By Becky Polaski

It was recently proposed that a pre-fabricated steel ultra violet light channel building be constructed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant because problems that are believed to be due to moisture have been occurring with the ultra violet lighting system.

The project was put out for bid and nine bids were received.

Companies bidding on the project were Op-Tech of East Syracuse, NY; Daghir Construction, Inc. of St. Marys; Wm. T. Spaeder Company of Erie; Fred L. Burns of Shippenville; Landserv, Inc. of Boalsburg; Allison & Assoc. Construction Services Inc of DuBois; James Weisner of St. Marys; North Shore Renovations of Sewickley; and Greenland Construction Inc. of Clearfield.

The low bidder was Op-Tech Environmental Services with a total bid amount of $55,555 and it was recommended that the company be awarded the bid for the project.

The issue was recently brought before members of City Council, who need to approve awarding the bid.

Councilman Dick Dornisch expressed reservations at awarding the bid to a non local company when the difference between Opt-Tech's bid and Daghir Construction, Inc.'s bid was only a few hundred dollars.

Daghir Construction, Inc. had submitted a bid of $55,890.

Other members of Council explained that they believed they were required by law to award the bid for the project to the lowest bidder regardless of whether the business was local or not.

Council members ultimately decided to table the matter and ask their solicitor what options they have regarding awarding the bid.

The matter will be discussed further at Council's next meeting on Monday, February 16 at 7 p.m.