4/22/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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800r 101 PAGE Commissioner Adams recounted that it has been the Board's prerogative in the past to not take the low bid and to use the local vendor if there were circumstances of a close bid and a local bidder. Because there was only a $49 difference in the low bid and that of the local vendor, she wanted to see the local contractor supported. Commissioner Ginn agreed and pointed out that the local contractor has had a long history of local projects and a good record. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED BY Commissioner Ginn, to award the bid to Treasure Coast Contracting in the amount of $405,269. James Chambers, representing Tri -Sure Corporation of Auburndale, Florida, was very surprised that the Board was considering any bid other than Tri-Sure's low bid. He had no idea that the Board had a policy to make bid awards to local bidders. He recounted how his company had done extensive and very good work in Indian River County, and that the crew lived here during the weekdays of construction jobs and thus generated dollars into the economy of the county. Commissioner Adams assured Mr. Chambers that her motion was not a reflection on the past performance of Tri -Sure, merely that it was a very close bid and the local contractor would generate most if not all of the dollars into the economy of Indian River County. County Attorney Viitunac explained that some years ago the Board adopted an ordinance that said the Board is not required to take the low bidder. The only restriction on their choice is that the acceptance has to be in the overall best interest of the County. So, it is a policy matter of the Board to decide when the second low bidder or the third low bidder is a better choice for the County Mr. Chambers understood but felt that he could convince the individual Board members that it was not in the best interest of the county. He cautioned that a policy such as this could be detrimental to the county as there are not enough local contractors for the projects the county needs and out-of- town firms will refrain from submitting bids. He stated Tri Sure does work throughout the state and is able to do so because their bids are very competitive. He was shocked and thought Tri -Sure was being treated unfairly. Chairman Eggert explained her great concern for the economic development of the county. Commissioner Adams hoped that the decision today would not prevent Tri -Sure from bidding on other County jobs as they have done good work for the County in the past. Karl Hedin, local businessman and elected official, urged the Board to reconsider and award the bid to the low bidder. He reasoned that all bidders bid in good faith, and the low bid is always accepted because we live in a competitive society. 14 April 22, 1997