The Amenity Authority Committee has unanimously approved a request for proposal for demolition and construction of El Santiago Recreation Center that is nearly $200,000 higher than a rival contractor’s proposal.
In spite of the unanimous decision, two AAC members on Wednesday morning called for a review of the way in which such requests for proposal are awarded.
Mark Cook Builders’ proposal for the project was nearly $200,000 higher than the contractor who came in with the lowest price. Cook’s proposed price is $1,774,608. Emmett Sapp Builders came in with the lowest price of $1,584,000.
In all, seven contractors submitted proposals.
Last month, Emmett Sapp appealed directly to the AAC to reconsider the proposal, igniting a vigorous discussion about price and process.
The recommendation was made by a five-member panel of judges using score sheets working with a variety of criteria including references and past work history.
Many AAC members are still stinging from the history of the El Santiago Club restaurant acquisition. In 2013, the AAC paid the Developer $350,000 for the restaurant building, only to later discover the building was in poor condition and would have to be demolished. The restaurant site will be the future home of the new recreation center.
Longtime AAC member John Wilcox said he was “extremely concerned” that the AAC was being asked to approve a proposal that was “10 percent” higher than the next lowest proposal.
However, AAC member Carl Bell said the AAC was “compelled” to unanimously approve the proposal by a unanimous vote to “validate staff and the process.”
AAC member Don Deakin joined Wilcox in calling for a review of the request for proposal process.
