CAREFREE TRUTH
Carefree Truth #470
Carefree Truth
Issue #470, March 18, 2016
Gary Neiss reported that the faux gas lamps will be delivered in March. Bids to install the lamps were solicited, closing on February 24th. 7 bids were received, ranging from a high of $115, 000 to a low of $58,456. The Town reviewed the low bidder's record with the Registrar of Contractors, their license, bonding, and work history. TLL Electric complied with all the standards for lowest responsible bidder. The contractor can begin work in mid March and should be finished by late spring.
Councilman Gene Orrico expressed concern about the big swing from $58,000 to $115,000. "Somewhere, something's got to be wrong someplace. What recourse do we have with these people?" Councilman Glenn Miller told him some bids came in in the $70,000, $80,000, and $90,000 ranges. He and Mr. Neiss were also worried about the low number. They met with the contractor and asked questions. Mr. Miller, having been a contractor, felt comfortable with the answers. They asked for a resume of similar projects, and asked if the contractor was willing to provide a Materials and Performance Bond. The contractor agreed to all these requests, promptly submitting a certificate of insurance and a resume. The bond is pending. Mr. Miller stated, "This guy was on top of it", adding that he's bonded and has done lots of lighting projects for ADOT and other projects around the state. Mr. Orrico questioned the contractor's insurance. Mr. Neiss responded that it's over $1 million.
Mr. Miller explained that it's good timing for the contractor, who just finished a job and has jobs lined up in the coming months, but is between projects now. "This keeps his good guys working." Mr. Orrico agreed that is good a good business practice. Mr. Miller said, "We got lucky."
Councilman Mike Farrar asked if all 28 lamps were being installed. Mr. Neiss reminded him that 28 lamps were purchased, with the intention of installing 26. The 2 extras will be stored by the Public Works Department to be used for parts or as replacements should any get damaged. Mr. Farrar asked for a comparison between the installation cost of these lamps and those previously installed. Mr. Neiss said these would cost less. Mr. Miller recalled that 7 lamps were installed 3-1/2 years ago at a cost of approximately $3,000 per lamp, as opposed to about $2,200 per lamp now adding, "That's why I didn't want to put that number out there." Mr. Farrar, who had voted against the purchase of the lamps, said it was hard to vote without knowing the total expense. Mayor Les Peterson responded, "But it's costly sometimes to know." Mr. Farrar was glad to see the low number. Mayor Peterson asked if this figure included applicable taxes, and Mr. Neiss assured him that it did include the sales tax.
John Traynor asked if it is typical for the Town to require a performance bond. Mr. Miller explained that they often don't on a job this small, but did this time because they were not familiar with the contractor. He said not every contractor can get this type of bond. They must have good financial and job records. An audience member asked how much the gas would cost to run all these lamps. Mr. Miller replied that they are faux gas and run on LED bulbs. The Mayor added that the LEDs used are Dark Sky compliant, low energy LEDs. She asked about disposing of the bulbs. Mr. Miller told her the County landfill just down Carefree Highway accepts bulbs for recycling.
The Council unanimously approved the action to authorize the contract and approve funds to install lamps in Town Center.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
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