What could be the problem with a bid that saves $56,000? The
city received a $120,000 grant from the EPA for City Hall Green Parking Lot Improvements.
Council was matching the bid with $120,000. The bid came in at $184,000. Problem:
one bid. Even though the city has known about this project for quite some time,
it was not advertised until mid-July. The deadline to use or lose the money is
the summer of 2016. One reason offered as to why there was only one bid was
that contractors are busy this time of year. Karen Lieske suggested advertising
during a slower time to get more bids. The fear of the city was the advertising
cost to re-bid, maybe around $1,500. Also, the city considered the fact that
the cost of the project might go up or they might not get a better bid or this
bid may go up (this company is now aware that the city has $240,000 to spend on
this project). To me, the one bid is more than ironic in the face of the recording
equipment issue, but I digress.
Mayor Sutherland, Scott Thomas and Bob Greytak were
comfortable with this bid and this company – even though – Problem: this is the same company that completed the
$300,000 tennis court project behind city hall.
After some pushing from Dave Tadych, it was admitted mistakes were made
by the city with the specs on the courts but the company worked with them to a
settlement. The mayor wanted to look at the bigger picture; they dealt with the
problems and the tennis courts are now much enjoyed.
Members of council still had concerns about this company. With
the contract going to vote tonight, Tadych had requested additional information
days ago in regards to this matter from Thomas in regards to this matter but never
received it.
(Paul Vincent was absent) Henderson, Lieske and Tadych voted
no. Clark, Lee and Koomar voted yes. It did not pass. After much head shaking
and gesticulation on the mayor’s part, she gathered her things, got up and
motioned for Thomas and Greytak to follow, left the meeting, and did not
return.
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