COLDWATER,MI (WTVB) – A decision on a major downtown road and utility improvement project is on hold following a deadlocked City Council vote on Monday night. The City recently received six bids for extensive reconstruction work on East Pearl, South Hudson, and West Pearl streets, with Battle Creek-based contractor Hunter-Prell submitting the low bid of $2,890,349.90.
While the City’s consultant engineer, Fishbeck, verified the low bid for accuracy, and it was recommended for Council adoption of Resolution No. 26-64 to award the project using Act 51 Major and Local Street funds.
Before the vote, Brad Parrish of Quincy-based Parrish Excavating addressed the council, asking members to reconsider his company’s bid.
The request to reconsider by Parrish divided the council, sparking discussion over local preference versus sticking strictly to the lowest bidder as the Parish bid did come in at 2.2% higher than Hunter-Prell but both were under budget.
The debate culminated in a 4-4 tie vote on whether to award the contract to Parrish Excavating or Hunter-Prell, forcing the council to table the final decision until their upcoming June 22nd meeting.
Council has in the past awarded bids to local contactors despite being a slightly higher bid on various projects. The Parish bid came in at $2,957,597.00 difference of $67,000.
Well one month ago I did say, glad to see that water can run freely under US 12 for two weeks while we pay for it. The funny thing is, that water working its way to the surface was clearly cleaner than the mud that flows from my faucet. Thank you water and road he/shes.