2000-01-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Minutes of the Meeting of June 24, 1999 Page 4 Schedule of Bills Paid (AI 10.1) Councilmember Clark requested clarification of a check written to the Blaine's Blazin 4th Celebration. He asked if an appropriate organization had been determined. The City Manager stated he would check into this item and report back. Resolution No. 99-174, Accept Bid for Zumbrota Street NE from 89th Lane NE to 90th Lane NE, Improvement Project No. 94-06E Non-Spine; Edison Street NE from 85th Avenue NE to 87th Avenue NE Alignment, Improvement Project No. 94-06J; 93rd Lane NE and Dunkirk Street NE in the Plat of S1. Clair Park 2nd Addition, Improvement Project No. 98-21 Council member Daniels expressed concern about awarding a bid to a contractor that the City was not satisfied with on a previous project due to the lack of management. She asked if the City was required by law to accept the low bid. The City Engineer stated staff contacted other agencies that have worked with this contractor since the last project and found he was doing adequate work while requiring more supervision. There were no communities, including Coon Rapids, that feel he was an irresponsible contractor so staff recommended the award to the low bidder. Councilmember Daniels noted the second low bid was only $7,000 in difference and asked if, due to the low City staff level, it would be better spent to consider the second low bidder who would not need additional City staff supervision. The City Attorney advised State law requires award of the bid to the lowest responsible bidder. He advised that not completing a job on time might constitute reason for the awarding agency to not consider that bidder a responsible bidder. He stated his understanding that the past problems with this contractor resulted in their low level of supervision. However, if staff believed they were not responsible the Council could award to the second low bidder or reject all bids. Councilmember Rose asked when the last time this contractor was used by the City of Blaine. The City Engineer estimated 1995 or 1996 and pointed out that this contractor was also the low bidder on the Buchanan Street project. Councilmember Rose noted the frequent turnover of construction crews so, since it's been four years, that problem will probably not be on the crews today. She stated her support to consider the award with notification to the contractor that the City will expect performance. Council member Daniels asked if there was a method to hold back funding to cover the City's cost for additional supervision. The City Engineer stated he was not aware how that could be accomplished. The City Manager commented on a project of last year where the City was not happy with the construction but the contractor returned to make the repair. He noted that the City has the opportunity to view the project prior to authorizing final payment. Action 99-316 (AI 10.4) Moved by Councilmember Daniels, seconded by Councilmember Rose, that Resolution No. 99-174, UAccept Bid for Zumbrota Street NE from 89th Lane NE to 90th Lane NE, Improvement Project No. 94-06E Non- Spine; Edison Street NE from 85th Avenue NE to 87th Avenue NE Alignment, Improvement Project No. 94-