Minutes - 1975/01/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 9 January 13, 1975 Administrator Achen read the summary of bids for this agreement on install- ation of a sprinkler system in the city hall basement. Northstar Fire Protection Co. Viking Automatic Sprinkler Co. Grinnell Company, Inc. Sunrise Fire Protection Co. United Sprinkler Axel Newman Heating Plumbing Co. Industrial Sprinkler Corp. $8,400.00 5,820.00 7,215.00 6,400.00 2,710.00 7,400.00 5,386.00 Architect Ken Walijarvi stated he had estimated $100 per sprinkler head for the work but the bids came in at about $180 per head. He stated that apparently this system is so small that the unit cost is higher than normal. He said it is possible to rebid the work. This would mean that all bidders would know what price they must beat. Architects and engineer:, don't like to do this but may on occasion. Glen Gausman, the architect's consulting engineer, said bidders may shy away when such a practice is followed. Mr. Walijarvi recommended accepting Gausman's recommendation to accept the low bid. Mayor Johnson said the Council may hold the architect responsible for this extra cost because it was left off the original plans although required by state building code. He asked whether this would change the architects' recommendation. Mr. Walijarvi said he does not think the bids will go much lower but some money may be saved by rebidding. Attorney Meyers stated the bids could be rejected by the Council and rebids requested. This has been successfully done in the past although bidders don't like it. The only alternative is to accept these bids. Councilman Baumgartner favored rebidding if this would save the city money. Mr. Walijarvi said only extra cost the city would incure by rebidding would be the cost of rcadvertising about fifty dollars. Councilman Hodges asked whether this would affect construction progress? Mr. Walijarvi said if the sprinkler system is installed too late and the basement has been finished, it would have to be refinished after the sprinklers are installed. Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Walijarvi now what he recommends. Mr Walijarvi said theo work should probably be rebid. He noted the wide spread between the high and low bidder and that this might be reduced by rebidding. MSP (Baumgartner- Hodges) To reject all bids received and ordering that requests for bids be republished and setting another bid opening for 2:00 p.m., February 7, 1975. 5 Ayes The Administrator reported that the staff sought approval for the purchase of a used reel -type mower available from the City of Brooklyn Center. The mower cuts about a 72 inch swath but can handle tight spots as well. It is a 1972 model and comparable new equipment would cost about $1800. It is available for $375.