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<br />would in no way obstruct the submission of the plans and approval by those <br />Commissions and Boards. Mr. Walker said that was correct. <br /> <br />Mr. Price “Called for the Question,” was seconded by Ms. Carr and carried <br />unanimously. <br /> <br />Mr. Price moved to approve granting the City Manager the authority to send a letter <br />in support of the Loop Trolley, was seconded by Mr. Sharpe and the motion carried <br />by a majority, with Mr. Glickert abstaining. <br /> <br />10. New Firehouse General Contractor <br />Mr. Walker stated the original cost estimate for the new Firehouse construction was <br />$3,065,650. He said the contractor award was for $3,032,442 which was $33,000 <br />less and $33,208 under budget. There were 11 bids submitted and the staff <br />recommended authorization for the City Manager to award the contract to Wachter <br />Incorporated Construction Services for the new Firehouse in the amount of <br />$3,032,442. <br /> <br />Mr. Price asked what would be the MBE participation on this project. <br /> <br />Fire Chief Mr. Miner stated that the RFP quoted the requirements of the City was <br />15% MBE, Minority Business Enterprises, workforce and the contractor’s bid was <br />above that. <br /> <br />Mr. Price commented on the 15% MBE requirement of the City and wanted to know <br />why it was so low. He stated that it has been this percentage for too long and <br />wanted to know what steps it would take to increase this number. <br /> <br />Mr. Walker agreed that it would be appropriate to review the percentage, but that <br />percentage has been historical for University City, and has been in place for many <br />years. <br /> <br />Mr. Price commented on receiving citizen calls throughout the City about not <br />having enough diversity on City jobs. <br /> <br />Mr. Walker stated again that he agreed this number should be reviewed on future <br />projects, but noted that on this particular project, the City hired the project manager <br />Kwame Construction which is a minority firm. He also stated he didn’t think it was <br />best to change the MBE required percentage on this project. <br /> <br />It was noted that Tri Co and Wachter were tied with the total evaluation and the <br />recommendation was to go with the lowest bidder which was a $28,000 difference. <br /> <br />Mr. Price asked what message he can relay to his constituents when there will be <br />little diversity working on the Fire Station. He also stated this has been an issue in <br />the past with the Fire Department employees. <br /> <br />Mr. Walker stated the project manager on this project is a person of color and with <br />respect to fireman; the number of minority fireman employees has tripled in the <br />past year from 1 to 3. <br />8 <br /> <br /> <br />