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Council split over waiving bid for Bennett Library boiler replacement; some members seek competitive bids
Summary
DPW recommended extending Sandburg Library bid pricing to replace the Bennett Library boiler for $114,667; some council members urged a competitive bid because every building differs, while others said recent bid pricing justified waiving a new bid. Council recorded both an approving and denying position and scheduled the matter for the July 13 regular agenda.
City staff recommended awarding the replacement boiler system at the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library using extended pricing from a recent Sandburg Library bid. DPW said the contractor offered to extend pricing and the cost for the Bennett unit would be $114,667.
Several council members and members of the public questioned waiving a competitive process for a project over $30,000, citing the city ordinance that generally requires bids above that threshold and noting that buildings and required BTU calculations vary. One council member said the units are similar and that the same vendors would likely bid if the project were reissued, but others argued competitive bidding ensures the best price and compliance with procurement rules.
Public commenters urged the council to solicit bids, saying the packet was large and citizens lacked time to compare options; one speaker named alternate boiler brands and suggested local contractors might provide comparable pricing at lower cost. The council recorded both an approving and a denying motion for the regular meeting and scheduled the item for July 13 so members can review the prior bid packets and permit drawings.
What happens next: The boiler replacement will return to the July 13 regular meeting with both positions on the record; council asked staff to provide prior bid information and any permit or plan comparisons so members can decide whether to accept the extended pricing or require new competitive bids.
