Council approves golf course parking-lot replacement amid protests over notice and procurement

The council voted Oct. 20 to award Best Asphalt a contract to replace the golf course parking lot for $685,005.12 with a 10% contingency. The motion passed 5–1 after several council members expressed frustration that the item was added late and relied on an extension of another recent bid rather than a separate competitive solicitation.

Mayor Walbee and Parks staff said the lot is likely the original pavement (about 50 years old), serves a restaurant and banquet events, and that Best Asphalt had capacity and an existing mobilization advantage because the company was already working on nearby projects. "That parking lot is in pretty rough shape," Parks representative Spinazzola said, noting the contractor assured staff it could complete the work before weather or season prevented paving.

Councilmember Miss Roussy and Miss Rusey voiced procedural concerns: Rusey said the project was not in the adopted budget and was not included in the initial agenda posting; she objected to repeated no-bid or bid-extension actions and said surprise additions undermine the budget process. Staff told council the state budget and rising costs made a quick decision attractive to avoid a projected 30–40% price increase for roadwork.

Mister Karen moved to award the work to Best Asphalt, Miss Burgess seconded, and the measure passed 5–1. The contract includes drainage and curb work specified in the original 2022 bid documents; council directed staff to coordinate staging to minimize disruption to the restaurant and event schedule.