County accepts sand, gravel and pipe bids; will re-advertise asphalt portion

The Vigo County commissioners accepted bids for sand, gravel and pipeline materials and directed staff to re-advertise the asphalt and bituminous portion of the county's annual bids after vendors raised concerns.

Larry Robbins, speaking for the Highway Department, told commissioners the county opened bids for sand and gravel and for pipe and that average prices rose by roughly 0.5% to 2% compared with prior solicitations.

"No huge changes on average. Things went, up half to 2%." Robbins said. He recommended awarding the pipe material to a bidder identified in the transcript as a metal corrugated pipe supplier and accepting multiple sand and gravel bids from S and G Maguire and Lincoln Park Stone to preserve geographic delivery options.

"Sometimes it's cheaper to get it down south at S and G's pit. Sometimes it's cheaper at Maguire. Sometimes it's cheaper to have it delivered from Lincoln Park Stone. That just gives us the options," Robbins said.

Commissioners approved the recommendation to accept the sand and gravel bids and to award the pipe contract to the metal corrugated pipe bidder. Robbins also said the county will re-advertise the asphalt and bituminous portion because vendors pointed out items were omitted from the original solicitation; that re-advertisement is expected later in March.

The motions to accept the bids and to re-advertise the asphalt portion carried with unanimous assent.