Novi weighs $9.8M fire station contract ahead of Oct. 21 groundbreaking, opens e-bike talks
The first construction package for Fire Stations #2 and #3 covers sitework and structure. The council's Oct. 12 agenda also included its first discussion of possible e-bike and e-moto rules.
By OCJ Staff
Novi's City Council was asked Monday, Oct. 12, to authorize $9,830,309 for the first phase of construction on Fire Stations #2 and #3, with a groundbreaking set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, according to council documents.
The agenda also included the council's first discussion of possible rules for e-bikes and e-motos. The city had not posted minutes or results from the meeting as of Tuesday. Staff had recommended approval of the fire station contract, and the staff report says Christman needed the city's acceptance by Oct. 15 to guarantee its pricing.
Fire stations
The money would cover the first guaranteed maximum price package from The Christman Company, the city's construction manager. It includes sitework, such as earthwork, paving, utilities and landscaping, and the concrete, masonry and steel structures for both stations.
According to the staff report, the total breaks down as:
- Station #2: $5,015,622
- Station #3: $4,814,687
Each figure includes a 5% owner's contingency. The building envelope, interiors, mechanical systems and roofing will be bid in later packages.
The project is part of the city's Public Safety Bond Program. Foundation work is scheduled to start Dec. 4 and structural steel in March 2027. Station #2 is scheduled to be finished in December 2027 and Station #3 in January 2028.
Also on the agenda was a $1,356,476 Main Street streetscape contract with OCG Companies.
E-bikes and e-motos
The e-bike item was listed as discussion only, and no draft ordinance was up for a vote.
A staff report says communities across Michigan are dealing with e-bike speed, young riders, conflicts on sidewalks and trails, and enforcement. It notes that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can assist riders up to 20 mph, and that state law sets no general minimum age for those classes. Class 3 riders must be at least 14.
The report also flags e-motos, which are closer to dirt bikes and often aren't street legal. State law requires them to be registered and insured to use public streets and bars them from bike paths and sidewalks.
The report cites rules in other communities, including South Lyon's 15 mph limit on the Rail Trail and Farmington's move to ban e-bikes and scooters on downtown sidewalks and in parks.
Any ordinance would have to come back to the council for introduction and adoption.
This story uses Novi City Council agenda documents and staff reports for the Oct. 12, 2026, meeting.