County names security agent, sets September timeline for shooting-range bids

The Fayette County Commission moved Aug. 19 to appoint Ruth as the 'master security agent' required for water-permit applications tied to a proposed county shooting range, and discussed a procurement timeline with New River Engineers.

Jesse Parker of New River Engineers told the board grading plans are ready and the firm is prepared to submit the stormwater permit once county staff provide site access. Parker proposed opening bids at the Sept. 16 meeting and suggested mandatory pre-bid meetings. Commissioners and staff agreed on a schedule: a pre-bid meeting on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m., bids due by Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. (close of business), and bid opening at the Sept. 16 meeting at 9:30 a.m. "We wanted to clarify that, you know, we we like to stick to a process and we want the pre-bid meetings to be held and we want the biders to have electronic access to the plans," a county official said; the record also shows the county stated it would not charge bidders for plan access.

The board discussed standardizing the county's procurement process (holding mandatory pre-bid meetings and providing electronic access at no charge). Commissioners agreed to advance the schedule and directed staff to coordinate publication and site access with New River Engineers; a motion to proceed with the appointment and bid schedule was recorded as approved.