Edmond School Board approves bid for shelter

EDMOND — A $5.15 million storm shelter, doubling as classroom expansion at Edmond North High School, has been approved by the Edmond School Board. Approval came after objections were voiced by a builder who submitted a lower bid.

The project is part of an ongoing commitment by the district to have all schools equipped with shelters that meet safety specifications as described by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The work at Edmond North High School will get underway in June on the east side of campus. In a few years, a second shelter is tentatively planned for the west side of the school. Wynn Construction of Oklahoma City was awarded the job for the east shelter. The business was one of 11 construction companies to submit bids.

Before approval, the board heard from Mike Hoey, an owner of Hoey Construction, based in Tulsa. During the public participation part of Monday’s meeting, Hoey expressed his displeasure over notice received from the district, which told Hoey his bid was being rejected for three reasons.

District construction supervisor Jason Ferguson wrote in a letter that the project was “outside the work Hoey normally performs.” Ferguson added the company also had given a false answer when asked about being involved in an arbitration proceeding. Finally, Ferguson said owners and consultants of other Hoey projects reported “dissatisfaction” with the company’s work.

Hoey said his company was the lowest bidder by $157,000. Ferguson and Edmond Superintendent Bret Towne said the difference in the bids was $53,000. In district paperwork, the Hoey Construction bid is listed at $5.101 million. The Wynn Construction bid is $5.154 million.

Hoey further said an unnamed Edmond district employee told him that the employee would “lose his job” if Hoey Construction was awarded the project. The businessman further defended his company’s reputation and said it has handled many large projects over the decades, including a hospital.

He also said a list of references was given to Edmond officials, but none were contacted.

Later, when the item was considered on the agenda, Towne said he contacted one of the school districts previously involved with Hoey Construction. Towne was told the project at that school was 203 days late and multiple building errors on the work had to be corrected.

As Towne spoke, Hoey shook his head “no” while sitting on the front row.

After the Edmond School Board voted 5-0 to reject Hoey’s bid and go with Wynn Construction, Hoey left the meeting.

Justin Coffelt, the district’s chief operating officer, said the work at North would probably take 16 months.

The board also approved two other major projects. The final plans were approved for an enhanced football stadium at Edmond Memorial High School as well as a new cafeteria and shelter at Will Rogers Elementary School. The bidding process will now start for both schools’ projects.