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Council splits on Harwood Recreation Center flooring contract after procurement concerns
Summary
Council debated a $103,686 contract to replace Harwood Recreation Center weight‑room flooring, raising questions about the sole‑source specification, lack of retainage/liquidated damages, and insufficient bidder competition; the motion resulted in a tie and the mayor voted no, leaving the item unresolved and directing staff to work with legal and the vendor.
Council considered a professional services agreement to replace the Harwood Recreation Center weight‑room carpet with wall‑to‑wall Mondo sport impact flooring for $103,686 (funded in the FY 2026 budget). Councilman Reynolds said the RFP effectively specified a single brand and argued the city should allow substitutions or a sole‑source justification and include contract protections such as liquidated damages and retainage. "On the RFP that went out, I think you spec'd Mondo flooring... If that's, only 1 vendor that is a sole source," Reynolds said, adding his own estimate of a materially lower cost if multiple vendors and materials were considered.
City legal staff said the procurement process met legal standards and that sometimes one bidder responds to a properly advertised solicitation. Councillors split in the ensuing roll call; the initial vote produced a tie and the mayor announced he would vote — he then stated he would vote no at that time and asked staff and legal to work with the awarded bidder on contract protections and alternatives.
Why it matters: Council members flagged procurement process and contract‑management issues (sole‑source justification, liquidated damages, retainage and warranty) before authorizing a public contract; council requested added protections and legal follow‑up rather than immediate approval.
What comes next: Legal said staff would examine options with the awarded bidder, and council requested contract amendments and clarifications before returning to finalize any authorization.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 1690, topfinish SEG 1916.
