By Randy Arrington
STANLEY, Oct. 20 — Last Wednesday, the Stanley Council awarded a $35,465 contract to Knight and Lucas Construction of Stanley for the construction of a long-discussed amphitheater at Ed Good Park.
Prior to a unanimous vote of approval on the contract, Vice Mayor Bruce Stoneberger lead three council members through a discussion on the three bids received by the town:
- $35,465 — Knight and Lucas Construction of Stanley;
- $62,561 — Pettit Paving, LLC of Stanley;
- $112,200 — Lantz Construction of Winchester.
Mayor Michael Knight and council member Joseph Mauck left town hall prior to that discussion, as both men had a personal interest in the outcome of the vote — Knight, as one of the principal owners of the construction company submitting a bid, and Mauck, as a subcontractor also bidding on the excavation portion of the contract. The two men did not participate in the discussion, nor did they vote on awarding the contract.
With council member Doug Purdham absent from last week’s meeting, that left three council members to meet the minimum requirements for a quorum to discuss and vote on the three bids.
The work detailed in the contract includes grading and excavation to prepare the site, construction of the foundation, and construction of a 60×24-foot structure to serve as a permanent performance venue for Ed Good Park, including a dressing room at either end of the stage.
Much like the mayor’s company did for the construction of the Kibler Library in downtown Stanley a few years ago, the low bid represents a significant amount of in-kind contributions from Knight and Lucas Construction.
“It will make us able to do the project under budget,” Town Manager Terry Pettit told PVN.
In addition to being the significantly lowest bid among the three submitted, the council members also referenced a recommendation for Knight and Lucas Construction from Racey Engineering prior to the vote.
The Town of Stanley has already received an anonymous donation of $30,000 to go toward the cost of building an amphitheater at the growing community park.
“It has been placed in the hands of the Town Attorney to be distributed when needed,” Pettit said of the large donation. “The donation was specific for the amphitheater, and a local business has agreed to match that, which will be named later. So, we have between $60,000 and $70,000 to spend.”
Depending on post-construction additions and costs, that should mean the new structure will be built at nearly no cost to town taxpayers. Town staff will be used to connect the water, sewer and electrical services to the new structure, according to the town manager.
After COVID-19 ruined plans to construct and unveil the new amphitheater at the 2020 Stanley Homecoming, the inaugural event for the new entertainment venue has been set for Homecoming 2021.
According to the contract, construction must begin by Nov. 15 (30 days after approving the contract) and conclude by April 1.
“That gives us time to prepare for Homecoming,” Pettit said. “If we are able to have Homecoming next year.”
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