The Saline County Commission voted 3-2 on Monday to award a $400,000 contract to Diehl Enterprises of Salina for the demolition of the 1995 portion of the former county jail.
The decision came after Deputy County Administrator Hannah Bett presented commissioners with three finalists from the seven proposals received after a request for proposals was issued on May 12.
"The method for requests for proposals was done over an invitation of bid because price is not the most important factor when evaluating a vendor to work with the county on a project of this magnitude," Bett explained during the meeting.
The three finalists included Diehl Enterprises with an average score of 82.33, Excel Dirt and Excavating from Salina with an average score of 82, and G&G Dozer from Caney, KS with an average score of 82. While Diehl Enterprises had the highest bid at $400,000, compared to G&G Dozer's $287,798, staff recommended the local contractor based on evaluation criteria.
"Based on the factors outlined in the request for proposals, staff would recommend awarding a contract to the highest scoring contractor, which was Diehl Enterprises," Bett said. "While the top three proposals were close in score, the proposal from Diehl Enterprise scored the highest in the areas of evaluation on the ability to deliver the proposed scope of services in a timely manner, contractor's past experience on similar engagements and the results of reference checks."
Before the vote, Ashley and Amanda Jarvis addressed the commission, requesting a 90-day delay to develop a proposal for converting the old jail into a transitional resource center for individuals released from incarceration.
"All we ask is that you postpone the decision to demo so that we can get the people together to provide an actual proposal," said Ashley Jarvis.
Commissioner Joe Hay expressed support for delaying the decision, stating, "I don't really see 60 days causing a big issue with this project. I mean, it's sat there this long already."
However, other commissioners expressed concerns about further delays. Commissioner Weese noted, "I personally find it frustrating that this is three years in the making." Weese continued, "I wish this would have came up two years ago. It could have been resolved then. I applaud the action and motivation to help other people transform into a a good solid life. I believe that there are other facilities that could become available that could make that happen, but I don't see the jail being the one."
Bett also informed the commission that if there was a delay the county would have to go back out with a new request for proposal.
A representative of Diehl Enterprises, addressed the commission, stating, "That .33 might not mean a lot to you, but it means a whole lot to me in the work that I've done throughout the years in this community."
Chris Johnson with Excel Dirt and Excavating also spoke, emphasizing that both his company and Diehl Enterprises would keep tax dollars in the county, unlike the lowest bidder from outside the area.
Commissioners Sparks, Grevas, and Shadwick voted in favor of awarding the contract to Diehl Enterprises, with Commissioners Weese and Hay voting against.
The county had earmarked $1.2 million in its capital improvement fund for the demolition project, leaving sufficient funding for contingencies and future projects.
