Conklin awards demolition contracts for flood buyout parcels; legal questions remain

The Town of Conklin awarded demolition contracts for properties included in the 2011 flood buyout program after reviewing bids for 46 parcels, dividing work to reduce aggregate cost to taxpayers. The board accepted the low responsible bids and excluded one contractor whose submitted bid bond was inconsistent on its face.

Town Attorney Cheryl Sacco said the erroneous bond 'shows irresponsibility or carelessness' and authorized the board to reject that submission; where that bidder protested, Sacco told the board, 'You will hear from us.' The board awarded 24 properties to Gorick Construction and 22 to ZMK Construction, which the minutes show will save taxpayers roughly $50,000 compared with using the technically noncompliant bid. Deputy Supervisor Finch said the approach spared the town higher costs while retaining oversight of FEMA-funded demolition and grading requirements.