Committee recommends Robinson Brothers for former campus demolition; vote forwarded to full county board

County staff told the Richland County committee on June 11 that Robinson Brothers was the lowest qualified bidder recommended to remove three former W campus buildings and that the selection will be forwarded to the full county board for final approval and contract execution.

A staff member who led the procurement review said seven contractors returned bids and that the base bid covers demolition of the student building, science building and the library while the Copper Top structure is priced separately so the county can choose whether to retain it. The staff member said Robinson Brothers was recommended as the lowest qualified bidder and that the county aims to sign contracts in June, begin work in July and complete demolition by November.

The committee discussed costs and logistics. A committee member noted the recommended bid was approximately $100,000 different from other bidders but within the range staff expected based on comparable demolitions. Members also pressed staff about sidewalks, trees and two campus monuments; staff said monuments would be fenced, protected during heavy work and that one monument near the library will be relocated near Simons.

Funding for the demolition was identified in the meeting documents as coming from a $2,000,000 grant. The staff member told the committee that deferring Copper Top could require a new mobilization and a separate RFP, which could increase overall cost.

A motion to accept Robinson Brothers' bid as presented was moved and seconded; the committee carried the motion by voice vote and forwarded the selection to the full county board for approval and contract execution. The committee scheduled further public works review of haul routes and final removal plans prior to mobilization.