LAURIE, Mo. — The Laurie Board of Aldermen has approved moving forward with their sidewalk project, despite going over budget by $7,000. Alderman Herb Keck, Alderwoman Karen Dobbins and Laurie Mayor Alan Kimberling voted yes at the Tuesday, July 12 meeting. Alderman Jeff Chorpening and Alderwoman Carol Gill voted no.
Bids for the Laurie sidewalk project were opened on Thursday, June 23. The higher bids were as follows; Westport Construction at $172,668.15, Meyer Electric at $185,392.75 and Reinhold Electric coming in the highest at $226,095.50.
Rick West from Anderson Engineering explained the sidewalk project bids as well as the funding breakdown of the lowest bidder, Westport Construction (from Clinton, Mo.). He explained that though they were the lowest bidder on the base project, the TAP (Federal) funds portion of their bid was higher than the amount of TAP funds approved for the project. This would push the total cost to the city to $27,838.82, which is above the $20,000 the city had originally approved and budgeted. Much discussion ensued, with the board asking for the input of Laurie Betterment Committee Member Ron Holst, who had been involved with the project since its inception. Holst pointed out that the city would still be receiving a project valued at $192,000, for under $30,000. It was also pointed out that this project included an improved traffic light at the Highway 5 and Highway O intersection.
Clarke reported that funds were available in the transportation sales tax account. Kimberling signed the letter of concurrence to be forwarded to the Missouri Department of Transportation concerning the project.
Westside sign bid
The board unanimously accepted the low bid of $12,083 from Missouri Neon, for the Welcome to the Westside sign, with a 45 day completion date, subject to quality acceptance of a requisite sample letter. The bids were opened on Friday, June 24. Legacy Signs bid $35,915.00 and reported a 90 day completion date. Hugh’s Aluminum bid $22,000 with a 180 day completion date.
Clarke reported that due to Missouri Neon’s bid being significantly lower than the others, he had contacted Robert Rowland at Missouri Neon to confirm they would meet the specifications. Rowland responded that they had reviewed their bid and they did. Tony Vialpando, from Legacy Signs, addressed the board saying his company would be a much better choice, even though their bid was extremely high. City Attorney Steve Grantham pointed out that Legacy Signs was the same company who had provided the sign at the entrance to the Laurie City Hall building and that he had to resort to the threat of legal action in order to get them to finish the project.
The next meeting of the Laurie Board of Aldermen is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9 at the Laurie City Hall.
