Council awards Chestnut Street and Franklin demo bids; tables bathroom purchase for Maple Park and authorizes bid advertising

Columbia Borough Council on April 22 awarded the 800 block Chestnut Street improvement project and the demolition contract for accessory structures at 700 Franklin Street, while tabling a direct purchase of a standalone ADA restroom for Maple Park and authorizing bidding for the Maple Park improvement project.

The council voted to award the 800 Block Chestnut Street improvement project to SM Johnson Construction for $276,518.34 after staff said the low bid was valid and the company confirmed its pricing. Eric (staff member) told council the bidder owns much of its equipment and planned to self-perform substantial work, which helped explain the low bid. Councilmember Stahl moved and Councilmember Murphy seconded; the motion carried.

On the 700 Franklin Street demolition, the council accepted the low bid from Farhat Excavating LLC, $52,780, and authorized the award. Staff noted asbestos was found in the structures and said the borough will seek reimbursement from the related acquisition funding once the sale closes.

For Maple Park, councilors tabled a direct purchase authorization for a dual ADA restroom unit until staff obtains the required three quotes or bids compatible with the grant procurement rules. Heather Zink explained that federal grant rules tied to the purchase require additional competitive procurement steps and that a second supplier had submitted a price materially lower than the first; council agreed to table and revisit on May 13. The council separately authorized staff to advertise the comprehensive Maple Park Improvement Project contract that will include installation and connection work for the restroom unit.

Why it matters: The awards move multiple capital projects into the construction phase and reflect the borough’s effort to leverage competitive bids while complying with grant procurement rules. Staff said phasing and payment schedules will be structured so the borough does not need to advance the entire budget before receiving grant reimbursement.

Council also discussed timing: staff indicated bid openings will be scheduled to allow award decisions at regular June meetings, with construction mobilization in July at the earliest depending on contractor schedules.

Ending: Staff will return with bid tabulations, award documents and procurement records required for grant reimbursement; the Maple Park restroom purchase remains tabled until staff secures required pricing and approvals.