Brewton City Council OKs $2 million in projects
Published 4:00 am Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Brewton City Council members approved nearly $2 million worth of projects Tuesday, with work expected to begin as soon as June on paving of several city streets as well as construction on a storm drainage project near Belleville Avenue.
A $562,727 bid was awarded to APAC Midsouth, a Birmingham-based company, to repair and resurface several roads, including all or part of Escambia Avenue, Evergreen Street, Dogwood Lane, West Dogwood Lane, Hollinger Street, West Jackson Street, Fountain Avenue, Carver Street, Church Street, Franklin Avenue, Garrett Street, Lovelace Avenue, Conoley Avenue, Lane Avenue and Sowell Road.
Mayor Ted Jennings said the city hoped that a local company would be the low bidder, but it has been the city’s policy to award projects to the lowest bidder.
“These project bids were extremely close,” he said. “The City of Brewton can, if there is a local business that is within 3 percent (of the low bid) award to a local company. But the city has always gone with the low bid. It protects the integrity of the city to go with the low bid. I think if you change that, it would have consequences down the road.”
Project manager Russell Holland of CDG Engineers said the drainage project is the fourth phase of a large EPA project. The latest phase will include storm drainage from Underwood to Elliott streets.
Martin Construction of Atmore submitted the low bid of $1,401,710.
Holland said the engineering company has let bidders know that they hope both projects can begin work by June.
In other business Tuesday:
• Councilman Dennis Dunaway told council members the Brewton Airport fly-in was a success Saturday.
• The council approved a rate increase for city employees for Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• The city approved putting up a piece of property at 100 Young St. for sale. The property was donated to the city last year.