Bid rejected for Willow Creek ditch project

PORTAGE | The Utility Services Board this week rejected the only bid it had received on the Willow Creek ditch diversion project.

The only bid received, from Dyer Construction, was accidentally opened and read last month. That raised legal questions.

Board attorney Katrina Spence advised the board this week it still would have the option to reject the bid if it exceeded the cost estimate.

The bid of $528,538 for the project, estimated to cost about $850,000 including land acquisition, did not exceed the estimate.

Spence told the board it still could reject the bid because the city had not bought the land needed along Willowcreek Road south of U.S. 6. She also said the board could ask the contractor to hold the price of the bid until the land is bought.

"If we don't own the property, we're premature. We're not ready. We should reject the bid," board member Andre Joseph said.

Board members agreed and rejected the bid. The board will open the bidding process again when land acquisition is completed.

Director of Public Works A.J. Monroe said the project will be paid for through the stormwater bond. He said the city has tendered an offer to buy a parcel of property on the east side of Willowcreek Road for the project but has not received an answer from the property owner.

The project calls for diverting the ditch on the east side of Willowcreek Road from County Line Road to County Road 700 North to alleviate flooding problems in the area.