Kechkes Road Bridge Committee
Town Office Building
Special Meeting October 8, 2009
Selectmen’s Conference Room – Top Floor 10:00 A.M.
First Selectman Eldredge called the meeting to order at 10:07 A.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen Palmer and Charette, Karl Acimovic, Lynn Nicholls and resident.
Discussion was held on the lowest 3 bidders. First Selectman Eldredge stated that we received a letter from Botticello, Inc. that the submission form was listed incorrectly, if we accept the letter from Botticello, it would bring them to the 2nd lowest bidder, and submissions would stand as follows: Ascending from lowest: Putnam Welding and Equipment Repair, Botticello, Inc; Milton C. Beebe & Sons, Inc and Nutmeg Gravel & Excavating, Inc.
Karl Acimovic stated that if the Board decides to choose the 2nd lowest bidder, (as Botticello); the Board would have to waive the formality of the bidding process. First Selectman Eldredge stated that he is not sure what problems that might cause. Selectman Palmer said that when he looked at the forms, he could see how it might be confusing as to how Botticello proposed their bid. Selectman Charette said on the other side, we could have another bidder notify us after the fact and correct something.
Selectman Palmer stated that Putnam Welding has no bridge experience, where as the other 2 lower bidders did. First Selectman Eldredge asked to confirm if they proposed to use the recommended supplier for the bridge? Karl Acimovic confirmed that they did. They also repaired Kechkes Road and Village Hill Road Bridges in the past. They have also done a lot of projects for the Town in the past.
First Selectman Eldredge said that he has the utmost confidence in any job that is given to Putnam; they are a local contractor, and have worked on many projects with the Town in the past. He said he would be hard pressed to find a reason not to select Putnam Welding. Selectman Charette said that he agreed with First Selectman Eldredge and did not want to spend any extra money on this project. Selectman Palmer stated that although the bid was the lowest, Putnam did not list any bridge experience. Beebe would be the bidder with the most experience, whereas Botticello would be the second lowest in price. First Selectman Eldredge said that the cost for cast in place concrete was a great price. Karl Acimovic said the number was in the middle of the range. Lynn said that they do not have the overhead as the
other companies do, which is probably why the bid was the lowest. First Selectman Eldredge asked if there was mandated that they had to have any bridge experience? Karl Acimovic said that the criteria ask for experience working with the prime contractors, rather than bridge experience. First Selectman Eldredge said that since they did not list any bridges as prior experience, the Board would have to go with the confidence that Putnam is the best company for the project, as he does not want to spend any more money than we have to get the project done. His own experience with the company is that Putnam is very capable of doing the work. He is not familiar with the other lowest bidders. First Selectman Eldredge said he would like to give work to a taxpayer from Town.
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to recommend to award the contract of the Removal and Replacement of the Kechkes Road Bridge to Putnam Welding and Equipment Repair, Inc. to the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Eldredge, Charette) 1 No (Palmer)
Motion passed.
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 A.M.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: All Aye
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant,
Board of Selectmen
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