Board approves Resolution 2026‑6‑1 to allow mayor to contract for industrial‑park site prep; staff cites low bid of $475,000

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Resolution 2026‑6‑1 authorizing the mayor to enter a contract to perform site‑preparation services for the City Industrial Park lot on Tennessee Avenue.

Ray Evans, participating by phone, presented the resolution and described the procurement and grant funding. Evans said the city solicited 12 bids and that the low bid was Thompson Enterprises of Jamestown at $475,000. He said the project as bid is limited to grading and drainage for roughly a 100,000‑square‑foot building pad and about 100 parking spaces; the extension of water and sewer and additional maintenance stone were removed from the bid package before advertising to help keep costs within the grant limit. Evans said the project is funded primarily by a site development grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and that the grant requires a local match (Evans described it as likely a 90/10 or 80/20 match, meaning the city’s share could be up to 10% of the grant).

The resolution text presented at the meeting names Compton Enterprises, Jamestown, as the company with which the mayor would be authorized to contract. The transcript shows Evans describing Thompson Enterprises as the low bidder at $475,000; the record does not resolve whether the resolution’s named contractor and the low bidder reference the same company or whether additional procurement steps occurred after the bids were opened. The board did not provide further clarification during the meeting.

Alderman Linder moved to accept the resolution; Alderman Ruble seconded. Clerk called the roll; Alderman Linder — Yes; Alderman Proctor — Yes; Alderman Ruble — Yes; Vice Mayor Dale — Yes; Alderman Nightford — Yes. The Chair announced the motion passed.

Evans said the city had previously approved the grant application and that the local Industrial Development Fund could be used to cover the local match (Evans estimated the local share could be up to $100,000 if the grant is $1,000,000). The city will discuss final contract scope and any state approvals needed before awarding and expanding the contract to add back items removed before bidding.

What’s next: Staff will follow procurement procedures and work with the state on allowable contract scope and any adjustments within the grant limit prior to final contract execution.