Upson County Commissioners voted last week to award a $134,349 bid from Never Fail, LLC of Phenix City, Ala. to landscape grounds around the downtown courthouse in Thomaston.
Work includes removal of existing landscape, including large magnolia trees with root systems which have invaded and threatened infrastructure of the courthouse, according to engineers. War memorials will remain in place, undisturbed during the process, officials said.
“We got a lot of participation [during the pre-bidding process],” County Manager Jason Tinsley told commissioners. “[Staff] recommendation is to accept the lowest, most responsive bid for this historic restoration.”
“We had 12 contractors at the mandatory pre-bid,” stated Chris Brazell with EMC Engineering Services. “Bidding officially closed at 2 p.m. Feb. 15, at which time we received four responsive bids.”
Commissioner Paul Jones questioned why one bid lower than Never Fail was not considered.
“The lowest bidder was five to 10 minutes late. The door was closed, [so the bid could not be accepted] by procurement standards,” Brazell explained.
Never Fail, established in 2013, offers landscape architectural services, engineering services, and landscaping services, according to a government contracts website. The company has completed multiple projects for Muscogee County School District in Columbus.
“We have worked on several projects with Never Fail,” Brazell said. “They are a preferred contractor at Ft. Benning and have all the certificates and documentation required [for this type of work]. We’re confident we have a qualified, capable contractor.”
Brazell said work outside the courthouse could begin in March.
Commissioners also approved an amended animal ordinance and gateway ordinance for Upson County.
Topics addressed in the animal ordinance include tethering, excessive barking (deemed a nuisance), and cruelty. Portions of the “tethering” section were removed, based on an opinion from County Attorney Heath English, who told board members the “cruelty” section would suffice to enforce tethering issues.
The animal ordinance also addresses “dangerous and vicious dogs,” “backyard chickens,” and pot-bellied pigs.
Definitions were added to the gateway ordinance, providing for a gateway corridor overlay district, setting minimum design standards for the district.
Commission Chairman Norman Allen said the ordinances “are a step in the right direction,” but included that both are “works in progress” and may require further adjustment.
“Everything we do has consequences,” Commissioner James Ellington added. “We need to do our best to avoid the unintended ones.”
No one spoke during public hearings held immediately prior to the board’s vote.