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Midlothian approves $319,637 fiber contract to Fire Station 4 despite council concerns; vote 4–1
Summary
Council approved a contract with Capco Telecom to install fiber to the new Fire Station 4 for a base of $319,637.17 plus 10% contingency ($31,963.72), total not to exceed $351,600.89. Council members questioned sole-source pricing, conduit assumptions, and possible BNSF crossing fees; the item passed 4–1.
City staff presented a contract with Capco Telecom to extend the city's fiber network from the conference center to the new Fire Station 4. The contract's base price is $319,637.17 with a 10% contingency ($31,963.72), for a not-to-exceed total of $351,600.89. Staff said the work is timed so the fire station is ready for connection when the facility opens next year.
Council asked detailed questions about pricing validation, the condition of existing underground conduit, and whether BNSF railway crossing permitting fees were included. Staff said existing conduit had traceable wire and the contractor expected to cover typical unknowns within the contingency but that BNSF permitting costs were estimated and would be handled out of the contingency if needed. One councilmember expressed discomfort with several assumptions, and the final council vote was 4–1 in favor of the contract.
Staff noted the contractor was selected using pricing available through a Frisco ISD contract and that Capco has prior local experience. The council's 4–1 vote authorizes execution of the contract and initial payment processes subject to standard itemized invoicing and owner approval procedures for contingency expenditures.
