Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
During its regular monthly meeting on Thursday evening, the Merrill Committee of the Whole unanimously approved a bid from Kentucky-based Dant Clayton Corporation in the amount of $1,149,000, for a new 3,000 seat grandstand structure at the former Lincoln County Fairgrounds.
As explained by city administrator Dave Johnson on Thursday, RFP for a new structure opened last month.
The project drew interest from from seven manufacturers, resulting in the submission of bids from Dant Clayton and Texas-based Southern Bleacher Company Inc. in the amount of $1, 324,155.
“Both manufacturers submitting bids are well known and have built seating for professional stadiums and speedways around the country.” Johnson explained.
During last month’s Fairgrounds Ad-Hoc Committee meeting, it was determined grandstand RFP would not include a roof, but would include the placement of footings for a possible roof addition in the future.
The approved bid from Dant Clayton falls below the $1.2 million in insurance funds which the city will obtain from the county, upon completion of ownership transfer on September 9th, leaving $59,000 left over.
The measure will now move on for Common Council approval on September 8th.