By Jim Bloch
Taxpayers in St. Clair will save money when it comes to cleaning city facilities following the hiring of a new janitorial firm.
The city council voted unanimously to hire Preferred Cleaning Group, LLC, of Marysville, at its regular meeting Dec. 15.
“As we’ve begun to re-bid all of our contracts for long-term purchases, we turned to cleaning services this time,” said City Superintendent Steve Duchane, as heard on the recording of the meeting by CTV-Channel 6, posted on YouTube. “Upon receiving bids, I am able to approve the bid award to Preferred Cleaning Group for $2,590 per month. They have met the requirements. They have done walk-throughs and their background is strong and substantial.”
The city opened the bids Nov. 20.
PCG submitted the lowest of five bids. McCoy Maintenance was second at $2,735 per month, followed by TRM Cleaning at $2,945, Sparkle and Clean, LLC at $3,445 and ICU Cleaning at $7,200.
The contract is for two years.
“Just a quick question,” said council member Erin Gottler. “Last year, we did a one-year contract. We’re doing a two year contract this year. It’s safer to lock the number in – is that the theory?”
“That’s my theory right now,” said Duchane. “Plus, it’s $4,000 less than the current contractor. That’s probably the best we can hope for in a 24-month period.”
“As far as I know, we were pretty happy with the last company,” said Gottler. “But it is a significant amount. If we’re comfortable with the (new) company, I’m good with that.”
“The one-year extension was an extension of their previous two-year contract,” said City Clerk Annette Sturdy.
“So, we just opted for one year at that time?” asked Gottler.
“You’re able administratively to extend for one year at a time,” said Sturdy. “So that was the option.”
PCG will clean the municipal building on N. Carney Drive, the department of public works offices across from Hillside Cemetery, the community center on Fourth Street, the bathrooms at Klecha Park, and the St. Clair Library. The contract calls for cleaning two days per week, preferably Tuesdays and Fridays.
PCG’s responsibilities include emptying trash and changing receptacle liners; cleaning the front glass doors of city hall; vacuuming all carpeted areas; sweeping and mopping all hard surfaced floors; dusting windowsills, desks, file cabinets, pictures and base boards; disinfecting all restrooms and their components and replenishing soap and paper products.
“At PCG, we take pride in going beyond standard janitorial work by focusing on healthier buildings, dependable communications and a partnership-based approach,” said Jordan Smarch, president of the company, in his introductory letter to the city. “As part of our service model, we use HEPA-filtered vacuums and Green Seal Certified products wherever possible to help maintain a cleaner and safer environment for everyone who uses your facilities.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
