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Atoka board awards $139,091 sewer smoke‑testing contract amid questions on scope and budget
Summary
The board awarded a performance contract to smoke‑test and evaluate the sanitary sewer system for $139,091.78, paid from an infrastructure planning grant; aldermen raised questions about receiving a single bid, rebidding, and a planned stop‑point near the $120,000 set‑aside.
The Atoka board of mayor and aldermen on Jan. 21 approved a $139,091.78 contract to conduct smoke testing and sanitary‑sewer evaluation, awarding the work to Performance Contracting under the town’s infrastructure planning grant.
Public works and the town administrator told the board the project was advertised, a pre‑bid conference had three potential bidders, and only one final bid was received. The bid exceeds the $120,000 the town set aside in the grant. Public works director Wesley Yarbrough and the town’s engineer, Clark of SSR, said the firm met the project requirements and that the work is to be paid from the infrastructure planning grant rather than the town’s operating fund.
Several aldermen questioned competitiveness of the procurement and whether the town should rebid. Alderman Ducey (transcript reference) said he was "worried" that the town might need to stop work partway through if costs approached the set‑aside. Yarbrough said staff expects the contractor will not use the full allowance for pipe cleaning and that the town will reevaluate if costs reach roughly $110,000–$120,000. The board was told any project overages would require a change order and board approval; an allowance for change orders of up to 2% was discussed during the meeting.
Alderman Poole moved to accept the bid award; Alderman Schaffer seconded. After discussion the board voted in favor by voice vote. Board members noted the value of the testing for locating inflow and infiltration and to find manholes or hidden defects; staff said the testing and any subsequent cleaning should reduce long‑term pumping and treatment costs.
Action details: the project was awarded to Performance Contracting for $139,091.78 and will be paid from the town’s infrastructure planning grant. Staff said they will notify the contractor of a budget cap and return to the board for authorization if additional funds are needed.
