Surprise Marshall House RFP approved by council

Though city council members had asked that a workshop session be scheduled to discuss problems with a leaky roof and water infiltration into upper level apartments at the Marshall House, and though it wasn't on the agenda, Marshall City Manager Chris Olson unveiled a request for proposals to repair upper level mortar fractures with caulking. Council members seemed surprised and perplexed, made some suggestions for adjusting the RFP and then unanimously passed the measure to seek bids for repairs. Olson asked the mayor to immediately open the issue for public comment but the Marshall House Tenants Assoc. president and vice president sitting in the audience did not get up to speak. They, too, appeared surprised to hear about the draft RFP which was not explained in detail prior to approval. See this Saturday's Chronicle for more on this and other measures addressed Tuesday by the Marshall City Council.