Council approves $9,800 sole-source restain of Fort Fraser

The Fraser City Council approved on Sept. 11 a $9,800 contract to restain Fort Fraser and waived competitive bidding based on staff recommendation that a local contractor has special knowledge of the structure. "I recommend and approve the quote to restain Fort Fraser from Ken Shepherd painting for $9,800 in additional recommendation to waive competitive bidding," a DPW presenter told council.

Council asked whether a motion needed to explicitly waive competitive bidding; the city attorney responded that formal waiver language in the motion was not necessary so long as council members were satisfied with the justification for using a single vendor. "We do not so long as you are satisfied as a council that you have been provided with justification for the sole source request," the city attorney said during the meeting.

Council member Shornack moved to approve the restain contract and Council member Baranski seconded. The council approved the contract as presented. Staff said the contractor, a Fraser resident, has performed the restaining consistently in past years and provided experience about appropriate materials and treatment for the structure.

The contract covers surface cleaning, mold/mildew treatment, sealing and staining; council was told the work is intended to extend the structure’s useful life and improve appearance. Council did not direct any additional procurement steps beyond approving the contract.