Politics & Government
Water Tower Paint Job Back Out to Bid
The low bidder for the project had to withdraw and the second lowest was over the estimated cost.
Fair Lawn is again seeking bids for a project to re-paint the Morlot Avenue water tower after "a misinterpretation of the specifications" caused the low bidder to withdraw their offer.
The new paint job is more than just an aesthetic issue. Cleaning and re-painting the tower is necessary to protect it against deterioration, officials previously told Patch. It was last re-painted in 1995.
The second lowest bid for the project came in at 22 percent more than what the borough engineer had estimated the project would cost, so Fair Lawn is seeking bids until August 27 at 11 a.m., according to Acting Borough Manager Jim Van Kruiningen.
Officials budgeted $1.3 million for the project last year.
This project will be more intensive than previous paint jobs for the tower. Previous layers of paint — including lead paint from the '70s — will be sandblasted off, requiring a tent be placed around the tower during work to protect nearby residents.
Despite the setback, the project is still moving forward. The Fair Lawn Council approved a $78,300 contract this week with Utility Service Co. of Bridgewater, Mass. to provide construction inspection services for the project.
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