CR 91-269 Bid Award - Clock TowerNovember 27, 1991
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to adopt
Resolution 91 -146, Resolution for award of bid for the Mainstreet
Plaza Clock Tower.
Overview.
Bids were opened on October 22, 1991, for the Mainstreet Plaza clock
tower project. Four bids were received and are tabulated below.
After the bids were received, staff spent several weeks clarifying
certain points of all of the bids. Based upon the clarification
process, which involved review by RLK Associates and Westwood
Professional Services, the lowest responsible bidder was determined
to be Michaelson and Associates. RLK Associates is recommending
award of the bid to Michaelson and Associates.
Michaelson & Assoc.
Verdin Company
Sign Services
Schulmerich
Carrillons, Inc.
Primary Issues to Consider.
o Should the award be made to Michaelson and Associates?
o What are the three bid alternates?
o Should the bid award include the base bid along with one of
the three bid alternates?
Supporting Information.
o Resolution 91 -146
o etter from RLK Associates
Bidder
Thomas K. Harmen
Community Develo•m-• Director
BID AWARD - CLOCK TOWER
Base Bid
$28,746.00
59,880.00
70,000.00
74,390.00
Alt. #1
$ 2,975.00
5,435.00
13,712.50
8,000.00
Council Report 91 -269
Alt. #2
$ 8,960.00
14,595.00
35,300.00
17,260.00
Alt. #3
$26,028.00
44,480.00
108,450.00
29,105.00
Council Report 91 -269
Page 2
Primary Issues to Consid r.
o Should the award be made to Michaelson and Associates?
An extensive amount of time has been spent by RLK Associates and
Westwood Professional on reviewing the bids submitted. This process
included:
o Requested all bidders provide a written clarification on certain
points pertaining to their bids.
o Checked references of all four bidders
o A representative from RLK Associates toured three clock tower
installations done by Michaelson & Associates in Nevada and
Arizona as a part of qualifying Michaelson as the lowest
responsible bidder.
o Undertook detailed staff /consultant discussions on the clock
tower.
Based upon this process, RLK Associates and staff are recommending
award to Michaelson and Associates. Attached are two letters from
RLK Associates which elaborates on the recommendation made by RLK.
Westwood Professional services has voiced apprehension regarding the
award to Michaelson due in large part to what is felt to be
Michaelsons lack of experience in building clock towers.
Reasons for which a recommendation is made to award to Michaelson
includes, but is not limited to:
o Michaelson provided lowest bid price.
o Based upon extensive research undertaken by RLK Associates,
Michaelson was found to be a responsible bidder and demonstrated
to RLK's satisfaction that they would build a high quality
product.
o Michaelson will be able to provide local service as they have a
service office in Alexandria, Minnesota.
o What are the three bid alternates?
The bid package released by the City requested a base bid price for
the clock tower, as well as prices for three bid alternates. What
follows is an explanation of what is included in the base bid and the
three alternates:
IMMO OMB
Base Bid
Clock tower constructed, transported and installed, clockwork's
loudspeaker in tower, reset device for clock in leg of tower,
installation of all components as identified in the
specifications.
Alternate #1
Everything in base bid except reset device in leg of clock
tower, with the addition of one 116 pound bell, master
controller, and hour and half -hour strike function.
Alternate #2
Everything in base bid except reset device in leg of clock
tower, with the addition of four bronze bells, master controller
and Westminster chime function.
Alternate #3
Council Report 91 -269
Page 3
Everything in base bid except reset device in leg of clock
tower, with the addition of 14 bronze bells, master controller,
Westminster chime function, keyboard for automatic and /or manual
play, console and bench.
o Should the bid award include the base bid along with one of the
three bid alternates?
The clock tower is proposed to be financed using the proceeds from
the Buy -a -Brick Program and a community fund- raising effort. These
fund - raising efforts assumed that the clock tower project would cost
approximately $60,000- 70,000.
Although all of the funds have not yet been committed through the
community fund - raising efforts, staff is recommending that the
Council consider awarding the clock tower project, including the base
bid of $28,746, plus alternate number 3 in the amount of $26,028, for
a total bid award of $54,774. Staff is recommending this award based
on the fact that the total award price is still within the range of
the original estimate for just the base bid for the clock tower.
Alternatives.
1. Adopt staff's recommendation.
2. Award only the base bid to Michaelson or the base bid with
Alternate #1 or #2.
3. Reject all bids and authorize readvertisement of the clock
tower.
Council Report 91 -269
Page 4
4. Award the bid to a bidder other than Michaelson and Associates.
As a part of this action, the Council would need to make
findings that Michaelson was not the lowest, responsible bidder.
WHEREAS, bids were received for construction of the Clock
Tower on October 22, 1991, and
WHEREAS, four bids were received and the bid of Michaelson &
Associates, in the amount of $54,774, for the base bid
and Alternate No. 3 is the lowest responsible bid for
the construction of the Clock Tower, Project No.
90 -04K,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the
City of Hopkins, Minnesota, that the Mayor and City
Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into
a contract with Michaelson & Associates for and on
behalf of the City.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 3rd
day of December, 1991.
ATTEST:
James A. Genellie, City CleY
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -146
RESOLUTION FOR BID AWARD
CLOCK TOWER
Nelson W. Berg, Mayor
ovem
Landscape Architecture • Construction, Management
n ord = to supplement the ,letter dated November 26, 1991 RLK Associates, is
rovidirig_ the sfolong information tos support o recommendation of Michaelson an
ssociates as, the clock tower, desigl✓ /build contractor
The bid proposel,$ubm�t b Micha elson and A meets the
requirements . s set : forth in the bid documen=ts as a .responsi} le „b
who his experience in elocl tower ;;= construction, and clock work
�nst qtr Michael son v isited ` the: site prior to submitting 7 a
and' is: fam liar with the local conditions
'die recommendation from RLK has -the best interest of `'the City mind,
y
as our :objective. 'We,`have attemp ted to minimize the risk in
recommending a_ contractor by verifying their 'qualifications Michaelson,',
& Associates is a ; `company which is new in, Midwest market, eager 'to
establish .a high profile, quality product for the City of Hopkins.
M chaelson's letter, attached, outlines his .expectations, of this clock
prof ect.
uil` ng�neering Transportation Infrastructure Redevelopment
cifications outline the ;quality and components for the
s tructure.
lo op :drawings have t >o be prepared, rev and approved prior
nd fabrication` taking place The City has the opportunity to
The
all detail design components these. stages.
summa
Written in the specifications, the City -,has' an .option to
r equest -a special performance guarantee for the 'impulse c'lock = -o
matic microprocessor control, system.
The bias, as submitted, indicate Michaelson and Associates i
approximately. $50,000 the next lowest bidder, if alternate no. 3
is "; included. Due to this discrepancy, RLKinvestigated references,
visited clock tower locations:in ,Nevada and Phoenix and asked for
addi.tional: information on the fabrication technique sub contractors,; t
be employed /and verification of the bid..` Based upon our interpretation,
of the = specifications, % Michaelson -and , Associates , ris , ,a ; quali fied,'
responsible bidder. There :two idiosyncrasies in the bid"
d ocuments. An impulse' crock and lighter ; profile .carillon bells were not
specified - Michaelson bid an impulse "clock- o -matic system and a 14
lighter carillon system f,or alternate no. 3 2 The impulse clock is a.
proven - :clock system, as is the specified -synchronous'drive clock. The
impulse clock is a; computer driven clock which isf controlled by the
Master :controller and provides a fully automatic clock system.
impulse clock is a state of the art system and, will perform ver'y; well
for ,the C ity . n Michaelso ` a l so bid on' the: slightly thinner profile bell "s
for alternate ; no 3 The "carillon .bell s'' " are ' ;the same "size , as the
heavier `profile, bells,:- The difference' is the carillon bells weigh
approximately " 10. are cast. and . tuned especially e` =for a tower of
this size mu
and axe more:; musical sounding than the heavier "church bells"
P lease'refer to item J no . ,` ;7; in the attached - letter:
, Associates has expended considerable ef f or`
ualifications of the Michaelson Croup..`
r chae son's oal coincides with that of th Ciit a hi
� gh qual't orna
clock: tower which will become the landma-rk"for Mairstreet`Hopkns A
memo d ated - November . 25 1991. from _;John Michaelson, explains, in detail
hi,s cbmpany icoMMitMent - to the project
Th 'recommendation of- R .K,. Associa is,-, 0 award_ the, contract t M chaelso n"
Associates for the bi.d price of '$54,;'774.OQ, Which include _the ba se bid and
a lternate no 3. In' contrast, the com parable--P4- ds `of the ,`second and thir
odder s ere 1 Q3, 495 a nd_ $1, 04,3 \ 60, .- respectively
Michae & Associates_ will provide ,service and warranty, t o all
of the clockwork components The impulse clock -o matic system
b eing proposed has been installed in many locations'-across the
country, : and in the _ Minneapolis area, RLK has f ound two
representatives ,,in the Twin -_ City `metropolitan area which have 'the
ability, .and-'technical ex pertise to service thee:, clocks, if
necessary.
verify and :establish t
t
- SCJT.,i SD9LE AM SPEEDY TEL No .6029450029
MIC HA LSQN
associates
6540 E. Lafayette Blvd. / Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 / Telephone (602) 994 -5528
DATE: NOVEMBER 25, 1991
TOs JOHN DIETRICH
Nov 26;91 11:15 No .010 P.02
RE: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AFTER MEETING
SATURDAY IN SCOTTSDALE.
1. THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE HAVE WORKED WITH SOME OF THE PROJECTS
IN MINNESOTA AND THEY MIGHT BE CALLED ON FOR SERVICE & INSTALLATION:
*RICHARD NELSON, 1221 LARK LANE, ALEXANDRIAM MINNESOTA
RICK NELSON, AN ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN IN BLOOMINGTON, MN
GORDON SCHULTZ, 3820 FOSS RD, ST, PAUL (CAST BELLS & TOWER CLOCKS)
2. THERE HAVE BEEN WELL OVER 100 VARIOUS PROJECTS WE HAVE WORKED
ON IN THE YEARS SINCE WE TERMINATED WITH THE VERDIN COMPANY
3. IF SERVICE IS NEEDED ON THE CLOCK OR CARILLON SYSTEM, JWANT
YOU TO CALL OUR OFFICE HERE IN SCOTTSDALE AND WE WILL DISPATCH
ONE OF THE PEOPLE TO THE SITE. I WANT TO QUALIFY THE SERVICE
NEED AND ,THEN MAKE THE JUDGEMENT AS TO WHICH PERSON I SEND.
FOR THE MOST PART, IT PROBABLY WILL BE ME ON THE SERVICE CALL;
ESPECIALLY DURING THE SPRING AND FALL PERIOD. THIS PROCEDURE
WILL CHANGE AS WE MAKE THE ALEXANDRIA LOCATION MORE ACTIVE.
4. AT THIS MOMENT, WE WILL FABRICATE'..THE STEELWORK, GRILLWORKAND
SOME ORNAMENTATION AT-OUR SHOP HERE IN SCOTTSDALE. WHENTHAT
I5 READY, WE WILL SHIP IT TO ALEXANDRIA FOR THE FINAL ASSEMBLY
AND PAINTING. WHEN THE PAINTING IS COMPLETE, WE WILL MOVE IT TO
TO HOPKINS FOR THE FINAL INSTALLATION. AT ANY OF THESE STAGES, I
WOULD HOPE THAT YOU WILL PART OF INSPECTION AND CHECK -OFF.
5. ROGER BERGLIN, BERGLIN WELDING 306 ROOSEVELT, ALEXANDRIA,NN
6. THE ADDRESS FOR JACK PETERSON: THE ALLIANCE SW, SUITE 0132
9700 N. 91ST ST. SCOTTSDALE, AZ (DOUG PAHLS IS OUR MAN WHO
WILL PREPARE SHOP DRAWINGS, IF I DON'T DO THEM)
7. THE BELL WEIGHTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
C3 107 LBS Am 39 LBS
O 86 B 36
E 74 C 34
F 65 D 31
Fm 57 E:. 27
G 50 F .
A 44 G 21
AS WE DISCUSSED, IF YOU .STILL WANT TO USE THE HEAVY BELLS
WHICH WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR A TOWER THIS SIZE, THETOTAL
WEIGHT OF THE LARGER BELLS IS 836 LBS. AND THE ADDITIONALCOST
WOULD BE $ 7,400.00 FOR ALTERNATE NO, 3; REMEMBER THAT WE BID
THE BELLS WITH VERY LIGHT, SMOOTTH PROFILES BECAUSE THE BELLS
AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TREE ARE ONLY ABOUT ELEVEN FEET OFF THE
GROUND. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN SOUND QUALITY WHEN YOU USE
SLIMMER PROFILES IN THE BELLS, ONLY A SMALL DIFFERENCE IN
SOUND INTENSITY. WE STRONGLY URGE THE LIGHTER WEIGH BELLS AND
THE FOUNDRY DOES AS WELL.
SCOTTSDALE AM SPEEDY TEL Na .6029+=15002:
.• - -'' Nov 26 , a 1 11 : 1 5 No . 0 i 0 F.03
TO; JOHN DIETRICH
PAGE 2,
8. YOU ASKED ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF MY ASSOCIATION WITH THE
VERDIN COMPANY AND THE PERIOD WHERE WE HAVE OPERATED INDEPENDENTL%
THIS WAS COVERED IN MY LETTER WITH THE BID. I WAS VERY MUCH, .
INVOLVED WITH VERDIN, AS A SALESMAN AND A VENDOR, YOU NOW
KNOW FROM READING VERDIN MEMOS, 'HAT WE, INDEED, BUILTALL7HE
TOWERS FOR VERDIN, WE ALSO PROVIDED SHOP DRAWINGS, ENGINEERING
STUDIES AND HANDLED ALL PHASES OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION.
9. TOTAL WARRANTY IS PROVIDED BY MICHAELSON WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
PERHAPS YOU FELT THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE FACTORY
FOR SOME PARTS. THAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY, IF IT SHOULD ARISE.
WE GUARANTEE THE ENTIRE TOWER SYSTEM AND WILL PROVIDE ALL PARTS
AND LABOR NECESSARY , IF THERE ARE ANY PROBLEMS. FURTHER,WE
WILL PROVIDE EXTENSIVE INSTRUCTION SESSIONS WITH MAINTENANCE
PEOPLE IN THE CITY SO FUTURE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES CAN BE USED
FOR CONTINUED LONG LIFE. IF THE CITY WANTS AN EXTENDED SERVICE
CONTRACT, WE WILL PROVIDE THAT AFTER THE WARRANTY TERM. AGAIN,
I MUST SAY THAT THIS INSTALLATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ALMOST
ANY OTHER IN THE MIDWEST, WE HOPE TO USE IT AS A MARKETING TOOL
IN OUR EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE MIDWEST. AS SUCH, IT IS VERY
IMPORTANT THAT THE TOWER BE BEAUTIFULY BUILT AND FINISHED.iLSO,
WE EXPECT THE CITY OF HOPKINS TO BE ONE OF OUR HAPPIEST CLIENTS.
10.REBLACEMENT PARTS ARE STOCKED HERE IN SCOTTSDALE FOR SPEEDY
REPAIRS IF THEY ARE REQUIRED. I HAVE DECIDED TO INCLUDEA SPARE
MICROPROCESSOR WITH THE SYSTEM. THIS MICROPROCESSOR WILL CONTROL
THE CLOCK IF THE MASTER CONTROLLER FAILS. THE EXCHANGEIS A
SIMPLE PROCEDURE AND THERE WILL NOT BE A DELAY IN THE TIME -
KEEPING FUNCTION IF THE MASTER FAILS FOR ANY REASON.
JOHN, I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH YOUCN THISFROJECT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE VISIr••iN LAS VEGAS AND HERE IN
SCOTTSDALE LAST WEEKEND. You CAN SENSE THE KEEN INTEREST WE HAVE
AND I HOPE YOU ARE NOW CONVINCED THAT WE WILL DO THE BEST.AB FOR
HOPK I NS
OHN A,
JAM :MR
VE Y BEST REGARDS,
AEL ON
- SCOTTSDALE AM SPEEDY TEL No .6029450029 Nov 26.91 11:15 No .010 P.01
February 18, 1980
Mr. John Michaelson
RE: St. Jude Ranch for Children
Boulder City, Nevada
Dear John:
I am trying to process this order; however, 1 need some additional information
in order to properly schedule this into our production.
1. When is the equipment that we are to furnish to be on the jobsite?
2. 1 need copies of tower designs, clock designs, dimensions, etc., etc.
3. Does Verdin have anything to do with the mounting details fo the bells?
4. We do not have a signed contract or down payment.
Also send any other information that you might have that I didn't mention.
Please reply at your earliest convenience.
Regards,
BTR: nlz
The I. T. Verdin Company / 2021 Eastern Avenue / Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 / TeIephone (513) 221 -8400
cil--45161 66-)‘, X02 293 ^ 3X31
F" V4A foc
-740.-ct t
Jo keit i
(z) 33 tt53
22 Mainsireet
topkins, Mn,
X43
(612 93 0972
oci4tEt 'LfD :; f (612) 933-115a
ransportation Infrastricture Redevelopment
and$cape Architecture : • Construction Management
s positi=on` s that all "four. bidders meet the minimum specifications as: state
bid,-documents. regarding background, ' service and experience Based on RLK's
Background search and 'follow-up of references, RLK recommends- Michaelson and
ssoeiates be ,designated the - design ;;buil=d , .contradtor f o-r the "Hopkins .clock'" tower .
ichaelson and Associates represented "by John Michaelson, hasdemonstrated a`
horough ;knowledge o the " specified ;design ,parameters, clock : and bell
p ecficatiorns, steel fabricatiori and detailing necessary for the- clock tower to
o nstructed according to` the expecta=tions of tY e City Council John ,Michaelson
isit ed the site prior to the'bid and ?i.s familiar with the conditio relative to
he 9th Street P laze
P r. Michaelson has ee i involved in '. clock tower sales, :. :de and :installation for
"the pest `:20 years During the '1970'`s "Mr. Michaelson wars the c estern r'e.gional: sales
- manager for t tend' n .Company During.; that time, `five bell towers so by
Michaelson and Associates for the Verdin Company we` . - in ,1c1.
Scottsdale, Arizona 'shop`. Since ; the `e'ar.ly 1,980's', Michaelson "and ' ssocia'tes have
installed well Sovear 100 ;cloak °installations;' inG towers ,similar to the Hopkins, design,
primarily `n ;tyre western; United'' States. In :add Lion, rMr.._ "Michae3son has continued.
t`o se- rvi°ce a : `number of ;th es es inst It ha only "been within t =he past -few
years: the Michaelson` group has ,moved into the ,Midwest
:Michaelson acid As sociates has in,stal:led and_ serviced a number of c,l`ocks in_ Minnesota,
including Galtxer Plaza ; (1986) Swift Count "y Court" House , ( "1989) , Hemline .University,
Gufstavas 'A d olp hus C ol lege, City "of F ergus Falls; Landmark 'Center` acid Our L ady 'of
Lourdes Church Michaelson ,ands Associates <. Y as a service off ice in: Alexandria,
Minn wh is where:` the. final fa3 r eat on :and ,panting. f o ,t ie clock tov+er will';
be di from Hang'a local presence in Minnesota -will ;enable "City' staff
and /or the consultant to verify. the final "`detailing, fabrication and paint, .ng prig.
t:o its completion. 'Ail service for :the `clock tower- will be di "spatched from the
:l exan'dri a, °Minnesota off ice which " rev des ° a local ser vice representative` just two
ours away z
chaelsc and Assoc ,.ates have .experience-i :n the complete c °lock tower:ns alla <tior ,
acre ; 4.n a : number of clock, bell and carillon systems iri :` northern climates,,
nd wi l '`prov�,de :the c lock tower co mplete as designed .and spec f ied with a: bid tahieh:
s substantial ly - be] ow the , compete t ,on