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Road resurfacing contract questioned

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The nearly $1.8 million Viscaya Parkway/Country Club Boulevard resurfacing project was opposed by some on council Monday who felt the project’s manager-at-risk approach didn’t favor the most competitive pricing.
With manager at risk and as part of the city’s current contract with project manager Balfour Beatty, the project was not put out for bid, but city finance director Victoria Bateman said Balfour Beatty performed cost bid analysis.
Public Works Director Steve Neff said the project could be up and running and completed by the time the next peak season rolls around. Neff said the project has been a need for years.
Councilmember Chris Chulakes-Leetz, though, said he’s worried that rushing the project is unfair to other companies.
“I’m worried we’re not giving contractors a shot at city business,” he said.
Councilmember Kevin McGrail saw it differently.
“It boils down to the cost savings in overhead by using a project manager we already have working with us … the businesses in that corridor would like to see this done sooner than later,” he said.