My readers in Ely have the answer

I heard a lot about JCI being up in Ely, Minnesota, so I was naturally suspicious that the big HVAC contract I read about went to them. As the following email explains my suspicions turned out to be groundless. JCI didn’t get the contract. Either JCI slipped up and/or Ely’s school board is a lot smarter than the Duluth School Board about accepting low bids.

And the answer is….

Special Board Meeting Minutes April 28, 2011

1.0 The special meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 696 was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Marsnik.
2.0 On roll call the following directors were present: Marsnik, Pengal, Pointer, Skradski. Absent: Kellerman, Richter. Also present: Interim Superintendent, Kimberly Belcastro; Chip Jacobs of Foster, Jacobs and Johnson, Inc.; Kelly Klun, Klun Law Firm, district legal counsel; and Nick Wognum, Ely Echo.
3.0 Pledge of Allegiance
4.0 The professional services contract between ISD #696 and Foster, Jacobs and Johnson, Inc., was discussed. The agreement will be placed on the May 9, 2011, regular meeting agenda for board action. District legal counsel, Kelly Klun, and board members requested time to review the document.
5.0 Moved by Pointer, seconded by Skradski, to award heating system replacement project contract to the lowest bidder, Klamm Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Nashwauk, Minnesota, in the amount of $2,219,000.00 (base bid); rock removal – $191.00; surface raceway relocation – $21.65, contingent upon review by district legal counsel. Motion carried. A bid was also submitted by Shannon’s Mechanical of International Falls, Minnesota.
Moved by Skradski, seconded by Pengal, to award asbestos abatement project contract to the lowest quote, AbateTek, Inc., of Hibbing, Minnesota, in the amount of $16,700.00 (base bid), T&M rate-$74.00, mobilization- $250.00, contingent upon receipt and review by district legal counsel and board members of contract with McNeil Environmental. Motion carried. Quotes were also received from Grivette Environmental, LLC, of Eveleth, Minnesota, and ACCT, Inc. of Cloquet, Minnesota.
6.0 The Project Labor Agreement [Public Sector] was discussed. The agreement will be placed on the May 9, 2011, regular meeting agenda for board. District legal counsel, Kelly Klun, and board members requested time to review the document.
7.0 Moved by Pointer, seconded by Skradski, to adjourn at 8 p.m. Motion carried.

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