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Council rejects garage design bids, opts for direct negotiation; library architect selection tabled
Summary
Council rejected four architectural proposals for a new Police/Emergency Management garage and authorized direct negotiations to produce construction documents; separately, Bolton & Menk submitted the low quote ($20,000) for the library remodel, but the council tabled that decision pending a special meeting to review scopes.
The Waterville City Council on April 7 rejected four submitted proposals for architectural services on a Police/Emergency Management garage and authorized staff to enter direct negotiations to develop schematics and construction specifications.
Administrator Teresa Hill told the council that RFP responses for the garage design varied widely in cost. Councilor Tim Smith moved to reject all four proposals; the motion passed 4-0. After a legal discussion about competitive bidding thresholds and the likely cost of schematic work, Councilor Scott Potter moved to proceed with direct negotiations to produce construction blueprints and performance specifications; that motion also passed 4-0.
On the library remodel, Hill reported three quotes ranging from $20,000 to $45,000 for architectural and engineering services, with Bolton & Menk offering the lowest bid at $20,000. Hill recommended a special meeting so council members could meet with Bolton & Menk and other bidders to clarify scope and deliverables. Council moved to table the library award pending that special meeting.
During public comment, resident Henry Vanhoudt asked for a comprehensive cost estimate for moving the Police Department into City Hall, including transport, building modifications, and a new garage, and asked how much the projects would cost taxpayers. "How much is it going to cost citizens in taxes?" Vanhoudt asked; staff replied that some estimates will require further work and that the garage quote is pending. The council added the Fire Hall topic to next month’s agenda at his request.
Council also approved a Phase I environmental assessment for 110 1st St. N. by Braun InterTech for $3,500 as due diligence in a pending property transaction, and instructed staff to solicit competitive bids for current contracted cleaning services to bring back next month. Jordan Edwards was approved as Water & Sewer Supervisor and a 2026 pay increase request from HR was approved 4-0.
Councilors recorded several procurement and personnel votes during the meeting; staff will return with detailed cost estimates and procurement recommendations on the garage, library, cleaning contract, and property due diligence.
