SMETHPORT — The apparent low bidder on replacing the top tier of
the courthouse steps, based on bids that were opened two weeks ago,
appears to be unwilling to comply with a key requirement by the
county, so the second lowest bidder may get the nod.
That was the gist of a decision by the McKean County
Commissioners at their regular meeting Tuesday morning.
C.D.M.S. Architectural & Engineering Consultants of St.
Marys had been the apparent low bidder with a quotation of $37,514,
and an alternate of $2,471 if it proves necessary to replace two
top side slabs.
Since then, the commissioners said, C.D.M.S. has balked at
furnishing a 100 percent performance bond, at its own expense. The
commissioners are insisting that the bond be provided, citing a
provision of the Pennsylvania Public Works Contracting Law.
Commissioner Al Pingie moved to rescind the May 11 action to
award the contract to C.D.M.S. and offer the job to Bob Cummins
Construction Co. of Bradford, whose bid was $48,268.
Commissioner Judith Church seconded and Commissioner Chairman
Joe DeMott voted with them in carrying the motion. It was premised
on a refusal by C.D.M.S. to provide the bond, and a willingness by
Cummins to do so.
PCoRP, a service consortium operating under County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) auspices, was approved as
carrier for the county liability insurance for a one-year term to
end next May 31. DeMott noted that the $103,318 renewal premium is
$12 than was charged for the period now ending.
The commissioners lent their approval to an agreement by the
Cameron-Elk-McKean Counties joinder (CEM) for alcohol and drug
abuse services to be provided under state Department of Health
Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services governance and with state and
federal funding, in the coming year. The services will continue to
be provided by Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Inc.
Also approved was a service provider agreement with Hoffman
Homes for Youth, for services that agency will provide to the
McKean County Department of Human Services.
Karpinski Office Services of Coudersport will provide
maintenance services for a copy machine at the McKean County Jail,
for $390 a year, the commissioners decided.
Two county aid applications were approved, with funds to come
from liquid fuels revenues. Ceres Township is set to receive $5,614
for a paving project. Lafayette Township was granted $5,484 toward
a future project, not identified.
The commissioners approved a tax refund in the amount of $466.51
to Richard and Dawn Tompkins, because they were granted a veteran’s
tax exemption. Busy Bee Builders was refunded $8.65 to correct an
assessment error concerning their acreage.
Five tax refunds granted pursuant to appeal were Lawrence and
Yvonne Benson, $52.56; Myron and Viola Jones, $171.32; Rona
Kahle-Matasich, $489.23; David and Cammy Engman, $34.44; and
Christopher Snyder, $38.81.
William Killmer and Michael Holtz, both of Kane, were
reappointed to the McKean County Planning Commission for
four-years. Their terms had expired on May 16.
