Board awards throwing-area upgrade to McConnell for $135,862; local bidder discussed
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Summary
The board approved a bid from Mac McConnell and Associates for $135,862 to upgrade the district’s throwing areas (discus, shot put, javelin) to meet competition standards; a local bidder, Midwest Synthetic Turf Professionals, bid $142,750 and was discussed during debate because of local ties and subcontracting arrangements.
The OAK GROVE R‑VI Board approved a bid from Mac McConnell and Associates for $135,862 to upgrade the district’s throwing areas, including a refurbished discus ring, three-ring shot-put practice layout and related excavation work.
District staff presented two cooperative-procurement bids obtained through TIPS. McConnell’s bid was $135,862; Midwest Synthetic Turf Professionals bid $142,750. Staff said both firms met specifications and that McConnell was the low bidder. Staff recommended McConnell based on price and compliance with bid requirements while noting both firms listed exclusions for items such as sod, irrigation, permitting relocations and soil stabilization.
Board members and staff discussed that Midwest Synthetic Turf Professionals is locally based and supportive of the district; staff also reported that Midwest’s subcontractor for the project is McConnell, meaning the same subcontractor would perform much of the work whether the district selected McConnell directly or Midwest. "You know, talking to Craig, this wasn't like it's, like, a do or die thing for his business for this. Honestly, for the $7,000... we kinda talked about... is it worth it for $7,000 to go with a local guy even though it's gonna be the same subcontractor," a board speaker said.
Staff said the district will use capital project funds (not bond funds) for the work; the discussion also referenced a Truman Heartland Foundation grant for the pond area and an eventual plan for bleachers and a picnic/pergola pad near the pond. A motion and second to approve McConnell’s bid were recorded and the board approved the contract award as presented.
Why it matters: upgrades are intended to allow the district to host district and sectional track meets and to improve practice capacity. The board weighed cost savings against local preference; staff recommended the lower bid while acknowledging local vendor relationships.
The meeting did not record a roll-call vote breakdown in the provided transcript excerpt; the motion to accept McConnell’s bid was made, seconded and approved during the meeting.