Cemetery mapping proposal shows wide price gap; council opens playground bids and asks for further review

Bluff — Council members reviewed procurement items affecting historical records and park infrastructure. Staff summarized two responses to a cemetery mapping request for proposals: Century Mapping submitted a $7,200 proposal while SWCA Environmental Consultants submitted a $62,963.83 proposal. Both firms said they could meet the scope and the staff evaluation scored Century Mapping slightly higher due to cost weighting, though councilmembers raised questions about the disparity and asked staff to collect references and clarify who would perform on‑site work and whether ground‑penetrating radar or other on‑site techniques were included.

Erin Nelson told the council both proposals appeared capable of meeting the town's stated scope but that the cost difference warranted due diligence. Council members asked Aaron (staff) to seek referrals and to request additional information from both firms. One councilmember suggested coordinating with nearby jurisdictions or the Hole in the Rock Foundation to share costs if price or travel is a factor.

Later in the meeting staff opened playground and sports‑court bids in public. Staff read totals into the record for multiple bidders and options; examples recorded in the opening include Intermountain Playscapes at $128,657; Lucky Dog Recreation options at $157,489 and $179,406; Garrett Parks & Play multiple options at $189,535 up to $266,358; and Big T Recreation with an option at $115,151 and other options up to $160,963. No award was made; the packets will be provided to the playground committee for further review.

What happens next: Staff will request referrals and technical clarifications from the cemetery mapping bidders and circulate all playground bids to the playground committee for analysis before returning to council with recommendations.