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Low $53,438 drainage bid sparks debate over cheaper fixes and coordination with Shabbona Fire Protection District
Summary
Staff reported a low bid of $53,438 from O'Brien Veil Works for a tile drainage project between the Bell House and the fire station; trustees and residents debated whether removing bushes and redirecting roof runoff could solve the issue more cheaply and urged a joint meeting with the fire district to reach agreement before spending.
Staff briefed trustees on a tile drainage project between the Bell House and the Shabbona Fire Protection District property and recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, O'Brien Veil Works, which returned a low bid of $53,438. "Low bid was $53,438," the presenter said, and recommended proceeding if the board chose to move forward.
Trustees and residents raised concerns that removing vegetation and rerouting roof runoff might resolve the problem without a $53,000 contract. One trustee said a cheaper approach could cost "less than $35,000." Engineering concerns were also raised about possible voids or slab cracking under the fire station; the presenter noted crews had found evidence of a crack and mud previously coming up through the slab. Several trustees urged the two boards to meet and reach agreement on a mutually acceptable solution before committing to the larger contract.
