KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Road Service Area No. 1 has a new road maintenance, repairs, snow removal and sanding contract. Last Tuesday the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly unanimously approved the contract with the lowest bidder, AIMS Maintenance.
The decision to hire AIMS was about three weeks in the making, and came after differing views between borough staff and Road Service Area No. 1’s board. During the assembly’s last meeting in June, borough staff recommended the contract go to the second lowest bidder, B&R Fish, and said AIMS didn’t have sufficient experience. The service area’s board, however, felt confident in AIMS’ ability. The decision was postponed so more information about both recommendations could be provided to the assembly.
During the June meeting Assemblywoman Carol Austerman said she was all for giving new companies an opportunity, but felt uncomfortable doing so with such a big contract. During last Tuesday’s meeting, she said the additional information provided by the road service area’s board helped change her mind.
“I appreciate staff and the service district providing some additional information to us last week at our work session. By spending some extra time talking to the service district representatives I have changed my point of view on this vote and I will now be supporting the motion that’s before us to hire AIM Maintenance.”
Assemblyman Aaron Griffin said he too would support the motion, and trusts the recommendation of the service area’s board.
“In chatting with Mr. Arndt and other representatives from the service district, I’m confident that AIM has the resources and has the confidence of the members of the board, who are elected by their constituents in their area. And I think we should take it very seriously when we stomp on them and go against their recommendation as the board. So I will be supporting AIM for this.”
Road Service Area No. 1 is the largest service area and includes Spruce Cape, Island Lake, and other areas just outside city limits. The current road maintenance contract for the area expired this summer.
