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Council approves contract for water‑plant condensing unit after scope concerns
Summary
Alexandria council reviewed three quotes for a water‑plant condensing unit, raised concerns that the lowest bid omitted necessary components, and voted to accept the more complete scope; staff will contact the vendor to begin work with a roughly 4–6 week lead time.
Alexandria City Council voted July 6 to approve a contract to replace a failing condensing unit at the city’s drinking‑water plant after staff said one low bid omitted essential items.
Chair (S1) read three quotes for the unit: Lehman’s Mechanical Contractor (higher, with contingency for the concrete pad), Reeder Heating (lowest dollar amount), and a third bid described by staff (S5/S6) that listed a more complete scope of work. Water‑department staff (S5 and S6) told the council the existing condensing unit dates to 1989 and that all three vendors made site visits. S5 said, “The units that’s there… is from 1989,” to explain urgency and the need for a comprehensive replacement.
Council members questioned why Reeder’s quote appeared to omit items such as a thermostat and a disconnect. S4 said the lack of detail made them uncomfortable awarding solely on price. After discussion, S4 moved to accept the vendor whose quote best described the full scope of work; the motion was seconded by the chair and passed by voice vote.
S5 told the council that all three contractors have performed work for the city previously and reported lead times of approximately four to six weeks. The selected vendor will be contacted to schedule the installation and staff said they will follow up with contracting details.
The council did not specify a dollar amount in the motion beyond the quoted comparisons; the bids on the record included a higher figure for Lehman’s at $21,545 and a lower Reeder quote at $18,830. The council recorded the award as a procurement decision and moved on to other business.
The council’s next meeting was announced for July 20 at 5:30 p.m.
