Ionia County Commission on Aging to enter contract for renovations

Apr. 29--IONIA -- Renovations to the Ionia County Commission on Aging facility and an expansion to open an adult day program came one step closer to reality Tuesday.

The Ionia County COA will enter into an agreement with VanderKodde Construction for renovations to its facility at 115 Hudson St. and to expand into the basement of the Ionia County Administrative Building at 101 W. Main St. The Ionia County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement at its April 28 virtual meeting.

After approaching the county board last August, the COA has been working on the project with architect Tim Spitzley, said COA Director Carol Hanulcik.

Sealed bids for the project opened March 18, with VanderKodde Construction as the lowest bidder at $538,200. VanderKodde Construction has worked with Spitzley in the past, Hanulcik said, and has undertaken area projects in Westphalia, Ionia, Lake Odessa, Woodbury and Mulliken.

"We'd like to really work with VanderKodde knowing they have a great resume behind them already," Hanulcik said.

The project scope includes renovations of the COA facility at 115 Hudson St., which Hanulcik described as "largely untouched since 1986." Renovations include safety and accessibility upgrades to public restrooms, entrance on Kidd Street and cosmetics (painting and new ceiling tiles).

It also allows for expansion of the COA into the ground floor of the Ionia County Administrative Building to open an adult day program, offer bathing/showering assistance, add a multipurpose room for programs, an expanded closet and an additional 227 square feet for staff, Hanulick said. She added the current office space is less than 1,000 square feet for 14 staff members.

"In light of the current pandemic, this expansion would really help us reduce congestion here at our office," she said.

The COA plans to use revenue from its fund balance, Hanulcik said. Invitations to bid included an August completion date for 101 W. Main and October for 115 Hudson, but Hanulcik noted the timeline has been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. She wants to have progress on the adult day program by June, when she requests fiscal year 2021 funding from the Area Agency on Aging for Western Michigan.

Hanulcik believes the renovations will benefit the COA for years to come.

"I truly believe the work is much needed and only made more necessary by the current pandemic so we have some more space to work with," Hanulcik said.

District Two Commissioner Larry Tiejema supported the project, calling the ground floor of the administrative building as a "place waiting to happen."

"I know it's kind of a very dangerous time -- a very anxious time -- but sometimes it's a good time to invest as well. I think this is a great investment for the future and it looks like we have a real good teamwork between (Spitzley) and (VanderKodde)," Tiejema said.

A senior millage renewal proposal for 0.5 mills is slated for the August primary election ballot after approval from county commissioners at their April 14 meeting.

-- Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

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