Fairhope Council Rejects All Debris Removal Bids, Renews Pittman Tractor Contract Option
The Fairhope City Council threw out all four bids for its emergency debris removal contract and renewed the option on Pittman Tractor's existing contract.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Fairhope City Council has thrown out all four bids submitted for the city’s emergency debris removal contract and instead renewed the option on the existing contract held by Pittman Tractor, a company owned by state Sen. Lee “Trip” Pittman.
Bids rejected
Pittman Tractor held the city’s emergency debris removal contract, which was due for renewal. Mayor Tim Kant had said the 2012 contract would be put out for bid again because of controversy involving the senator.
Four companies submitted bids. Pittman Tractor submitted the highest bid, at $1,999,537.50.
During a work session held before the regular council meeting, council members decided to reject all four bids. The council then voted to renew the option on Pittman Tractor’s existing debris removal contract, valued at approximately $1 million.
The mayor, the council and the city attorney have said the decision was legal.
Earlier oil spill contract
Pittman Tractor previously received the city’s oil spill boom contract after the BP oil spill in April 2010. That contract, signed June 17, 2010, was awarded to Pittman Tractor as the low bidder at $625,575.
Members of the Fairhope City Council are Jack Burrell, Diana Brewer, Mike Ford, Kevin Boone and Rich Mueller.
