Spring City Council accepts Avant Garde bid for fire station addition

SPRING CITY — The Spring City Council voted unanimously Friday to accept a bid from Avant Garde to construct an addition to the city’s fire station, approving the contract during a special noon meeting on Sept. 12.

Councilmember Paul Penrod moved to accept the bid, and the motion was seconded and carried by recorded vote. Councilmembers who voted yes were Randy Strait, Ken Stroke, Courtney Stan and Paul Penrod; one member, Marty, was absent and excused.

The council discussed procurement and project details before the vote. Staff said the city solicited multiple bids but received only one responsive proposal; that bid was posted on the state’s public procurement site. Kate Penny, who joined the call, told the council the solicitation was posted and advertised properly and was handled “in accordance with state code,” adding she saw no procurement advantage given to any bidder.

Council members and staff noted the vendor included a clause placing responsibility for any material-price increases between the estimate and actual purchase on the city. Staff also said the original project estimate was prepared about nine months ago, while the bid before the council was refreshed and less than three weeks old.

Construction logistics and costs were central to discussion. A staff report cited an earlier figure near $1.3 million for the project; after removing equipment the amount in the current bid package was described as “just shy of $1,000,000.” Council members said that leaves a funding gap for equipment the grant does not cover; staff and council did not provide an exact dollar total for equipment in the meeting.

Chad, who has been working with the contractor, told the council he is concerned about timing: “I’ve got that new fire truck showing up … January, February, and we this won’t be done by then. So I’ve got a shuffle trucks and drain trucks,” he said, noting fire apparatus are not designed for extended outdoor storage. The contractor estimates work could begin within roughly a month and take about six months to complete, weather dependent.

Council spoke about site impacts: the addition will be built onto the east side of the existing station, taking a grassy area that previously housed a horseshoe pit. Members said use of that amenity has declined and suggested salvaging hardware for relocation if desired. Technical details discussed included 2-by-6 framing for improved insulation and roofing that will cover the whole building.

Council members suggested pursuing additional equipment grants or donations to cover items excluded from the construction grant. After discussion, Penrod made the motion to accept the Avant Garde bid; the vote was unanimous and the council adjourned.

The council did not specify a contract start date in the meeting minutes beyond the contractor’s estimated window; follow-up paperwork and a formal contract award are expected to provide final schedule, scope and funding details.