Albany utility board approves $83,571 contract to repaint three gate stations

The City of Albany Utility Board voted Jan. 22 to award a $83,571.88 contract to Southern Industrial Holdings to repaint and refurbish three gate stations at Plant 1 (Carson Street), Plant 2 (Gordon Ave) and the Armina Road station.

Board members heard from staff that Southern Industrial was the lone bidder; a handful of out-of-town firms expressed interest but did not file bids. "For a total cost of $83,571.88, Southern Industrial Holdings is a local firm," a staff member said during the presentation.

Mr. Bowers, representing the city’s gas department, told the board the work covers above-ground piping and the structural outbuildings at each site and is part of a broader five-year infrastructure plan. "When you get a professional contractor in here doing it the proper way with a proper paint, we should get three times out of this paint job," he said, noting the city has about 22 stations and plans to continue phased rehabs.

Board members asked about prior work and site access and were invited to inspect the stations before work begins. Staff said Plant 1 is already being remodeled and that shelters at the sites will help protect new paint.

The board called the question and approved the contract in a roll-call vote; the chair recorded a yes vote. No member recorded opposition during the roll call.

The contract award moves the project into the procurement and scheduling phase; staff did not provide a start date in the meeting but said site visits and coordination would follow. The project is intended to improve both the visual condition of facilities and the longevity of piping and structures.