Council awards Parks & Recreation building contract and service bids; construction over budget

The Seaford City Council voted May 12 to award construction and service contracts for city needs, including a Parks & Recreation office building and porta‑john services.

City architect Bill Ber and staff recommended the low bidder, Green Diamond Builders, for the Parks and Recreation building at $515,744. Staff noted the approved FY27 budget included $500,000 with a contingency that has been consumed; the recommended contract therefore represents an overage of $15,744. An alternate bid item for a standing‑seam roof (about $25,430) was not recommended at this time. Staff outlined options to cover the overrun, including drawing from GMBB rent reserves or increasing the planned loan amount and updating amortization schedules in the current budget process.

Councilwoman Stephanie Grasset moved to award the contract to Green Diamond Builders for $515,744; Councilman Mike Bradley seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Staff estimated the project to take about 180 days with earliest mobilization 45–60 days after contract paperwork and insurance are received.

On a separate procurement, Director Hickey reported that four bids were received for porta‑john services and recommended awarding the contract to low bidder Sussex Sanitation at the total amount provided in the packet. Council approved that award unanimously as well.

Council members discussed budget impacts and cautioned that change orders could further affect fiscal year 2027 finances; staff said the finance director would make the necessary adjustments during upcoming budget hearings.