Fairhope, Alabama
PITTMAN TRACTOR COMPANY
A company owned by Montrose resident and state Senator Tripp Pittman has submitted the low bid for a storm debris removal contract for clean-up after hurricanes -- but another company (Unified Recovery Inc.) costing about $300,000 more is considered the most qualified by city staff of the 13 bidders. FEMA requires such contracts be in place prior to the disaster -- and ultimately reimburses the city for the clean-up expenses.
City Attorney Tut Wynne said his interpretation of the governing state law is that the city must award the contract to the lowest bidder, even if another company is considered more qualified.
Wynne: " ... the way I read that (law) ... if the lowest responsible bidder is competent, experienced and financially able, they should get the contract. I believe the law requires us to give it to the lowest bidder ... period."
City Clerk Lisa Hanks said she was told by the Alabama Ethics Commission and League of Municipalities that there should be no problem with the city awarding the contract to Pittman, if the bid law is followed; and Pittman had already contacted the Ethics Commission himself for clearance.
Hanks: "I was told Pittman had contacted them (Ethics Commission) ahead of time to verify that it was actually ok to bid on the proposal ... as long as we go specifically by the bid law ... everything is ok."
Mayor Kant said he thought both companies were qualified since Unified handled the clean up after hurricane Katrina and Pittman Tractor after Ivan.
Kant: "Really and truly ... both companies would do excellent jobs ... ."
Councilman Mike Ford said he thought the law was clear and Pittman should be awarded the contract.
Ford: "The law is clear ... Pittman does seem to be the lowest bidder ... I think we better stick close to the law on this."
The city council will decide the matter at the next council meeting.
A company owned by Montrose resident and state Senator Tripp Pittman has submitted the low bid for a storm debris removal contract for clean-up after hurricanes -- but another company (Unified Recovery Inc.) costing about $300,000 more is considered the most qualified by city staff of the 13 bidders. FEMA requires such contracts be in place prior to the disaster -- and ultimately reimburses the city for the clean-up expenses.
City Attorney Tut Wynne said his interpretation of the governing state law is that the city must award the contract to the lowest bidder, even if another company is considered more qualified.
Wynne: " ... the way I read that (law) ... if the lowest responsible bidder is competent, experienced and financially able, they should get the contract. I believe the law requires us to give it to the lowest bidder ... period."
City Clerk Lisa Hanks said she was told by the Alabama Ethics Commission and League of Municipalities that there should be no problem with the city awarding the contract to Pittman, if the bid law is followed; and Pittman had already contacted the Ethics Commission himself for clearance.
Hanks: "I was told Pittman had contacted them (Ethics Commission) ahead of time to verify that it was actually ok to bid on the proposal ... as long as we go specifically by the bid law ... everything is ok."
Mayor Kant said he thought both companies were qualified since Unified handled the clean up after hurricane Katrina and Pittman Tractor after Ivan.
Kant: "Really and truly ... both companies would do excellent jobs ... ."
Councilman Mike Ford said he thought the law was clear and Pittman should be awarded the contract.
Ford: "The law is clear ... Pittman does seem to be the lowest bidder ... I think we better stick close to the law on this."
The city council will decide the matter at the next council meeting.
Comments
And no, I do not know Mr. Pittman personally, I just dont have an issue with short term or convenient memory loss!