Board Approves $159K Contract to Oversee Heartland Park Construction

The Wentzville Board of Aldermen approved a contract with Cochran Engineering for construction oversight of Heartland Park, the second park in Wentzville's three-phase parks project.

The issue did not pass without controversy, however.

Alderman Cheryl Kross opened the discussion, stating that she was disappointed that a "piece of information" was not in the board packet for Wednesday night's meeting. 

Alderman Rick Stokes identified the document as a memo sent out from the director of procurement, and asked if it could be read into the minutes.

In the memo, Director of Procurement Jerry Hillin said that the city had received four responsive bids and recommended Cochran as the low bidder at $159,500.

Several aldermen, however, were unhappy with what they considered an incomplete evaluation of the four bidders.

Alderman Forrest Gossett said that he had "multiple levels of concern." He called the memo a "rack and stack" of the bids and stated that it was not fair treatment of the bidders.

He also said that he considered it a setback in the board's effort to follow procedures and adhere to the city's new ethics policy.

After some discussion about the possibility of the city's engineering staff handling the oversight duties in-house, Stokes said that he did not want to see the issue tabled or delayed, and moved to approve Cochran's bid.

Alderman Sonya Shryock was the lone nay vote.

City Administrator Mike McDowell said that he would negotiate with Cochran and try to find ways to save money, and also make it plain that the city considered the bid all-inclusive—that $159,500 would be the maximum amount.