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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 14, 2022 4 <br /> declaring the cost to be assessed tonight which meant the amount could be lower but could not be <br /> higher. <br /> Councilmember Radziej discussed his understanding of how bonds and bid bonds worked in <br /> further detail. <br /> Councilmember Holden expressed concern that the contractor could walk away from the project <br /> and the City would then be stuck scrambling to find a contractor to finish the project and that the <br /> assessments would then increase due to a new contractor with a new bid price. <br /> Mr. Poppler stated once a contractor was locked into a bid bond, the contractor finished a project <br /> to completion. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned what would happen if staff were to receive unfavorable <br /> comments from the references for the low bidder. <br /> Public Works Direct/City Engineer Swearingen stated the Council could reevaluate the bids at <br /> that time and noted there was a $2,000 difference between the low bidder and the next lowest <br /> bidder. <br /> Councilmember Holmes believed that Councilmember Holden had brought up some good points <br /> and she would like to know more about how the bonding works. In addition, given the volatility <br /> of the oil market, perhaps the Council should have the City Attorney clarify the situation and <br /> provide information on what would happen if the contractor were to back out. <br /> Councilmember Holden explained if this matter were to move forward, the Council would be <br /> taking the low bid and while there is only a $2,000 difference for the Arden Oaks project, there <br /> was a $20,000 difference for the Snelling Avenue project. She suggested the date for the <br /> Assessment Hearing be set but that the Council hold a meeting prior to the work session to allow <br /> for further discussion on the concerns that were raised. <br /> Mayor Grant asked if the Council would be holding a short City Council meeting after the next <br /> work session. <br /> City Administrator Perrault reported this was the case. <br /> Councilmember Scott questioned how many bids the City received for this project. <br /> Mr. Poppler reported the City received nine bids. <br /> Councilmember Holden inquired if the Council were to table this for one week if staff would <br /> have enough time to investigate this matter further. <br /> City Administrator Perrault believed staff would have enough time to get these answers for the <br /> Council by next Monday. <br />