By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A recent development on the north end of Nephi has prompted an upgrade to the electrical system. Justin Seely, mayor pro tempore, requested that the city administrator explain the bid process. “This project has been on the capital project list, but the developments on this end of town have brought the need to the forefront,” said Seth Atkinson, city administrator. The line will extend eastward from 1250 North and Main Street across the highway and then northward to the hospital, said Atkinson. It will then eventually loop westward and then south along the western boundary of the industrial park. “This upgrade will increase the capacity in the electrical system for any new development in this area,” said Atkinson. The staff has solicited bids from companies to install conduit along this route. Some of the areas of conduit installation will require a special boring machine that is beyond the city’s capabilities, said Atkinson. “Our electrical crew will be installing the electrical line once the conduit is in place,” he said. Sorensen Companies Inc. (SCI) was the company with the most favorable bid, and they also have a window of opportunity to mobilize their crews within the next week or so. “This is the same company that did the work for us in Nebo Heights,” said Rust Finlinson, city power superintendent. “We were happy with the work they did for us there.” Due to this window of opportunity for the conduit installation contract and the desire of the development to move forward, staff felt it was best to present both the Notice of Award and the Construction Contract to the council. SCI submitted a bid of $175,657.75 and were the low bidders out of four companies which submitted bids. “The budget for this year anticipated this line upgrade and staff will be seeking debt financing for this and the substation project in this fiscal year,” he said. The staff recommended that the council approve the Notice of Award to SCI, Inc. as well as the construction contract to the same company. “SCI, as part of the notice of award, has agreed to deliver with the executed contract security bonds and certificates of insurance as specified in the instructions to bidders, general conditions and supplementary conditions,” Atkinson said. Within 10 days after completion of the project, the city will return one fully executed counterpart of the Notice of Award. | 