May elections canceled due to no opposition
The Sulphur Springs city council approved a $1.1 million bid from Texana Land and Asphalt for the summer paving program, the lowest bidder out a small but competitive pool of four where the second-lowest bid was only $7,000 lower.
“Staff is pleased with the bid prices that came in this year as there were only nominal increases in prices from last year,” community development director Tory Niewiadomski said. “Also, it’s a good that our two lowest bidders were within one-half of a percent from each other for a contract of this size.”
The contract amounts to $1,137,776.90, and according to the item summary, “the work consists of furnishing all labor, materials and equipment necessary for full depth milling and inlay, hot mix asphaltic content and cement treatment of the sub grade” preparation.
The contract could be extended for one year if both the city and Texana agree, but quantities may vary between those years.
The city also awarded The Little Egg a contract for concessionaire services at city parks. According to the item summary, The Little Egg was the only proposal sent to the city.
When council member Jay Julian asked why there was only proposal, city manager Marc Maxwell said there was little competition for a low-dollar contract. Council member Gary Spraggins praised The Little Egg for its quality service.
“There are people that will come out to the park just to eat his [The Little Egg owner’s] food that aren’t even coming for the ball game,” Spraggins said. “I think he’s doing an excellent job.”
A change was made to contract, however. According to finance director Lesa Smith, the city asked for a percentage of the concession’s gross sales in past years, but this contract changes that to a monthly fixed rent.
In other business, the council also approved the cancellation of May elections for Places 1, 2, 3 and 5 due to unopposed candidates. Jay Julian (Place 1), Harold Nash (Place 2) and Oscar Aguilar (Place 3) will serve three-year terms. Gary Spraggins (Place 5) will serve out his term’s remaining one year.
In non-action items, mayor John Sellers read a proclamation declaring March as Texas History Month and recognized Judy Moore for her service to the Sulphur Springs community.
Moore served as the executive director of Community Chest, a resource center for low-income households, helped in bringing lunches to students in need, implemented a shopping program for Community Chest clients and much more. According to Sellers, she is moving to San Antonio.
“Judy Moore has many amazing accomplishments, and we don’t want to lose her to San Antonio,” Sellers said. “But we know she’s incredible wherever she’s located. Thank you, Judy, for your service to the community, and you will be sorely missed.”