PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — City officials reviewed four bids for the demolition of the indoor pool, with councilors approving Soderberg Construction Company’s bid of $43,680 at their April 7 meeting.
“We opened the bids Friday (April 4). Soderberg’s, at $43,680, was our lowest, with the highest coming in from Trombley Construction at $120,000. We’re not sure where we’ll get the $43,000 right now, but we’re pretty comfortable we’ll find the $43,000 before the end of the year,” said City Manager Jim Bennett.
Councilor Mike Chasse questioned the “huge spread” in bid figures. Bennett said some may have weighed scrapping materials vs. re-using them.
Prior to voting to accept the bid, Councilor Dick Engels asked for clarification on whether Northern Maine Fair Association officials had “exercised their right to first refusal.”
“My understanding is yes, I believe they had a discussion,” said Bennett.
“The board has a history of going in 15 directions at once. I would agree with a proviso that we get it in writing,” said Engels.
Bennett noted that “it’s not their building,” with Engels stating he just wanted to “get this wrapped up.”
“I think the quicker we can get it done the better,” said Bennett.
Engels said if the fair board voted, a copy of their minutes would serve the purpose.
“They (NMFA) had first right when we decided to sell it. Once it’s torn down, we’ll say to them, ‘do you want the land,’ because we won’t make more payments. The contractors know what’s staying and what’s going,” said Bennett.
The NMFA leased the property the indoor pool was on to the city, with the city making regular payments. With the pool demolished, the city will no longer make those payments and the land will revert to the fair for use however it sees fit.
Councilor Craig Green said he’d spoken with the fair president who assured him “they don’t have extra money and don’t want the building.”
Other bids received included one from McGillan Inc. for $79,925 and Ed Pelletier & Sons for $103,225.
Councilors voted unanimously to accept Soderberg’s bid, with demolition expected to get underway in the near future.
