exterior security lighting.
“From a practical standpoint, we realized we needed more plugs, we needed more security, we needed more lighting in an effort to try to protect our assets and to provide a facility that would accommodate the types of community functions that we’ve always talked about,” Supervisor Pat Kittle said at the April 4 Independence Township Board meeting.
The approval was a change order not currently allowed under the township’s procurement policy, said Clerk Barbara Pallotta.
“We need to tighten up our procurement policy and make it more user friendly, so that we have the ability to do a change order,” Pallotta said.
The board voted unanimously to approve the budget adjustment.
“I’m so excited to see this thing, when it’s all done,” said Trustee Rachel Loughrin.
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The renovation work on Bay Court Park’s Lakeview Room is in its final stages.
With the tile work, plumbing, sinks and counter-tops done the bathrooms are close to completion. The Parks, Recreation and Seniors Department is now focusing on the building’s main room, which needs a new tile floor.
The Independence Township Board accepted a quote for new tile floor and trim in the main room for an amount not to exceed $5600.
“I have gone over there, it looked great, so, kudos to your team for what they’ve done,” Supervisor Kittle said to Parks, Recreation and Seniors Director Derek Smith at the meeting.