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WINONA LAKE – With one business not getting its bid in on time for the Winona Avenue landscaping irrigation project, the Winona Lake Redevelopment Commission awarded the project to the Claypool business that did.
The contract was awarded to Irrigation Guys for $3,021. Along with rotors, lines and installation, the system includes a two-year labor warranty, Rain Bird wireless sensor, a material warranty, check valves in the heads, drawing of the system and pumps backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Town Coordinator Craig Allebach reminded the commission that the last time the board met he explained to them he had a proposal for around $1,600, but it was more of a temporary fix. Instead of going that route, Allebach went out and sought other quotes to have the irrigation installed.
The one quote before the commission at its meeting Wednesday was from Irrigation Guys. “The other quote, the guy was supposed to send it to me over the weekend, and I called him this morning. He said he would get me a quote and send it in the mail later. I still haven’t gotten that. I was hoping I’d have some numbers by now, but I don’t,” Allebach said.
He proposed the commission accept the quote from Irrigation Guys, not to exceed the $3,021 price that was bid. “If the other one comes in lower, I’ll go with that one. If it doesn’t, we won’t worry about it,” Allebach said.
John Elliott, commission member, said the only problem he had with that was the other bidder could see what the commission approved and underbid Irrigation Guys. The commission voted to accept Irrigation Guys’ bid since it was the only one that came in and on time.
Elliott asked where the irrigation line would hook up to the water so the planted trees and flower beds along Winona Avenue could be watered.
Allebach responded, “There’s a water meter being placed on the north end of the street. There’s actually a water main that runs down through there. I’ve been in conversation with Chris Harrison (of Indiana American Water Company). I’m not so sure that they didn’t put something in while I was gone.”
Elliott asked if electricity was needed for that. Allebach said it was not. “Right now the proposal was to either do manual or battery,” Allebach said, adding that they would use a battery at least for now.
Asked if the watering system for the plants along Winona Avenue would be sprinklers, misters or something else, Allebach said they were sprinklers. The water bill for the system will go to the town of Winona Lake
