Council OKs park construction contract
The Pine Bluff City Council has approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Wagner General Contractors Inc. for the construction of phase one of a wellness park in the Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District. The decision was made on Monday after a discussion primarily surrounding the bidding process and the inclusion of a “deductive alternate” clause.
Wagner General Contractors submitted the lowest bid of $993,000 for the project. This bid, as clarified during the council meeting, included a base bid covering all aspects of the construction and a separate section for the deductive alternate, which pertains to the construction of restrooms. The restrooms are considered a “vertical aspect” of the project, while the current phase focuses on “horizontal aspects” such as site improvements and recreational equipment.
Council member Glen Brown Jr. raised concerns about the deductive alternate, questioning why the council wasn’t proceeding with the full bid amount of $1,263,000, which would include the restrooms. Lori Walker, representing Community Development, explained that the city doesn’t currently have “site control” for the area where the restrooms are planned. She assured the council that if site control is obtained, the restroom construction can be incorporated into the project later.
Further discussion revealed that other contractors had submitted lower bids for the deductive alternate. This raised questions about the possibility of rebidding that portion of the project in the future to potentially secure a lower cost. However, it was clarified by the city’s Larry Matthews that the pricing is tied to the whole contract and rebidding a single aspect at a later stage might not be feasible or cost-effective.
The council ultimately approved the resolution, authorizing the mayor to execute the agreement with Wagner. The project is expected to significantly enhance the Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District, contributing to the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.
“I love the idea of what we are doing with this Delta Rhythm and Bayous District,” said Council member Bruce Lockett. “Hats off to the Economic and Community Development and (Director) Mr. (Larry) Matthews and all the other people that made this happen.”
In other city business, the council covered a wide range of topics, including budget adjustments, the acquisition of new street sweepers and concerns about community development.
Council member Brown, representing the Ways and Means Committee, presented six budget adjustments for the council’s consideration. These adjustments included:
■ $110,630 from the downtown multifamily housing fund to the Sixth and Main Street project.
m■ $7,000 from the city attorney’s office for office supplies.
■ $3,000 for the Human Resource Department’s summer youth program.
■ $1,610,590 for the 2023 carryover budget to 2024, coming from various departments.
■ $301,296 for the street department, primarily for overlay projects.
■ $1,910,612 for project reallocation within the executive department, specifically for completing the University project coming from 63rd and 73rd avenue sewer projects.
Council member Steven Mays Sr. expressed support for the budget adjustments but voiced concerns about the city’s financial management, particularly street maintenance. Mayor Shirley Washington reassured the council that the city is actively working to improve the roadways.
The council gave the greenlight the purchase of two Elgen Pelican street sweepers to bolster the street department’s maintenance capabilities. The sweepers, which align with the department’s specifications, will be procured at a total cost of $539,999. To fund this acquisition, the council authorized a lease agreement with Lease Servicing Center Inc., providing short-term financing under Amendment 78 to the Arkansas Constitution. This amendment empowers municipalities to issue notes for financing the acquisition of essential equipment.
The City Council also discussed a resolution to authorize the mayor to negotiate the acquisition of a back loader and wheel excavator for the street department. The department needs the new equipment to better maintain the city’s streets. J.A. Rigs Tractor Co. has the needed equipment, which meets the department’s specifications and will be acquired in compliance with state and local competitive bidding rules through Sourcewell. Financing can be arranged with the terms and payments negotiable. The mayor will negotiate the best terms for the city, with final approval by the city council. After discussion and questions regarding the cost and maintenance of the equipment, the resolution was approved. The financing amount will be presented at the next council meeting.
A resolution authorizing a contract with Ritter Communications to deliver internet and phone services to the city was also passed. Ritter Communications was selected for offering the most advantageous proposal, promising significant cost savings while meeting the city’s requirements. The agreement, spanning 60 months, is expected to yield an estimated annual savings of $60,000. It will also include new phone equipment and fiber optic internet, addressing concerns about outdated infrastructure and service quality.
Lockett inquired about the differences between this contract and the previous one, as well as the potential cost savings. The city’s IT director explained that the new contract combines telephone and internet services, resulting in an estimated annual savings of $60,000. The new equipment required for the transition is included in the contract, ensuring no additional costs for the city.
Council member Lanette Frazier raised concerns about Ritter Communications, the company providing internet and phone services, based on a previous negative experience. A representative from Ritter acknowledged the issue and assured the council that they were committed to providing excellent service to the city.
Furthermore, the council approved a resolution enabling the placement of costs associated with rectifying nuisances on tax books as delinquent taxes. This measure aims to streamline the process of recovering expenses incurred by the city in addressing properties that violate municipal codes and pose a risk to public health or safety.
In other city business, the council covered a wide range of topics, including budget adjustments, the acquisition of new street sweepers, and concerns about community development.