Aldermen split over contractor choice for pavement‑protection work; lower local bid wins amid parliamentary maneuvering

Jeff Fisher, public works director, recommended awarding a pavement asset protection contract (ordinance Bill 26‑61) to a more experienced bidder that had certifications in water and wastewater work. He said the recommended bidder (H2O) had experience and certifications that fit the project's needs and argued the work must be completed in a tight construction window. Fisher told the board that the more experienced contractor "has their operators... certified in water and wastewater," which staff considered important for a project that sleeves existing utilities before paving.

Several aldermen argued in favor of a lower local bidder (Thomas Construction). Alderman Hoffman and others emphasized keeping local dollars in the community and noted the lower bid was roughly $170,000 less. Alderman Collins and others said the low bid raised questions about whether the local firm understated costs to secure the work, but also supported moving the project forward.

An initial motion to approve the staff‑recommended bidder failed on a roll call. The board then invoked a motion to reconsider (made by a no‑voter), discussed timing constraints and ultimately adopted a floor amendment to change the contractor name to Thomas Construction for the ordinance’s first reading. The mayor and staff agreed to accept the amended first reading but deferred the second reading to the June 4 meeting so staff could prepare the amended ordinance packet and allow appropriate public notice.

Jeff Fisher said staff would work with the chosen contractor to “make it work” given the tight schedule; aldermen asked for diligence on contract management and cautioned about change orders if the low bidder lacked experience.