Warren council awards Veterans Field bleacher installation to lowest bidder after debate over $40,000 price gap

The Warren Town Council on June 30 approved awarding the ADA-accessible bleacher installation and site work at Veterans Field to the lowest bidder, cited in the meeting record as $82,000, after extended discussion about a large price difference with a more familiar installer.

Council members reviewed three bids for the project. Meeting materials and discussion listed bids of roughly $147,300, $82,000 (Lucille Brothers), and $122,816 (WH PES/general contractor); another contractor familiar with the original installation was discussed at roughly $126,816. The council debated whether that installer’s familiarity with the existing bleacher system justified paying about $40,000 more than the low bidder.

“Knowledge and firsthand knowledge is worth some but not $40,000 more,” a council member said during debate, arguing the higher price could not be justified solely by experience. Other members noted that the original installer might have plans and experience that reduce risk and future problems.

Miss Hunt, the Department of Public Works director, explained the winning bid includes excavation, concrete work and installation, and said the contractor who originally installed the bleachers might still have plans in his shop. She also said all hardware is included in the bids, and that project scheduling could affect availability if bids were rejected and re-solicited.

After discussion, a motion to award the contract to the $82,000 bidder was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The council recorded concerns about long-term value and recommended staff monitor installation and warranty performance. No formal amendment to scope or contingency funds was announced at the meeting.

The council moved on to other agenda items; next procedural steps for the bleacher installation were not specified in the meeting record.