The project has gone through a lengthy process already. The East Lansing Public Works Department had sent out a request for proposals from engineering firms. The firms would be responsible for designing the reconstruction.

Hubbell, Roth and Clark Inc., a Bloomfield Hills, Mich. based engineering company was chosen to helm the reconstruction project. 

When the proposal was presented to council, they were informed of a potential conflict of interest associated with the project.

"Todd Sneathen, the public works director has accepted a position at Hubbell, Roth and Clark, Inc.," East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas said. 

Sneathen had perviously worked at the company as a chief field engineer before working for the city, according to his LinkedIn account.

In response to the news of Sneathen's new employer, the public works department along with the city made attempts to validate the decision to choose Hubbell, Roth and Clark.

The two remaining civil engineers responsible for approving the company were asked about the merits of Hubbell, Roth and Clark separately. Both engineers agreed Hubbell, Roth and Clark would be the best choice out of the applicants. 

Despite the departments attempts to validate the approval, council members voiced strong concern about the implication of the proposal.

"I believe this process has integrity. I just think that the public may ask different questions," Council Member Ruth Beier said. 

The council considered a motion to have the public works department restart the entire process, issuing a new announcement requesting proposals and reviewing the new applicants. 

Due to the need for action on this issue, council also considered a re-review of the currently submitted proposals. 

"We are asking for four of the same proposals from people who have already proposed and then sending them to two of the tree people who have already reviewed them," Council Member Kathleen Boyle said. "I really don't see how it makes any change to have new bids come in." 

Ultimately the council opted to take no action. The proposal will, however, still be re-evaluated by the public works department without Todd Sneathen. After the re-evaluation, the proposal will be presented again to council.