The Galesburg city council chose to accept a local bid over the lowest bid for the next phase of a multi-path resurfacing project at Lake Storey.
This phase is to widen and resurface 500 feet of the biking and walking path on the north side of the city-owned lake.
The city has already completed two other 500-foot portions of the path – and this phase of the project will pick up where those ended.
Brandt Construction of Milan submitted the lower of two bids for the project, which includes widening the path from five feet to ten feet and laying new asphalt.
to award the project to Galesburg-based Gunther Construction, as proposed by Ward Seven Council Member Steve Cheesman.
He said it was simply to keep jobs local.
“That is not in any way, shape, or form a criticism of Brandt, who I know does good work,” Cheesman said.
Brandt’s bid was $71,434, while Gunther’s was $71,620, a difference of less than $200.
Several residents also spoke during public comment to urge the city to choose the local company.
This section of the path resurfacing is expected to be completed this spring.
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