City council to decide on sewer bids
Jul 13, 2009 | 537 views | 1 
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In June, the city was leveled with a lawsuit that took the city’s purchasing manager to task for rebidding a more than $6 million Vista Boulevard sewer project. The suit, brought by Richard Daly and the Laborers’ Union Local 169, claims that the city purchase manager acted outside his authority when he tossed out 10 bids and started accepting new bids without a public vote of the city council. Daly claims that only the city council can make a rebidding decision on such a large project.
The item will make an appearance on the city council’s agenda today of which council members will consider, discuss and possibly ratify the purchasing manager’s rejection of all bids for the federally funded Spanish Springs Sewer Phase Three project.
The purchasing manager opened the project for rebids on June 17.
The council is also scheduled to discuss a few loans between different city coffers that could further redevelopment in Victorian Square. The total loan amount could not exceed $750,000 and the money would be taken out of the city’s general fund.
The next steps for Victorian Square redevelopment include putting in a road that would circle the plaza in front of the Century 14 movie theater, according to redevelopment officials.
Other items on the agenda will include the possibility of sharing car maintenance costs among Reno, Sparks, Washoe County and the Washoe County School District in an interlocal agreement.
Also on the consent agenda, the council will consider a $74,980 contract to landscape a dirt plot on the corner of Pyramid Way and Victorian Avenue.
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« Nationally Concerned wrote on Thursday, Jul 16 at 12:12 PM »
This is not just a Sparks Nevada issue - To all: Our laws are set in motion by the Citizens of the United States with some latitude authorized by State and Local level governments for which you the Citizen are also in charge. While both sides will aggressively defend the bid/re-bid scenario; there should be a discussion/investigation with regards to the willingness to sole source pipe material and provider for Bid No. 09/10-002, PWP No. WA-2009-315, Spanish Springs Sanitary Sewer Phase 3b, 3c and 4 Project (Federally Funded). Nevada State Law ratified by Nevada State Legislature - Title 28 Chapter 338 NRS338.140 Requirements and limitations relating to drafting of specifications for bids - in summary states; “A public body shall not draft or cause to be drafted specifications for bids in connection with a public work: in such a manner as to limit the bidding, directly or indirectly, to any ONE specific concern…” The fiberglass pipe specification does just that; although alternative suppliers are available who provide fiberglass pipe of equal quality, meet all standards which are set by industry committees, and compete head to head as equals in open and fair bids all across this Nation, Sparks has restricted all but ONE manufacture. While all can argue over who may or may not be paying for the re-bid; one item is crystal clear – all of us (federally funded) are needlessly being subjected to potentially paying a higher price for the 54inch sewer pipe than need be. Our system may not be perfect for all, but at least we have a system for which we must follow; what system does Sparks follow? Will you the citizen continue to allow such cavalier disregard? You have a right – voice it – attend your council meetings, get more involved, and let the people you hired hear your concerns. If not, you may wish to think about getting an additional job so more of your hard earned money can be needlessly wasted.
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