JACKSON ALDERMEN HEAR ARGUMENTS OVER BIDS

JACKSON -- Rick Bangert of Bangert Ford Tractor Sales told the Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday they would be wasting taxpayers' money if they accepted a backhoe bid from Fabick Equipment Co. in Sikeston as planned.

Earlier, the board reviewed bids from Fabick, Bangert and other area dealers. Delbert Mouser, fleet maintenance foreman for the city, recommended they accept Fabick's bid of $51,207, even though it was second highest.

Mouser said other bids didn't meet specifications.

Bangert argued that the only difference in the Ford backhoe was its hydraulic system, which was comparable to the other machines. His bid was $4,893 less than Fabick's.

"We are a local, taxpaying business in the city limits," he said. "The Cat guy is in Sikeston."

Sam Below, a Caterpillar sales representative, said the differences go beyond hydraulic systems. He argued that Caterpillar's backhoe had more boom lift capacity and more force, which could be a deciding factor in getting an important job done.

He said Dutch Enterprises and Penzel Construction Co. in Jackson are both customers of his.

The board voted to table the bids, and Bangert and Below left the meeting. Later, Steve Wilson, city administrator, said there were several other differences in the backhoes and he would provide the board with comparative bids.

"When it comes to those technical items, I rely on Delbert," Wilson said. "We will set a really dangerous precedent if we let people fight the battle here. The fact is that (Bangert's) bid was incomplete."

In other action, the board approved plans for the new Jackson City Hall. City offices will likely move into the downtown Boatmen's Bank in the fall. There will be little renovation on the first floor but major renovations on the second, including the addition of a community room.

JACKSON BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Monday, April 3

7:30 p.m.

Action Items

Power and Light Committee

Employed Fairbanks-Morse to replace four barrel gaskets and service Engine 9 at the power plant.

Authorized mutual aid agreement of Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities.

Approved architect's preliminary plans on design of new Jackson City Hall and authorize him to proceed with construction documents.

Approved agreement with Sappington Auto Parts on placement of sign.

Approved contractual agreement with Hogan Painting and Sandblasting for completion of contract on painting and repair of power plant elevated water tank.

Instructed city engineer to prepare legal description for tract of land on Ridge Road adjacent to Litz Park.

Street Committee

Adopted Building Officials and Code Administrator building codes applying to various procedures.

Amended Section 6-23 of the code relating to the duration of building permits. Contractors have 12 months to build after receiving their permits but may apply for a three-month extension.

Directed Planning and Zoning Commission to provide revised subdivision regulation recommendation to council by Aug. 1.

Awarded bid for the paving of Lee-Rowan parking lot.

Awarded bid on service body and crane for wastewater plant to Busey Truck Equipment in the amount of $7,617.62.

Authorized lease agreement with Cummins, McGowan & West for lease of trailer-mounted, 100-gallon vertical tank melter applicator.

Set May 8-12 as Spring Clean Up/Fix Up Week.

Awarded bid and approve contract for pavement of Ridge Road.

Accepted certain easement from Randy and Laura Niswonger.

Authorized installation of directional signs around Lee-Rowan.