Fort Smith Times Record
The lack of time frame in a contract for renovations at a Fort Smith fire station has sparked debate over how the city handles contract bids.
The city approved the bid from Turn Key Construction of Fort Smith, which posted the second-lowest dollar amount of three contractors but stated it could complete the project 90 days sooner than the lowest bidder. Fort Smith Fire Chief Phil Christensen cited makeshift dormitories and living quarters for his firefighters after discovering black mold in the station in his reasoning for choosing the second-lowest bid.
The decision has exasperated Wohali LLC owner Jeff Riggs, the lowest bidder for the project. Riggs, whose company is also based in Fort Smith, says listing a number of days is very standard procedure for contract work despite the architect who oversees the fire station renovation saying otherwise.
Fort Smith Times Record
To address black mold in Fort Smith s Fire Station 1, officials have had to look beneath the surface literally.
The fire station at 200 N. Fifth St. had Aspergillus and Cladosporium fungi in September from groundwater that collected in its floor vents. The removal of the mold has turned into a process involving water suction, demolition and a remodel.
The remodel by Studio 6 Architects and Turn Key Construction of Fort Smith is expected to cost the city $487,900 and last 120 days. And until it s complete, firefighters are using a classroom and the engine bay as their living quarters. These guys have been out of their homes, said Fire Chief Phil Christensen.
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