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Council debates single high bid for wastewater 'primary clarifier' project; FEMA reimbursement discussed
Summary
Public works reported a single, substantially higher bid for a primary clarifier replacement. Councilors weighed pausing for explanation, potential negotiation with the bidder, and noted FEMA would reimburse about 92% if the project proceeds.
Joe Butler, introduced during the agenda as the project lead, told council the primary clarifier replacement bidding process produced only one bid and that it was "substantially higher" than the Thompson Litton estimate. "The bid is being on that today. And we received those about the clock. We got 1 bid, and it was substantially higher than the Thompson 1 to protect it," Butler said, urging the council to seek clarification from consultants before approving expenditures.
Councilors agreed the town should seek an explanation from Thompson Litton for the discrepancy and, where feasible, use that information in negotiations with the single bidder. Several members said waiting a month for further detail was acceptable given the town had already spent about $60,000 on the wastewater treatment project and that FEMA has already approved a portion of reimbursement. "They will reimburse 92% of it," one council member noted when discussing FEMA's role, and staff said FEMA and the state are handling reimbursement reviews at higher levels.
Council discussed options: negotiate subject to counsel approval, request Thompson Litton provide a breakdown for the higher price, or reject bids and re-bid if competition fails to materialize. Staff emphasized the need to confirm whether the town can front the required money before reimbursement and to avoid compromising bargaining positions by exposing a non-disclosure 'not-to-exceed' price prematurely.
